Standards of Practice

The essence of doula care is to provide non-medical, non-judgemental support and guidance to individuals and families thorugh times of critical, trasformative life changes.
Doulas nurture, inform, support, guide, empower, and comfort.
Doulas work in tandem with other caregivers as a team.
Doulas foster self-determination in their clients by assisting in the gathering of information and encouraging them to make informed choices that are right for them.
For client needs outside of the doula’s scope of practice, the doula makes referrals to appropriate professionals and community resources.
Doula support is focused on, and adapted to the unique needs and requirements of each family served.

As non-medical care providers, doulas do not perform clinical tasks (e.g., monitor vital signs, administer medication, examine wounds, perform cervical exams, etc.)
The doula refrains from giving medical advice or from persuading clients to follow a specific course of action or treatment.
The doula refrains from imposting his/her own values and beliefs on the client.
Doulas do not usurp the role of other professionals and caregivers such as medical personnel.
Doulas do not undermine clients’ confidence in their caregiver(s). Instead, the doula uses good listening skills to support clients who initiate a discussion about a caregiver’s advice, practices, or attitudes.

Code of Conduct

In all professional interactions, the doula demonstrates the highest level of personal integrity by accurately representing her/his level of experience, training, and credentials.
Doulas should establish clear communication with clients, both verbally and in writing, regarding their availability, services included in their care, limitations to services, backup doula policies and fees (including amount charged, retainers, terms of payment, and refund policy.)
Doulas have a duty to complete services as promised, according to the terms of the agreement. If the doula is unable to complete services to a family (through emergent need or unavoidable conflict), then she/he is obligated to: (1) give the family as much notice as possible; (2) help the family get their needs met by activating backup doula support in accordance with her/his stated backup doula policy; and (3) if backup support is unavailable, the doula should refund all client fees paid in advance for services except for in the event that the family fails to notify the doula of impending birth.

Doula promises to maintain confidentiality regarding the client’s personal information, photos, and story. If seeking to share client-related information for any purpose, the doula must obtain the client’s permission and abide by their wishes.
The doula’s promise of confidentiality also extends to family members and other care providers involved in the client’s care.
Special care must be taken online to protect client confidentiality.

Each doula represents the doula profession and carries the duty to do so in a responsible, ethical, and professional manner.
Doulas have a duty to ensure that the information and resources they are sharing with clients are current and evidence based.
Doulas understand that they are part of a worldwide community of doulas and will treat one another with respect and kindness, regardless of affilication.