Rules of Conduct A. The Birth and/or Postpartum Support Provider, hereafter called the Doula, maintains high standards of personal conduct and professional integrity. B. The Doula seeks out continuing education, affiliation with related organizations, and associations with other Doulas, in order to remain proficient in their role and involved in their local doula community.
Responsibility to Clients A. The Doula's primary responsibility is to their clients. B. The Doula respects the privacy of clients and holds in confidence all information obtained in the course of professional service. C. The Doula assists each client seeking birth and/or postpartum support either by providing services or by making appropriate referrals. D. When the Doula agrees to work with a particular client, their obligation is to do so reliably, without fail, for the term of the agreement. The agreement should include clear back-up plans for situations when the Doula is unavailable. E. The Doula will clearly communicate their fees to the client, including terms, services provided and any applicable refund policies. The fees will be reasonable, and appropriately reflect the services provided. F. The Doula remains up-to-date with the latest research and evidence-based care pertaining to birth and postpartum families, in order to best support them.
Responsibility to Health Care Providers A. The Doula treats their client's caregivers with respect and courtesy. B. The Doula recognizes that responsibility for clinical management belongs to the Health Care Provider and the client. The Doula does not interfere with clinical management beyond making suggestions to or asking questions of the Health Care Provider and the client, based on their knowledge of the client's birth plans and preferences.
Responsibility to Colleagues and the Doula Profession A. The Doula understands that they are acting as a representative of the profession as a whole, and that their actions have an impact on the local birth community. They will strive to uphold and uplift the role of doula in their community. B. The Doula will help to create and maintain a harmonious doula community. C. The Doula will treat their colleagues with respect and courtesy, and be reliable when providing back-up care or assistance to other Doulas.
Responsibility to Society A. The Doula promotes the general health of birthing persons and their babies, and that of the families they serve.