To the Doula Community

 

• Community Building. We act as representatives of the doula profession as a whole, and consider the impact of our actions on the local birth community.  As such, we always strive to improve our local birth community. We focus on creating and maintaining a harmonious doula community by building one-another up and creating lasting relationships.

• We have each other’s backs. We are reliable when providing services, back-up care, or assistance to other doulas.

• Entrepreneurs. We support one another as business professionals and cultivate a culture of collaboration, not competition.

• Accountability. The goal to uphold our Purpose + Commitments is grounded in encouraging one another to be the best at what we do. Leaders of the Network have the right to exclude or suspend members for not complying with the Purpose + Commitments. Immediate exclusion will occur if a doula practices as a medical professional or violates the social media ethics.

 

To our clients and local communities

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• Social Media Ethics. Social media is a wonderful platform to connect with clients and community. We remember that client confidentiality is of paramount importance. We always, without exception, acquire specific written consent from families prior to posting any identifying, or potentially identifying, information on social media, in any social media space (business accounts, doula groups, etc.)  - information including providers, organizations, and situations. This consent is via email, text message, or contract. We consider our motivations for posting birth related information on social media, as well as the possible ramifications.

• Doulas are not medical professionals. We never operate as medical professionals. We do not perform medical assessments (including but not limited to: vaginal exams, fetal heart tones, blood pressure checks, taking newborn temperatures, examining the newborn, etc.), or provide medical advice.  

• Supporters, not saviors. Our clients are the decision-makers. We advocate by providing clients with the support they need to be confident in their decisions.

• Continuity of Care. We provide access to referrals and adequate back-up services if we are unable to provide services to a family for any reason. We follow up with families to ensure they are getting the support they need.

• Transparency. We always accurately represent ourselves to the community by disclosing our experience, our education, our fees and services, and our comfort in serving specific client populations.

• Excellence. We are committed to being the best in our industry.

• Education. We are formally trained doulas. Our services and approaches are supported by evidence-based information.

• Continuing Development. We are lifetime learners. Regardless of certification status, we remain up to date on current research pertinent to the scope of a doula.

• Availability. We are currently practicing doulas in our community.

• Inclusivity. We are committed to creating a doula and birth work culture that reflects its intersections - including doulas and families that are LGBTQIA and of different racial, ethnic, socio-economic, and religious backgrounds.

• Reproductive Justice. We acknowledge birth as a reproductive justice issue that is affected by barriers based on race, class, religion, traditions, gender identity and sexual orientation. (DTI)