Code of Ethics

Code of Ethics: Birth Doula

I. Rules of Conduct

A. Propriety.
The doula should maintain the highest standards of personal conduct in the capacity or identity as a birth doula.

B. Competence and Professional Development.
The doula should strive to become and remain proficient in the professional practice and the performance of professional functions through continuing education, affiliation with related organizations, and associations with other birth doulas.

C. Integrity.
The doula should act in accordance with the highest standards of professional integrity.

II. Ethical Responsibility to Clients

A. Primacy of Client’s Interests.
The doula’s primary responsibility is always to his/her/their clients.

B. Rights and Prerogatives of Clients.
The doula should make every effort to foster maximum self determination on the part of his/her/their clients.

C. Confidentiality and Privacy.
The doula should respect the privacy of clients and hold in confidence all information obtained in the course of professional service.

D. Obligation to Serve.
The doula should assist each client seeking birth doula support either by providing services or making appropriate referrals.

E. Reliability.
When the doula agrees to work with a particular client, his/her obligation is to do so reliably, without fail, for the term of the agreement.

F. Fees.
When setting fees, the doula should ensure that they are fair, reasonable and commensurate with services performed. The doula must clearly state his/her fees to the client and describe the services provided, terms of payment and refund policies.

III. Ethical Responsibility to Colleagues

A. Respect, Fairness, and Courtesy.
The doula should treat colleagues with respect, courtesy, fairness, and good faith. MDA International does not tolerate discrimination (including age, sex, race, color, creed, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability, or marital status or any other legally recognized protected group) and will uphold European and local laws, regulations or ordinances.

B. Dealing with Colleagues’ Clients.
The doula has the responsibility to relate to the clients of colleagues with full professional consideration and respect.

IV. Ethical Responsibility to the Birth Doula Profession

A. Maintaining the Integrity of the Profession.
The doula should uphold and advance the values, ethics, knowledge and mission of the profession.

B. Community Service.
The doula is encouraged to promote the MDA's vision of “A doula for every person who wants one,” by providing birth doula services at a reduced cost, if possible, or making appropriate referrals, as available.

V. Ethical Responsibility to Society

A. Promoting Maternal, Child and Family Welfare.
The doula should promote the general health of women and their babies, and whenever possible, that of their family, friends and community as well.

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Code of Ethics Postpartum Doula

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I. Rules of Conduct

A. Propriety.
The doula should maintain high standards of personal conduct in the capacity or identity as a postpartum doula.

B. Competence and Professional Development.
The doula should strive to become and remain proficient in the professional practice and the performance of professional functions through continuing education, affiliation with related organizations, and associations with other postpartum doulas.

C. Integrity.
The doula should act in accordance with the highest standards of professional integrity.

II. Ethical Responsibility to Clients

A. Primacy of Client’s Interests.
The doula’s primary responsibility is to his/her clients.

B. Rights and Prerogatives of Clients.
The doula should make every effort to foster maximum self determination on the part of his/her clients.

C. Confidentiality and Privacy.
The doula should respect the privacy of clients and hold in confidence all information obtained in the course of professional service.

D. Obligation to Serve.
The doula should assist each client seeking postpartum doula support either by providing services or making appropriate referrals.

E. Reliability.
When the doula agrees to work with a particular client, his/her obligation is to do so reliably, without fail, for the term of the agreement.

F. Fees.
When setting fees, the doula should ensure that they are fair, reasonable and commensurate with services performed. The doula must clearly state his/her fees to the client and describe the services provided, terms of payment and refund policies.

III. Ethical Responsibility to Colleagues

 

A. Respect, Fairness, and Courtesy.
The doula should treat colleagues with respect, courtesy, fairness, and good faith. MDA does not tolerate discrimination (including age, sex, race, color, creed, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability, or marital status or any other legally recognized protected group) and will uphold federal, state, and local laws, regulations or ordinances.

B. Dealing with Colleagues’ Clients.
The doula has the responsibility to relate to the clients of colleagues with full professional consideration.

V. Ethical Responsibility to the Postpartum Doula Profession

A. Maintaining the Integrity of the Profession.
The doula should uphold and advance the values, ethics, knowledge and mission of the profession.

B. Community Service.
The doula is encouraged to promote the MDA vision of “A doula for every person who wants one,” by providing postpartum doula services at a reduced cost, if possible, or making appropriate referrals, as available.

V. Ethical Responsibility to Society

A. Promoting Maternal, Child and Family Welfare.
The doula should promote the general health of women and their babies, and whenever possible, that of their family, friends and community as well.