Certification
Hospital Doula Education Association offers the following type of doula certification:
• Birth
• Critical Care
Professional Standards
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Professional Conduct:
a. Doulas maintain professionalism, respect, and confidentiality when working with clients.
b. Doulas adhere to all relevant laws and regulations governing their practice.
c. Doulas continuously update their knowledge and skills through ongoing education and professional development.
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Client Relationships:
a. Doulas establish and maintain clear communication with clients, ensuring informed decision-making and consent.
b. Doulas respect and honor the cultural, ethnic, religious, and personal beliefs of their clients.
c. Doulas provide non-judgmental support, ensuring that clients' choices and decisions are respected.
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Collaborative Care:
a. Doulas work collaboratively with healthcare providers, respecting their expertise and scope of practice.
b. Doulas communicate effectively and maintain open lines of communication with healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated and comprehensive care for the client.
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Continuous Professional Development:
a. Doulas commit to ongoing education, staying informed about the latest research, best practices, and evidence-based care in the field of doula support.
b. Doulas actively engage in professional development opportunities, such as attending workshops, conferences, and participating in peer supervision or mentorship programs.
Scope of
Practice
Scope of Practice:
a. Doulas provide emotional, physical, and informational support to individuals and their families during significant health events such as; pregnancy, childbirth, the postpartum period, critical illness, and end-of-life.
b. Doulas do not provide medical advice or perform clinical tasks. They complement the care provided by healthcare professionals.
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Emotional Support:
a. Doulas offer emotional support and create a safe and nurturing environment for clients.
b. Doulas actively listen to clients' concerns and provide appropriate emotional reassurance.
c. Doulas help clients navigate emotional challenges and promote self-empowerment.
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Physical Support:
a. Doulas provide physical comfort measures.
b. Doulas offer guidance on optimal positioning, relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and pain relief options.
c. Doulas collaborate with healthcare providers to ensure the client's physical well-being.
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Informational Support:
a. Doulas provide evidence-based information
b. Doulas assist clients in understanding their options, risks, benefits, and alternatives.
c. Doulas help clients access reliable and accurate resources to make informed decisions.
Code of
Ethics
Client Autonomy:
a. Doulas respect and support the autonomy and right to self-determination of their clients.
b. Doulas promote informed decision-making by providing unbiased information and empowering clients to make choices that align with their values and preferences.
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Confidentiality:
a. Doulas maintain strict confidentiality regarding client information, both during and after the professional relationship.
b. Doulas obtain informed consent from clients before sharing any personal or identifiable information.
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Professional Boundaries:
a. Doulas maintain appropriate professional boundaries with clients, recognizing the power dynamics inherent in the doula-client relationship.
b. Doulas do not engage in any form of intimate or romantic relationships with clients.
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Integrity and Accountability:
a. Doulas act with integrity, honesty, and transparency in all professional interactions.
b. Doulas take responsibility for their actions, acknowledge and learn from mistakes, and address any concerns or complaints raised by clients or colleagues in a timely and appropriate manner.
Ethical Marketing and Business Practices:
a. Doulas promote their services in a truthful, accurate, and respectful manner, avoiding false or misleading claims.
b. Doulas maintain fair and transparent business practices, including clearly communicating fees, policies, and any potential conflicts of interest.
Statement of
Non-Discrimination
a. Doulas commit to providing care without discrimination or prejudice based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, age, disability, national origin, or any other protected characteristic.
b. Doulas strive to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all clients, valuing and respecting the diversity of their backgrounds, experiences, and identities.
c. Doulas actively work to address and eliminate systemic biases and disparities in healthcare.
d. Doulas advocate for equitable access to quality care and support for individuals and families from marginalized or underserved communities.
e. Doulas respect and honor the individual choices and cultural, ethnic, religious, and personal beliefs of their clients, ensuring that their care is provided in a non-judgmental and inclusive manner.
f. Doulas remain aware of their own biases and continuously strive to provide care that is unbiased, sensitive, and respectful to all clients they serve.