Standards and Ethics
The world’s leading doulas have spent 25 years developing and sharpening DONA International’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
The DONA International Doula Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics proves to help our doulas, families and medical practitioners know exactly what doulas do and what doulas do not do. The guidelines include very specific information about the doula’s role in regard to providing emotional, physical, practical, and informational support.
All DONA certified doulas sign and agree to adhere to the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. Families and practitioners can feel assured that when working with a DONA certified doula, they will receive the highest standard of professionalism. Look for the credentials CD(DONA), PCD(DONA), AdvCD(DONA) or AdvPCD(DONA).
Below you can learn more about our Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, and you can download the full documents to learn more about how DONA International doulas practice.
Who agrees to the DONA International ethics and standards?
All DONA certified doulas and members sign and agree to adhere to the SOP/COE. Families and practitioners can feel assured that when working with a DONA certified doula, they will receive the highest standard of professionalism.
Birth Doula SOP/COE
Postpartum Doula SOP/COE
Ethics Claim Policy
Worldwide, our doulas do an incredible job living out the DONA International values in their work. When there is an occasional problem, our Ethics Committee is available to offer guidance to the public, medical professionals and doulas. For more information, email DONA’s Ethics Committee Chairperson, or download the ethics claim form.
Ethics Claim
An ethics claim is an objection that can be filed against a DONA International certified doula or DONA member in which the doula is accused of behavior that violated DONA International’s Standards of Practice and/or Code of Ethics.
GOAL AND PURPOSE:
The goal is to provide a mechanism through which the public and the community of doulas may be protected if there is alleged misconduct on the part of a DONA certified doula or DONA International member.