By continuing and completing the ABG Postpartum Doula Training program, you agree to abide by the following standard of practice and code of ethics in your own work as a professional or student doula:

Competence and professional development: The doula should strive to become proficient in her doula profession. This can be done through continuing education, affiliation with appropriate organizations, and association with other doulas.

Integrity: The doula should act in accordance with the highest standards of the profession. The doula should maintain high standards in personal conduct while working.

Confidentiality and privacy: Doulas and their backups should respect the client’s privacy. Anything learned in confidence while in their employ should not be repeated.

Obligation to serve: Doulas need to reply promptly to inquiries. Doulas should respond to all client inquires by either providing service or offering appropriate referrals. While working in their home, the doula’s primary responsibility is to her client. The doula should make every effort to encourage the client to take responsibility for their decisions, both medical and in parenting.

Reliability: Once the doula has agreed to work with a client, her obligation is to do so reliably. She should arrive on time. If the doula must be late she should notify the client. If the doula must miss work for any reason, a backup should be offered if possible. Any limitations in availability should be stated up front at the start of employment. 

Respect, fairness, and courtesy: The doula has a responsibility to treat colleagues with respect, fairness, courtesy and good faith.

Dealing with colleagues’ clients: The doula should treat colleagues’ clients with the same level of responsibility as they would their own.

Maintaining the integrity of the profession: The doula should act in ways that uphold and advance the values, ethics, appearance, and mission of the profession. The work of the doula reflects on the profession as a whole.

Support of the profession in the community: The doula should assist the profession by educating the general public and promoting doula support.

Click here to view ABG's Scope and Standard of Practice