Policies
and
​Doula Standards of Practice
​

Full Membership

  • Pay annual dues
  • Certification encouraged but not necessary; members must have attended a doula training and a minimum of three births
  • All members sign Mission Statement & Standards of Practice
  • Members of PDC must maintain good standing in the community in 2 categories:
  • Education: Members must represent the group in a professional, positive manner at all times.
  • Client support: Members must be able to provide care in any setting---private home, birth center, or hospital. Members shall interface with midwives, obstetricians, nurses and other health care personnel in a professional, non-adversarial manner. We strive to create and maintain win-win situations.
  • Participation in community outreach is essential to the success of our mission. Members are expected to participate in regular group meetings as well as a minimum of 2 community events per year.
  • Members maintain membership with only PDC to be able to give their full commitment to the group.​

Provisional/ Introductory Membership

  • Candidate may or may not be doula already; may be exploring doula work
  • 6 months' duration minimum and 12 months maximum
  • During this time provisional members are required to attend a doula training (if not done so) and at least three births
  • E-mail list participation, but no listing on website or facebook
  • No dues payment
  • Meetings: provisional members will attend regularly scheduled group meetings. As needs arise, prospective/provisional members may be invited to attend a meeting 15-30 minutes after the meeting commences.
  • Shadowing: current members shall be open to allowing prospective doulas to shadow them at a birth or postpartum visit, per client approval.

Birth Doula Standards of Practice

Picture
Photo courtesy of The ABC Doula
The doula accompanies a woman in labor, providing emotional and physical support. She recommends physical comfort measures and offers suggestions for the mother's partner. In addition, the doula provides prenatal and postpartum education and emotional support.

A doula does not prescribe treatments or make decisions for her clients. She does guide clients to balanced information so they may make informed choices.

When serving as a doula, one does not perform any clinical or medical tasks including, but not limited to: taking blood pressure, monitoring the fetal heart rate, performing vaginal exams, and providing postpartum clinical care. When a doula is asked for assistance outside the scope of her training, she makes a referral to an appropriate healthcare provider.

The doula will always have a back-up doula, in case she is unable to attend a birth due to emergency or illness. Payment arrangements are made between the primary and back-up doula prior to being on-call for the client. For continuity of care, a primary doula shall attempt to introduce the back-up doula to her clients before the on-call period begins. Back-up doulas will be provided with basic information about clients (i.e. phone number, primary care provider, hospital, birth preferences, etc.)

The doula will offer to meet clients at their residence for labor support. (This does not mean the clients will accept this option, but it will be presented).

The doula shall have an informed disclosure agreement and/or client contract signed by herself and her clients. This document will ensure confidentiality as well as describe her training, philosophy, scope of practice/services provided, backup arrangements and fee structure.

Postpartum Doula Standards of Practice

Picture
Photo courtesy of Bright Heart Mother Care

The postpartum doula cares for the new family in their home during the first few weeks following birth, often called the "fourth trimester". The doula provides non-medical physical, emotional, informational, and practical help. If a client needs assistance beyond a doula's scope of practice, referrals will be made to the appropriate resources. The following is a general guideline for postpartum doula care, but please speak with each doula you may interview regarding her specific practice as many may offer additional or fewer services.

Physical Support:
  • Provides information on postpartum comfort measures
  • Ensures mother is receiving enough nourishment, fluids, and rest
  • Helps mother to care for and understand her postpartum body
Emotional Support:
  • Listens to family's birth story and discusses any concerns/joys regarding the experience
  • Assists with family members adapting to their new roles
  • Supports and encourages the family in this vulnerable time
  • Assists all family members in bonding with the newborn
Informational Support: Note: Doulas should use the most recent evidence-based research regarding all infant care, feeding, and development concerns.
  • Guides family in infant care techniques
  • Gives information on infant development
  • Assists in educating family in injury prevention
  • Supports and assists with breastfeeding, addressing any common concerns and referring to the proper resources if necessary. If bottle-feeding, the doula will assist in the proper bottle-feeding techniques.
Practical Support:
  • Prepares simple meals and snacks
  • Performs light housekeeping
  • Provides sibling care
  • Runs errands
  • Cares for baby while parent eats/rests/showers
Postpartum Doulas do NOT:
  • Diagnose or treat medical conditions
  • Provide heavy housekeeping duties
  • Babysit (other than the occasional need for mom or dad to eat/rest/shower)
  • Insist that you care for your infant in a particular manner, no matter their beliefs