Ethics Code of DOULA Collective DACH

The DACH DOULA Collective (“Collective”) unites doulas from the DA-CH region to promote and maintain constructive, positive collaboration among doulas. Doulas from the DA-CH region have diverse educational backgrounds and life experiences; the DACH DOULA Collective is committed to diversity, openness, and equality among its members and clients.

The members of the DOULA collective have committed themselves to the following code of ethics:

 

Professional and Role Model

Doulas in the collective are committed to protecting the best interests of their clients, acting with integrity and professionalism, taking responsibility for their own behavior, being honest, and resolving conflicts with stakeholders in a positive manner. Doulas in the collective communicate respectfully with medical staff, clients' families, and other service providers who care for clients.

 

Tasks

Doulas provide emotional, practical, and physical support to their clients, encouraging them to express their interests and needs without speaking for them or offering medical advice. The Doula Collective recognizes that making autonomous decisions and ensuring that these decisions are respected is essential to a positive client experience.

 

Openness

Doulas in the collective communicate their fees and the services covered, as well as the limitations of their services and whether a backup doula will be available in the event the doula is unavailable. Doulas in the collective are not available to assist with planned solo births. In the event of an unexpectedly rapid labor, the doula will contact the client's medical staff or emergency medical services and follow their instructions.

 

Responsibility towards colleagues

Doulas in the collective behave respectfully and with dignity toward colleagues. They are reliable when acting as backups for one another. Doulas are aware that their interactions with one another impact the harmony within the doula community and their work environment. Only positive interaction can bring lasting, successful change to the situation of doulas in society.

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Non-Discrimination and Inclusion
The Doula Collective is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive space for everyone. We welcome and value people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC), as well as people of all gender identities and expressions, sexual orientations, ages, abilities, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

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Doulas of the collective are expected to actively contribute to an environment in which everyone is treated with dignity, respect, and care. This includes respecting people’s names, pronouns, identities, bodies, boundaries, cultural backgrounds, and individual needs.

 

Confidentiality

Doulas in the collective treat all information from their clients and colleagues confidentially.