ProDoula Standards of Professionalism

Each ProDoula member is encouraged to find their own “style of practice.”

However, through ProDoula’s standardized curriculum, the fundamental do’s and don’ts of doula care are clearly outlined. Professionalism is ProDoula’s number one priority.

Each ProDoula member must abide by ProDoula’s Standards of Professionalism, which includes conducting oneself in a manner that aligns with the goals, missions, and standards set forth by ProDoula.

• Labor Doulas and Postpartum & Infant Care Doulas must maintain current CPR/First Aid Certification
• Labor Doulas and Postpartum & Infant Care Doulas and Postpartum Placenta Specialists must maintain a clear and professional contract for all services
• Conduct yourself and your business in a manner that maintains all legal responsibilities
  • Businesses must be established through appropriate legal channels
• Recognize and respect the uniqueness of all individuals by thoroughly exploring your level of cultural competency and continue to educate yourself on matters relating to diversity, inclusion, and equity
• Hate speech, discrimination, and an intolerance for diversity are unprofessional and contradictory to the ProDoula Standards of Professionalism. Additionally, this behavior prevents birth professionals from providing unbiased, judgment-free support
  • Treat fellow birth workers with professional courtesy and respect
  • Treat all medical professionals — doctors, nurses, hospital staff, etc., — with professional courtesy and respect
    • These are also members of your client’s team and you must work cohesively with them
    • Adhere to all rules/regulations of the hospital/facility where you work
  • Treat each client and their family with professional courtesy and respect
• Maintain the highest level of confidentiality with all information and experiences — personal history or information about your client/client’s family should only be shared with other professionals AND only WITH your client’s permission.
• Drastically discounting or offering services for low/no cost, through any public channel (social media, online advertisements, flyers, etc.) is extremely detrimental to professional doulas and to the clients seeking these services. A ProDoula will NOT engage in this behavior.
• A ProDoula member will set a fair value for services. The price of services should be consistent for clients of all demographics, although fees may vary by geographical location.
• ProDoula members will not engage in intentional unassisted childbirth
• Maintain professionalism through the internet and marketing
  • Your webpage/website should be up to date, professional, and encompass the high standards of judgment-free support put forth by ProDoula
  • While social media communications may be personal in nature, the high standards of judgment-free support put forth by ProDoula should always reflect each birth worker as a professional