Code of Ethics

As a student, graduate, or certified professional of Learn To Doula Village, I commit to practicing with integrity, humility, respect, and clear professional boundaries.

Commitment to Client Autonomy

I recognize that pregnant, birthing, postpartum, bereaved, and transitioning individuals are the primary decision-makers in their own care.

I will support each client’s right to informed consent, informed refusal, bodily autonomy, privacy, dignity, and self-determination.

I will not pressure, coerce, shame, or direct a client toward choices that reflect my personal beliefs, preferences, fears, or experiences.

Commitment to Scope of Practice and Professional Standards

I understand that doulas provide non-clinical emotional, physical, informational, and practical support.

I will not diagnose, prescribe, perform clinical tasks, interpret medical results, make medical decisions, speak for a client without consent, or interfere with medical care.

I will remain within my training, contracted role, legal boundaries, program standards, and professional scope of practice.

When a client’s needs fall outside my scope, I will refer appropriately.

Commitment to the NEAR Framework

I will guide clients and families using the NEAR framework:

Nurture with steady, respectful presence.
Educate with evidence-informed, scope-appropriate information.
Assess needs, concerns, resources, and appropriate next steps without diagnosing.
Refer to qualified professionals, community resources, emergency care, or specialized support when needed.

Commitment to Trauma-Informed Care

I will practice according to the core principles of trauma-informed care:

✦ Safety
✦ Transparency and Trustworthiness
✦ Choice
✦ Collaboration and Mutuality
✦ Empowerment

I will work to create an environment where clients feel respected, heard, and supported.

Commitment to Inclusivity and Respect

I will provide respectful support across differences in race, ethnicity, culture, religion, family structure, disability, age, body size, sexual orientation, gender identity, pronouns, relationship structure, income level, insurance status, and reproductive history.

I will honor each client’s name, pronouns, family language, cultural practices, and lived experience.

I will continue learning so that my care becomes more culturally humble, accessible, and responsive.

Commitment to Evidence-Informed Support

I will support evidence-informed care to the best of my ability.

I will distinguish between evidence, personal experience, tradition, opinion, and client preference.

I will offer information in a way that supports client decision-making, rather than using information to frighten, pressure, or control.

Commitment to the Maternal Sovereignty Method™

I will uphold the principles of the Maternal Sovereignty Method™ by supporting client autonomy, informed decision-making, emotional safety, nervous system regulation, and respectful collaboration.

I understand that a calm, informed, supported client may be better able to cope, communicate, ask questions, rest, move, and make decisions.

I will not promise outcomes, prevent necessary medical care, or present doula support as a replacement for clinical care.

Commitment to Privacy and Documentation

I will protect client privacy and handle personal information responsibly.

I will document accurately, respectfully, and only within the needs of my role.

I will not share client stories, images, identifying details, or private information without clear written consent.

I will also respect the privacy of peers, students, instructors, and professional review spaces.

Commitment to Professional Conduct

I will maintain professional behavior, communication, appearance, and reliability appropriate to the clients, families, communities, and care settings I serve.

I will communicate clearly about availability, services, fees, limits, backup arrangements, and expectations.

I will honor agreements, maintain boundaries, and seek support or supervision when needed.

Commitment to Ethical Community Practice

I will avoid exploiting clients, students, families, or vulnerable people for financial, personal, spiritual, political, or social gain.

I will not knowingly participate in coercive, deceptive, discriminatory, abusive, or predatory practices.

I will support reproductive justice, including the right of individuals and families to make informed decisions about pregnancy, birth, parenting, loss, and reproductive healthcare.

Commitment to Accountability and Growth

I understand that ethical practice requires ongoing learning, reflection, and accountability.

I will remain open to feedback, correct mistakes when possible, continue my education, and seek appropriate mentorship or consultation when I encounter situations beyond my experience.

I accept that certification is not only a credential. It is a responsibility to practice with compassion, competence, integrity, and respect for the sovereignty of those I serve.