Perinatal Professionals

Childbirth Educators

Birth Doulas

Postpartum Doulas

Midwives

Chiropractors

Lactation Consultants

Physical Therapists

Holistic Practitioners

Counselors

Massage

Nutrition

Parenting Classes

Exercise/Yoga Classes

Ceremonies

Products

Birth Art

 

Code of Ethics

I     Standards of Appropriate Conduct

1. A BirthNet doula, childbirth educator or professional should maintain high standards of conduct in her personal life and in her practice, acting in accordance with the highest standards of professional integrity.
   
   
2. A BirthNet doula, childbirth educator or professional should strive to remain proficient in her professional field through continuing education, affiliation with related organizations, and association with others in her field.

 

II      Ethical Responsibilities

1. The primary responsibility of a BirthNet doula, childbirth educator or professional is to her family.
   
   
2. The primary professional responsibility of a BirthNet doula, childbirth educator or professional is to her clients, therefore, when the doula, childbirth educator or professional agrees to work with a particular client, her obligation is to do so reliably, without fail, for the term of the agreement.
   
   
3. A BirthNet doula, childbirth educator or professional should foster in her clients a belief in their own ability to determine what is appropriate for their unique family situation and respect the choices clients make.  If a BirthNet doula, childbirth educator or professional feels she cannot ethically support someone in a decision they have made, and it affects her and the work she performs for them, referrals to another provider should be made.
   
   
4. A BirthNet doula, childbirth educator or professional should ensure that all fees are fair, reasonable and commensurate with services performed.  Consideration should be given to those clients with little or no ability to pay.
   
   
5. A BirthNet doula, childbirth educator or professional should treat colleagues and the clients of colleagues with courtesy, fairness, and full professional consideration.
   
   
6. A BirthNet doula, childbirth educator or professional should promote “family friendly” childbirth in her own community and within society at large.
   
   
7. A BirthNet doula, childbirth educator or professional should uphold the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of her respective certifying organization(s).

III      Confidentiality

1. A BirthNet doula, childbirth educator or professional must maintain the utmost respect for the privacy of colleagues and clients, holding in confidence all information obtained in the course of professional service.  (If legal issues arise such as discovery of abuse or neglect, client confidentiality must still be considered when discussing such issues among colleagues, but authorities should be appropriately notified.)
   

Standards of Practice

The term BirthNet professional refers to any active member who is a birth doula, postpartum doula, childbirth educator or other birth professional member.

1. Services Rendered

Each individual doula, childbirth educator or professional provides services according to her independent practice, but must work within the Standards of Practice of her certifying organization.

1. Limits to Practice

Doulas and childbirth educators do not perform clinical or medical tasks.  Doulas and childbirth educators who are also health care professionals may provide services within the scope and standards of their professions.

A BirthNet professional may advocate for the client’s wishes by providing information and support in prenatal, intrapartum and postpartum discussion.  She enhances communication between her client and the caregiver, helping the mother incorporate changes in plan if and when the need arises.  The advocacy role does not include the BirthNet member speaking instead of the client or making decisions for the client.

Referrals to appropriate resources within and/or outside of BirthNet should be made when client needs go beyond the professional expertise of the BirthNet member providing services.

1. Continuity of Care

To ensure continuity of care if the BirthNet professional is unable for any reason to perform the contracted services, back-up arrangements with another professional should be made. Should there be a need to discontinue service to an established client, it is the BirthNet member’s responsibility to notify the client and offer to arrange for a replacement.  The BirthNet member should provide the client with a list of BirthNet referrals if the client would prefer to make her own arrangements.

1. Training and Experience

BirthNet professionals are affiliated with a variety of organizations.  Active or apprentice members must have completed doula or childbirth education training by an approved certifying group, completed the required reading for certification and be certified or actively seeking certification within that group or have professional licensure or certification within their own professional organization.  Active members are also required to attend a minimum of three BirthNet meetings per year and be a member of a BirthNet standing committee.  BirthNet Active members are required to maintain certification with their particular organization.

 

BirthNet is strictly a referral listing of members who provide various services which support women & their families throughout the childbearing years. Each consumer should verify certification, years of expertise, fees & other needed information from each individual BirthNet member. For CIMS list of 10 questions to ask, click here, or go to www.motherfriendly.org and note the resource section. For Full Diclosure, click here.