Code of Ethics: Birth Doula Questions & Answers Solved 100% Correct!!

Advocacy - The doula advocates for the client's wishes as expressed in her birth plan, in prenatal conversations, and intrapartum discussion, by encouraging her client to ask questions of her care provider and to express her preferences and concerns. Community Service - The doula is encouraged to assist the DONA International vision of "A doula for every person who wants one," by providing birth doula services at a reduced cost, if possible, or making appropriate referrals, as available. Competence and Professional Development - The doula should strive to become and remain proficient in the professional practice and the performance of professional functions through continuing education, affiliation with related organizations, and associations with other birth doulas. Confidentiality and Privacy - The doula should respect the privacy of clients and hold in confidence all information Continuity of Care - The doula should make back-up arrangements with another doula to ensure services to the client if the doula is unable to attend the birth. Dealing with Colleagues' Clients. - The doula has the responsibility to relate to the clients of colleagues with full professional consideration. Experience - Doulas certified by DONA International will have the experience as set forth in the DONA International Requirements for Birth Doula Certification.Fees - When setting fees, the doula should ensure that they are fair, reasonable and commensurate with services performed. The doula must clearly state her fees to the client and describe the services provided, terms of payment and refund policies. Integrity - The doula should act in accordance with the highest standards of professional integrity Limits to Practice - DONA International Standards and Certification apply to emotional, physical and informational support only. The DONA certified or member doula does not perform clinical or medical tasks, such as taking blood pressure or temperature, fetal heart tone checks, vaginal examinations or postpartum clinical care. The DONA certified or member doula will not diagnose or treat in any modality. Maintaining the Integrity of the Profession. - The doula should uphold and advance the values, ethics, knowledge and mission of the profession Maintenance of Certification - DONA certified doulas will maintain certification as outlined in the DONA International recertification packet. Recertification must be completed after each three-year period of practice. Obligation to Serve - The doula should assist each client seeking birth doula support either by providing services Primacy of Client's Interests - The doula's primary responsibility is to her clientsPromoting Maternal and Child Welfare - The doula should promote the general health of women and their babies, and whenever possible, that of their family and friends as well. Propriety - The doula should maintain high standards of personal conduct in the capacity or identity as a birth doula. Referrals - For client needs beyond the scope of the doula's training, referrals are made to appropriate resources. Respect, Fairness, and Courtesy - The doula should treat colleagues with respect, courtesy, fairness and good faith. Rights and Prerogatives of Clients - The doula should make every effort to foster maximum selfdetermination onthe part of her clients Services Rendered - The doula accompanies the woman in labor, provides emotional and physical support, suggests comfort measures and provides support and suggestions for the partner. Whenever possible, the doula provides pre- and post-partum emotional support, including explanation and discussion of practices and procedures and assistance in acquiring the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions about her care. Additionally, as doulas do not "prescribe" treatment, any suggestions or information provided within the role of the doula must be done with the proviso that the doula advises her client to check with her primary care provider before using any applicationTraining - Completion of a DONA approved birth doula workshop is but one step in the process of training and certification. Doulas who are certified by DONA International will have completed all the requirements as set forth in the DONA International Requirements for Birth Doula Certification.