At Beautiful Birth and Beyond we uphold and subscribe to the Code of Ethics of WOMBS as explained below.
CODE OF ETHICS
PROPRIETY
The Doula shall maintain a high standard of personal conduct in the capacity or identity as a labour support provider.
COMPETENCE/PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
A Doula should strive to maintain professional knowledge through continuing education, affiliation with related organisations with other labour support providers.
INTEGRITY
A Doula should maintain professional integrity at all times.
ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITY TO CLIENTS
CLIENT’S INTEREST
The Doula’s primary responsibility is to her clients, without jeopardizing medical safety.
CLIENT’S RIGHTS
A Doula does not act on behalf of her client, nor does she make decisions for her client, but rather serves to provide support and information.
CONFIDENTIALITY
The Doula will respect the privacy of her client.
OBLIGATION
The Doula should assist each client seeking labour support either by providing support or making appropriate referrals.
RELIABILITY
When the Doula agrees to work with a particular client she must agree to do so reliably for the term of the contract.
ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITY
The Doula will treat all members of the birth team with respect, courtesy, fairness and good faith. Conflicts and/or differences in opinion will never be discussed in the presence of the labouring women or during the labouring process. All matters that arise pertaining to conflict will be discussed calmly and well after the birth process is completed.
ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITY TO THE LABOUR SUPPORT PROFESSION
MAINTENANCE AND ADVANCEMENT
The Doula shall uphold and advance the, ethics and knowledge of the professional childbirth companions.
COMMUNITY AWARENESS
The Doula will continue to work towards increasing public awareness of the benefits of the professional childbirth companions.
SOCIETAL RESPONSIBILITY
The Doula shall promote the general health and wellbeing of women and their infants and extend this responsibility to their families at all times.