We are the EDN!
They say that nothing worth doing is easy. Like every non-profit, we have to navigate bumps in the road. But we wouldn’t change a thing. Why? Because throughout our journey we’ve honed our skills and put our abilities to the test, so doulas everywhere can benefit from each other's experiences.
We organise in circles according to a sociocratic approach and as can be seen above, we discuss in 'rounds'. Our statutes provide boundaries so that expectations are clear and the organisational aspects can be more easily managed.
Who is the EDN?
"WE ARE THE EDN!"
Connecting • Supporting • Informing
Our Network
We’re more than a cuddle of doulas. We’re a family of like-minded women, using our passion and listening skills to make a difference in whatever way we can.
We are also partnered with key organisations in the wider international birthing community:
Our Projects
We're always working on something. Most of the time, we're focused on sharing knowledge between doulas. But every so often we explore new projects and ideas.
- In 2020, we launched our first EDN Doula Survey, in the early days of the pandemic. In 2023 we relaunched the survey to help understand how the pandemic changed doula work..
- In 2022, we created the Doula Solidarity and Support Initiative to help doulas support refugee women.
- In 2023, we formed a global collaboration of doulas supporting ICI's Step 4 at the FIGO World Congress or Obstetrics and Gynecology.
- In 2024, EDN is collaborating with Postnatal Support Network and Geboortnis, surveying European mothers on their postpartum experiences over the past 5 years.
Our Motivation
Being there as a doula for doulas is our driving energy. It's the reason why a close-knit group of volunteers get up every day and do what we do.
We love forming deeper connections that help us deal with every new challenge.
If being a part of the EDN as a member organisation, friend or volunteer speaks to you, please click this button!
Our Network
We’re more than a cuddle of doulas. We’re a family of like-minded doulas, using our passion and listening skills to make a difference in whatever way we can.
We are also partnered with key organisations in the wider international birthing community:
Our Projects
We're always working on something!
- In 2020, we launched our first EDN Doula Survey, in the early days of the pandemic. In 2023 we relaunched the survey to help understand how the pandemic changed doula work..
- In 2022, we created the Doula Solidarity and Support Initiative to help doulas support refugee women.
- In 2023, we formed a global collaboration of doulas supporting ICI's Step 4 at the FIGO World Congress or Obstetrics and Gynecology and launched a pilot study asking for health professionals to give their feedback on doula support.
- In 2024/2025, EDN has been collaborating with Postnatal Support Network and Geboortnis, surveying European mothers on their postpartum experiences over the past 5 years and creating the Postpartum rEvolution Summit to create an action plan.
Our Motivation
Being there as a doula for doulas is our driving energy. It's the reason why a close-knit group of volunteers get up every day and do what we do.
We love forming deeper connections that help us deal with every new challenge.
If being a part of the EDN as a member organisation, friend or volunteer speaks to you, please join us!
Partnerships
International Childbirth Initiative (ICI)
The International MotherBaby Childbirth Organization (IMBCO) and the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) have joined forces developing a single global initiative to provide guidance and support for safe and respectful maternity care, building upon their previous work and incorporating the most recent evidence and insights into what constitutes optimal maternal and newborn health.
Launched in 2018, this initiative, The International Childbirth Initiative (ICI): 12 Steps to Safe and Respectful MotherBaby-Family Maternity Care provides clear steps for implementing evidence-based maternity care worldwide, acknowledging the interaction between the MotherBaby dyad, Family and Environment as well as their interactions with health providers and health systems.
The 12 Steps to Safe and Respectful MotherBaby-Family Maternity Care
ICI - Step 4 (Podcast) "Offer Continuous Support"
with Elena Carillo (DONA) and sociologist Dr Christine Morton.
The role of doula is complementary to many of the ICI steps and is fully supported in Step 4.
The are available in multiple languages:
Global doulas united at FIGO XXIV World Congress of Gynecology and Obstetrics
and EDN at Midwifery Today, Germany
Doulas de France, EDN, DONA International, International Childbirth Education Association and Doulas in Austria united at FIGO World Congress of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 2023.
You can read all about this from Debra and Uta, representing DONA in the International Doula.
DOULAS PROVIDE continuous SUPPORT
EDN, ICEA and DiA united at FIGO World Congress, Paris
Here's Debbie's back story about how this all came about.
And Tara's story from the ICEA blog.
EDN connecting doulas and midwives at Midwifery Today, Bad Wildbad in 2023.
Here's Silvia's story and pictures of the event.
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We are individually and collectively committed to fostering the following values, worldwide:
- Prenatal parenting – The importance of parenting our baby prior to conception, at conception, during pregnancy and birth
- Babies first – The unborn baby is a conscious and sentient being who reacts, responds, learns; he/she thrives when surrounded by love and harmony, nurtured by his/her mother, especially when she is supported by the father, family and society at large
- Safety – Women need to feel safe and respected during the time they are forming and welcoming a baby into this world.
Volunteers
The EDN is a Non-Profit Organisation
The European Doula Network was founded in Switzerland in 2011.
Legal form:
The European Doula Network is an association within the meaning of Swiss legislation (Art. 60ff. ZGB)
Non-profit status:
According to the decree of the cantonal tax office, the European Doula Network is recognised as a charitable organisation and is exempt from state tax, general municipal tax and direct federal tax.
Independence:
The European Doula Network is a legally independent organisation and is neutral in terms of party politics and denomination.
The EDN is a Sociocracy
We work in circles, with a focus on open communication, collaborative and inclusive participation and arriving at decision making through consent.
The EDN Office Core
This is the beating heart of the EDN, warmly supported by our volunteers and member representatives. We meet monthly online and always look forward to meeting again in person!
The EDN Focus Circles
We have a number of focus circles to carry forward our special projects, involving EDN doulas with a special passion for making things happen.
EDN is recruiting Volunteers!
We have a truly amazing team and so many exceptional projects to help connect, support and inform doulas and the communities they are part of!
We need your ideas and enthusiasm, plus your communication and organisation skills to nurture these projects to become seeds, that become plants, that bare flowers and fruit!
We have a fully organised volunteer framework to support you and bring your skills into the sunlight. We recognise everyone has many commitments and we trust that shared kindness and open communication will mean everyone is getting the support they need in their role.