Connecting • Supporting • Informing

EDN Code of Ethics

Members of the European Doula Network agree to the same values and definition of the role and scope of practice of a doula.

The role of 'doula' is not widely known and is often misunderstood; this ethical code makes it clear who a doula is, and what a doula does, and does not do as a member of EDN.

The EDN Code of Ethics can be shared easily using the QR Codes below, which takes you directly to translations in 18 European languages.

Scroll down to find all our member organisations. Click on their logo to go directly to their websites where you will find full contact details. We invite you to reach out to them directly to find out about doulas and doula training programmes in your country.

Our Values

Each EDN doula association, doula training organisation and friend brings something different to the network.

Situations are often very different in each country, but there is a simple and clear Code of Ethics we all agree to follow, which outlines what a doula does and does not do.

The EDN Code of Ethics has been translated into many European languages to be shared directly with clients and professionals in our Networks of Care.

Ethics

Our Core Values

Connecting • Supporting • Informing
Between doulas, within our communities, promoting understanding of the role of the doula within the wider community and all society.

We are here to listen, to share, to be there.

Connecting - Informing - Supporting

Our Story

Like many great things, we started small. A truly grass-roots phenomenon, like-minded doulas with a wider vision started sharing their passion for international connectivity around kitchen tables from around 2005.

Seeds were sown in several countries at about the same time, and today, those seedlings have grown, and in turn blown their seeds across the whole of Europe and further.

In 2022 we embarked on a documentary project to interview our founders and hear the stories of EDN doulas past and present. We look forward to sharing this with you soon.

Origins

EDN Code of Ethics

The European Doula Network (EDN) was officially established in 2011 to connect doula organisations across Europe and share a common Code of Ethics.

Doulas may support individuals, parents and families in their choices throughout pregnancy, childbirth and early parenting or during other life-changing periods, such as bereavement and death.

A member association, training course, or friend of the EDN agrees to the following definition of the role and ethics of a doula: