EDN Code of Ethics

Doulas offer vital emotional and physical support to families during childbirth and early parenting.

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

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EDN Code of Ethics: English

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:

Doulas provide emotional and practical support to individuals, parents and families.

Doulas do not perform clinical tasks, make medical diagnoses or give advice.

Doulas support informed choice and informed consent, without directing any decision-making.

Doulas treat clients, families, colleagues and all other professionals with respect and courtesy.

Doulas conduct themselves with integrity and transparency with respect to their experience, skills, and boundaries.

Doulas respect the privacy of clients and hold in confidence all information in accordance with GDPR.

Doulas engage in continuing personal and professional development.

Doulas contribute to networks of care in local and wider communities.

European Doula Network, 2023

Memo of Understanding for

Doula-Maternity Facility Partnerships

The EDN has been listening. Through our Feedback on Doula Support surveys (2023 & 2025), we gathered insights from hundreds of healthcare professionals across Europe — and what we heard has shaped everything that has followed.

To turn that listening into action, we've created an open-source Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) model — a practical, rights-based resource for doulas and maternity facilities to use together.

It clarifies the doula's role and scope of practice, establishes shared values, and sets out the practical arrangements that make day-to-day collaboration work smoothly.

Available in English, French, Portuguese and Spanish.

Women feel better, when we care together.

Memo of Understanding (MoU)Abridged Model MoU

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Spanish -

French -

Doula Training Essentials

The vast majority of EDN doulas are trained birth companions, and all are required to follow our Code of Ethics. Within the European Doula Network, we believe that high-quality, comprehensive training provides the strongest foundation for respectful, compassionate and empowering care — and that every doula in our network should be prepared to the same standard.

Our Doula Training Essentials sets out the core curriculum we consider foundational for full-spectrum* perinatal doula training across Europe. It includes:

The role of a professional doula
Pregnancy, birth and postpartum
Emotional support, trauma and difficult situations
Working with healthcare teams
Self-care and career sustainability

NOTE: We do not accredit training providers — this is a framework for quality, not a certification standard.

* Some training programmes focus on Postnatal Doula Support and concentrate on the relevant parts of the curriculum. Death (Thana/End of Life) doulas also provide support people, however the curriculum for this area has not yet been developed.

Doula Training Essentials

Explore extensive academic research on doulas!

The European Doula Network and International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA) initiated a collection of > 100 research papers on doula support dating from 1997 onwards.

This growing directory of academic papers is regularly updated.

Doula Research Directory

EDN Code of Ethics