Our Code of Ethics
Members of the EDN agree to the same definition of the role and ethics of a doula.
The role of 'doula' is not widely known and is often misunderstood; this ethical code is essential to make it clear who a doula is, and what a doula does and does not do.
Please scroll down to find translations of the ethics into many of our European lanaguages. The EDN Code of Ethics can be shared easily using the QR Codes below.
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:
- 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
European Doula Network Members
EDN Associations
DiA Doulas in Austria
Austria
Vlaamse Federatie Van Doula's
Belgium
Česká Asociace Dul
The Czech Republic
Croatian Doula Association
Croatia
Suomen Doulat Ry
Finland
Doulas de France
France
Doula Verbund Deutschland
Germany
Mondo Doula
Italy
Doula Association of Lithuania
Lithuania
Slovenske Duly - Doulas of Slovakia
Slovakia
Združenje MOJA DULA
Slovenia
AERCD Asociación Española Red Circular de Doulas
Spain
Doula CH
Switzerland
Doula UK
United Kingdom
Doulas Without Borders
United Kingdom/International
Friends
of the EDN
Individual doulas and doula-friendly organisations are welcome to join EDN, bringing their valuable support to the network from all around the world.
EDN Doula Training Courses
EDN does not accredit or certify doula training courses.
EDN Member Doula Training Courses do adhere to the EDN Code of Ethics.
Birthwise
Belgium
Amma Dula Akademie
Czech Republic
České Duly
Czech Republic
Centre Galanthis
France
Déu Doulas
Germany
Die Bauchflüsterinnen
Germany
Doula Cloud Germany
Germany
Doula Care
Ireland
Cybèle:
École internationale d’accompagnement
International (Canada/Europe)
Postnatal Support Network
International (Europe)
Devenir Doula
Marroco
In Bloom
Netherlands
Doula.link
Russia
Doula.Plus
Russia
Slovenske Duly
Slovakia
Quiero Ser Doula
Spain
Doula Ausbildung Schweiz
Switzerland
Formation Doula Suisse
Switzerland
DO-UM
Turkey
Doulas of "Semitsvit" Center
Ukraine
BirthBliss Academy
United Kingdom
Conscious Birthing
United Kingdom
Nurturing Birth
United Kingdom