Doula Code of Practice and Ethics

Australian Doula College doulas practice under the following code of practice and ethics:

1. In all circumstances the safety and welfare of the mother and baby comes first.

2. Doulas are accountable for their own practice in whatever environment they choose to work in.

3. Doulas offer counsel, support and referral and do not give advice, their support and knowledge allows parents to make their own informed decisions and then the doula supports that without prejudice or judgement.

4. Doulas understand their limitations, when required refer clients to other resources and professionals back to our organization first, allowing continuity of care for our clients.  If we are unable to meet their needs the Australian Doula College refers on to other appropriate health professionals and resources. 

5. Doulas support the mother wherever and however she chooses to give birth – home/birth centre/hospital, with or without medical assistence, whilst a postnatal doula supports the mother whether choosing to breast or bottle feed.

6. Doulas may never knowingly support or participate in a medically unassisted homebirth.

7. Trainee doulas must not charge a fee or advertise for their services and must debrief each trainee birth with a senior member of staff.

8. Doulas work to update their knowledge and skills, and must attend a yearly refresher workshop, they are encouraged to undertake and attend relevant courses and conferences.

9. Doulas never perform clinical or medical tasks, diagnose medical conditions or give medical advice, even if trained as a health professional prior to becoming a doula. Likewise if the doula is also qualified as a therapist in some other field and wishes to apply this skill in her practice, it must be made clear that they are two separate roles.

10. Doulas will accurately represent their level of education and experience, and must not mislead other doulas, clients or other professionals (i.e. websites, leaflets, emails, interviews, etc.) as to their level of education and experience.

11. Doulas always practice with a client/doula agreement.

12. Doulas do not breech the confidentiality agreement between the client and the doula.

13. Doulas work under the umbrella of the Australian Doula College and uphold our integrity and respect when dealing with all clients and other health professionals.

14. We require records and agreements for all births and all postnatal support jobs.

15. Our Doula members must all be trained in first aid and CPR.


At the ADC we ask that all our doulas and members follow our code of practice an ethics. This ensures a professional service at all times and supports the welfare and care of our doulas and our clients.

Any doula that acts in opposition with this Code of Practice and Ethics, while representing The Australian Doula College, will be asked to leave.