Perinatal Doula Code of Ethics

Honesty & Integrity
Provide care with honesty, transparency, and compassion, maintaining the highest standards of professional integrity in all interactions.

Privacy & Confidentiality
Respect and protect clients’ privacy by keeping all personal information confidential and following relevant laws and organizational policies.

Professionalism & Accountability
Deliver competent, respectful, and dignified care while maintaining appropriate boundaries. Act responsibly, collaborate effectively, and uphold professional conduct with clients, colleagues, and other professionals.

Record Keeping & Documentation
Accurately and clearly document all services provided in a timely and professional manner.

Ethical Business Practices
Ensure fees are fair and reasonable, provide services with integrity regardless of compensation, and honour all agreements and contracts.

Client Autonomy & Informed Choice
Support clients in making informed decisions by providing clear information and respecting their values, beliefs, and choices.

Respect, Diversity & Inclusion
Treat all individuals with respect and without discrimination, honouring cultural, spiritual, and personal differences.

Competence & Ongoing Learning
Maintain and improve professional knowledge and skills through ongoing education and collaboration with peers and related professionals.

Responsibility to Clients
Prioritize the well-being of clients, provide reliable care as agreed, and offer appropriate referrals when needed.

Responsibility to Colleagues & Profession
Engage with colleagues and healthcare professionals with respect, fairness, and cooperation, and contribute to the integrity and advancement of the profession.

Responsibility to Society
Promote the health and well-being of birthing individuals, infants, and families, and support equitable access to care within the community.


Perinatal Doula Scope of Practice

Client Support
Provide physical, emotional, and informational support tailored to each client’s needs in a respectful, non-judgmental, and mindful manner.
Education & Information
Share up-to-date, evidence-based information to support informed decision-making, self-advocacy, and client autonomy.
Communication Support
Facilitate effective communication between clients and their care team while ensuring the client’s voice remains central. Do not speak on behalf of clients unless explicitly requested.
Advocacy & Client-Centered Care
Support clients in expressing their preferences, values, and needs, and assist in developing realistic care plans that align with those priorities.
Comfort & Practical Support
Provide non-therapeutic comfort measures, including touch and non-pharmacological pain management strategies. Offer basic newborn care support and assist with light household tasks as requested.
Referrals & Collaboration
Recognize when needs fall outside the scope of practice and provide appropriate referrals. Work collaboratively and respectfully with healthcare providers, family members, and support systems.
Continuity of Care
Ensure clients receive consistent support, including arranging backup care when necessary so no client is left unsupported.

Limits of PracticeNon-Clinical Role
Do not provide medical or clinical care, including diagnosis, treatment, or prescribing medications. Do not perform invasive or restricted procedures as outlined in the Regulated Health Professions Act (1991) or related legislation.
No Medical Direction
Do not replace or override the role of licensed healthcare professionals or act in place of medical care.
Client Autonomy
Do not make decisions for clients or impose personal opinions. Always respect and support the client’s choices.
Birth Attendance Boundaries
Do not attend intentionally unassisted births where no qualified medical professional is present (while recognizing that access to care may vary in some communities).
Professional Conduct
Maintain respectful, professional behaviour with clients, families, healthcare teams, and the broader community at all times.