Code of Ethics

We at the Uintah Basin Doula Association understand that one of the most basic and important needs of the birthing woman is to feel safe and secure, and to have trust and confidence in the people around her at this special time. We also strive to promote a positive working relationship with other maternity care professionals.

Each member of the Uintah Basin Doula Association has therefore given a written commitment to our code of ethics which details the responsibilities of our members in their working practice. Uintah Basin Doula Association (UBDA) members:

• Understand that their first responsibility is to the birthing mother/family.
• Are accountable for their own practice in whatever environment they choose to work. In all circumstances the safety and welfare of the mother, baby, and the doula, must be of primary importance. Doulas offer emotional, informational, and physical support, exploring with the birthing mother/family their various options.
• Do not speak for the parents. The doula will enhance communication by connecting the mother with up-to-date evidence, so the birthing mother can have an educated discussion with her maternity care provider. It is the philosophy of the UBDA that informed decision making is key to a birthing mother’s safety and lasting satisfaction with her birthing experience.
• Do not perform any tasks outside of their scope of practice, diagnose medical conditions, or give medical advice.
• Understand that the birthing mother’s partner is a constant presence in her life and should be involved as much as possible during labor and birth. Therefore, the doula will encourage and teach the birthing mother’s partner to be an emotional and physical support during labor, as appropriate.
• Will work to provide the highest level of care and support to the birthing mother/family.
• Will refer the birthing mother to other appropriate resources/professionals should the mother have needs beyond the scope of their doula role.
• Will accurately represent their education and experience and will not mislead other doulas, clients, or other birth professionals as to their level of doula education or experience either face to face or on any virtual medium.
• Will be honest and show integrity and respect at all times towards their clients, doula colleagues and the other professionals
• Will strive to develop and maintain positive work relationships within the doula and birthing community. As a representative of the UBDA, ethical and careful consideration of all communications with the birthing community should be transparent and respectful, including on social media platforms.
• Will respect the privacy of the birthing mother/family. A doula will never disclose personal information without the express permission of the birthing mother/family. This includes exercising caution when posting to social media about their work. During a peer review session, no identifying information will be used.
• Will not discuss personal and/or UBDA communications outside the UBDA without prior consent from relevant parties.
• Will keep records of their doula activities, and are advised to have a written contract with their clients.
• Will strive to attain the highest level of competence as a doula, and continue to enhance their skills and education by attending courses, workshops, and lectures as they become available.
• Will keep current on evidence-based information and best practice.
• Will ensure that all fees are fair and will not regularly offer doula services for free. These fees will be included clearly on the written doula contract, along with any changes in circumstances that require a backup doula.
• Will make it clear to the birthing mother/family that any alternative modalities (such as essential oils, energy work, massage therapy, placenta encapsulation, etc.) are an additional service, outside of the doula’s scope of practice. Some of these may be used in a limited form for comfort during labor, but not therapeutically.
• Will provide their clients with continuity of care and reliably serve them until their contract is fully executed. Doulas will arrange for backup should circumstances render them unavailable. This should be discussed with the birthing mother prenatally.
• Will support other UBDA doulas by providing backup as they are able.
• Will encourage the development of other competent doulas by allowing student doulas to shadow during births with the permission of the birthing mother/family.
• Understand that a sisterhood of non-competition will promote more choices for mothers, less burnout for doulas, and greater cooperation and respect within the community.

For more information or to file a grievance, please contact:

Roosevelt: Heather Barson

435-724-7559

Vernal: Megan Barnette

435-709-5755

Email: ubdoulas@gmail.com