Professional Standards and Code of Ethics

Professional Standards

Introduction

The Professional Standards of the Postpartum Support Academy (PPSA) provide specific, actionable rules of conduct that align with the PPSA Code of Ethics. These standards are to be followed by all certified doulas to ensure consistency, accountability, and the highest level of professional support.

Professional Conduct

  1. Scope of Practice

A certified doula will provide support that is non-clinical and non-medical. You will not diagnose medical conditions, prescribe treatments, or provide any service for which you are not licensed or certified. Review PPSA’s full Scope of Practice for more information.

  1. Providing Information

You will provide evidence-based information to clients without giving medical advice. You will present options in a neutral and balanced manner, supporting the client's right to make their own decisions.

  1. Maintaining Confidentiality

You will not discuss a client with anyone other than the client and their authorized representatives, unless required by law. This includes refraining from sharing details on social media, even in de-identified forms, without express written consent from your client.

  1. Financial Integrity

You will be transparent about your fees and payment schedule from the start of the professional relationship. All financial agreements should be clear, concise, and provided to the client in writing.

  1. Respectful Communication

You will communicate with clients, their families, and other professionals in a respectful, clear, and professional manner. You will avoid all forms of verbal, emotional, or physical abuse.

  1. Professional Development

You will actively engage in continuing education and remain current with research and best practices in the field of doula support. You will seek out mentorship and supervision when needed to maintain professional competence. You will meet the continuing education requirements of PPSA–15 CEUs every two years.

Accountability

All PPSA certified doulas are accountable for upholding these Professional Standards. Any violation of these standards may be subject to a formal review process, which could result in disciplinary action, up to and including the revocation of certification, in accordance with the policies of the PPSA.

Scope of Practice

A Postpartum Support Academy (PPSA) certified doula provides non-clinical, non-medical support to a new family during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum period. The doula's role is to nurture the birthing parent and the entire family, empowering them with confidence and knowledge.

The doula’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Emotional Support: Offering a listening ear, validating the client's experiences and feelings, and providing encouragement.
  • Informational Support: Providing evidence-based information on pregnancy, labor, newborn care, infant feeding (including breastfeeding and bottle-feeding), postpartum recovery, and community resources.
  • Labor Support: Offering various techniques such as massage, counter-pressure, and helping the birthing person find comfortable and effective positions.
  • Physical Support: Assisting with light household tasks, such as laundry, meal preparation, and tidying common areas, to create a restful environment.
  • Newborn and Infant Care: Offering hands-on support with a new baby, allowing the birthing parent to rest, shower, or spend time with older children. This includes holding, soothing, and diapering the baby.

The doula’s role does NOT include:

  • Medical Tasks: Doulas will not perform clinical tasks such as diagnosing medical conditions, taking vitals, administering medications, or providing any form of medical advice.
  • Heavy Housekeeping: A doula is not that of a housekeeper or maid. You will not engage in deep cleaning, yard work, or other physically demanding chores.
  • Therapeutic Counseling: Doulas will not provide mental health counseling or therapeutic services. You are expected to recognize signs of mood and anxiety disorders and make appropriate referrals to licensed professionals.

Code of Ethics

Introduction

The Code of Ethics of the Postpartum Support Academy (PPSA) outlines the fundamental principles that guide certified doulas. Adherence to these principles is essential to protect and empower clients, foster professional integrity, and contribute to the well-being of the doula community.

Principles

  1. Client Autonomy

A certified doula respects the client's right to self-determination and informed decision-making. You will honor their choices regarding their support, their body, and their family.

  1. Non-Discrimination

You will provide equitable support to all clients, regardless of race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Review PPSA’s full Statement of Non-Discrimination for more information.

  1. Confidentiality and Privacy

You will maintain the strict confidentiality of all client information. All communications, personal details, and records shared during your professional relationship are to be kept private.

  1. Professional Boundaries

You will establish and maintain clear professional boundaries, understanding your role and scope of practice as a doula in every client relationship.

  1. Competence and Professional Development

You are committed to providing the highest quality of support through continuous learning and professional growth and meet the continuing education requirements of PPSA–15 CEUs every two years.

  1. Integrity and Honesty

You will act with honesty, integrity, and transparency in all professional interactions, accurately representing your qualifications and services.

  1. Informed Consent

You will ensure clients fully understand the scope of services provided and obtain their explicit consent before beginning support.

  1. Collaboration and Referral

You will recognize the limits of your expertise and collaborate respectfully with healthcare professionals, making appropriate referrals when a client's needs fall outside your scope of practice.

Statement of Non-Discrimination

Postpartum Support Academy (PPSA) is committed to providing a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable environment for all individuals. We firmly believe that every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, free from harassment, discrimination, and retaliation. This commitment extends to all aspects of our operations, including certification, education, employment, and partnerships.

Our Policy

PPSA does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to all students, applicants, employees, volunteers, contractors, and clients. We are dedicated to maintaining a professional environment where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.

Equal Opportunity & Anti-Harassment

We are committed to equal opportunity in all our programs and activities. We will not tolerate any form of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. This includes, but is not limited to, actions that create a hostile, intimidating, or offensive environment. Anyone who believes they have experienced or witnessed a violation of this policy is encouraged to report it immediately.

Commitment to Accessibility

PPSA is dedicated to making our programs and services accessible to all individuals. We will make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities to ensure they can participate fully in our certification programs and other offerings. Requests for accommodations should be made in advance to allow for a timely and thoughtful response.

Reporting Violations & Grievance Procedures

Any person with a complaint of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation is encouraged to report the matter to the appropriate PPSA via email to ethics@postpartumsupportacademy.com. All complaints will be investigated promptly and thoroughly, with the utmost respect for privacy and confidentiality. Retaliation against any individual who reports a concern or participates in an investigation is strictly prohibited.

This statement affirms our core values and dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive community within the doula profession.