Qualifications

CDA

Members of the CDA follow the certification process of Doulas of North America International, or DONA (www.dona.org) and agree to their Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. They have attended a rigorous in-house training session led by DONA trainers. To obtain their certification, doulas must then complete a multifaceted list of requirements. Those Doulas who have met the criteria are listed on the CDA referral line.

To become a DONA International certified birth doula you must:

  • Complete an outlined home study regimen.
  • Attend a series of prenatal classes.
  • Attend a workshop run by a DONA approved doula trainer.
  • Complete a breastfeeding education class.
  • Complete a practicum during which the doula attends births as a doula in training, and is evaluated by the parents, doctors, and nurses at each birth.
  • Submit a certification package with proof of all of the above, along with study work completed to DONA International for review by the DONA certification committee.

    • To become a DONA International certified postpartum doula you must:

  • Complete an outlined home study regimen.
  • Attend a workshop run by a DONA approved doula trainer.
  • Complete a breastfeeding education class.
  • Complete a practicum during which the doula supports new families as a doula in training, and is evaluated by the parents.
  • Have a current Adult and Infant CPR certificate
  • Submit a certification package with proof of all of the above, along with study work completed to DONA International for review by the DONA certification committee.

    • A doula in training has a maximum of two years, from the time her certification package is purchased, to complete all requirements and submit them to DONA International.

    DONA

    DONA International: The world’s premier doula organization

    DONA International is the oldest, largest and most respected doula association in the world. The founders are among the foremost experts on doula care, and DONA International certification is a widely respected measure of quality and professionalism. DONA International is an international, non-profit organization of doulas that strives to have every doula trained and educated to provide the highest quality and standards for birth and or postpartum support to birthing women and their families. To that end, it promotes continuing education for doulas and provides a strong communication link among doulas and between doulas, families and the medical birthing community.

    Women across the globe appreciate and value the experience of having a doula – a knowledgeable, experienced companion – who stays with them through labour, birth and beyond. Birth doulas offer emotional support, encouragement and wisdom throughout labour and birth. Postpartum doulas support women and families through the transformation that a new baby brings to a family.

    With more than 6,995 birth and postpartum doula members and growing, DONA International is the largest doula association in the world. DONA International supports doulas by providing quality training and meaningful certification. The organization serves mothers and families by providing access to information and research about doulas, childbirth and the postpartum experience. DONA International certification sets the bar for doula education and professional development. It indicates to families that a doula has achieved a high level of training and professionalism.

    Taken from www.dona.org

    Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics

    Calgary Doula Assocation Standards of Practice
     The Doula:

  • Strives to provide continuous support for the length of time that her client requires it
  • Accompanies the woman in labour, provides emotional and physical support, suggests comfort measures and provides support and suggestions for the partner
  • Does not displace existing support persons, but rather facilitates their full participation in supporting the client
  • Respects the clients’ right to self determination by not speaking for her, nor making decisions for her. She helps the mother incorporate changes to her birth plan if and when the need arises and enhances communication between the client and the care giver
  • Works as a member of the larger birth team
  • Does not perform medical or nursing tasks such as taking blood pressure or temperature, fetal heart tone checks, vaginal exams or postpartum clinical care
  • Makes back-up arrangements with another doula to ensure services to the client if the doula is sick or unable to be reached. Should any doula feel the need the discontinue service to an established client, it is the doula’s responsibility to notify the client in writing
  • For client needs beyond the scope of a doula’s training, referrals are made to appropriate resources.

    • Calgary Doula Association Code of Ethics

    Primacy of Clients' Interests
    The doula’s primary responsibility is to support her client.

    Confidentiality and Privacy
    The doula should respect the privacy of clients and hold in confidence all information obtained in the course of professional service.

    Competence and Professional Development
    The doula should strive to become and remain proficient in the professional practice and the performance of the professional functions through continuing education, affiliating with related organizations, and association with other Labour Support Providers.

    Community Service
    The doula should assist the profession in making labour support services known to the general public.

    Fees
    When setting fees, the doula should ensure that they are fair, reasonable and considerate and commensurate with services performed.