mOBiNurses Community Doula Code of Ethics The mOBiNurses Community Doula Code of Ethics establishes the professional and ethical standards expected of every doula representing the organization. It is designed to promote safe, respectful, equitable, and evidence-informed care while honoring the dignity of every family. mOBiNurses Community Doula Code of Ethics Mission As a mOBiNurses Community Doula, I commit to providing compassionate, culturally humble, trauma-informed, and family-centered support throughout pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and infant feeding. I recognize every family's right to informed decision-making, bodily autonomy, and respectful care. 1. Respect for Every Client I will: Treat every client with dignity and respect. Honor each person's values, beliefs, culture, identity, and traditions. Never discriminate based on: Race Ethnicity Religion National origin Age Disability Gender identity Sexual orientation Family structure Immigration status Insurance status Socioeconomic status Support all families without judgment. 2. Client Autonomy I understand that: My role is to support—not direct. Clients make their own healthcare decisions. I provide evidence-based information from reputable sources. I do not pressure, manipulate, or coerce clients into making specific decisions. I respect informed refusal. 3. Scope of Practice I will remain within the role of a community doula. I will not: Perform clinical procedures Diagnose medical conditions Interpret medical tests Give medical advice Prescribe treatments Replace healthcare providers I will refer clients to appropriate professionals whenever concerns arise. 4. Trauma-Informed Care I recognize that many families have experienced trauma. I will: Create emotional and physical safety. Obtain permission before discussing sensitive topics. Respect boundaries. Avoid coercive language. Empower clients through choice. Maintain calm, supportive communication. 5. Cultural Humility I understand that learning about culture is lifelong. I will: Listen more than I assume. Ask respectful questions. Recognize my own biases. Continue learning from the communities I serve. Avoid stereotypes. 6. Confidentiality I will maintain strict confidentiality. I will never share: Client names Birth stories Medical information Photos Videos Personal conversations unless: Written permission is obtained Disclosure is legally required There is immediate risk of harm Confidentiality extends to: Social media Group chats Family conversations Public settings Educational presentations 7. Professional Boundaries I will: Maintain appropriate professional relationships. Avoid dual relationships that may impair judgment. Respect client privacy. Avoid dependency. End services professionally when care concludes. 8. Evidence-Informed Practice I commit to: Using current evidence whenever possible. Acknowledging when evidence is limited. Distinguishing facts from personal opinions. Continuing my education throughout my career. 9. Collaboration I will work respectfully alongside: Physicians Midwives Nurses Lactation consultants Social workers Therapists Community health workers Pediatric providers My goal is collaborative care—not competition. 10. Advocacy I advocate for respectful maternity care by: Supporting informed consent Encouraging respectful communication Helping clients voice their preferences Supporting client autonomy Addressing barriers to care when appropriate I advocate with—not for—my clients whenever possible. 11. Equity and Justice As a community doula, I recognize the impact of systemic inequities on maternal and infant health. I commit to: Promoting health equity. Addressing barriers to care. Connecting families with community resources. Supporting underserved populations. Treating every family with fairness and compassion. 12. Professional Integrity I will: Be honest. Be dependable. Arrive prepared. Communicate promptly. Complete documentation accurately. Admit mistakes. Correct errors promptly. Maintain professionalism in all settings. 13. Social Media Ethics I will never post: Birth photos Client photos Screenshots Testimonials Videos Personal health information without written consent. I understand that deleted posts can remain permanent online. My social media presence should reflect professionalism and respect. 14. Conflict of Interest I will disclose any potential conflicts of interest. I will not: Recommend products solely for financial gain. Accept gifts that influence my professional judgment. Misrepresent services or credentials. 15. Mandatory Reporting I understand that I must follow applicable state laws regarding mandatory reporting when required. If I suspect: Child abuse Elder abuse Abuse of a vulnerable adult Imminent danger I will follow legal reporting requirements while maintaining professionalism. 16. Continuing Education I commit to lifelong learning. I will continue developing skills through: Continuing education Conferences Community learning Evidence review Professional mentorship Self-reflection 17. Accountability If I make a mistake, I will: Accept responsibility. Learn from the experience. Seek supervision when needed. Take corrective action. Continue growing professionally. 18. Commitment to the mOBiNurses Mission As a mOBiNurses Community Doula, I pledge to: Serve with compassion. Lead with humility. Protect client dignity. Promote equity. Support healthy pregnancies and births. Strengthen families. Build healthier communities through respectful, evidence-informed care. Community Doula Ethical Pledge I understand that being a community doula is both a privilege and a responsibility. I pledge to uphold the values of compassion, integrity, professionalism, respect, equity, and lifelong learning. I will honor every family's right to informed decision-making and provide support that is ethical, trauma-informed, culturally humble, and centered on the needs of the people I serve. Through my actions, I will represent the mission and values of mOBiNurses with excellence and help create safer, healthier birth experiences for every family.