Standing together to uplift doulas & the families they serve.
The Doula Services Association of BC is a nonprofit, member-led organization rooted in collective care, equity, and connection. We advocate for birth justice, support doulas in all stages of their work, and foster community across British Columbia. We know that when birth workers are supported, families are better supported too, and that’s at the heart of everything we do.
Our Purpose & Promise
Our mission and vision tell the story of who we are and what we stand for. They guide the commitments we make to doulas, families, and the broader community.
Mission
We exist to uplift and connect birthworkers across BC, raise awareness of the essential role doulas play, offer accessible referrals to families, and provide learning opportunities for doulas, healthcare workers, and families — all rooted in justice, care, and community.
Vision
A future where every family in BC has access to supportive, skilled, and culturally respectful doula care, and where doulas are recognized, valued, and sustained in their work.
Our Commitments
We’re committed to:
Advancing equity, reproductive justice, and anti-oppressive practices
Uplifting doulas as essential, skilled care providers
Fostering spaces for learning, connection, and community-building
Centering the voices and experiences of those most impacted
Leading with transparency, accountability, and integrity
How We Show Up Together
Our values aren’t just words on a page. They live in the commitments we follow with every family we serve, every birth we attend, and every relationship we nurture.
Code of Ethics
Personal Conduct and Professional Integrity
The Birth, Postpartum, Fertility, or Loss Support Provider (“Doula”) maintains high standards of personal conduct and professional integrity.
The Doula seeks ongoing education, affiliation with related organizations, and connections with other doulas to remain proficient and engaged in the local community.
Responsibility to Clients
The Doula’s primary responsibility is to their clients.
The Doula respects client privacy and maintains confidentiality of all information obtained during professional service.
The Doula assists clients seeking support either by providing services or making appropriate referrals.
When agreeing to work with a client, the Doula commits to reliable service throughout the agreed term, including clear back-up plans for unavailability.
The Doula clearly communicates fees, including terms, services, and refund policies; fees are reasonable and reflect services provided.
The Doula stays current with research and evidence-based care relevant to birth and postpartum families.
Responsibility to Health Care Providers
The Doula treats client caregivers with respect and courtesy.
The Doula recognizes that clinical care is the responsibility of the client and their health care team, and does not interfere with clinical care beyond providing suggestions or questions informed by client preferences and evidence-based knowledge.
Responsibility to Colleagues and the Doula Profession
The Doula acts as a representative of the profession, understanding their impact on the local birth community and striving to uphold and uplift the doula role.
The Doula contributes to creating and maintaining a harmonious doula community.
The Doula treats colleagues with respect and courtesy, and is reliable when providing back-up or assistance.
Responsibility to Society
The Doula promotes the overall health of birthing persons, babies, and the families they serve.
Standards of Practice
The Birth Doula
Role and Responsibilities:
Strives to provide continuous care for their client prenatally and during labour for as long as they are needed, as outlined in their agreement.
Provides emotional, physical, and informational support to clients prenatally and during the birth process.
Suggests and provides comfort measures.
Facilitates the full participation of their client’s partner and/or other chosen birth support persons, if desired.
Respects the client’s right to self-determination by not speaking for them, nor making decisions for them.
Helps the client prenatally to determine their preferences for their labour and birth, and assists with adjusting to unexpected changes.
Enhances communication between the client and the medical caregivers.
Works as a member of the larger birth team, including medical care providers.
Scope and Limits:
Does not perform medical tasks such as taking blood pressure, temperature, checking fetal heart tones, or vaginal exams.
Makes back-up arrangements with another doula to ensure client care if unavailable.
Notifies the client in writing if discontinuing service and may assist in finding another DSA doula.
Refers clients to appropriate resources when needs are beyond the doula’s training.
The Postpartum Doula
Role and Responsibilities:
Works with families postpartum, providing emotional, physical, and informational support.
Respects the culture and parenting style of the family.
Provides evidence-based information for informed decision-making.
Encourages questions, concerns, and provides emotional support.
Provides opportunities for rest, personal care, and healing.
Demonstrates newborn care and assists with infant feeding as needed.
Assists with household organization.
Scope and Limits:
Does not give medical advice, perform clinical procedures, or administer medications.
Refers clients to healthcare professionals and other practitioners as needed.
Notifies the client in writing if discontinuing service and may assist in finding another DSA doula.
Training and Experience Requirements for Doulas on the Find a Doula List
Completion of an approved training course from a recognized trainer.
For Birth Doulas: Support for three births with written reflections and observations.
For Postpartum Doulas: Minimum of 12 hours supporting families postpartum with written reflections and observations.
Submission of a narrative statement on the value and purpose of labour and/or postpartum support.
Observation of childbirth education series or participation in relevant continuing education (e.g., breastfeeding, infant massage, miscarriage/loss support).
A recent Criminal Record Check & Vulnerable Sector Check (note: Vulnerable Sector Check must be applied for in person).
Valid CPR-C certification (required for Postpartum Doulas).
Let's Chat.
Have something on your mind? Reach out and start a conversation with us. We’re here to answer your questions, share resources, or simply connect.
