• Standards of Practice

    I. Scope

    Services Rendered. The doula provides culturally appropriate emotional, physical, and educational care for their client’s family during the perinatal period. The doula offers evidence-based information on infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from childbirth, and other issues related to the perinatal period including perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.

    Limits of Practice. NAPS Doulas Standards apply to emotional, physical and educational support only. The NAPS doula does not medically diagnose or clinically treat conditions. The doula refers to medical providers for diagnosis or medical treatment. The doula will communicate any observational concerns with their client about any family member, including the baby. The doula provides care that is culturally appropriate for the doula and their client. The doula only provides services in which they are trained.

    Referrals. For client needs beyond the scope of the doula’s training, referrals will be made to appropriate resources.

    II. Commitment to Client

    When a doula agrees to work with a particular client, the obligation is to do so reliably, to the best of the doula’s ability, for the term of the agreement. Should any doula feel a need to discontinue service to an established client, it is the doula’s responsibility to notify the client in writing and arrange for a replacement, if the client desires. This may be accomplished by:

    • Introducing the client to another NAPS doula
    • Contacting NAPS Doulas, or another doula organization, for names of other available doulas
    • Following up with the client, or other doula, to make sure that the client’s needs are being accommodated

    III. Training and Experience

    Referral Line. Doulas available on the NAPS Doulas Referral Line have met all Referral Line requirements, including affirming their basic knowledge in the NAPS Competency areas and commitment to continuing to learn, adherence to NAPS Core Values, Standards and Ethics, current CPR certification, current liability insurance, and a Washington State background check.  Doulas on the Referral Line may also be NAPS certified.

    Certification. Doulas that are certified by NAPS Doulas have met the requirements to participate in the NAPS Referral Line listed above. NAPS Certified Doulas also have attended an approved training and/or demonstrated knowledge in the NAPS Competency areas.  Certification also requires completion of mentorship, client evaluations, and proof of continuing education and cultural learning. All certification requirements are reviewed, approved, and re-approved every three years.

    Maintenance of Qualifications. Doulas maintain their eligibility for the NAPS Referral Line by staying current with NAPS membership, liability insurance and hands-on infant CPR.  They also renew their Washington State background check and NAPS Core Values orientation every three years. NAPS Certified Doulas are also required to accrue continuing education credits – including cultural learning opportunities – and client evaluations.