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About Us

The Doula Association of Vermont is a professional organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for doulas and the families they serve throughout the state.

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The association provides a network for doulas to connect, share resources, and continue their education through workshops, training sessions, and peer support.

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By promoting the role of doulas, the association aims to enhance the childbirth experience, offering physical, emotional, and informational support to birthing individuals and their families and advocating for Medicaid coverage for doulas in Vermont.

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Through their efforts, the Doula Association of Vermont seeks to empower families, improve birth outcomes, and foster a community of compassionate care.

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Members will have access to a network for doulas to connect, share resources, and continue their education, as well as events and educational materials organized by the association.

Mission

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The mission of the

Doula Association of Vermont (DAV)

is to offer a unified

voice for doulas serving

families in Vermont,

ensure and protect

the integrity and sustainability

of the doula profession,

and advocate for access

to doula services.

DAV is dedicated to our mission and will attain
these goals by focusing
on the following
strategic areas:

Policy Advocacy
Advocate for systemic change, including both Medicaid coverage for and increased access to doula services, dignified compensation, and equity in maternal health policies.

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Professional Community Building
Foster connection, peer support, and shared resources among doulas to build a strong, sustainable professional network.

 

Public Education and Awareness
Increase public understanding of doulas, the evidence behind their value, and their role in improving maternal and infant health outcomes.

 

Training and Workforce Development
Provide high-quality comprehensive and equity-focused doula training, increase the number of well-trained doulas, and support retention in the profession.

 

Operational Infrastructure
Develop systems and processes to enable Medicaid billing, reimbursement, and other administrative support for doulas.

DAV Code of Ethics

ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITY TO CLIENTS

  • Respect for Client Autonomy: Doulas respect the client's right to make informed and consensual decisions about their care. We recognize that every person has the right to full autonomy over their body and their experience.

  • Client-Responsive Support: Doulas offer non-judgmental and compassionate support to clients. We provide evidence-based information and support the client’s decisions, regardless of their lifestyle, background, or circumstances, recognizing our own biases and worldview. 

  • Endeavour to achieve human rights in childbirth: Doulas work alongside their clients to foster self-determination, self-advocacy, and protect the fundamental right to health for our clients, their family and the community.

  • Reliability: Clients rely on the support doulas provide and count on the doula to be dependable and honor all professional commitments. There may be situations where a doula can no longer provide support a client needs, and it is the doula’s obligation to refer them to appropriate care. 

  • Confidentiality: Doulas must maintain confidentiality regarding all client information, sharing details only with the client’s consent or when legally required.

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PROFESSIONALISM

  • Integrity and Honesty: Doulas conduct themselves with honesty, integrity, and professionalism at all times. We are truthful about qualifications, competencies, and limitations on services we may provide, and will not misrepresent qualifications or competencies.

  • Scope of Practice: Doulas adhere to the defined scope of our practice and avoid the provision of medical advice or services outside of our training. 

  • Transparent Business Practices: Doulas are transparent about their fees, services including scope of support and limitations, and any business practices. They avoid false or misleading advertising.

  • Continuing Education: Doulas commit to ongoing education and professional development to enhance our skills and stay informed about current practices in childbirth and postpartum care.

 

INTERPROFESSIONAL COLLABORATION

  • Collaboration: Doulas collaborate with other professionals involved in the client’s care, prioritizing the goal of advocacy for the client’s preferences, while maintaining their autonomy as doulas. 

  • Avoiding Conflicts of Interest: Doulas avoid situations, where personal or financial interests could compromise their professional judgment or client care, and acknowledge the importance of independence from hospitals where possible. 

 

PROVIDE EQUITABLE CARE

  • Cultural Humility: Doulas strive to embody cultural humility and sensitivity, which includes upholding the intersectional needs of birthing people, recognizing power dynamics, and tailoring care to each client.

  • Inclusion and Equity: Doulas commit to inclusive practices, ensuring that all clients receive equitable care and support.

 

AMPLIFY JUSTICE

  • Client Advocacy: Doulas support and promote the client’s rights and preferences. We affirm and uplift clients’ right to express their needs and desires.

  • Community Advocacy: Doulas may advocate for broader issues related to maternal and infant health, reproductive and birth justice, access to care, and/or public policy, always prioritizing the welfare of clients and the community.

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