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1. Require a high standard of training
See an overview of
how doulas are
trained, and decide what standard you would like to require.
2. Require agreement to a Code of Practice
Ensure
the code you use sets high professional standards in defining a doula's
role, ethical obligations, and includes a grievance procedure. See the
Childbirth International Code of Practice
for a benchmark code.
3. Require registration with your
practice or hospital
Maintain a registry of doulas who
work with you: require filing of a curriculum vitae (with photo if desired).
Include a signed Code of Practice. Require a brief 5- or 10-minute meeting
with a nursing supervisor to sort out the details before a doula works with
you for the first time. The administrative time required may be balanced by
the benefit of establishing a relationship between nursing staff and doulas,
and by having a common set of agreements. The file of CVs and photos can be
kept in a binder at the nurses' station for easy identification.
4. Use the grievance
procedures provided by training organizations
Having
a Code of Practice should help set the standards, but it's no good if lapses
aren't addressed. The
Childbirth International Code
of Practice includes a grievance procedure in the final section.
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