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Draft:European Doula Network (EDN)

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  • Comment: Please add more reliable sources to this article. You should not submit until you have added more reliable sources to demonstrate notability. Regards, OnlyNanotalk 00:56, 23 August 2024 (UTC)
  • Comment: Two sources wouldn't be enough to establish notability per WP:ORG even if they both were independent, and in this case neither is.
    And two citations isn't enough to support the information, as it leaves the vast majority of the content unreferenced. DoubleGrazing (talk) 15:10, 22 August 2024 (UTC)
  • Comment: Editor: we need to see significant coverage in independent, reliable, secondary sources. Qcne (talk) 10:21, 5 September 2023 (UTC)

European Doula Network
AbbreviationEDN
Formation2011
HeadquartersSwitzerland
Membership
65 Doula Associations and Training Programmes
Websitewww.europeandoulanetwork.org

The European Doula Network is a European non-profit organisation representing doulas in 28 territories. Initially a grassroots movement in several countries, it was formally founded in 2011, in Switzerland.

Core activities

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The European Doula Network is a non profit organisation of doula associations, training programmes and friends. Its mission statement is "connecting, supporting and informing" doulas. It is organised according to a circular sociocratic model. It does not accredit member training programmes. A detailed article about the organisation was published in the International Journal of Baby and Parent Education, Volume 11, Issue 4.[1]

Code of Ethics

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The Code of Ethics was written in 2015 to define the scope of practice and later revised in 2023.

EDN Code of Ethics
Doulas may support individuals, parents and families in their choices throughout pregnancy, childbirth and early parenting or during other life-changing periods, such as bereavement and death.
  • Doulas provide emotional and practical support to individuals, parents and families.
  • Doulas do not perform clinical tasks, make medical diagnoses or give advice.
  • Doulas support informed choice and informed consent, without directing any decision-making.
  • Doulas treat clients, families, colleagues and all other professionals with respect and courtesy.
  • Doulas conduct themselves with integrity and transparency with respect to their experience, skills, and boundaries.
  • Doulas respect the privacy of clients and hold in confidence all information in accordance with GDPR.
  • Doulas engage in continuing personal and professional development.
  • Doulas contribute to networks of care in local and wider communities.

The EDN Code of Ethics is translated into 22 languages.

Doula Surveys

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The EDN has conducted two doula surveys to research doula training, employment, experience and continuing education.

  • 2020 (pre-pandemic)
  • 2023 (post-pandemic)

In 2023, it collaborated with the International Childbirth Education Association ICEA and DONA International to launch a pilot study to obtain feedback from healthcare professionals on doula support. A preliminary report was published in DONA International's 'Doula International' magazine.[2]

In 2024, it conducted a survey into the postnatal experience of mothers in Europe who had given birth in the previous 5 years.

Doula Solidarity and Support Initiative

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The EDN supports doula work in humanitarian crises caused by human conflict or natural disasters.

The DSS initiative shares multilingual resources and relevant contacts to doulas who support minority groups and marginalised people including refugees, migrants, women with disabilities, people from the LGBTQi+spirit community and those who are imprisoned.

Partnerships

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EDN is partnered with the International Childbirth Initiative and Prenatal Alliance.

The International MotherBaby Childbirth Organization (IMBCO) and the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) launched the International Childbirth Initiative's 12 Steps to Safe and Respectful MotherBaby-Family Maternity Care.

ICI Step 4: Offer Continuous Support
Inform the mother of the benefits of continuous support during labour and birth, and affirm her right to receive such support from companion(s) of her choice.

In support of Step 4, the EDN initiated an international collaboration of doula organisations, including the International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA) and DONA International, to represent doulas at the FIGO XXIV World Congress of Gynecology and Obstetrics in Paris, October 2023.[3]

A compilation of 42 research papers giving evidence for doula support in childbirth was produced.

EDN regularly presents at Midwifery Today [4] conferences in Europe, to foster open dialogue between midwives and doulas.

Annual Conference

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EDN holds an annual meeting, organised by a member organisation (or organisations) in a different country each year. The conference is used for networking and sharing skills and experiences between doulas from across Europe.

Date City
2011 Paris, France
2012 Gouda, The Netherlands
2013 Zurich, Switzerland
2014 Algarve, Portugal
2016 Barcelona, Spain
2017 Warsaw, Poland
2018 Vienna, Austria
2019 Prague, Czech Republic
2020 Online
2021 Online, Belgium
2022 Speak! Hear! Doula! (Online)
2023 Madrid, Spain
2024 Lille, France

Documentary

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United for Birth

In 2024, a documentary series 'United for Birth' was released by EDN and produced by Des Films, featuring interviews with the founders, doulas and their clients.

United for Birth
Episode 1 What is a Doula?
Episode 2 Birth Keepers
Episode 3 Stories of Childbirth
Episode 4 Having a Doula
Episode 5 The Doulas of the EDN

References

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  1. ^ https://ijbpe.com/journals/volume-11/81-vol-11-issue-4
  2. ^ "International Doula Volume 32, Issue 1 Page 20". www.bluetoad.com.
  3. ^ "International Doula Volume 31, Issue 4". www.bluetoad.com.
  4. ^ Kalau, Mary (June 21, 2018). "The Birth of the European Doula Network".

Further reading

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