"Confidentiality" What do I think?

This month's issue of "eDoula", a publication put out by DONA, was in my inbox yesterday. They are doing a 'back to basics" series and they are talking about the "Code of Ethics for Birth Doulas," touching on a couple of areas of interest.

Well,  have read the code of ethics a couple hundred times. Most of it common sense in my opinion! Ya know, primacy; my obligation to my client.  My fee; make sure I am clear and show, in writing, what my services are. Reliability; do I have to explain this one? I mean, seriously, its just basic work ethic ((shrug)). Well, this article's subject this time was "Privacy and Confidentiality"
I am thinking to myself as I skip over the email "no brainer, I'll read it later"

I went to birth the next morning and then here I am this evening and I decide to check my email and there it is again, unread.
I open it and skim through it and it makes some very good points.

Some of those points are about the way we communicate these days. The social networking, blogging etc and where we as Doulas draw the line about what we share with others and what does a confidentiality violation look like? What do you need to do for your client to maintain their anonymity, to respect their privacy, while still being able to be free to tweet, blog and facebook your life as a Doula?

The article talks about ensuring we have releases signed etc. That our close relationships with our clients are not a license to share their personal experiences. As Doula's, to have pride for those you serve in their successes and trials during their births because we can become so emotionally invested is only natural! I often time leave a birth feeling like I have gained a new family! The reasons are variable or course but 100% it is because sharing what you share with the families you serve, how can you not? So, it is only natural to want to share the good news, especially as a new Doula.

Some of the things I have always practiced as a Doula is the (what seems like endless) signing of releases. Personally, I think a release should be signed for photography (for example). Whether you offer it as a "service" i.e part of your fee or you are just capturing moments because you feel like its a nice perk as Doula. Your clients reserve the right to know your intention with their information and likeness (pictures). Do you post their birth story in a blog or do you tweet a play by play for out of state family members to follow? Do you put pictures up on a blog (like me) and give small details if any at all? Brochures? Anything you have gained from a client in the way of personal knowledge, birth story, pictures are, in fact THEIR property legally unless they release it. Recently, I started requiring a release to be signed, pics or not simply "just in case". Of course the overall "Confidentiality Release Form" is always signed. Which simply allows me to sent my stats to DONA every year (which I probably should start to do...hrrmm)

Upon signing the photo release for my services, my clients are the owners of their pictures. The release dictates that. The client also dictates what pictures they are comfortable with me using and not using. I also make efforts to contact clients before using their pictures and/or story.

I dunno, I suppose I get a little soapbox-y when I read stuff like that. I mean, there has to be "inspiration" somewhere when she wrote the article. I guess there are those who just don't personally, I am not willing to risk my reputation or my relationship with the peers or clients in my community over some dang pictures and some notes on a FB page. If you do not utilize the practice of signing releases, DO SO!

In closing, I include some very much non related, released for my own use, photog "fluff" taken by my sister in law at MY birth

Terry, Me and my Doula Erica Smith at work (24+ hrs in) just before

heading to the OR to push!!