Letter of Agreement Describing Doula (Labor Support) Services, Limits and Fees

What is a Doula?

As a birth doula, I accompany women in labor to help ensure a safe and satisfying birth experience.  I draw on my professional training, knowledge and experience to provide emotional support, physical comfort and, as needed, communication with the staff to make sure that you have the information you need to make informed decisions as they arise in labor.  I can provide reassurance and perspective to you and your partner, make suggestions for labor progress, and help with relaxation, massage, positioning and other techniques for comfort.  I am independent and self-employed.  As your doula, I am working for you, not your caregiver or hospital.

Before Labor

I will meet with you and your partner at least once  before the onset of labor to become acquainted, to explore and discuss your priorities and any fears or concerns, to discuss your birth plan and to plan how we might best work together.  I also want to know your own best ways of coping with pain and fatigue and how you and your partner foresee working together.

When you are in labor

I prefer that you call me when you think you are in labor, even if you do not yet need me.  I can answer questions and make suggestions over the phone.  We will decide if I should come right then or wait for further change.  I usually need approximately hour to get to you from the time you ask me to come.  We will also decide where to meet – at your home, the hospital or the birth center.  Except for extraordinary circumstances, I will remain with you throughout labor and birth.

After birth

I usually remain with you for one or two hours after birth, until you are comfortable and your family is ready for quiet time together.  I will also help with initial breastfeeding.

I am available to answer questions about the birth or your baby and would like to get together with you within a week to see how you and your baby are doing, to review the birth, and to get feedback from you about my role.

As a Doula, I do not:

1. Perform clinical tasks, such as blood pressure, fetal heart checks, vaginal exams, and others.  I am there to provide only physical comfort and emotional support.
2. Make decisions for you.  I will help you get the information necessary to make an informed decision.  I will also remind you if there is a departure from your birth plan.
3. Speak to the staff on your behalf. I will discuss your concerns with you and suggest options, but you or your partner will speak directly to the clinical staff.

Fees

The fees for the services described are $600.00, to be paid as follows:

$300.00 non-refundable deposit due at the signing of this contract.

$300.00 due at the postpartum visit unless other arrangements have been made.

While every effort is made not to engage two clients with due dates falling within the same week, occasionally a conflict may arise. I understand that in the unlikely event my doula cannot be present; she will provide an equally qualified back-up doula.

If I am unable to attend your birth, I will retain the deposit for my prenatal services, but there will be no further charges.  I will make every effort to provide the services described here and/or provide backup support.  If a back up doula is required, the remaining balance will be paid to her. 

Please note, that canceling my services prior to delivery or scheduling a c-section does not nullify this contract.  If you choose not to have me attend your scheduled c-section, or your physician does not allow me to attend, you will not be refunded the deposit , however you will not be charged the remaining $300.00. If you have a c-section after receiving labor support, the remaining balance will be due. 

I/we have read this agreement describing the doula’s services and agree to the terms as outlined above.  I understand that all information shared with the doula will be held in the strictest confidence.

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Mother                                                              Date

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Partner                                                              Date

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Doula                                                                Date

"Birth is not only about making babies. Birth is about making mothers ~ strong, competent, capable mothers who trust themselves and know their inner strength."

-- Barbara Katz Rothman