Postpartum Doula Contract

This agreement, between ‘the postpartum doula’ (Emelia Vickers) and the client, outlines the services to expect, as well as right of the client and the doula.

My role as your Postpartum Doula:
I’m independently employed and hired directly by you and (if applicable) your partner. Note that I am working for you. My role as a postpartum doula is to provide physical, emotional and informational support to women in their fourth trimester and first year of motherhood. All information you give to me is strictly confidential, I will no judge or question your choices. I will work with you to ensure a safe and supported postpartum period. I will support you to the best of my ability, however I may suggest or refer you to a third party for assistance if I am unable to provide you with the support.

Initial meeting/Call:
The first meeting/phone call is a time for us to get to know each other and decide if we want to work together. It is vitally important that both you and your partner are comfortable with me and with my role in your postpartum space. If you or your partner feel that we do not fit well, I encourage you to say so and I will be more than happy to refer you to some local Postpartum Doulas based in Perth. If you decide to have me as your Postpartum Doula, please agree and sign this contract. I will then invoice you a percentage depending on the package you choose or otherwise what we personally agree on. This needs to be paid within 14 days, to secure my services.

Postpartum planning session:
I will meet with you and your partner (if they want to join) to put together your postpartum plan. This can be done either in person or virtually via zoom. This allows me to also know what you’re expecting in your postpartum as a family and from me as well as your priorities and concerns. The time limit of these sessions are not capped and are included in your postpartum package.

Phone support:
I am available for consistent text, phone and email support from when our three months together starts. I will get back to you as soon as I can, if not immediately withing 12-24 hours. It is important that we keep in contact with one another and communicate in the best way we can by having a channel of communication open. This allows me to stay up to date with how you’re going when I am not in home with you.

Postpartum Visits:
My services as a postpartum doula provides you with in home support and virtual support during our three months together. Visits are typically the first 3 months after birth but can also be within the first year of your motherhood journey. During our visits I can provide you with breastfeeding/bottle support, baby care, education, community service referral and birth debriefing. In our home visits I do the best I can to make sure that you are well rested, hydrated, nourishes, support and cared for.

Please not that if I am unwell, it is my responsibility to notify you and to reschedule my visit/s, this is to keep you and your family healthy and safe. I expect that you would do the same for me if anyone in your household is unwell.

Limitation of services:
As your postpartum doula I am a non-medical caregiver, I am not a doctor or midwife. I do not practice medicine, nor diagnose or treat postpartum related symptoms. Information present in our consultations and conversations are not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of a licensed health care professional. I do not make specific health claims or promise medical results. I provide education and guidance in your postpartum support.

I will not perform clinical tasks such as making any medical diagnosis, administering or prescribing medication, or any other procedure that qualifies as practicing medicine. My role is limited to providing for your physical, emotional, and educational support.

I will not provide medical advice or advice concerning any alternative therapies. Any information I provide shouldn’t be interpreted as medical advice and is not a substitute for medical advice, which only a licensed medical practitioner can provide. It is your responsibility to seek the advice of an appropriately qualified practitioner in case of doubt.

My first priority as a Postpartum Doula is mother and baby. I do not perform major house cleaning tasks. I am not able to provide transportation for mother or baby.

Disputes:
If a dispute arises between the parties to the agreement between postpartum doula and client/s, the parties will in good faith try to resolve the dispute. If a dispute cannot be resolved, a mediator can be appointed to resolve the dispute.

Other business:
A postpartum doula must not, while on the premises or performing services, engage in or be involved in business or activity that is not in their services.

Rights of Postpartum Doula:
Postpartum doula has the right to redirect or refuse service on justifiable grounds, providing clients are directed to appropriate support safely. Postpartum doulas have the right to take a break to hydrate and use the rest room.

Doulas have the right to feel safe at all times during visits and can terminate their services if they do not feel physically and/or emotionally safe. Postpartum doulas have the right to decline anything that makes feel uncomfortable or which is asked of them outside of their service agreement.

Professional Boundaries:
A postpartum doulas private life will not impact the ability to perform the agreed duties whether in home or virtually. Postpartum doulas are responsible for setting and maintaining clear and appropriate professional boundaries.

Termination of services:
Both clients and Postpartum Doulas have the right to terminate service at any time, with respect to the contract that has been signed and agreed on. Doula’s have the right to terminate services if they feel unsafe, or are asked to perform anything that is outside their scope of practise, their code or local laws. If a doula terminates their agreement, they must do so in a respectful manner.

If a client wishes to terminate services, the doula will retain 20% of outstanding fees owed.

Fees
Payment plans are welcome, and will be arranged on a case-by-case basis. A separate agreement will be filled out and signed once an agreement has been agreed upon. If you wish to pay in full you will receive at 5% discount.

It is in my best interest to show up in the best possible way I can for you and your family. This is when I ask for a financial exchange for my packages that Is supportive to not just me but also my family. This reflects in being accessible to you during our three months together. You can trust that I will not reschedule our sessions together whether in home or virtual unless it is absolutely necessary. Through out our journey together I will whole heartedly support you and be there for you.

By filling out the information below you are agreeing to the contract above.

Mothers Name:

First Name

Last Name

Mothers phone number:

(###)

###

####

Partners name:

First Name

Last Name

Partner phone number

(###)

###

####

Home adress:

Address 1

Address 2

City

State/Province

Zip/Postal Code

Country

Emergency contact name & number:

Email:

Any Allergies (food, medications etc):

Due date:

YYYY

How many babies are you expecting:

Babies names:

Location of birth:

Please list any physical, mental or nutritional needs that I should be made aware of?:

Do you have any pets (if so, what kinds and names)?:

What do you feel is the best way I can support you?:

Who is in your support network?:

What package have you chosen:

Cub package $2,500

Motherbear Package $5,500

Other

Payment Policy:

Emelia must be paid in full fourteen days prior to our first consultation, unless organised otherwise. If payment is not paid in full by the time services are to start, they will not commence. By paying in full you are acknowledging that Motherbear Cancellation/Refund Policy: All fees will be due as agreed to in our payment policy. No refunds will be given if you change your mind or choose to not use all of the services and client visits provided. In the event of illness, emergency or severe weather, every effort will be made to reschedule services once Emelia has been made aware of the change. Cancellations made prior to 24hours before a scheduled visit will be rebooked at no extra cost. Cancellations made within 24 hours of the postpartum visit will not be rescheduled and no refunds will be given unless due to extreme circumstances. Arranging services to start: Once your beautiful bundle of joy has entered the world it’s time for you to call me and for us to start working together. Once you let me know, I can book in the days that I come to visit/have our phone calls. During Covid-19 all postpartum services will be done via Skype, Zoom, email, telephone and door drop offs for delivery. Please note that if you live further than 30km away you will be charged 0.80cents per kilometres there after. In signing this contract, you understand and agree with the points above and the disclaimers and policies on our website.