Doula Terms & Policies

RESERVATION POLICIES:

I ask for a non-refundable fee of $300, which is paid during or shortly after the consultation, which is applied to the fee. I will not consider myself obligated or “on-call” until I have received this deposit. The remaining balance is due by your due date, payment plans can be discussed if necessary. I consider my on-call period for a birth to be from two week before your due date to two weeks after the due date. I generally will only take a client if I plan to be in town and available for this “on-call” period. Limits of availability near due date: I would list specific dates and times here when I would not be available and my back up doula would attend.

I do have a cell phone, and in general I can be reached at any time. In the rare instance where I need to turn it off for some reason during an on-call period, I try to check it at least every two hours for voicemails.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

If you call me when you are in labor, and I am unable to attend your birth, and you were not attended by a back-up doula, I will refund everything but the non-refundable deposit. If you do not call me to attend your birth or I am not given adequate time to attend your birth, I will not issue a refund. In any of these circumstances, I will always be available for two postpartum visits.

WHEN LABOR BEGINS:

Please call me when you think you are in labor, even if you do not need me at that time. If I am unable to answer the phone, please leave a message and I will call you back as soon as possible. I will decide if I should come then or wait for further change. In the case of a long early labor, or an induction, I can check in periodically and come when you are moving into active labor. I need approximately 2 hrs to get to you from the time you ask me to come. We will also decide together where to meet—at your home, the birth center, or the hospital. Except for extraordinary circumstances, I will remain with you throughout labor and birth. In the rare circumstances that I cannot attend your birth, I will call a back-up doula to attend. If you go into labor before 37 weeks, I will make my best effort to join you as soon as possible or make back-up arrangements as necessary.

FACILITIES:

I do prenatal and postpartum visits in home. If needed I do have a personal location me can meet at, please contact me if this is something that would be necessary for you.

WHAT I DO NOT DO:

Perform Clinical Tasks: This includes tasks like taking blood pressure, fetal heart monitoring, and vaginal exams.

Make Decisions for You: We will help you get the information necessary to make an informed decision. We will also remind you if there is a departure from your birth plan. Our role is to observe, listen, and reiterate rather than to give opinions.

Speak to the Staff on Your Behalf: I will discuss your concerns with you and suggest options, but you or your loved ones will speak directly to the clinical staff. I am there to encourage communication with your care provider.