A Postpartum Doula Contract is a legal document that discusses the responsibilities of both parties, including payment and services provided. It should also include any applicable policies or procedures to ensure a successful experience for all involved.
If you are a professional doula, it is good to set a contract with your client for your protection. The contract should be signed by both parties before services begin so that expectations are clear and both parties understand what is expected.
Postpartum doulas provide an invaluable service to families during this special time in their lives, and having an official contract helps to protect both the doula and the family from misunderstandings and potential issues. A contract helps outline what each party’s responsibilities are, as well as details about payment, scheduling, and more.
The Role of a Postpartum Doula
A postpartum doula is a type of doula that provides physical, emotional, and informational support to families during the postpartum period. Doulas are non-medical professionals trained in childbirth education, caring for the mother as she recovers from pregnancy and birth, assisting with breastfeeding if needed, aiding in new parent adjustment, and providing emotional and practical support.
Postpartum Doula services can be for a few days to several weeks or months and can be tailored to the family’s unique needs.
What is a Postpartum Doula Contract?
A postpartum doula contract is a legal document that outlines the terms and conditions of the doula’s services. It is like an insurance policy that solidifies expectations, monitors progress, and provides legal protections for both the client and the doula.
The contract should be agreed upon by both parties before the doula begins working with the family.
A postpartum doula contract should include (but not limited to):
- Payment information: How much will the doula be paid for her services and when?
- Hours of service: How many hours per week (or month) will the doula work?
- Services Provided: This outlines what specific duties and tasks are included in the doula’s job description.
- Policies & Expectations: This section outlines any expectations that both parties have agreed to or policies that must be followed while working together.
- Termination Clause: This clause states the conditions under which either party can terminate the contract.
- Liability Protection: Any legal obligations or agreements that protect both parties in case of a dispute.
Having an official postpartum doula contract is essential for ensuring that expectations are clear from the very beginning and that all parties involved are fully aware of their responsibilities, rights, and liabilities.
A good contract will help create a positive experience for everyone involved and protect both the doula and family from misunderstandings or potential issues.
Benefits of Having a Postpartum Doula Contract
1. Clearly defined services and rates: A postpartum doula contract provides clients with clear expectations of the doula’s services and the rates charged for those services. This ensures that both parties are aware of what is expected of them and what they can expect in return for their investment.
2. Detailed schedule of hours: A postpartum doula contract should outline the hours that the doula will be available to provide services. This enables clients to plan accordingly and know when they can seek assistance from the doula.
3. Cancellation and rescheduling policy: A postpartum doula contract should include a clear policy on cancellation and rescheduling of appointments. This policy ensures that both parties respect each other’s time and that the doula can effectively manage their schedule.
4. Additional services that may require extra fees: A postpartum doula contract should clearly outline any additional services that may require extra fees. This ensures that clients are aware of what services will incur additional costs and can make informed decisions.
5. Understanding of what happens if the doula is unable to fulfill their contract obligations for any reason: A postpartum doula contract should outline what happens if the doula is unable to fulfill their contract obligations for any reason, such as illness or emergency. This provides clients with a clear understanding of how any resulting challenges will be addressed.
Sample Postpartum Doula Contract Template
This agreement is entered into between ____________, hereafter referred to as the “Client”, and ____________, hereafter referred to as the “Postpartum Doula”.
Short Definition of a Postpartum Doula: A Postpartum Doula is a trained professional who provides physical, emotional, and informational support to new families during the period following childbirth.
Scope of Services: This contract outlines the services that the Postpartum Doula provides for their Client. The services are specific to each family’s needs, but can include:
- Assistance with newborn care; including feeding, sleep techniques, bathing, swaddling, and diapering.
- Support with the transition to parenthood; including understanding infant cues and postpartum recovery.
- Help with household tasks such as laundry, meal prep, light housekeeping, and errand running.
- Provide emotional support during this time of transition.
- Share resources and referrals as appropriate.
- Provide evidence-based information related to childbirth, breastfeeding and parenting.
Schedule of Hours: The Postpartum Doula will provide care at the Client’s home at the address of ________________________ as agreed upon by both parties.
The Postpartum Doula will be available for a minimum of ____________ hours per day and up to ____________ hours per week. The Postpartum Doula will work with the family to find a schedule that works best for them.
The Postpartum Doula will be available to provide services at the following times and rates:
- Day Time: Monday to Friday, 9AM to 5PM; Rate of $____________
- Night Time: Monday to Friday, 6PM to 5AM; Rate of $____________
- Additional days may be added at any time, and the Postpartum Doula will do their best to meet the Client’s needs.
During the period of employment with the Client, the Postpartum Doula will be available by phone, messenger, or email during regular business hours when she is not with the Client. The Postpartum Doula will try to be flexible to accommodate the Client’s needs.
Rates and Payment Terms: The fee for Postpartum Doula services are based on an hourly or package rate that is agreed upon by both parties prior to the start of work. This will include a breakdown of services and fees outlined in this contract.
- Payment is due prior to or at the time of service.
- Payment is accepted in forms of cash, check, or online transfer.
Limitations of the Postpartum Doula: The Postpartum Doula will not provide medical advice, diagnose medical issues, or prescribe medications. The Postpartum Doula is not a nurse, midwife, or other medical professional and is not authorized to provide any sort of medical care.
The Postpartum Doula is also not a nanny nor a housekeeper.
Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy: If the Client cancels an appointment with less than 24 hours notice or fails to show up for a scheduled appointment, they will be charged the full hourly rate for that appointment. If the Postpartum Doula cancels an appointment, they will provide as much notice as possible and will reschedule the appointment at a mutually convenient time.
If the Postpartum Doula is unable to attend due to illness, bad weather, or any unforeseen circumstance, the Postpartum Doula will make every effort to find a replacement doula as a backup.
Additional services that may require extra fees: If the Client requires additional services not listed in the Scope of Services, the Postpartum Doula will discuss any additional fees with the Client in advance.
Confidentiality and Liability: The Postpartum Doula agrees to maintain client confidentiality and will not disclose any information or details about the Client or their family to any third party without the Client’s express consent. The Postpartum Doula is not liable for any damages incurred by the Client or their family during services rendered.
This agreement may be terminated by either party at any time by providing written notice to the other party. Any outstanding fees or charges owed to the Postpartum Doula must be paid in full before the termination of this agreement.
By signing below, the Client acknowledges that they have read and understood the terms and conditions of this agreement and agrees to abide by them.
Client Signature
Date:
Postpartum Doula Signature
Date:
Postpartum Doula Contract PDF Sample
Below is a sample PDF file of this contract for your reference.
You may adjust any of the above details so it will best fit you and your client’s needs. After all, you know the needs of your client better than anyone else.
Also Read: Birth Doula Contract Template Sample
Summary
Having a contract is a legal and binding agreement that will help both parties understand their rights and obligations. Don’t rely on verbal agreements, handshakes, or assumptions. A Postpartum Doula contract will help you protect yourself and your client in case of any disputes.
So take some time to review your contract with your client before you start working together!