Letter of Agreement Describing Doula Services, Limits and FeesWhat do I do as a Doula?
As a doula, I accompany the parents to assist with the birth experience. I draw on my knowledge and experience as a doula to provide emotional support, physical comfort and, as needed, communication with other caregivers to make sure that you have the information you need to make informed decisions as they arise. I can provide reassurance and perspective to you and your partner (if present), make suggestions for aiding 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.Choosing a Doula
I prefer to meet with you (and your partner or other support person, if applicable) at least once before the birth to become acquainted, to explore and discuss your priorities and any fears or concerns, and to plan how we might best work together. The first meeting does not obligate you to use my services and we can discuss my fees at that time. Prior to the birth I would like to become familiar with your Birth Plan, including your preferences regarding medical management options and the use of pain medications. I also want to learn about your own best ways of coping with pain, fatigue, stress and how you and your partner foresee working together.I will also inform you of times when I am not available for birth support. To cover those times, I will arrange one (or more) back-up doula(s) that you may speak with or also meet. Of course, you have as much choice over your back-up doula as your primary doula. We will also decide on other meeting times and will certainly want to remain in touch by phone.When you are in the birth process:
Please call me when you think you are beginning your birth process, even if you are not sure. I can answer questions and make suggestions over the phone. We will decide if I should come right over then or wait for further changes. I usually need approximately one to two hours to get to you from the time you ask me to come. We will also decide where to meet - at your home or the hospital. Except for extraordinary circumstances, I or my back-up will remain with you throughout the entire birth process.I am available for phone contact to answer questions about the birth and your baby and would like to get together with you within one to two weeks after to see how you are doing, to review the birth, to admire your baby, and to get feedback from you.After birth
I usually remain with you for one or two hours, until you are comfortable, your questions are answered and your family is ready for quiet time together. I would also be happy to help with initial breastfeeding if necessary.What Doulas do not do
As a Doula, I do not:Perform clinical tasks, such as taking blood pressure, fetal heart checks, vaginal exams, and others. I am there to provide only physical comfort, emotional and informational support and advocacy.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.As a Doula I will not prescribe, diagnose or treat any medical problems that may arise and will not be liable for interpreting diagnostic procedures. This is the role of your midwife or physician.In the event of a rapid birth or emergency situation, I will do my very best for you and your family.Failure of a Doula to provide service
I will make every effort to provide the service described here. Sometimes this is impossible (for example, with rapid birth). If I, or my back-up, fail to make it to your birth due to either our error, or your inability to call me in an emergency, you will be refunded all money paid in advance. If it is due to your failure to call me, payment will be owed in full.Scheduled Caesarean Clause
Occasionally a woman will have something arise during her pregnancy that necessitates a scheduled Caesarean birth. If this decision is made two weeks or more before your due date, you may choose to cancel my services with no further payment owed beyond the deposit. Alternatively, you may choose to have me come with you to the hospital, accompany you during surgery (within hospital policy) or wait in the recovery room, and assist you with breastfeeding and adjustment in the first hours after your birth. An extra postpartum visit can also be scheduled at no further charge. In this instance my full fee will be payable.Indemnification by Contractor.
Client agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Company and its officers, directors, contractors and agents, from and against all claims, liabilities, losses, costs, damages, judgments, penalties, fines, attorneys' fees, court costs and other legal expenses, insurance deductibles and all other expenses arising out of or relating to, directly or indirectly, from: The negligent, grossly negligent, or intentional act or omission of Contractor or its directors, officers, employees, agents or Contractors.Fees
My fees for the services described above are $1,200$200 as a deposit fee, due when you select me as your doula.The remainder ($1,000) is due at / or before 36 weeks gestation.