Letter of Agreement Describing Doula Services, Limits, and Fees
To be signed by the client when contracting the doula for services

What is a doula?

A doula accompanies women in labor to help ensure a safe and satisfying birth experience. I have completed training approved by DONA International. As a doula, 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 will also assist your support person by educating him or her on practical ways to provide you with physical and emotional support before and during labor and delivery. I am independent and self-employed.

Before Labor

I will meet with you and your partner at least once before 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.

I will also inform you of times when I will be unavailable for labor support. To cover these times, I will arrange one or more qualified back-up doulas, whom you may also meet.

We may also decide on other meetings and will certainly remain in touch by telephone and/or email.

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. Together we will decide if I should come right then or wait for further changes (I usually need approximately one hour 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 labor and birth.

As a Doula, I do not 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 the "plans" you had prior to the labor.

As a Doula, I do not perform clinical tasks such as blood pressure readings, fetal heart checks, vaginal exams, and others. I am there to provide only physical comfort, emotional support, and advocacy.

As a Doula, I do not speak to the staff on your behalf. I will discuss your concerns with you and suggest options, but you or your partner will speak on your behalf to the clinical staff.

After Birth

I usually remain with you for one or two hours after the birth, until you are comfortable and your family is ready for quiet time together. I can also help with initial breastfeeding if you wish. I am available for phone contact to answer questions about the birth or your baby and would like to get together with you within two to three weeks to see how you are doing, to review your birth, and to get feedback from you about my role.

Failure to provide services

I will make every effort to provide the services described herein. Sometimes this is impossible (for example, with a rapid labor). If my failure to attend your birth is due to my error or due to circumstances beyond anyone’s control, there will be no charge for my services beyond the retaining fee. If it is due to your failure to call me, I will keep, or you will owe me, the agreed upon full cost of service.

My fee for the services described above is $______. The fee is to be paid as follows:

$ ______ as a retainer fee, due when you select me as your doula +

$ ______ due by 38 weeks of gestation

Once I receive the retainer fee, I will begin my 24 hour on-call status for your labor.