Professional doulas always offer a contract to be signed by all parties. A doula’s contract should include:
Information on the doula’s role during the pregnancy, labor and delivery, as well as prenatal and postnatal care.
A paragraph that focuses on your priorities, fears and concerns.
The doula’s availability and whether she works with an apprentice. Also backup information in case she is ill or has another delivery when you go into labor. All times and dates that your doula will not be available should be specified, as well as her cell phone number.
Information and approximate date and time of a prenatal conference. The contract should specify the information she will need from you and your partner at the conference.
A date from which she will be available to attend your labor and delivery. Will she be available if you baby is premature?
What procedures will take place once your labor begins?
Techniques that the doula will use to make you comfortable during labor and delivery. Does she have a tens machine that will ease pain? What emotional and physical support will be given?
How long will the doula stay with your after the birth of your baby? Will she assist you in breastfeeding?
Specific length of time that the doula will remain available to answer any questions or address any concerns; a week, a month?
Whether or not the doula will provide one or more postnatal visits after the birth of your baby. Will she be available for a weekly visit and one when your baby is ten days old?
A section listing services that the doula will not provide.
The total fee for all services.
Whether or not she will assist at the labor and delivery with no prenatal or postnatal visits for a reduced fee to financially assist those in need.
When and how the fee will be paid. Is a deposit required? Must you prepay? How many days after the birth is the remainder of the fee due?
Does the doula allow payments, if needed?
A clause stating what the procedures are if she fails to attend your labor and delivery.
The contract should be signed by you, your partner, the doula and her apprentice if she has one. Date should also be specified.