Make your birth doula contract

If you want to download a contract, this has two documents: a fill-in-the-blank PDF you can print and a Word document you can edit. 

birth doula contract

$35.00

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You have to make a contract. It’s intimidating. Nobody wants to share theirs. We’re probably all self-conscious about how ours compares to other doulas. What do you put in it? Where do you start? How do you word it? Let’s talk about it.
 
A contract protects the doula. It clarifies what they do and don’t do. Any client signing it is stating they understand this. They’re also agreeing to pay your fees. Don’t procrastinate. Get it over with. You’ll feel better after it’s done.
 
Let’s set it up. This is how I have mine. It is not done by a lawyer. You should get an attorney to review yours. Throughout this blog, I’ve copied pieces of my contract, italicized, and in green font.   
 
At the very top you may want to add a title to the document such as
“contract of hire for birth doula services.”
 
Next you want your information.

• Company
• Name of doula
• Website
• Email
• Phone number

I put a box around that section.  
 

SERVICES
I break these down into sections with titles so the contract is easy for them to read. 

• General description – Give a few sentences about the basics of birth doula services. I also mention I am an independent contractor and not employed by any hospital, birthing center, medical practice, or doula agency.
• What services include – You may want to say how you offer support (in-person and over the phone or video chat), locations you support, and what types of births you support.
• Birth doula services do not include – I also list a few bullet points of what is not included in this such as medical care, transportation, cleaning, child care, attendance of intentionally unassisted births, etc.
• Time frame of services – How early can they hire you? When do your services end?
• On-call availability – When does your on-call period start? For most of us, we go on call at 36 weeks.
• Time of arrival – This section clarifies expectations for how quickly you can get to them once called. I recommend using language such as “Please allow a minimum of two hours to arrive” instead of saying something like “Will arrive within two hours”. You may get there sooner, but don’t break your contract over it. Mine also says to please consider drive time from (my town). This gives them an idea of how far I’m driving.
• Duration of shift – How many hours in a row can you or will you work? Do you want to mention allowing small breaks for food? Is there a time limit for max amount of hours you’ll support a birth? Mine says that after 12 hours of work, I may take a break. I do not put a limit on the overall time I provide services.
• Inability to provide services – What happens if the hospital won’t let you in? Will you offer virtual support or refund? Mention your sick policy here. What about inclement weather? 
• Back-up doulas – Do you work with a back up doula? Be straightforward about this. If you do, mention when you would call them in. Do you cover the cost or does the client? Do you guarantee back-up support?

PACKAGES
If you don't offer packages, explain what is included with your services here such as 2 prenatal appointments, birth support, 1 postpartum appointment, and when services end. 

If you offer different packages, give them an overview here. I add a section at the bottom of this page where they select the package they are choosing. 


FEES
Here is where you want to clarify what your fees are and when they are due. Industry standard is requiring 50% of the total package fee upfront and the rest due by 36 weeks. Some allow payment plans and no upfront lump sum. Most of us require payment due in full by 36 weeks. If you allow payment plans, you may want to give a due date for monthly payments. If you offer discounts or scholarships, allow a space for that. 


REFUND POLICY
You need to have a refund policy decided. Many doulas decide the birth itself is a certain percentage of the fee. They may also decide to have a non-refundable retainer fee. Mine is in green here. It is okay to have a cut off for refunds such as 36 weeks because they have taken that slot for the month and it may be difficult to fill that slot last minute (and pay your bills on that income). You may also want to clarify refund policy in case of perinatal or newborn loss. If you have packages, be mindful of mentioning certain numbers. You may want to keep it to percentages. If you only offer one service, you may want to clarify the dollar amount here. 

The retainer fee is 40% of the overall fee. This secures the client’s due date and the doula’s availability for that month. That is non-refundable.
 
If the client chooses to end services before 36 weeks (according to the due date given at time of hire), all but the retainer fee will be refunded. After 36 weeks gestation, there is no refund if/when a client cancels services.
 
If the doula misses the birth through no fault of her own (i.e. the client did not notify in a timely manner), no refund is given.
 
If the doula misses the birth through her own circumstances (such as illness) and no back-up doula was offered as a substitute, 60% of the total package fee is returned. Postpartum follow-up will still be offered.
 
In case of perinatal or infant loss, doula support is still provided. The above policies are followed. If the doula provides bereavement support, that is birth support. A refund may be offered for miscarriage or stillbirth based on the number of hours invested according to the doula’s determination.
 
If the doula chooses to terminate services, the refund amount will be determined by the doula as to what is a fair amount in the circumstances.  

Remember your time doing appointments and providing support prenatally is still worth charging for even if you miss a birth. Don't give a 100% refund when you have done work for this family.


TERMINATION OF SERVICES POLICY
After you share your refund policy, you should clarify that the client can terminate services and there are situations the doula can as well. Mine says,
 
The client is able to end services at any point for any reason.  
 
The doula may end services for reasons including the following: lack of payment, violence, unsafe environment (including presence of drugs), unhygienic environment such as bug infestations (including excessive smoke or allergens), threats, harassment, mistreatment or inappropriate behavior, client moving residence to outside my service area, change in planned birth location, or incompatibility with expectation of care.
 
I am unable to provide care in a home with a cat. I’m highly allergic. If a client has a cat, all appointments need to be arranged in another location and birth support is for the hospital only.  

Notice that I mentioned in my contract about an allergy of mine. I am sadly very allergic to cats. Some breeds actually make my eyes swell shut. I cannot be in a house with cats. I actually ask about pets in the home before I schedule a consultation.

When I was a newer doula, I didn't have a termination section. I think it's a good idea to have a formal exit opportunity if safety becomes an issue.
 
What are some situations you want to be able to end a contract with someone?


LIABILITY
You may want to mention some things about not being liable for outcomes that aren't what the client wanted. Here is what mine says.

• The doula is not liable for the actions of medical care providers or staff. A doula cannot direct staff in what they may or may not do.
• The doula does not make medical decisions or give medical advice. Therefore, the doula is not responsible for the outcomes of medical choices made by the patient.
• The doula cannot guarantee preferred outcomes or birth preferences. Therefore, the doula is not liable when preferences are not met.
• The doula is not responsible for the outcomes of the pregnant client, fetus, birthing mother, or infant.
• The doula is not liable for injury using equipment provided by the doula.
• The doula is not liable for injury caused by the client choosing or agreeing to positions or recommended techniques.

CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Be clear about what responsibilities they have. How soon do they need to notify you? Some examples in my contract,

• It is the client’s responsibility to understand a doula’s role and scope of practice before hiring.
• It is the client’s responsibility to notify the doula as soon as labor is suspected. Proper notification of labor is a voice call. Text messages are not sufficient notification.
• It is the client’s responsibility to notify the doula when the client is ready for in-person doula support to begin.
• In the event of an emergency, preterm labor, or an unexpected outcome during pregnancy, notify the doula as soon as you are able.
• If the client switches to a different care provider and/or planned birth location, please inform the doula of this change.

 

COMMUNICATION EXPECTATIONS
It may not be necessary to mention this in the contract, but I think it's helpful to clarify how they need to contact you and when they can expect a response if you happen to have office hours. Here is what mine says.

• When labor is suspected, a voice call is necessary.
• If/when an emergency is suspected, please voice call.
• Voice call to notify the doula of when you would like her to come. Text messages and emails can easily be slept through or unheard; therefore, are insufficient notification.
• During pregnancy and the postpartum period, feel welcome to email or text at any time.
• Messages that are not urgent will be answered during office hours. Those hours are Monday through Saturday 11am to 7pm.
• Communication during pregnancy and postpartum is client-led. Please keep the doula informed of updates by your own initiative.
• The client must communicate medical decisions and requests directly with the staff. While the doula can speak to staff on your behalf with non-medical matters, the patient has to speak for herself on matters regarding medical care.

CLIENT INFORMATION

• Birthing woman’s name
• Phone number
• Email *the invoice will be sent to this email
• Home address
• County of residence
• Estimated due date
• Intended location of delivery
• Name of provider for maternity care
• Name of practice

 
AGREEMENT TO HIRE SERVICES
This is where the action comes in. Will they say I do? Is it a match?
 
I, (type a line long enough to handwrite the client's name), hereby agree to hire (your name) of (your LLC) for birth doula services as agreed upon in this contract.
 
I understand this agreement becomes active upon payment and that without payment this contract will be null.
 
I understand the doula’s role of support.
 
I understand medical care is not included in doula services.

I understand services will not be provided for labor and delivery without payment in full.
 
I understand the fees, refund policy, and termination policy of this business.
 
(line)
Print your name
 
(line)
Sign your name
 
(line)
Date
 
Symbols “doula portion” symbols
 
(line)
Doula signature
 
(line)
Date
 
 
Ta-da
You did it. You made your very first contract. See, that wasn’t so scary. Open a document. Do your outline. You are welcome to use the outline I have here. Draft. It doesn’t need to be perfect today. Get it drafted. Go from there. And remember you are always allowed to update your paperwork. You can tweak things as you go. You’ve come this far. Don’t let the intimidation of a contract hold you back.

birth doula contract

$35.00

Dear doula,

There are 2 documents here. The first one is a PDF made for easy printing (black and white) that offers a fill-in-the blank contract for birth doula services. This is great for newbies who need a contract to get started, but don't know how they want to customize it yet. If you offer multiple packages, you can print the package information page multiple times.

The second document is a Word document you can edit. I have highlighted spots you need to customize.

The images attached are watermarked images of the fill-in-the-blank PDF. The contracts to download do not have a watermark.

Best of luck to you in your doula journey!

Note: This is for individual use by the purchaser only. It cannot be sold or distributed. By downloading this product, you agree to the individual use between one business and their clients.

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If you're just getting started, it may be easier for you to download a ready-made contract. I've been a doula since 2008 and have edited this contract to satisfaction. The basic contracts so often given in doula trainings don't prepare for all the what ifs. Make sure your contract has every area covered. Prepare your contract as if it is going to be challenged.
This download has 2 documents:
1. a fill-in-the-blank PDF you can print
2. a Word document you can edit 

Best of luck to you on your doula journey!