B I R T H . D O U L A . C O N T R A C T
As a birth doula, I provide physical, emotional and informational support to assist you in having an empowering birth experience. I draw on my professional training, knowledge and experience to provide emotional support, physical comfort and as needed, help facilitate communication with staff to ensure you are able to obtain the information needed 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 also assist families in gathering information about the course of labor and available options prior to birth. I am independent and self-employed. As your doula, I am working for you, not your caregiver or hospital.
Before Labor
We will meet twice before labor, time permitting. We will become acquainted, explore and discuss your priorities and any hopes or concerns, as well as your birth plan and plan how we might work best together. I support your preparations for birth and parenthood by offering referrals to other resources as necessary. I will inform you if there are any times when I am unavailable for labor support. To ensure you have available labor support should you need it during these times, I will arrange one or more qualified back-up doulas whom you may also meet. I will choose a backup doula based on my professional expertise. We will remain in touch by telephone and/or email from the time of contract and in the weeks leading up to your birth.
Included in your birth doula fees is a breastfeeding course. You may register for any scheduled class or opt to take the course online.
Labor
I ask that you call me when you believe you are in labor, even if you do not request my presence at that time. I can answer questions and make suggestions over the phone. I need approximately two hours to get to you from the time you request that I join you. I will meet you at your home, the hospital, or birth center. Except for extraordinary circumstances (such as but not limited to; illness, extreme weather or other family emergency), I will remain with you throughout labor and birth, with short breaks to meet personal needs. In the case of a long labor (ie 20 hours or more) or other extraordinary circumstance, as defined above, I may request at my discretion that a back up doula relieve me to ensure that you have continuous, capable support. Should you choose to have your labor induced, I will join you when you are in need of additional labor support, at your request. For most women this is between 5-6cm dilation or ”active labor.” Often this is several hours into or the day following the induction of labor. I will be available via phone for support, questions and/or explanations prior to my arrival.
After Birth
I will remain with you for up to two hours after birth, until you are comfortable and your family is ready for quiet time together. I will also help with initial breastfeeding as desired, and will help create the postpartum environment you desire to facilitate bonding with your new family. I will visit you once in the first weeks following your birth to see how you and your family are adjusting, assist with breastfeeding, make referrals and address any postpartum concerns. This is also a time to review and process joyful or difficult moments from your birth.
Included in your contract is a 1 hour appointment with an IBCLC lactation consultant. Additional hours and visits will be billed at the contracted rate.
Limitations of Liability
Client agrees to indemnify, defend and hold Nola Nesting, LLC, its agents, members, doulas, and representatives harmless from all claims, losses, judgments, damages, expenses and costs (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees and court costs), whether fixed or contingent, and whether or not adjudicated, arising from or in any way related to: (a) the breach of any of its obligations hereunder; (b) damage to real or tangible personal property of client or any third party as a result of the fault of client and not due to the fault of Nola Nesting, LLC its agents members, doulas, or representatives, (c) bodily injury to any party caused by client and not caused by Nola Nesting, LLC its agents members, doulas, or representatives; (d) any breach of representations or warranties regarding services of Nola Nesting, LLC made by clients or any other third party; (e) payment of services owed to birthing facility (f) any unauthorized act or omission of the doulas which may be determined to be binding upon Nola Nesting, LLC; and (g) the negligence, recklessness or willful misconduct of the Nola Nesting, LLC or its agent, doulas, members or representatives, (h) the aforementioned exceptions of services, including but not limited to, medical monitoring, medical decisions, medical opinion, treatment options, physician services, and medical services.
Explanation of Fees.
I will make every effort to provide the services described here. Sometimes this is impossible (for example, with a rapid labor). If my back-up doula attends your birth due to my own illness or any other reason, the fee is still due in full. If your medical care provider or the policies at your birthing location prevent me from providing services, my fee is still due in full. If hospital policy prevents me from being with you during a cesarean birth, I will still provide immediate postpartum support, and the fee for services is due in full. It is my recommendation that you discuss your plans for doula support with your care provider prior to birth. It is your responsibility to call me when you are in labor and to leave a message if I am unable to answer the phone. If I do not attend your birth because you fail to contact me, fees are still due in full. My fees are not adjusted for the length of time of labor or birth.
If we are unable to provide in-person prenatal visits due to infectious disease, we will provide virtual visits. If your place of birth has restricted your right to have a doula present with you we encourage you to place in writing to the chief of Obstetrics, Labor and Delivery Nurse Manager, and hospital CEO your request to have your doula present. If we are unable to attend due to hospital policy related to infectious disease we will labor with you at your home, providing both you and your doula are comfortable, and provide support virtually throughout your labor and birth after moving to the place of birth. Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Payment
A nonrefundable retainer of 50% of the full fee is due at the time of contract. The balance is due in full at the 37 week point of your pregnancy. If the balance is not paid at 37 weeks, client gives permission for Nola Nesting to charge their credit card for the balance due. Should fees not be paid in full as directed above, it is solely at the doula’s discretion whether or not to attend your birth. If you begin labor prior to making full payment, and wish for your doula to join you, you (client) authorize Nola Nesting to charge your card for the balance due.