Jewish Doula Contract

Complimentary Consultation:

This serves as a chance to get acquainted and for me to answer any questions you may have about my services. You are under no obligation to hire me as your doula after this meeting. I believe in the right doula for the right family.

Prenatal Visits:

Two visits offering time to discuss your pregnancy, review your birth plan, questions and concerns, labour prep, Jewish ritual elements if desired, comfort measures for labour tutorial and more. (More visits available on separate fee schedule).

Continuous Phone/Email/Text Support:

You will have access to me via phone, email & text throughout your pregnancy and postpartum period.

On Call Support 24/7 From 38 Weeks Until Your Birth

I am on call for you beginning two weeks prior to your estimated due date indicated below until the birth. You may contact me at any time during the day/night if you believe you are in labour, or if you need information/a question answered. If you believe you are in labour/if your waters break, please call at ANY time. I ask that clients call as soon as they know labour has started, or if their waters break. In the event of a false alarm and I have been called to the hospital and then sent home, there will be a $30.00 fee due at the time of occurrence. This can usually be avoided with a phone call or visit to your doctorʼs office.

Once you decide youʼd like me by your side, I will arrive at the birth within 2-3 hours, barring any unforeseen circumstances. Note: If you are to go into labour before your on-call period, I will make every effort to be present for your birth.

Unwavering Labour Support (once in active labour)*:

Dedicated support for mom/birthing person (and partner) during labour/birth at home or in hospital, including the use of various comfort measures such as massage,, breathing & relaxation techniques, positioning and more. I will remain by your side during/after the labour/birth to support you physically, emotionally and educationally.

*I want to be there for the birth of your baby. For this reason, I will offer phone/text support during early labour but expect to be called to attend once you are in active labour. After 24 hours I can no longer support your labour and will need to call in a back-up doula.

Immediate Postpartum Support:

I will remain by your side for postpartum support 1-2 hours after the birth, including assistance in establishing a breastfeeding relationship.

Postpartum Support:

I will visit you at home/in hospital one time to assist with breastfeeding and to offer support/information in whatever way your family desires. We may talk about your birth, life with a newborn, Jewish rituals such as Brit Milah/Brit Shalom, babywearing, discuss community resources or anything else that may be of concern to your family. These visits generally last 1-2 hours. (More visits available on a separate fee schedule).

What Doulas Do Not Do:

As your doula, I do not perform clinical tasks (blood pressure, fetal heart checks, vaginal exams, etc.). I am by your side to provide physical and emotional support, to facilitate advocacy and to provide information. I do not make medical decisions on your behalf. I will help you to get the information necessary to make informed decisions. I will also remind you if there is a departure from your birth plan.

I will discuss your concerns with you and suggest options, but you and your partner will speak on your behalf to the clinical staff.

In case of Caesarean:

As a member of your labour team, I make every effort to provide the services discussed above and will assist you through your process, regardless of birth outcomes. Most hospitals only allow one support person in the operating room during a caesarean section. Usually people giving birth prefer their partners or a family member to accompany them at this time. I will offer to support you during your surgery. If you elect to have your partner/ family member with you, I will meet you in the recovery room and I will help you to get comfortable and assist you with breastfeeding. 

Failure To Provide Services:

In the unlikely situation that I am unable to attend your birth, I as your doula, will arrange the support of a backup Doula. You are welcome to meet your back up at one of your prenatal visits and must inform your primary Doula of any concerns at least one month prior to your EDD. Every effort will be made in advance to advise you of this situation. In the instances of rapid labour, or failure to contact me, my fees will remain the same. In the extremely rare case that neither myself nor my backup doula are able to attend your birth, due to our error, half (1/2) of the balance of my fees will be returned to you. If your labour lasts less than one hour and I am unable to reach you before your babyʼs birth, I will meet you at your home or hospital as soon as possible.

Fees:

For my services, I offer a sliding scale of $810-$1080. Please choose the cost which best suits your family and situation. One half (1/2) of the fee is due at the time of contract signing. The remainder is due 30 days prior to your estimated due date. Cash, Visa, Mastercard, PayPal or Cheque are all acceptable forms of payment.