Labor & Birth Support

Our Birth Doulas offer steady, compassionate support throughout pregnancy, labor, and delivery—ensuring families feel informed, empowered, and genuinely cared for every step of the way.

As your Birth Doula, we’re here to hold space for calm, joy, and meaningful connection. However your birth unfolds, our goal is to help you feel supported and at peace—so that the memory of your baby’s one and only birth day is wrapped in light, love, and care.

We provide evidence-based education, physical and emotional support, gentle advocacy, and lactation guidance as needed. Support begins with prenatal appointments and continues with ongoing communication via phone, text, and email. Once you reach 37 weeks, we’re officially on call until your baby arrives. We also remain available for postpartum support, helping you transition into this new chapter with confidence and care.

 

Daytime Postpartum Support

Our daytime doula care offers the steady presence of an expert, paired with the warmth of an experienced friend or nurturing mother figure—someone to lean on during one of the most vulnerable, emotional, and beautiful times in a woman’s life. Sometimes, all it takes is a cup of tea, a listening ear, and time to rest for the body and soul to begin healing.

As your Postpartum Doula and Newborn Care Specialist, we provide personalized support tailored to your family’s unique needs. A typical daytime shift lasts 3–4 hours and may include:

Light housekeeping
Laundry & baby laundry
Meal preparation or cooking
Nursery setup & organization
Sibling support
Newborn care & soothing techniques
Infant feeding & lactation support
Preparing sitz baths or herbal healing care
Encouraging parental rest & self-care

This is a time to be nurtured—day support helps ease the physical and emotional transition into parenthood with calm, capable care.

Please note: The type of support provided may vary based on the doula you contract with and the care preferences discussed during your consultation.

Sunrise & Sunset Support

*Please Note: Sunrise and Sunset Support availability is determined at the discretion of the individual doula. Some doulas may offer these shifts as standalone services, while others may require that they be scheduled in conjunction with Overnight Support. Whether there can be a combination of Sunrise and Sunset hours is also based on the doula’s availability and preference.

These transitional care windows are designed to ease the most demanding parts of your day—mornings and evenings—so your family can start and end the day with less stress and more support.

Sunrise Support offers a gentle start to your morning with an extra set of capable hands. Whether it’s preparing breakfast, tidying up the kitchen, getting baby ready for the day, or holding baby so you can shower, get dressed, or catch up on rest, this time is all about lightening your morning load and helping you feel more grounded before the day begins.

Sunset Support brings calm and support to the evening chaos. From preparing and cleaning up dinner to helping with bath time, prepping meals for the next day, or caring for baby while your family winds down—this is the golden hour of care that helps set the stage for a more peaceful night ahead.

Our Sunrise & Sunset Support helps restore rhythm to your day with attentive, practical, and nurturing care when you need it most.

Overnight Support

There’s nothing quite like the peace of knowing a trusted, experienced professional is caring for your baby while you rest. Our Overnight Support offers the comfort of an expert and the steady presence of a nurturing mother, sister, or experienced friend—someone who intuitively knows how to tend to your baby’s needs and gently support your recovery through the night.

A typical overnight shift includes:

Newborn care & soothing
Diaper changes
Infant feeding & lactation support
Cleaning bottles & pump parts
Baby laundry as needed

We follow your baby’s rhythm throughout the night and sleep when your baby sleeps. To provide safe, attentive care, a horizontal sleeping surface must be provided for the doula to rest.

Terms & Conditions of Support:

Client Agreement

I am contracting with April’s Doula Services for labor and/or postpartum doula care. I understand and agree to the following terms regarding the scope of support, communication, responsibilities, limitations, and fees:

Reservation of Services

Contracted hours are reserved on our calendar beginning at 37 weeks of pregnancy. If delivery occurs prior to 37 weeks, we will make every effort to accommodate or send a back up doula if possible. However, support availability may be subject to existing commitments during that time. In these instances, my doula will provide an additional 2 hours of postpartum support at no cost once I am discharged from the hospital. This can include assistance with breastfeeding, laundry, cleaning, baby care, cooking, etc. The full fee applies.

Scope of Support

I understand that my doula will provide emotional, physical, and informational support throughout pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period. This includes—but is not limited to—pain coping techniques, guidance on newborn care, assistance with breastfeeding, postpartum recovery, and emotional well-being.

 

 

During labor, my doula will support me with non-medical, non-pharmacological methods to help me cope with and progress through labor. She will offer guidance, encouragement, and physical support as needed.

During any scheduled shifts, I understand that my doula is entitled to reasonable breaks for meals, snacks, and restroom use. These breaks will be taken thoughtfully to ensure that my care and the baby’s safety are never compromised.

Pets & Safety

I understand that while my doula may enjoy animals, pet behavior does not determine compatibility. If a pet is simply nervous or uncomfortable, services will continue as agreed, and no refund will be issued. However, if a pet exhibits aggressive behavior or creates an unsafe environment, April’s Doula Services reserves the right to cancel services immediately without a refund.

Backup Support

If my doula becomes ill, needs rest, or is unable to continue providing high-quality support due to an extended labor, she will contact a prearranged backup doula at no additional cost to me. I have the right to decline backup support; however, I understand that full payment for contracted services is still required.

Non-Medical Role

I understand that my doula is not a medical professional and does not perform clinical tasks, including taking vital signs, performing cervical checks, or monitoring fetal heart tones. She is not responsible for the outcome of my pregnancy, labor, or postpartum experience.

I understand that my doula will not make decisions on my behalf or speak directly to medical personnel in place of me or my partner. She will help us understand the information provided by the birth team, summarize options, and offer emotional support—but we are responsible for communicating directly with our care providers.

Boundaries & Right to Withdraw

I understand that my doula may withdraw from providing services at any time if she feels uncomfortable or unsafe, with prior notice when possible. This may include issues related to behavior, environment, aggressive pets, or any factor that compromises her ability to provide safe, effective support.

Payment Terms & Cancellation

I understand that:

My doula cannot guarantee a specific birth outcome.

In the event of a pregnancy loss, you will need support, but it will look different than expected. Prior to 12 weeks gestation, the option to receive a full refund will be given. Once you have reached your 2nd Trimester, the retainer will be used to support you in your recovery and grieving. You may choose to purchase the entire package, change the hours of support, or surrender (gift to another family)

I understand that if my doula fails to attend my birth due to unforeseen "Acts of God" such as impassable road conditions, fallen trees, etc., no refund shall be issued. If for any reason my doula fails to attend the birth during the on-call period (37–42 weeks), and I contacted her properly, and she fails to send a back-up doula, she will return a pro-rated portion of the contract. 

If I decide not to use a doula prior to 37 weeks, I will not owe the remaining balance, but the Retainer Fee is non-refundable.

If I opt for a cesarean birth and choose not to have my doula present, or if hospital or physician policies prevent her presence, I am still responsible for full payment. One postpartum session will be offered to support me at home.

*Please note that under the circumstances of a cesarean birth, a doula can generally still support you before and after your cesarean section birth. If the situation prevents the doula from supporting during labor or to be present during the cesarean section, one postpartum session will be provided to help you around the house as well as with the newborn and breastfeeding.

I understand if my doula is unable to attend my birth due to a rapid labor (baby is born less than two hours after I call the doula and ask her to come), or I give birth before 37 weeks, I will receive two hours of postpartum support after hospital discharge. Full payment is still required.

My doula will do her best to arrive at my home or birth location as soon as she is able after being notified. I agree to provide at least two hours' notice whenever possible to allow time for her to make arrangements.

I understand that if during labor, I try calling the doula and am unable to get in touch with my doula or her backup within two hours from my first call, and my baby is born without a doula attending the birth, I will be refunded my Retainer Fee and the Remaining Amount will not be payable. That is, no fee will be payable whatsoever.

Release of Liability

I acknowledge that April’s Doula Services and any affiliated doulas are not liable for any aspect of medical care received during my pregnancy, labor, birth, or postpartum period. I release them from responsibility for outcomes related to medical care provided by my healthcare providers or birth facility.

Independent Contractor & Fee Structure

I understand that my doula may be an independent contractor working through April’s Doula Services. While April’s Doula Services coordinates care and ensures a high standard, my doula operates independently. A portion of my payment goes toward administrative and coordination fees retained by April’s Doula Services.

If I have any questions regarding this arrangement, I understand I may reach out for clarification at any time.

Agreement to Terms & Conditions
I have read and understand all terms and conditions outlined above. I understand that support is not guaranteed until availability is confirmed and the 50% non-refundable retainer has been paid. I accept full responsibility for payment of all contracted services.

By signing below, I agree to the Terms & Conditions of Support with April’s Doula Services.

Terms & Conditions of Support:

*I understand that unless otherwise agreed upon, a responsible, unimpaired individual will be in the home during a shift in the event we are called to a birth or have to leave unexpectedly to due sickness.

*I understand that due to scheduling purposes, the total of all postpartum hours must be used by their alloted support timeframe from the start of postpartum support. (unless previously discussed). If there are any leftover hours, those hours would expire and be relinquished. Depending on availability, new hours would need to be purchased in order to extend support.

*I understand that depending on availability, contracts may be extended with a new package or additional hours may be purchased and paid for on a weekly basis.

*I understand that if the doula arrives and no one is home to answer the door, they will attempt to contact me. If there has been no communication from me after 15 min from the first attempt, the support shift is considered canceled and no refund will be issued.  

*I understand that holidays can effect scheduling and the amount of support days available for me that week, regardless of the number of days discussed during consultation and contracted for.

*I understand that in order to support their well-being and ensure their highest quality of care, doulas are entitled to reasonable restroom breaks and may take time to eat meals or snacks during any shift. Doulas will do their best to choose appropriate times for breaks, ensuring that the safety and care of the baby or client are never compromised.

*I understand that sicknesses of the doula, in their household and in client households occur and can not be avoided. Cancellation is at the discretion of myself or the doula and will be rescheduled, possibly added to the end of the contract.

I understand that unplanned guests arriving to help care for family & baby, and poor planning and notification can negatively effect scheduling and the support they can offer to other families. Therefore, shifts may be forfeited & cancellation fees may be assessed for cancellations with less than 48 hr notice. 

*I understand that in the event the doula has to leave during a support shift due to being called to a birth, due to sickness or medical reason for herself or a family member, unfulfilled hours will be rescheduled.

*I understand that in the event the doula needs assistance in fullfilling support hours due to, but not limited to an emergency, sickness, attending a birth, unexpected injury and/or temporary physical limitations, or scheduling purposes, she may, at her discretion and at no expense to the client, send a backup or bring an assistant with her to fullfill support.

*I understand that in the event of a pregnancy loss, I will need support, but it will look different than expected. Prior to 12 weeks gestation, the option to receive a full refund will be given. Once I have reached my 2nd Trimester, the retainer will be used to support me in my recovery and grieving. I will have the option to choose to purchase the entire package, change the hours of support, or surrender (gift to another family)

*In the event that you choose to surrender unused hours, (not to be mistaken for expired hours that are relinquished) you may:

      -Gift the unused hours to a friend or family member

      -Donate the hours to support a client who can not afford the support

      -Place the hours in a lottery to choose someone at random

Pets & Safety

I understand that while my doula may enjoy animals, pet behavior does not determine compatibility. If a pet is simply nervous or uncomfortable, services will continue as agreed, and no refund will be issued. However, if a pet exhibits aggressive behavior or creates an unsafe environment, April’s Doula Services reserves the right to cancel services immediately without a refund.

I understand that I have full autonomy in making decisions for my child, and I trust that my doula will respect and support those choices. In the rare event that my doula recommends immediate medical evaluation and I choose not to pursue it, I agree that she cannot be held liable for any outcomes resulting from that decision.

If my doula determines that a situation is outside the scope of her professional expertise or training, she will inform me directly and may, at her discretion, end the shift early to maintain safe and appropriate boundaries. I understand that any remaining time in that shift will be forfeited. My doula may resume care once the concern has resolved or after I provide documentation from my child’s doctor confirming that the condition is not contagious or life-threatening.

I understand that my doula follows the current safety guidelines outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). If I choose to follow care practices outside of those guidelines, I agree to provide written instructions from a licensed pediatrician. This ensures that care remains safe, informed, and aligned with evidence-based medical standards.

 

Payment Terms & Cancellation

I understand that the following circumstances would result in no refund being issued and may lead to the cancellation of this contract:

*If client decides not to have doula for postpartum support

*If doula feels threatened, feels unsafe

*If doula feels the baby is being denied food for any reason

*If reasonably comfortable, clean, smoke-free, overnight accomodations are not provided to doula. It is at the doulas discretion whether the contract is cancelled with no refund or if the contract is changed to a different type of support. 

*If home is not reasonably clean, smoke-free, and free of rodents, pests, pet feces, or strong odors such as cat urine.

*If client chooses not to use/schedule the remainder of support hours due to baby sleeping an extended period of time

*If immediate medical treatment is declined & the medical situation is deemed out of scope of the doulas expertise, the doula has the right to leave during a shift and those hours will not be rescheduled. 

 

Reservation of Services

Contracted hours are reserved on our calendar beginning at 37 weeks of pregnancy. If delivery occurs prior to 37 weeks, we will make every effort to accommodate. However, support availability may be subject to existing commitments during that time.

Independent Contractor & Fee Structure

I understand that my doula may be an independent contractor working through April’s Doula Services. While April’s Doula Services coordinates care and ensures a high standard, my doula operates independently. A portion of my payment goes toward administrative and coordination fees retained by April’s Doula Services.

If I have any questions regarding this arrangement, I understand I may reach out for clarification at any time.

Release of Liability

I acknowledge that April’s Doula Services and any affiliated doulas are not liable for any aspect of medical care received during my pregnancy, labor, birth, or postpartum period. I release them from responsibility for outcomes related to medical care provided by my healthcare providers or birth facility.

Agreement of Terms & Conditions

I have read and understand all terms and conditions outlined above. I understand that support is not guaranteed until availability is confirmed and the 50% non-refundable retainer has been paid. I accept full responsibility for payment of all contracted services.

By signing below, I agree to the Terms & Conditions of Support with April’s Doula Services.

Liability Release Waiver and Consent Form for Doula Support

April's Doula Services, LLC, the provider of support, along with it's individual members, independent contractors, agents, and employees, shall not be held liable for any accidents, injuries, illnesses, any aspects of my, or my baby’s, medical care or treatment provided by my chosen health care professional(s) or hospital during my pregnancy, birth or postpartum. Nor shall we be held liable for any other unforeseen circumstances that may occur during the course of day or overnight doula or newborn care support, 

Client acknowledges and accepts that caring for the home and newborns involves inherent risks, and therefore, releases support person from any and all liability arising from the provision of day and overnight support. Client agrees to indemnify and hold harmless provider from any claims, damages, or liability arising out of or related to the support provided. This non-liability clause shall survive the termination of this agreement.

This agreement is made between April's Doula Services, the Doula, and/or Independent Contractor and the Client for the provision of postpartum doula support services and/or infant care. The Doula agrees to provide non-medical support and services to the Client during the postpartum period, including but not limited to emotional support, physical comfort, partner support, self-care, infant care, feeding guidance, and household assistance related to the postpartum period.

The Doula is not a medical professional and does not perform clinical tasks such as medical diagnosis or treatment, or any other activity that requires a professional healthcare license. The Doula's role is to provide information, support, and comfort to the Client and their family. In case of a medical emergency, the Doula will advise the Client to seek medical attention from a healthcare provider. The Doula does not assume any responsibility for the health of the Client or the baby.

Assumption of Risk:

The Client acknowledges that postpartum doula services involve inherent risks and agrees to assume those risks voluntarily. The Client understands that April's Doula Services, the Doula, and/or Independent Contractor provide support and information but not medical advice or services. As your doula, we follow the current safety recommendations set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Any deviation from these guidelines must be accompanied by written instructions from your licensed pediatrician. This ensures that your child's remains aligned with evidence-based medical recommendations.

Home Surveillance Policy:

We understand and respect that many families use home surveillance systems for safety and peace of mind. While we fully support your right to monitor your home, we kindly request that you disclose the locations of all recording devices (audio and/or video) in areas where doula care will be provided.

This allows our doulas to maintain appropriate boundaries, such as stepping out for private phone calls or changing clothes if necessary. Transparency ensures mutual respect, comfort, and professionalism in the care environment.

Consent to Doula Services:

The Client consents to receive the services outlined above from April's Doula Service and/or it's Independent Contractors. The Client understands that April's Doula Services, the Doula, and/or Independent Contractor is not responsible for the outcome of labor and delivery and that their role is to support the Client in the postpartum period.

Release and Waiver of Liability:

The Client releases and holds harmless April's Doula Services, the Doula, and/or Independent Contractor from any and all liability, claims, and demands of whatever kind or nature, either in law or in equity, which arise or may hereafter arise from the postpartum doula services provided. The Client understands that this release discharges April's Doula Services, the Doula, and/or Independent Contractor from any liability or claim that the Client may have against April's Doula Services, the Doula, and/or Independent Contractor with respect to any bodily injury, personal injury, illness, death, or property damage that may result from the services provided.

Acknowledgment of Understanding:

The Client has read this waiver of liability and fully understands its terms. The Client understands that they are giving up substantial rights, including their right to sue. The Client acknowledges that they are signing the agreement freely and voluntarily, and intend by their signature to be a complete and unconditional release of all liability to the greatest extent allowed by law.