Terms & Conditions of Support: Labor & Birth Clients Only
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, if a doula is not available to attend your pre-term birth, 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.
No Refund for Unused Labor Support Services
I acknowledge that continuous support and access to my Doula and/or the agency begins upon execution of this Agreement and continue throughout the prenatal period, regardless of whether labor support services are ultimately utilized.
Should I choose not to utilize labor and birth support services at any point from 36 weeks gestation through the birth for any reason, including but not limited to personal preference, support from family members or friends, a change in birth plans, rapid labor, or elective discontinuation of services, no refund shall be issued.
I understand that the fees paid under this Agreement compensate the Doula not only for attendance at the birth, but also for prenatal consultations, ongoing communication, education, resource referrals, emotional support, preparation, scheduling limitations, and the Doula's commitment to enter an on-call status beginning at 37 weeks gestation. My Doula has reserved this time exclusively for my birth and may decline other professional opportunities during the on-call period.
Accordingly, all fees paid are considered earned for the Doula's availability, preparation, and support provided throughout the duration of this Agreement and are non-refundable.
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.
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.
Medical Care Requirement & Attendance Policy
Clients receiving birth doula services through April’s Doula Services are required to be under the ongoing care of a licensed medical provider (OB/GYN, certified nurse midwife, licensed midwife or qualified physician) throughout pregnancy, with the intent for that provider to attend the birth.
April’s Doula Services respects and supports each client’s right to informed decision-making and bodily autonomy. At the same time, our services are provided within clearly defined professional boundaries.
April’s Doula Services and its team do not attend or provide support for planned freebirths or any birth in which a client intentionally chooses to forgo the presence of a licensed medical provider or certified midwife.
In the event that a birth occurs prior to the arrival of the intended medical provider, this will be considered an unplanned circumstance and does not constitute a violation of this agreement.
However, if a client does not secure or maintain care with a qualified medical provider, or knowingly plans to deliver without one present, April’s Doula Services reserves the right to withdraw services and may decline to attend the birth. In such cases, all fees paid are non-refundable, and any remaining balance under this agreement shall still be due.
Clients acknowledge that April’s Doula Services and its team are non-medical support professionals and cannot be held liable for any outcomes related to the absence of medical care, prenatal care, or skilled medical attendance at birth.
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. No refunds shall be issued.
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 14 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, surrender or 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 I decide not to use a doula prior to 36 weeks, I will not owe the remaining balance, but the Retainer Fee is non-refundable.
If I deliver by 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.
*Please note that under the circumstances of a cesarean birth, a doula can generally provide support to 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 three 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 three hours notice whenever possible to allow time for her to make arrangements.
Backup Support
I understand that it is my responsibility to call (not text) my doula (or back-up doula, if there was one established) when I am ready for labor support or designate someone to make that call on my behalf.
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 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.
If for any reason my doula (or back-up doula, if there was one established) fail to attend my birth during the on-call period (37–42 weeks), and I requested their support by phone call within 3 hrs of birth, I will be returned the pro-rated birth portion of the contract.
In the unforeseen circumstance that my doula (or back-up doula, if there was one established) is not reachable after 30 min of attempting to call for labor support, I will call the Agency number.
Agency Numbers 864-712-5712 or 864-518-9521 or 864-556-7045
All effort will be made to accomodate the client's preferences whether it be based on personality, experience, religious preferences, etc. The agency will use its best discretion and decision-making abilities to fulfill the contract and support needs of the client. I have the right to decline backup support; however, I understand that full payment for contracted services is still required.
The Agency agrees to provide back-up doula support to me within 3 hrs of the call to the Agency or the prorated portion of the birth will be refunded.
I understand that if my doula or a back-up doula are unable to attend my birth due to a precipitous birth (baby is born less than three 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.
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.