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SCOPE OF PRACTICE
• Doula does not perform clinical tasks, medical assessments, or evaluations. Doula cannot offer medical advice or diagnoses for Client or baby. Doula services do not replace care from a medical provider. Any advice given is nonmedical.
• Doula does not make decisions for Client. Doula supports access to information and community resources so Client can make informed choices.
• Doula does not provide transportation for Client, baby, or other family members.
• While Doula does not perform major household cleaning tasks, referrals to trusted community resources may be provided.
• Doula is HIPAA compliant and makes every reasonable effort to maintain Client privacy. All information about Client and family will remain confidential unless otherwise mutually agreed upon.
• Doula strictly follows American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines for safe infant sleep and for following infant hunger cues during shifts.
• Areas of support may include helping Client process their birth experience, support with lactation and other feeding methods, self care and recovery support, identifying and understanding baby’s cues, ensuring the safety and caring for baby and or siblings while Client and family members rest, shower, or spend time together, babywearing techniques, cleaning and sanitizing bottles, home tidying, light meal or snack preparation, and errand running.
SCHEDULING
Due to the unpredictable nature of birth, Doula does not guarantee a set schedule. Scheduling options will be discussed, and reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate Client.
FAILURE TO PROVIDE SERVICES
Doula will make every reasonable effort to provide the services described in this agreement. Circumstances such as illness or emergencies may occasionally prevent service. If Doula becomes unavailable for a previously agreed upon appointment, reasonable efforts will be made to connect Client with another postpartum doula. If backup doula care is unavailable or not desired by Client, services will be rescheduled for a later date.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Both parties agree to disclose if anyone in the household has experienced a fever or other illness symptoms, including cough, runny nose, or vomiting, during the week prior to any scheduled visits. Services will be postponed until all parties are no longer contagious. Providing services in private homes carries a risk of illness exposure, which puts Doula and vulnerable families at risk. Prompt communication of symptoms allows appropriate health precautions to be taken. Doula is vaccinated and will wear a face mask during visits when in close proximity to Client, baby, and other family members.
Doula is not obligated to provide in home services during periods of active contagious illness within the household. This includes, but is not limited to, confirmed or suspected COVID, influenza, RSV, norovirus, or other respiratory or gastrointestinal illness. Services will be postponed or rescheduled until it is reasonably safe to resume care, without penalty to either party.
PHOTOGRAPHY, CAMERAS, OR RECORDING
If visual surveillance devices are used in the home, Client agrees to inform Doula prior to services. Photos or videos of Doula may not be shared on social media or made publicly available without written consent from Doula.
CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES
• Client agrees to share updates regarding pregnancy progress, particularly in late pregnancy following prenatal appointments and promptly after the baby has arrived.
• For families booking in advance, a 50% retainer is due at the time of booking that will apply to the second half of the anticipated contract period. Example: Contracted period of 3 nights/week for 4 weeks = $2,880 due to reserve the last two weeks of care.
• Additional itemized invoices will be issued at the end of each week unless another payment arrangement has been agreed upon. Each invoice will include hours worked and applicable rates. Client agrees to remit payment within 48 hours of receipt.
• Client agrees to reimburse Doula for parking fees incurred during shifts.
• Client agrees to provide a baby monitor if baby is to sleep in separate area from Doula and agrees to provide a flat, clean resting space for Doula.
CURRENT RATES
Overnight Support: $60 per hour, 8 hours minimum/10 hours maximum per shift
Awake Overnight Support: $70 per hour, 8 hours minimum/10 hours maximum per shift
*by request for medically fragile babies
Day Support: $50 per hour, 5 hours minimum/8 hours maximum per shift
LIABILITY
Client acknowledges that Doula does not provide medical or clinical services. Client agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold Melissa (Mel) Swanson harmless from any and all claims, liabilities, actions, damages, costs, fees, causes of action, and judgments arising from or related to postpartum care provided to Client and baby. This includes, but is not limited to, physical injury, property damage, and claims involving Client, family members, or baby.
TERMINATION
A. If Doula terminates this agreement, Client is under no obligation to pay out the remainder of the contract, although no refund of provided services will be issued. All unused services and or retainer already paid will be refunded except in the case of "B".
B. If Doula terminates this agreement due to disrespectful or harmful treatment, and/or unsafe environment by Client or noncompliance by Client to the agreed upon contract terms, there will be no refunds issued and the remainder of the contract amount will be due immediately.
C. If there is a loss of pregnancy prior to the start of the contract, the Doula agrees to return the retainer.
D. If Client changes their mind, for any reason, prior to the scheduled start of the contract, Doula retains the full retainer. If it is less than 14 days prior to the start of the contract, the remaining balance of the contract amount is due in full.