What Should Be in My Doula Contract

When you’re a doula, your contract isn’t just a piece of paper—it's your shield, your roadmap, and the cornerstone of your professional relationship with clients. A well-crafted contract sets the stage for clear communication, ensuring that both you and your clients are on the same page from day one. It defines boundaries, clarifies expectations, and most importantly, provides legal protection for you in case of disputes or misunderstandings. Without a solid contract, you leave yourself vulnerable to miscommunication, unmet expectations, and potential legal challenges. We’ll share the basics on what you need to include to make sure your contract is doing its job, but it’s always a good idea to consult with an attorney that can help draft a contract that suits you and your businesses needs.

Scope of Services

Clearly outline what services you provide and, just as importantly, what you don’t. Are you offering prenatal visits, labor and birth support, postpartum care, belly binding? Spell it out. If you’re not on call 24/7 or don’t offer postpartum care, say so. Your clients need to know exactly what they’re getting to avoid any misunderstandings later on.

Availability and On-Call Period

Define your on-call period in the contract. Most doulas go on-call two weeks before the estimated due date and stay on-call until the baby arrives. Be explicit about when you are available, how clients should contact you, and what happens if they go into labor outside of this window. This prevents any confusion or unrealistic expectations. If you have any planned vacation dates or dates where you’ll be unavailable for your clients, you should note those as well (and of course, arrange for a backup).

Backup Doula Arrangements

Life happens, and sometimes you can’t be there. Make sure your contract explains the circumstances under which a backup doula might step in and how this process works. Include information about who the backup might be, how they’re chosen, and whether or not your client gets to meet them beforehand.

Fees and Payment Schedule

Be clear and straightforward about the cost of your services. List your total fee, the payment schedule (including any deposits or retainers), due dates, and accepted payment methods. If you charge a retainer, clarify if it’s refundable or not. Include details about what happens if a client cancels or you need to cancel—this avoids any financial surprises down the road. Additionally, it’s important to note any consequences if your client fails to pay on time.

Refund and Cancellation Policy

Outline your refund and cancellation policies clearly. What happens if the client cancels services last minute or if they don’t call you when they go into labor? What happens if the client's baby spends time in the NICU and postpartum care is delayed. What if you need to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances? Be specific about what will and won’t be refunded, so there’s no room for dispute later.

Liability and Limitations

Include a section that limits your liability. You’re not a medical professional, and your role as a birth or postpartum doula is non-medical support. Make sure this is clearly stated in the contract to protect yourself from any legal implications. This clause should explain that while you provide emotional and physical support, you don’t make medical decisions or take responsibility for medical outcomes.

Confidentiality Agreement

Reassure your clients that their information will be kept confidential by including a confidentiality clause. This should state that all personal information and anything discussed during your time together will remain private, except in cases where disclosure is required by law. If you offer to take photos for clients or include photography in your services, it should be noted under what circumstances you can share such photos, both publicly (for marketing purposes) and privately.

Client Responsibilities

List what you expect from your clients. This might include attending prenatal appointments, keeping you informed of any changes in their health or pregnancy, and at what point they need to make contact you when they go into labor or to schedule the first postpartum visit. Make it clear that your ability to provide the best support depends on their active participation.

Emergency and Medical Situations

Detail how emergencies and unexpected medical situations will be handled. Make it clear that while you will support the client in every way possible, you will follow the lead of medical professionals in case of emergencies. It can also be helpful to include a Force Majeure policy to cover unpredictable situations that may prevent you from fulfilling your agreement.

Signatures and Date

Finally, don’t forget to include a space for both you and your client to sign and date the contract. This might seem obvious, but it’s crucial to make sure that both parties are legally bound to the agreement.

Your doula contract is more than just a formality—it’s the backbone of your professional relationship with your clients. Don’t skimp on the details! A clear, comprehensive contract helps set expectations, protect your interests, and ensure a smooth experience for both you and your clients. We have personally used these guidelines to ensure our contracts are airtight, and we recommend you do the same.

Ready to strengthen your business? We offer business consulting and mentoring for doulas to help you get started on the right foot.