Please ensure you have read the Assumed Consent section of this document.

Terms of agreement: Postnatal Doula Care

The purpose of this document is to clearly define the service agreement you ‘the Client’ are entering into when you choose to engage ‘The Reigate Doula’. By paying a deposit you are agreeing to the terms described below so please ensure that you understand fully the expectations of all parties involved.

The Doula

Also referred as: The Reigate Doula / Sarah Eamer/I

The service provided by ‘the Doula’ is supportive and services supplied will be informed by the birthing parent’s (the client) needs.

The Doula is focussed upon the needs of ‘the client’ with key services being practical and emotional support for new parents and families in their home after birth. This includes the completion of tasks that help aid the smooth running of the client’s household during the postpartum period.

The Doula reserves the right to not deliver tasks if they fall outside agreed scope of works. Services the Doula does not provide include:

Making decisions on the clients behalf
Providing medical advice

The Doula will always make every reasonable effort to provide the service(s) agreed. If a back-up Doula or alternative arrangement is not provided then the fee for the service(s) and/or time not provided will not be charged or a refund issued if already paid.

The Client

Also referred as: The Customer/You

The Client understands that all support and information ‘The Doula’ provides is supportive only and non-binding. The Client’s child/children remain their full responsibility as are all decisions regarding you and your families care. It is the Client's responsibility to provide the Doula with a breakdown of services required and information regarding specific health and safety needs.

Fees

The Client agrees to a minimum single visit engagement of 2 hours. The client must settle invoices promptly (within a maximum of 14 days) failure to settle within this timeframe may result in withdrawal of service and visits being cancelled by ‘the Doula’.

The Client agrees to pay The Doula for expenses incurred in addition to the hourly fees charged. Expenses include travel costs, parking fees and expenses incurred on the clients behalf such as shopping, groceries, refreshments.

Cancellation

When first engaging ‘The Doula’ a deposit invoice will be issued. If ‘the client’ cancels the engagement prior to start a cancellation fee of 50% per arranged visit will be charged. This cancellation fee applies whether ‘the client’ has changed their mind about support needs or has had any change in circumstances.

If cancellation of any agreed visit is less than 24 hours notice ‘the Doula’ reserves the right to issue an invoice covering 50% of the visits total value.

ASSUMED CONSENT

Please discuss with me (Sarah) if you do not feel comfortable with any of the following;

Babywearing; the use of a baby carrier/sling can be a very useful tool as a doula, allowing me to soothe and settle a baby whilst also being able to fold laundry, prepare a sandwich for you or walk a dog.

Baby care; I will assume it is OK to pick them up to soothe them, change nappies, and if possible, feed them as per your choice (ie formula or breastmilk). Being aware of the physiological harm caused using methods such as “cry it out” I will always respond to an infant’s cry unless requested by the parents not to do so for an explained reason.

Photos; occasionally I may take photos whilst working.

-Photos of your baby to be sent to you ie. if out for a walk and baby is peacefully sleeping to give you reassurance everything is well, I will share them with you or your partner via whatsapp and they will be deleted from my device.

-Photos of myself working may be used for marketing purposes and published on social media. I will never include faces and will be considerate to anything that may make you, your family or home recognisable to others.

-Any images you share with me will not be forwarded or saved locally to my device.

I will obtain express consent before using an image for marketing purposes, if the following are true:

The person in the image is recognisable
The person is the main subject of the image

Initiative; As a considerate and conscientious person I use my initiative to resolve problems; empty an overflowing bin, discard food that has been left on plates, change stained bedsheets, sign for a delivered parcel, hang up wet laundry. In most circumstances I will be able to offer to do things, but in your absence if I notice something that needs doing to manage the home I will. However if you have a preferred way of something being done please do ask.

Contract

By paying a deposit ‘the client’ is entering into an agreement with ‘the Doula’ and agreeing to all terms of business stated above. These terms are effective from the date of deposit payment and in place for the full engagement period of ‘the Doula’. If ‘the Doula’ changes terms and conditions ‘the client’ must be notified.

Doula UK

I have chosen to have a Doula UK Mentored Doula to support me and my family.

A doula offers continuous emotional and practical support to women and couples during pregnancy, birth and the early parenting days.

Her role is to nurture the mother and new family, protecting their memories of the time around the baby’s birth and beyond. She can support the new mother in establishing breastfeeding.

She will support the mother through her choices, being guided by the parents’ preferences at all times.

She does not perform clinical tasks, diagnose medical conditions or give medical advice.

She is bound by the Doula UK Philosophy and Code of Conduct.

A doula is not a medical professional and will not make decisions on my behalf or tell me how to care for my baby.

As a Mentored Doula, Sarah is working towards becoming a Doula UK Recognised Doula.

During this Recognition Process, Sarah has agreed to work closely with an experienced doula; a Doula Mentor. A Doula UK Mentor provides support and supervision within a framework for reflective practice. In strict confidence, Sarah is able to discuss all aspects of her work with her Mentor, receiving support and guidance as Sarah develops her knowledge, skills and personal approach.

If my needs and expectations are not within Sarah's direct experience as a new doula, her Mentor will be available in the background to assist me.

The way that Sarah works with clients and develops her practice during the mentoring period will be evaluated by her Doula Mentor and discussed with her in order to promote excellent practice.

I understand I will be asked to complete a Client Response Form at the end of our time together; this will be taken into consideration by my Mentor during my Recognition Process.

If you have any questions, please do ask.

Postnatal Doula Mentor:

Jo Thompson

Her email address:

jothompsondoula@outlook.com

By agreeing to the terms above, you are agreeing that you understand and accept my status as a Mentored Doula and understand that your identity will only be disclosed to my Mentor in strict confidence.

I understand that Sarah is not a tongue tie specialist or breastfeeding counsellor.

Appointment