Cert. Clients

[Priscella]

I have a potential client. This will be my very first client in order to get my certification. Since I am only doing it for my certification should I have a contract? She will be paying only for my expenses. I would like to her from other doulas how you handled your certification births w/ the client. Were your contracts different w/ cert. clients then when you are a certified doula? I'm not sure exactly how I should handle all the paperwork. Insight would very helpful.

Thanks.

[amymaew]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Priscella I have a potential client. This will be my very first client in order to get my certification. Since I am only doing it for my certification should I have a contract? She will be paying only for my expenses. I would like to her from other doulas how you handled your certification births w/ the client. Were your contracts different w/ cert. clients then when you are a certified doula? I'm not sure exactly how I should handle all the paperwork. Insight would very helpful. Thanks.

YES!!!! I used my regular contract and just crossed things out where I needed to. You can see mine at www.journeybirthservices.com/forms.html

[ctowndoula]

yup, if nothing else the contract helps everyone know what their responsiblities are.

[MothertheMother]

I also agree. A contract is more than just the $$. I definitely helps to go over the contract so the client knows exactly what to expect from you.

[aurorabirth]

I would also use a contract for reasons stated above.

On a side note, are there a lot of ladies that don't charge when NOT certified. I am not certified, yet I charge. Am I drastically in the minority?

[MothertheMother]

Quote:

Originally Posted by aurorabirth I would also use a contract for reasons stated above. On a side note, are there a lot of ladies that don't charge when NOT certified. I am not certified, yet I charge. Am I drastically in the minority?

I think everyone should charge unless you are volunteering for a specific reason. You don't have to be the most experienced doula in town to offer wonderful support to a birthing woman. I do think your rates should reflect your experience...not your certification status.

[Priscella]

Thanks for the input ladies. I'm charging just my expenses, babysitting etc. I've also heard to charge just becuase people value things more when they put money into it.