Back-up Doula Contract

[EarthLovinMomma]

Anyone have a contract specifically written for being a back-up doula? Usually I just work through the regular doula, come if needed, and get paid half the original doula's fee from that doula. This time the client is interviewing for back-ups because their doula will be gone from 41-42 weeks. I am charging $50 to be on-call, including 1 prenatal and phone/email support. I am charging another $200 if I am needed for the birth. (My regular fee is $300 right now.) Tips? Contract?

Thanks!
~Nina

[GentleBirthDoula]

Hi, I am currently faced with the whole new world of being a back up doula. The doula I am working with is looking to give me an hrly rate if I am in fact needed for the birth. I am not sure how I feel about this, because when I agree to be a back up, the more births I have to back up for this one doula, the less of my own births I can take on. So say I don't have to go to these births at all, because the other doula is available, I will be going through an entire month with out any of my own births and no compensation for being on call from the other doula.

Did you find answers to your question? Just out of curiosity? Are you an experienced doula, how do you base your compensation when you are a back up doula?

[DoulaCBE]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GentleBirthDoula Hi, I am currently faced with the whole new world of being a back up doula. The doula I am working with is looking to give me an hrly rate if I am in fact needed for the birth. I am not sure how I feel about this, because when I agree to be a back up, the more births I have to back up for this one doula, the less of my own births I can take on. So say I don't have to go to these births at all, because the other doula is available, I will be going through an entire month with out any of my own births and no compensation for being on call from the other doula. Did you find answers to your question? Just out of curiosity? Are you an experienced doula, how do you base your compensation when you are a back up doula?

I've seen you post in a few threads now and I just wanted to say that I really get the vibe that this backup arrangement you have isn't working out well for you. You might need to sit down and talk to the doula you're working with and re-negotiate your agreement.

[Marymom2boys]

I think your fee arrangement is fine for this birth. Do you normally charge your clients an on-call fee or is this different since you are only on a limited basis?

[Marymom2boys]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GentleBirthDoula Hi, I am currently faced with the whole new world of being a back up doula. The doula I am working with is looking to give me an hrly rate if I am in fact needed for the birth. I am not sure how I feel about this, because when I agree to be a back up, the more births I have to back up for this one doula, the less of my own births I can take on. So say I don't have to go to these births at all, because the other doula is available, I will be going through an entire month with out any of my own births and no compensation for being on call from the other doula. Did you find answers to your question? Just out of curiosity? Are you an experienced doula, how do you base your compensation when you are a back up doula?

Even if I accept back up positions, I still take my own clients. The chance of you going in for the primary doula is low normally, so I feel good about having more than one mom in the month. I have only been doula'ing for 5 years & been called in once for actually attending another doula's birth & I back up regularly.

[GentleBirthDoula]

An official agreement hasn't been made just yet, that is to be I guess put in writing. I plan on saying something tomorrow, but was first interested in hearing what types of agreements are out there. Only I am unsure about how I would feel, taking on my own clients during the month, when I am on call for two births for another doula. I guess I will find out tomorrow. Thanks for the posts!

[genesis_doula]

oh im glad someone brought this up. I am very curious as well about this topic. I dont even know how to find a back up doula or how many I should have. any input is appreciated.