Letter of Agreement for Postpartum Doula Services
Amanda Burke, Trained Birth Doula (DONA International)
What is a Postpartum Doula?
A Postpartum Doula is a helper to the mother rather the baby. A Doula offers gentle guidance and assistance in baby care (so that mom can shower, rest and eat), breastfeeding support and light housecleaning (if required). It is essentially mothering the mother so that she can feel empowered, relaxed and eager to foster a nurturing and loving environment for her new baby.
My Philosophy
I have a strong belief that with the proper support and guidance women can overcome the overwhelming sensations that bringing home a new baby can stimulate. As women in North America we are often forced into the “SuperMOM” mould and become easily scared off and left feeling inadequate if we feel we cannot live up to the task. As a Doula I would like to understand you, your baby and your particular needs. My goal is that when our time has come to an end you will be left feeling confident to cope fairly well on your own and I will provide you with community services that are easily accessible to you.
Services
I will be glad to teach you infant massage, bathing, feeding, comfort measures, safety issues and swaddling. I do not take over the care of the baby, but assist you in learning to care for your baby's needs except during naps or when hired for night shifts so that you as parents can get some much needed rest. When hired for a night shift, a bed must be provided, as well as a baby monitor if the child is not in the same room. Household chores and errands will not be done after 10 pm or before 7am.
I will also be glad to do some light housework. This will consist of laundry (gathering, washing, drying, folding, putting away) and picking up objects off of the floor.
I will be available for up to 12 hours a day. I will need 48 hours notice before the first day of service. The fee is $20/hr during daytime hours and a fee of $25/hr for night time. There is a deposit equal to your first day's service due at the time of hiring. This fee is an non-refundable retainer applied to your first day's service. Doula services will be paid for at the end of each week.
For billing purposes, an hour is considered to begin when I arrive at your home at a previously arranged time. If I have to run errands for you on my way to your home, the hour begins upon arrival at the first stop. Additional hours will be subject to availability and mutual agreement. If I arrive at your home to provide Doula Services as scheduled and cancellation occurs, I request being paid in full for the time previously agreed upon. Services must be cancelled 48 hours in advance. Upon being cancelled for a second time I may choose to terminate further services. I am available to serve you and your family for up to 6 weeks postpartum, unless otherwise suggested by your healthcare provider.
Limitations of Doula Services
I do not diagnose medical conditions in the mother or the baby but will refer you to a health care provider when appropriate. I am not a lactation consultant but have had some breastfeeding training. I will refer you to a lactation consultant as appropriate.
I do not do heavy housecleaning such as mopping, cleaning bathtubs, or yard work.
I do not advance you money for groceries/errands but ask for cash to make purchases on your behalf. Receipts will be provided for all purchases.
Doulas are self-employed and do not work for; a hospital, or any other healthcare professional.
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We have read and agree to the provisions of this contract.
I wish to contract Amanda Burke for services at $20 per daytime hours and $25 per night time hours ,
_________ hours per day for ___________ days/weeks.
Agreed and accepted this ______day of __________________________200___.
Client____________________________________________ __________________
(please sign and print name)
Client's Partner __________________________________________________ ____
(please sign and print name)
Doula ____________________________________
Amanda Burke

Guiding Light Birth Services
647.439.1697
Cell 647.899.4392
Pgr 416.501.1697
amanda
burke@rogers.com
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