Terms of Service

How to choose a doula.

The perinatal period is an intimate and special moment that you will hold closely in your heart. You will want to make sure that you feel comfortable, confident and trust within your doula. 

To select your doula, you may browse 'The Team' page to view introductions/bio's for all of our current team members. If there is a doula that you would like to be connected with specifically, please let us know. If not, we will reach out to the team to check availability and you will be connected by email with the appropriate team member/s for 'meet and greet' interview/s.

The 'meet and greet' interview is an excellent opportunity to make a connection with your doula. Share your birth preferences, philosophies and wishes for care. Your doula will be able to identify how they can support you/your partner best. 

Once you have selected a suitable doula match for your care and your order has been placed, services will begin.

Birth Doula | Terms Of Service

Service Outline

  • On-call during business hours for Q&A from the time of hiring up to 6 weeks postpartum

  • 2 Prenatal visits

    • In-person (location to be determined between you and your doula)

    • Approximately 2 hours / visit

    • Your doula will cover topics surrounding pregnancy, birth and postpartum in detail

  • Prenatal visits are a vital part of preparing for your birthing experience

  • Build a strong connection with your doula and birth partner

  • On-call for your birth

  • Let your doula know when you have the first signs of labor

  • Update your doula and ask questions as your labor progresses

  • Phone your doula and ask them to join you when their support is needed

  • Attendance at your birth

  • Arrival at your birth within 1.5 hours of requesting your doula

  • Your doula will remain with you up 2 hours after your baby arrives

  • If you cannot reach your doula directly when they are needed at your birth, please reach out to the main phone number at  .

  • 1 Postpartum visit

  • In-person (date, time and location to be determined between you and your doula)

  • 1-2 hours in length

  • Emergency back-up Doula

    • In the event that the doula is unable to fulfill their obligations due to illness, emergency, or other unforeseen circumstances, the doula has a designated back-up who will step in to provide support.

    • A current team member will be designated to be your back-up doula

    • Meet and greet with back-up doula upon request

    • Contact information for the back-up doula will be shared with you directly


Your doula is independent of your healthcare provider and hospital and is working for YOU directly. You acknowledge that your doula is a non-medical care provider and will not perform any medical tasks or make medical decisions on your behalf. You have the right to refuse any medical procedures or interventions recommended by your health care provider, and your doula will support your decisions to the best of their ability without judgement or bias.

Health and Safety

Both the doula and the client will adhere to health and safety guidelines, which may include measures related to infection control, hygiene, and precautions to mitigate health risks, such as those associated with communicable diseases like COVID-19.

Illness

In the event that you or anyone living in your home becomes ill with any contagious cough, cold, flu, illness etc... you must notify your Doula(s) as soon as possible to reschedule your meetings. Any meetings scheduled during the term of illness may be rescheduled once the household member has be symptom free for 24 hours. 

In the event that your doula becomes ill with any contagious cough, cold, flu, illness, etc.. I will make every effort to notify you immediately. Any scheduled meetings during the term of illness will be rescheduled once they have been symptom free for 24 hours. A refund will not be given, missed meetings will be rescheduled.


Code of Conduct
The doula agrees to maintain a high level of professionalism and respect throughout the doula-client relationship. This includes respecting the client's choices, values, and birth plan, refraining from judgment, and providing unbiased support. The doula will adhere to Greater Toronto Doulas 'Code of Conduct' and all applicable laws in the practice of doula services.

Mediation and Grievance

If you have concerns or complaints that cannot be resolved directly with your doula about any services offered by Greater Toronto Doulas, please reach out directly to management at  . Greater Toronto Doulas is committed to resolving any issues in a collaborative and constructive manner. 

Your doula has agreed to the Association of Ontario Doulas 'Practice Guidelines' & 'Standards and Bylaws'. If your doula acts outside of these policies, please reach out for guidance on following appropriate grievance procedures. Greater Toronto Doulas will cooperate in good faith and confidentiality throughout the grievance process. By working together, we aim to resolve any problems while maintaining a respectful doula-client relationship.

Documentation and Records:
Your doula may keep records of the services provided, including notes and summaries. These records are confidential and will be shared with the client upon request. The doula will retain records until the completion of services, after which they will be securely destroyed or deleted.

Governing Law
This contract shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Ontario, Canada. Any legal actions or proceedings arising from this contract shall be brought in the courts of Ontario, Canada.
 

Service Fees:

Birth Doula 

All services are subject to HST.

A retainer equal to 50% of is due upon booking. This is a non-refundable retainer that is used towards securing your doula care. This retainer reflects our commitment to provide services, as well as your commitment to paying for the secured services and doula availability.

We agree to work for you on a mutually agreeable schedule, subject to your doulas availability and mutually agreeable hours.
  

Cancellations / Refunds:

Birth Doula

Cancellations / refunds will not be provided for the following reasons:

  • If you are within 12 weeks from your due date.

  • Planned or un-planned C-section.

  • In the event that you do not call your doula or do not give your doula enough notice to arrive to your birth at an appropriate time please discuss this with your doula.  

  • In the event that a back-up doula is needed and/or declined.

A cancellation / partial refund may be made only if you are less than 28 weeks pregnant.

  • 50% deposit is non-refundable.

Billing Schedule:

  • 50% due upon booking

  • 50% due by 34 weeks

This policy is in place to protect our Doulas from any losses or lapses in their schedule.

 

Failure to Provide Birth Doula Services:
Your doula will make every effort to provide the services described here. Sometimes this is not possible (for example, a rapid labor). If our failure to attend your birth is due to our error, we will refund 50% of your birth fee. The remaining is used towards prenatal visits and one postpartum visit. If failure to provide services is due to your failure to call us, a quick labor, or other issue outside of our control, no refund is issued. Birth can be a very unpredictable event, and although we will provide physical and emotional comfort to be best of our ability, we cannot guarantee you a birth without any issues or health concerns arising.

 

Unexpected Outcomes:

Our doulas have been trained to help you through any unexpected outcomes. This includes; maternal diagnosis', fetal diagnosis', miscarriage and still birth. We encourage you to reach out to your doula if you need support. Your doula can provide you with the resources, reassurance and support that you need. If you booked your doula before 12 weeks of pregnancy and you wish to cancel your unused services because of a miscarriage/stillbirth before 28 weeks of pregnancy, we will provide you with a full refund. If you have completed the prenatal visits with your doula, a 50% refund & cancellation of total services will be provided upon request. We strongly encourage you to seek support from your doula if an unexpected outcomes arises. These can be difficult moments, and their support will be invaluable.
 

Confidentiality & Privacy

Your personal information is collected for use by Greater Toronto Doulas. We use this information for communication purposes. We may share important details with clients through our newsletter, such as; recent research topics regarding pregnancy, birth & postpartum, information about your care, upcoming events. Your information will be shared with the doulas and/or educators that you are connected with for the services you have chosen. Your information will not be sold or shared outside of Greater Toronto Doulas.

Postpartum Doula | Terms Of Service

Service Outline

  • Support to the new family structure

  • Physical and emotional support

  • Listening to your birth story, your fears, celebrating the joys, praises, etc...

  • Baby care education and support

    • Assist / education on best practices for bathing, feeding, comforting the baby, etc...

    • Baby-wearing education & assistance

    • Feeding support

      • Breast or Bottle

    • Referrals to specialist if required

    • Simple, nutritious meal preparation, in your home.

    • Light housework

      • Laundry

      • Sweeping

      • Straightening up the house

      • Bottles / Dishes, etc.)

  • Baby and/or sibling care on the premises, so parents can rest

  • Telephone, text, and/or email support with your doula

  • Tracking feedings, diapers, sleep as requested by parents.

  • Minimum shift for daytime support = 4 hours

 

Overnight Doula Support Outline

Your doula is dedicated and focused on delivering comprehensive overnight support, providing parents with the opportunity to rest peacefully while ensuring the well-being of your baby(ies).

Standard overnight care practices:

  • Baby care education and support

  • Assist / education on best practices for bathing, feeding, comforting the baby, etc...

  • Feeding support

  • Breast/bottle

  • Light housework:

  • Laundry

  • Clean dishes/bottles

  • Other quiet tasks around the house to be discussed ahead of time

  • Breakfast preparation

  • Guidance on nightly routine

  • Telephone, text, and/or email support with your doula

  • Tracking feedings, diapers, sleep as requested by parents

Once nightly tasks and ongoing obligations have been successfully completed, and when the baby is sleeping, then and only then, your doula may, occasionally rest/nap intermittently alongside your sleeping baby. We ask that you provide a comfortable resting area within the home. Acceptable accommodations are: bed, day bed, mattress or couch. Some families choose to set up the space in babies room, living area or a spare bedroom, whichever is more suitable for your family.

Specific care techniques will be shared with your postpartum care team to uphold consistency in your care.

Minimum Shift for overnight support = 8 hours

Night shifts typically run from 10pm to 6am, unless agreed upon otherwise with your doula. 

If you require your doula to arrive early or stay later, additional time will be billed accordingly.

Your doula is independent of your healthcare provider and hospital and is working for YOU directly. You acknowledge that your doula is a non-medical care provider and will not perform any medical tasks or make medical decisions on your behalf. You have the right to refuse any medical procedures or interventions recommended by your health care provider, and your doula will support your decisions to the best of their ability without judgement or bias.

Parking

Please ensure there is an appropriate place for your doula to park when they arrive at your home. When parking on the street we must follow all parking bi-laws for your city. This includes bi-laws that restrict parking during weather events such as snow.

If the parking space requires a payment, your doula will submit all parking fees paid on a weekly basis. You will be responsible for any parking fees, and they will be added to your weekly invoice for convenience.

During poor weather (snow, ice, etc..), please ensure that your driveway / walkway to your home is clear and salted. This ensures the safety of your doula.

Health and Safety

Both the doula and the client will adhere to health and safety guidelines, which may include measures related to infection control, hygiene, and precautions to mitigate health risks, such as those associated with communicable diseases like COVID-19.
 

Illness

In the event that you or anyone living in your home becomes ill with any contagious cough, cold, flu, illness etc... you must notify your Doula(s) as soon as possible to reschedule your shift. Any shifts scheduled during the term of illness may be rescheduled once the household member has be symptom free for 24 hours. Fees will not be refunded for any shift due to failure to notify your doula of a contagious illness in your home.

In the event that your doula becomes ill with any contagious cough, cold, flu, illness, etc.. they will make every effort to notify you immediately. Any scheduled shifts during the term of illness will be rescheduled once they have been symptom free for 24 hours. A refund will not be given, shifts/hours missed will be rescheduled.

Code of Conduct
The doula agrees to maintain a high level of professionalism and respect throughout the doula-client relationship. This includes respecting the client's choices, values, and birth plan, refraining from judgment, and providing unbiased support. The doula will adhere to Greater Toronto Doulas 'Code of Conduct' and all applicable laws in the practice of doula services.

 

Mediation and Grievance

If you have concerns or complaints that cannot be resolved directly with your doula about any services offered by Greater Toronto Doulas, please reach out directly to management at  . Greater Toronto Doulas is committed to resolving any issues in a collaborative and constructive manner. 

Your doula has agreed to the Association of Ontario Doulas 'Practice Guidelines' & 'Standards and Bylaws'. If your doula acts outside of these policies, please reach out for guidance on following appropriate grievance procedures. Greater Toronto Doulas will cooperate in good faith and confidentiality throughout the grievance process. By working together, we aim to resolve any problems while maintaining a respectful doula-client relationship.

Documentation and Records:
Your doula may keep records of the services provided, including notes and summaries. These records are confidential and will be shared with the client upon request. The doula will retain records until the completion of services, after which they will be securely destroyed or deleted.

Governing Law
This contract shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of  . Any legal actions or proceedings arising from this contract shall be brought in the courts of  .
 

(Note: Extensions will be billed at current website pricing. This may be different than the original rates. Rates increase annually).

All postpartum hours from the initial booking must be used within 12 weeks. You may request to book additional hours (pending doula availability).

We agree to work for you on a mutually agreeable schedule, subject to your doulas availability and mutually agreeable hours.

If your doula runs errands for you on their way to your home, their shift will begin when they arrive at their first stop.

  • All Postpartum Doula fees are subject to HST

  • Doulas are not required to work on Statutory Holidays. If you and your doula agree to schedule a shift on a statutory holiday, it will be billed at 1.5x the hourly rate.

 

Cancellations / Refunds:

Postpartum Doula

  • Retainers (last 2 weeks of care) are non-refundable.

  • If you choose to completely cancel your initial booking, your retainer will not be refunded and services will not take place.

  • If you choose to modify your initial booking within 4 weeks of your due date, you may reduce your initial booking by no more than 50%. Your retainer will not be refunded and up to 50% of the hours initially booked will take place as scheduled with your doula. Your doula may complete all hours paid for.

  • In the event that you need to cancel or reschedule a postpartum shift, a minimum of 48 hours notice is required. Failure to provide adequate notice will result in the following fees:
    Less than 48 hours notice: The full scheduled shift fee will apply.

  • Failure to answer the door/phone within 30 minutes of doula arrival: The full scheduled shift fee will apply, and the doula will be automatically excused from their shift.

  • Rescheduled shifts will be subject to availability and agreed upon by both parties.

  • The full fee may be applicable if there are continuous / repeated cancellations and rescheduling of shifts. This will be at the doulas discretion. This applies to any continuous / repeated cancellations and rescheduling, even if more than 48 hours notice has been given each time. Notice will be given to the client ahead of time.

 

Postpartum Billing Schedule

  • Full payment is due upon booking

This policy is in place to protect our Doulas and Educators from any losses or lapses in their schedule.
  

Failure to Provide Postpartum Doula Services:
Your doula will make every effort to provide the services described here. Sometimes this is impossible (for example, your doula may get called to a birth before or during their shift, unsafe weather conditions). If the failure to attend a shift is due to our error, there will be no charge for the hours missed. If it is due to your choice to cancel a shift with less than 48 hours of notice, no refund will be issued. 

Unexpected Outcomes:

Our doulas have been trained to help you through any unexpected outcomes. This includes; maternal diagnosis', fetal diagnosis', miscarriage and still birth. We encourage you to reach out to your doula if you need support. Your doula can provide you with the resources, reassurance and support that you need. If you booked your doula before 12 weeks of pregnancy and you wish to cancel your unused services because of a miscarriage/stillbirth before 28 weeks of pregnancy, we will provide you with a full refund. If you have completed the prenatal visits with your doula, a 50% refund & cancellation of total services will be provided upon request. We strongly encourage you to seek support from your doula if an unexpected outcomes arises. These can be difficult moments, and their support will be invaluable.

Confidentiality & Privacy

Your personal information is collected for use by Greater Toronto Doulas. We use this information for communication purposes. We may share important details with clients through our newsletter, such as; recent research topics regarding pregnancy, birth & postpartum, information about your care, upcoming events. Your information will be shared with the doulas and/or educators that you are connected with for the services you have chosen. Your information will not be sold or shared outside of Greater Toronto Doulas.

Photo Release

The client has the option to select one of the following regarding the taking and sharing of photos and videos by the doula while filing out their intake questionnaires:

  • Full Release: The client grants permission for the doula to take photos and videos of the child, family, and home for the purposes of marketing and social media without restrictions.

  • Partial Release 1: The client grants permission for the doula to take photos and videos of the child, family, and home for the purposes of sharing with the family only.

  • Partial Release 2: The client grants permission for the doula to take photos and videos of the child, family, and home for the purposes of marketing and social media, with the condition that faces are blurred or otherwise obscured to maintain anonymity.

  • No Release: The client declines permission for the doula to take or share photos of anyone in the household for any purpose.