Frequently Asked Questions

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Pro-Bono Certification Clients:

As I continue working toward my doula certification, I occasionally offer pro-bono (free) services to qualifying clients. While these services are offered at no cost, they require a significant investment of time, energy, education, and resources on my part.

Pro-bono clients agree to participate in the full scope of support, including:

• Prenatal meetings
• Birth planning support
• Phone, text, email, and Zoom communication
• Labor and birth support
• Postpartum follow-up care

Because birth attendance is a requirement for my certification, pro-bono services are only available to clients who intend to have me present at their birth.

Please understand that I may spend months supporting a family through pregnancy, preparing resources, attending meetings, providing education, purchasing supplies, and remaining on-call for labor. Unfortunately, there have been occasions where clients have canceled doula attendance at the last minute, preventing me from completing certification requirements despite the substantial time and resources already invested.

To protect the integrity of my certification process, all pro-bono clients will be required to sign an agreement acknowledging that if doula attendance is voluntarily canceled or declined by the client for reasons outside of an emergency or unavoidable circumstance, the client may become financially responsible for services already provided.

This policy is not intended to create pressure, guilt, or obligation. Rather, it recognizes the professional services, educational support, preparation, travel expenses, and resources provided throughout our time together.

 Birth Attendance & Comfort Expectations

Birth is an intimate and vulnerable experience. During labor and birth, there may be times when clients are partially clothed, fully unclothed, or in positions that expose parts of their body.

As your doula, my focus is solely on supporting your comfort, safety, emotional well-being, and birth goals. I provide professional, judgment-free care and am not focused on your appearance.

For this reason, I do not recommend hiring me as your doula particularly under a pro-bono arrangement if you anticipate being uncomfortable with my presence during labor, birth, or postpartum recovery.

Client Evaluation Requirement

At the completion of our time together, both the client and their partner (when applicable) will be asked to complete a brief evaluation form.

This questionnaire is typically one page and consists primarily of simple rating and multiple-choice questions. These evaluations are required for certification purposes and help demonstrate to my instructors that I am providing quality support and care.

Completion of these forms is a requirement for all pro-bono certification clients.

 Deposits & Booking Policies

A non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your due date and secure any doula package.

Your due date is not considered reserved until both the contract and deposit have been received.

Because I accept a limited number of clients each month, deposits compensate for the availability I reserve specifically for your birth and cannot be transferred to another family.

 Payment Plans

I believe quality birth support should be accessible to as many families as possible. Payment plans are available for all paid doula packages.

 Clients may choose from:

• Full Payment – Pay in full at booking.
• Monthly Payments – Remaining balance divided into equal monthly installments leading up to your due date.
• Bi-Weekly Payments – Remaining balance divided into smaller bi-weekly installments for greater flexibility.

Custom payment arrangements may be discussed on a case-by-case basis.

All balances must be paid in full by 37 weeks gestation unless otherwise agreed upon in writing.

 Refund Policy

Services already rendered, including consultations, prenatal meetings, educational support, birth planning assistance, on-call availability, and postpartum visits, are non-refundable.

Refund requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis according to the terms outlined in the signed service agreement.

 Questions

I value open communication and transparency. If you have any questions regarding these policies, please reach out before booking so we can ensure we’re a good fit for one another.