Prenatal &/or Postpartum Doula Support Agreement

Agreement with Heather Charmatz

1. Scope of Services

The Doula provides non-medical prenatal and postpartum support, which may include emotional support, education, preparation for postpartum recovery and newborn care, and practical guidance and resources. Services may be provided in person or virtually, as agreed.

The Doula does not provide medical care, diagnosis, treatment, or clinical advice. All medical decisions remain the responsibility of the Client and their healthcare providers.

2. Required Sessions

Two (2) sessions are required prior to birth:

  1. Initial consultation

  2. Either:

    • One prenatal support session, or

    • One postpartum preparation session

These required sessions ensure the Client is adequately prepared and allow the Doula to reserve availability for a limited number of postpartum support clients. This policy also prevents calendar blocks for clients who do not ultimately request postpartum services.

Failure to complete the required sessions prior to birth may result in no postpartum support being provided, at the Doula’s discretion.

3. Fees & Payment

There is one out-of-pocket fee for prenatal and postpartum Kaiser support.

To reserve services, the Client agrees to pay a one-time, non-refundable $75 retainer fee for non-billable doula support. Payment is due after the consultation if the Client chooses to move forward with services.

Payment Methods:
Venmo, Zelle, or Apple Cash
Phone number: 415-830-7501

The retainer fee secures preparation time and availability and is not a guarantee of postpartum session usage. The fee is non-refundable regardless of service utilization, scheduling changes, or postpartum contact.

4. No-Show & Attendance Policy

If the Client no-shows to any scheduled prenatal appointment prior to the birth, no future support will be provided, including postpartum services.

A no-show is defined as missing an appointment without prior communication or cancellation. This policy exists to protect availability for actively engaged clients.

5. Postpartum Support & Availability

Two 3-hour postpartum support sessions are provided as requested by the Client and is subject to the Doula’s availability. Availability is not guaranteed unless all required sessions have been completed and communication has been maintained.

6. Service Area for In-Person Postpartum Support

In-person postpartum sessions are limited to the following areas:

  • Northern San Francisco neighborhoods near the Richmond District

  • Southern Marin, including Mill Valley and Sausalito

Clients outside this service area may receive virtual support only, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing.

7. Communication Expectations

The Client agrees to maintain reasonable communication, notify the Doula of scheduling changes or needs in a timely manner, and understand that response times may vary, particularly during postpartum periods.

8. Illness Policy

The health and safety of both the Client family and Doula are a priority.

  • If the Doula experiences illness or symptoms that may pose a risk, in-person support will be rescheduled or converted to virtual support.

  • If the Client or household members are ill, the Doula must be notified as soon as possible. In-person sessions will be rescheduled or provided virtually at the Doula’s discretion.

  • If illness prevents an in-person postpartum session, reasonable efforts will be made to provide when possible.

Illness-related changes do not entitle the Client to a refund of the non-refundable retainer fee.

9. Limitation of Liability

The Client understands that the Doula does not replace medical providers and shall not be held liable for outcomes related to pregnancy, birth, or postpartum recovery.

10. Termination of Services

Either party may terminate this Agreement at any time. The non-refundable retainer fee will not be returned upon termination.

11. Electronic Signature & Agreement Validity

This Agreement may be signed electronically. Electronic signatures are considered legally binding and have the same effect as original handwritten signatures.

By signing electronically, the Client acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agree to all terms and policies outlined in this Agreement. A copy of this signed Agreement may be maintained electronically.