Birth Doula Agreement

Between Bonnie Walker (ABN: 94 795 586 184 trading as “Bonnie the Doula”) & the Client

 

1. Purpose of This Agreement

This agreement outlines the emotional, physical, and informational support Bonnie Walker (your birth doula) will provide during your pregnancy, labour, birth, and immediate postpartum period. It ensures that both parties understand their responsibilities and expectations as you prepare for birth.

☐ I understand the purpose of this agreement and the support Bonnie offers as a birth doula.

2. Scope of Support

What I Offer as Your Doula:
Bonnie will support you through:

• Prenatal visits to explore your birth preferences, discuss fears, and prepare emotionally & practically

• Labour & birth support, whether at home and/or in hospital

• Postpartum visits to debrief the birth, support recovery, and offer guidance with baby care, feeding and emotional transitions to parenthood

• Educational tools including Bonnie’s online courses & printable workbooks

• Emotional support via in-person or Zoom appointments and WhatsApp throughout pregnancy

• Phone support during labour or in urgent situations

What I Don’t Do as a Doula:
To protect your safety and clarify Bonnie’s non-clinical role, it’s important to know that she will not:

• Perform any clinical tasks (e.g. checking dilation, taking blood pressure, monitoring baby’s heart rate)

• Offer medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment

• Replace the role of your doctor, midwife, or medical team

• Attend your birth in place of a qualified healthcare provider

• Make decisions on your behalf

• Guarantee a specific birth outcome

☐ I understand what is included in the scope of doula support. I understand that Bonnie is not a medical professional and will not perform clinical tasks, offer medical advice, or replace my care provider.

3. Service Inclusions

Your doula package includes a combination of prenatal, birth, and postpartum support, as outlined at the time of booking.

This may include:

• Prenatal sessions to prepare emotionally and practically for birth
• Birth planning support
• Ongoing labour and birth attendance
• Postpartum visits for debriefing and support
• Educational resources, including courses, guides, and workbooks
• Ongoing emotional support throughout your pregnancy

The exact inclusions, number of sessions, and level of support will depend on the specific package you have selected and agreed to at the time of booking.

Bonnie reserves the right to structure and deliver these services in a way that best supports your care, while remaining within the agreed scope of practice.

Any additional services, sessions, or support outside of your selected package may incur additional fees and will be discussed and agreed upon prior to being provided.

☐ I understand what is included in my selected package and that any additional services may be charged separately.

4. Communication

For general questions, birth plan chats, or postpartum resource requests: 

• Method: WhatsApp Private Chat
• Availability: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Response Time: I will get back to you within 24 business hours.
• Note: I do not check non-urgent messages in the evenings or on weekends to ensure I am rested and ready for when labour starts.

Social media messages are not a reliable or appropriate form of communication.

If you think labour is starting or you need urgent support, please call Bonnie directly on +61 0409 485 098—your phone call will break through even when notifications are off

☐ I understand when & how to contact Bonnie, and that phone calls are best for urgent or time-sensitive support

 

5. On-Call Period

Bonnie will be officially on call for your birth from 38 weeks gestation until 42 weeks. If your pregnancy goes over 42 weeks, this will be discussed. During this time, she’ll keep her phone nearby, her doula bag packed, and be ready to join you when needed.

If labour begins before 38 weeks, Bonnie will do her best to be there—but depending on her availability or if she is attending another birth, she may call on one of her trusted backup doulas to support you instead.

During your on call period, Bonnie is available 24/7 for active labour or urgent concerns only. 

Bonnie may need up to 60 minutes (plus travel time) to arrive once you’ve asked her to come, so staying in touch during early labour is important. Keeping her updated helps her plan her commitments, rest, and be fully present when you need her.

If you believe you are in labour, please call me directly so we can talk through what’s happening and decide on next steps together. 

For non-urgent questions or updates, please send a WhatsApp message and I will respond during business hours.

5b. The "Labour Is Starting" Protocol (The Red Phone)

Think of this as your “this matters right now” line.

If you believe labour has started, or you have an urgent medical update from your provider, do not use the WhatsApp chat.

Step 1: CALL ME. A phone call is the only way to bypass my "Do Not Disturb" settings and wake me up at 3:00 AM.

Step 2: Leave a Voicemail. If I don’t answer immediately (I may be in the shower or driving), leave a message and call again in 15 minutes.

Step 3: Text only AFTER calling. Once we have spoken, we can move to WhatsApp for minor updates until I join you in person.

☐ I understand and agree to follow the “Labour Is Starting” Protocol as outlined above. I understand that Bonnie is officially on call from 38–42 weeks gestation. If labour begins prior to 38 weeks, Bonnie will make every reasonable effort to attend or arrange a backup doula if required.

5c. Client Responsibility During Labour

You and/or your birth partner are responsible for:

• Keeping Bonnie updated as labour progresses

• Notifying Bonnie in a timely manner when support is needed

• Allowing sufficient time for Bonnie to arrive

Failure to communicate effectively may impact Bonnie’s ability to attend your birth.

☐ I understand my responsibility to communicate clearly during labour.

5d. What Constitutes an "Emergency Call"?

Please call me 24/7 immediately if:

• Your waters have broken.
• You believe labour has started.
• You are experiencing regular, rhythmic contractions that require your full focus.
• You have been admitted to the hospital or are heading there now.
• You have received an urgent medical diagnosis or a change to your birth plan (e.g., an induction is scheduled for tomorrow).

6. Backup Doula

There may be times when Bonnie has prior commitments during your on-call window (such as family responsibilities or planned unavailability). If this is the case, she will give you advance notice and ensure a thorough handover and warm introduction to your backup doula, so you feel confident and supported in their care.

Bonnie will introduce you to two trusted backup doulas during pregnancy and provide their names, contact details, and relevant information so you know exactly who may be attending if she is unavailable on the day.

Bonnie also reserves the right to call in a backup doula at any time due to illness, overlapping births, personal emergencies, or any unforeseen circumstances that prevent her from being physically present.

In the rare event of a personal emergency or if I am currently at another birth, my backup doulas will be standing by. 

If you cannot reach me after two calls within 15 minutes, please call [Backup Phone Number will be provided to you in your personal contract]. We work as a team to ensure you are never without support.

☐ I understand that Bonnie may call on a trusted backup doula and that I will be introduced to both backups and provided with their full details during pregnancy.

7. Labour & Birth Support

During early labour, Bonnie recommends staying at home, resting, and updating her on any changes. Bonnie will join you when you feel you need her during labour. You are in charge of deciding when to call her in, but it’s important to stay in touch during early labour—even if you’re not ready for support yet.

She will provide emotional, physical, and informational support—whether you’re labouring at home, heading to hospital, or navigating changes along the way.

If you're giving birth in hospital, Bonnie will accompany you and remain with you until your baby is born. If a caesarean birth becomes necessary, she will support you and your partner in whatever way hospital policy allows.

☐ I understand that Bonnie will join me in labour and stay until my baby is born, including hospital and caesarean birth support if permitted.

7b. Hospital & Care Provider Communication

If you are planning a hospital or birthing centre birth, you are responsible for informing your care providers that you have engaged Bonnie as your doula.

This helps ensure there are no misunderstandings or access issues when Bonnie arrives to support you.

Bonnie will always work respectfully alongside your medical team, but cannot guarantee access if prior arrangements have not been made or if hospital policies restrict additional support people.

☐ I understand that I am responsible for informing my care providers about my doula support.

7d. Emergency Situations

In the event of an emergency during pregnancy, labour, or postpartum, Bonnie’s priority is the safety and wellbeing of you and your baby.

If a situation arises where urgent medical care is required, Bonnie will call emergency services (e.g. ambulance) and transfer care to the appropriate medical professionals.

This may occur even if it differs from your birth preferences or planned approach.

☐ I understand that in an emergency, Bonnie will prioritise contacting emergency services if required.

8. Changes to Birth Plans & Services

Birth is unpredictable.

If your birth plans change (including induction, caesarean, or other interventions):

• Bonnie will continue to support you within her scope

• Your package may be adapted where appropriate

• Full fees still apply unless otherwise agreed

Support may shift (e.g. more prenatal or postpartum focus), but your care remains.

☐ I understand that services may adapt if my birth plans change.

9. Postpartum Visits

Bonnie will visit you at home in the days or weeks after birth. These visits are for birth debriefing, emotional support, and baby care guidance. The number of visits is based on the package chosen.

☐ I understand that postpartum visits are included and based on the support package selected.

10. Elective Caesarean Births

If you choose a planned caesarean, Bonnie will support you emotionally and practically leading up to the birth. This includes in-person hospital support (based on hospital policy) and postpartum care.

☐ I understand that Bonnie will still support me if I choose an elective caesarean.

11. Miscarriage or Pregnancy Loss

In the event of miscarriage or pregnancy loss, Bonnie will offer full emotional support and compassionate flexibility with your contract.

You may choose:

• A partial refund for any unused support,

• Or the option to hold your deposit for future pregnancy support—whichever feels most comforting and right for you

This does not void the agreement; Bonnie will still honour any support already provided and remain available for debriefing or emotional care if you wish.

☐ I understand that in the case of miscarriage, I can choose a refund for unused support or carry forward my deposit for future care.

12. Childbirth Education

Bonnie’s online course and printable workbook form the backbone of her birth education approach. While she provides tools, support, and insight, the responsibility for preparation lies with you. Birth is unpredictable, and no specific outcome can be guaranteed.

☐ I understand that I am responsible for my own birth preparation and choices.

12b. Intellectual Property

All resources, courses, materials, and content provided by Bonnie remain her intellectual property.

These are for your personal use only and may not be:

• copied

• shared

• reproduced

• distributed

without written permission.

☐ I understand that all materials are for personal use only.

13. Client Responsibility

You acknowledge that:

• You are responsible for your own health decisions

• You will seek medical advice from your care provider where needed

• You are responsible for your preparation, education, and choices

Bonnie provides guidance and support — but all decisions remain yours.

☐ I understand I am responsible for my decisions and outcomes.

14. Confidentiality & Privacy

Your personal information will be kept strictly confidential and handled with care.

However, you acknowledge that information may be shared in the following circumstances:

• With your consent

• If required by law

• If there is a concern for your safety or the safety of others

• With a backup doula if required for your care

Bonnie may also share general, non-identifiable experiences for educational purposes.

All photos, stories, or identifiable information will only ever be shared with your written consent.

Full privacy policy is available here

☐ I understand how my information may be used and protected.

15. Health & Communicable Illness

You and Bonnie both agree to disclose any communicable or infectious diseases to ensure appropriate care and safety.

☐ I agree to disclose any relevant health concerns, and understand Bonnie will do the same.

16. Mutual Respect & Right to Withdraw

This relationship is built on mutual respect, open communication, and trust.

Bonnie is committed to supporting you with care, integrity, and professionalism—and she asks the same in return. If at any point she feels misled, mistreated, or that the working relationship is no longer safe or aligned, she reserves the right to withdraw her services.

☐ I understand that this is a respectful working relationship, and that Bonnie may withdraw her services if she feels misled or mistreated.

17. Waiver of Liability

You acknowledge and agree that Bonnie Walker is not a medical professional and does not provide medical care, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

You understand that all decisions regarding your pregnancy, labour, birth, and postpartum care are your responsibility and should be made in consultation with your chosen healthcare provider.

To the maximum extent permitted by law:

• Bonnie Walker is not liable for any outcomes relating to your pregnancy, labour, birth, or postpartum period
• Bonnie Walker is not responsible for any decisions made by you, your partner, or your healthcare providers
• Bonnie Walker will not be held liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential loss, including but not limited to emotional distress, complications, or birth outcomes

You agree that any liability, where it cannot be excluded by law, is limited to the total amount paid by you for Bonnie’s services under this agreement.

By signing this agreement, you release Bonnie Walker from any claims, demands, or legal action arising from your pregnancy, labour, birth, or postpartum experience, except in cases of proven gross negligence or unlawful conduct.

☐ I acknowledge and agree to the waiver of liability and understand the limits of Bonnie’s role.

17b. General Legal Terms

This agreement is designed to be clear, fair, and protective for both parties.

If any part of this agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the rest of the agreement will still remain in full effect.

This agreement is made between you and Bonnie Walker and cannot be transferred to another person without written agreement.

If either party chooses not to enforce a part of this agreement at any time, this does not mean that part of the agreement is waived or no longer applies in the future.

☐ I understand and agree to these general legal terms.

18. Dispute Resolution

In the unlikely event that a dispute arises between us, both parties agree to first attempt to resolve the matter through open, honest, and respectful communication.

If a resolution cannot be reached informally, we agree to consider mediation before pursuing any legal action.

Any unresolved matters will be governed by the laws of Western Australia.

Unless otherwise stated, neither party is entitled to claim legal fees or expenses resulting from the dispute. Every effort will be made to resolve concerns with respect, honesty, and professionalism.

☐ I understand and agree to the dispute resolution process outlined above. Any disputes will be resolved under Western Australian law, and that legal fees are not recoverable unless otherwise agreed.

19. Legal Requests & Subpoenas

If Bonnie is required to respond to a subpoena or legal request involving your care (e.g. providing records, appearing in court, or giving testimony), you agree to reimburse her for:

• Time spent preparing or appearing

• Loss of earnings

• Travel expenses

• Legal fees (if applicable)

This includes responding to subpoenas, depositions, or other formal demands related to the services provided.

☐ I understand that if legal records or testimony are requested, I am responsible for covering Bonnie’s time, expenses, and legal costs.

20. External Circumstances (Force Majeure)

In the event of circumstances outside of Bonnie’s control (including but not limited to illness, natural disasters, hospital restrictions, or government policies):

• Bonnie may not be able to attend your birth in person

• Alternative support (virtual or postpartum) will be offered

• Refunds may not apply where services are still provided in another form

☐ I understand that external circumstances may impact in-person support.

21. Payment Terms & Refund Policy

To secure your place, a $1000 deposit is required upon signing this agreement, with the balance due by 36 weeks. Bonnie cannot go on call at 38 weeks unless fees have been finalised.

☐ I agree to pay the full balance by 36 weeks pregnant, on or before: ____/____/_____

Late payments may result in:

• Delay of services

• Suspension of on-call availability

• Additional fees where applicable

You may also be responsible for any costs associated with recovering unpaid fees.

All fees paid are non-refundable unless otherwise explicitly stated in this agreement.

Once your place is secured, Bonnie declines other potential clients and refers them to her birthing colleagues.

Bonnie is committed to being at your birth, but in the unlikely event that this is not possible, the following refund policies apply:

• If Bonnie is unable to attend your birth due to unforeseen circumstances and her backup doula is also unavailable, a partial refund may be offered

• If the backup doula attends your birth, no refund will be issued—even if you had preferred Bonnie to attend

• If Bonnie must leave early due to a family emergency and her backup doula cannot step in, a partial refund may be offered for any unused support

• If Bonnie is unable to attend but a refund is agreed upon, this does not void the rest of your contract—Bonnie will still provide postpartum support

• If you fail to contact Bonnie or give enough notice, and she does not have time to attend your birth, no refund will be given

• If Bonnie arrives within 120 minutes of your call and the baby has already been born, there is no discount or refund

While Bonnie’s birth support is unlimited, she asks for common sense and mutual understanding. In rare cases where labour support extends beyond 15 hours, she may need to step away to rest, arrange childcare, or care for her family. In this case:

• She will communicate clearly with you

• She may arrange for her backup doula to step in temporarily (at no extra charge)

You also acknowledge that full doula fees still apply in the event of extraordinary circumstances, including if your birth ends in a caesarean.

☐ I understand the payment terms and refund policy, and that full fees still apply in the case of caesarean birth or last-minute attendance issues.

22. Final & Entire Agreement

This agreement outlines the full understanding between you and Bonnie Walker in relation to the services provided.

It replaces any previous conversations, messages, or understandings — whether written or verbal.

This means that anything discussed outside of this agreement is not legally binding unless it has been formally added to this contract.

By signing below, you confirm that you’ve read this agreement, understand the scope of support, and agree to the outlined terms.

 

Client Name: __________________________________________________________

Estimated Due Date: ____________________________________________________

Signature: ____________________________________________________________

Date Signed: _______/_______/_______

 

Birth Partner Name (optional): ___________________________________________

Signature (optional): ____________________________________________________

Date Signed: _______/_______/_______

 

Doula Name: Bonnie Walker

Signature: _____________________________________________________________

On Call From: _______/_______/_______

Date Signed: _______/_______/_______