A postpartum doula contract isn't just a formality—it's your protection and your doula's clarity on expectations, hours, and what happens when life gets unpredictable. Before you sign, you need to understand what you're actually agreeing to and spot gaps that could lead to confusion during those bleary first weeks home. Here's what matters.
The Core Service Hours
Your contract should specify exactly what "postpartum doula services" means in your situation. Are you hiring for overnight support, daytime shifts, or a combination? Most postpartum doulas work between 4–12 hours per day, typically ranging from $18–$30+ per hour depending on location and experience, though some charge flat weekly rates ($800–$2,000+).
Lock in the exact days and times. "Flexible scheduling" sounds convenient until you're scrambling to reach your doula at 2 AM and she's assumed morning hours only. Write down whether she's on-call or scheduled in advance, and how much notice she needs if you want to cancel a shift.
Payment Terms and Cancellation Clauses
This is where most conflicts happen. Determine upfront whether you pay hourly, weekly, or in full before services start. Some doulas require a deposit (typically 25–50% of the total contract) to hold your dates, which is standard practice.
The cancellation policy matters enormously. Can you cancel with 24 hours' notice, or does your doula require a week? What if you go into labor early and need her immediately? What if complications mean you need her for six weeks instead of four? Your contract should outline:
- Notice required for cancellations without penalty
- How much you owe if you cancel with short notice
- Whether unused hours roll over or are forfeited
- What happens if your doula cancels on you
Scope of Work and Boundaries
A postpartum doula is not a nanny, housekeeper, or medical provider—but your contract should clarify what she will and won't do. Typical responsibilities include:
- Newborn care support (diaper changes, feeding assistance, swaddling)
- Mother comfort (meal prep, light tidying, emotional support)
- Infant sleep coaching or education
- Lactation support (non-clinical; she's not a lactation consultant)
- Sibling care during postpartum recovery
- Errands or light housework
Be explicit about what's not included. Does she handle deep cleaning? Overnight baby care? Cooking full meals or just meal prep? If she'll be around your other children, are there age restrictions or specific expectations?
Health, Safety, and Liability
Your doula should have current CPR certification (adult and infant) and liability insurance. Many doulas carry professional liability coverage for around $300–$500 annually. Ask for proof before signing.
The contract should state what happens if either party gets sick. If your doula catches COVID or the flu, how do you handle rescheduling? If you test positive, do you expect her to continue with PPE, or do you both pause services?
Clarify too what happens if there's an injury or incident. While a postpartum doula isn't liable for medical emergencies (your pediatrician and hospital are), your contract should reflect mutual understanding of when and how to call emergency services.
Communication and Modifications
Include how you'll communicate—text, email, phone—and expected response times. If something isn't working in the first week, your contract should allow for a brief adjustment period (usually 24–72 hours) to recalibrate without penalty.
Also specify: Can your doula bring a backup or trainee if she's unavailable? Does she provide written updates on your baby's progress? Are there weekly check-ins to discuss what's working?
The Contract Review Checklist
Before you sign, verify these are in writing:
- Start and end dates
- Hourly rate or flat fee, and payment schedule
- Cancellation and refund policy
- Specific services included
- CPR certification and insurance proof
- Communication method and availability
- What to do if services need to end early
When to Walk Away
If a doula resists putting terms in writing, that's a red flag. A professional doula will have a standard contract template ready. If the contract is vague on payment, cancellation, or scope, ask for clarification before signing—this is the time, not week two.
Platforms like Mercoly let you compare postpartum doulas and review their terms side-by-side, making it easier to spot which providers are transparent upfront.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if my doula doesn't show up for a scheduled shift? Your contract should state whether she provides a backup doula, refunds that day's payment, or offers makeup hours; ideally, she'll guarantee coverage.
Q: Can I hire a postpartum doula on a week-to-week basis? Yes—many doulas offer flexible short-term arrangements, but your contract should specify the minimum commitment (often 2–4 weeks) and how either party can end the arrangement.
Q: Am I responsible for her mileage, meals, or other expenses? This varies by region and agreement; clarify in your contract whether her hourly rate covers travel costs or if you reimburse separately.
Start your search on Mercoly to find vetted postpartum doulas in your area and compare their contract terms directly.