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 Postpartum Doula Client Service Agreement

This Client Service Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into between The Gentle Nest ("Doula," "I," "me"), operated by Kemi, and the undersigned client ("Client," "you"), for services to be provided at the home address confirmed at booking. This Agreement outlines the scope of services, mutual commitments, payment terms, cancellation policy, and boundaries for postpartum doula support.

Scope of Services

The Gentle Nest provides non-medical, in-home postpartum support. Depending on the package selected, services may include:

  • In-home postpartum recovery care, including comfort measures, rest support, and traditional (non-clinical) bodywork such as warmth therapy and belly wrapping

  • Breastfeeding and feeding support, including latch positioning, paced bottle feeding guidance, and general feeding education

  • Newborn care support, including diapering, bathing, soothing, cue coaching, and comforting techniques

  • Light tidying directly related to the household's postpartum recovery (kitchen, nursery, laundry as agreed) — I am not a housekeeper, and general household cleaning falls outside this scope

  • Meal preparation and delivery of nourishing food during scheduled visits

  • Emotional support and a listening presence during the postpartum transition

  • Referrals to local resources, including lactation consultants, pediatricians, pelvic floor physiotherapists, perinatal mental health support, and parenting groups

  • Overnight support, available at the same hourly rate as daytime care — you may book any available time at your package's listed rate

 Doula's Commitments

  • I will arrive on time and stay for the entire scheduled visit.

  • I will be reachable by phone or email during regular business hours (9am–5pm) for questions between visits.

  • If I am unable to attend a scheduled visit due to illness or an emergency, I will notify you as early as possible and work with you to reschedule, or offer a backup caregiver where one is available.

  • I will remain flexible in how I support you, adapting to your family's needs as they change across your care period.

Client's Commitments

  • You agree to share any special needs, cultural or religious customs, health conditions, allergies, pets, or other caregivers present, as early as possible and no later than the first scheduled visit.

  • You agree to provide safe, reasonable access to your home for scheduled visits.

  • You agree to the cancellation and payment terms outlined  below.

Packages & Pricing

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The remaining balance for The Nurtured Nest and The Full Embrace is due no later than the final scheduled visit, unless another arrangement is agreed to in writing in advance. Overnight care is billed at the same hourly rate as daytime visits — there is no separate overnight rate, and clients may book any available time at the listed package rate.

Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy

By the Client

  • 48 hours’ notice or more: visits may be rescheduled at no charge, subject to availability.

  • Less than 48 hours’ notice: the visit is considered used and is non-refundable, as this time has been held exclusively for your family, unless due to illness or another unavoidable circumstance.

  • Deposits are non-refundable once paid, as they reserve your place on my calendar and are not transferable to another client.

  • If your baby arrives earlier or later than expected, I will do my best to shift your visit schedule accordingly — please reach out as soon as you're able so we can adjust together.

By the Doula

See Doula's Commitments for what happens if I am unable to attend a scheduled visit. Where no suitable alternative or backup caregiver is available, any amount paid for that specific visit will be refunded or credited toward a future visit, at your preference.

Scope of Practice & Boundaries

  • Doula care is non-medical and educational in nature. I do not diagnose, treat, or prescribe, and I do not perform clinical procedures.

  • I do not assess the physical recovery of vaginal tears or cesarean incisions. I will, however, observe for visible signs of infection or perinatal mood and anxiety concerns, and educate you (and your partner, where helpful) on the symptoms to watch for and when to contact your care provider.

  • I am not a licensed lactation consultant, physical therapist, or mental health provider. Where a concern falls outside my scope, I will point you toward a qualified professional.

  • You are responsible for your own medical decisions and those of your child, and are encouraged to consult your physician, midwife, or another licensed provider for any medical concern.

  • I will treat your home, family, and any information shared with me with respect and confidentiality, and will not disclose personal details to others without your permission, except where I am legally required to do so or where I believe there is a genuine safety concern.

  • The Gentle Nest is not liable for pre-existing household hazards, injuries unrelated to services rendered, or outcomes resulting from medical decisions made independently by the Client.

  • Either party may end the working relationship at any time if it no longer feels like a good fit; in that case, Section 5 governs any refund or balance owed.

Acknowledgment

By booking a session, the client acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agreed to this Client Service Agreement.

Questions about this Agreement?
Reach out anytime at hello@thegentlenest.ca or 236-558-6823 — I'm always happy to talk through anything before you sign.

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