As a doula, supporting families is what you’re passionate about. However, I’m a firm believer that doulas should be compensated for their time, even when certifying. Your work has immense value, and it’s important to advocate for a livable wage. That said, whether you’re charging your full rate, a reduced rate, offering your services as part of certification without compensation, or even bartering, a contract should always be part of your process. Contracts aren’t just about money; they’re about setting boundaries, ensuring clear communication, and protecting both you and your clients.

Here’s why every doula needs a contract, even if you’re offering discounted or bartered services.

1. Show Professionalism, Even with Family and Friends

Sometimes, when you’re working with friends or family, a contract can feel unnecessary or even awkward. I’ve experienced this myself. I once had to ask my sister to sign a contract and pay me because she didn’t see me as a professional. Once we had that agreement in place, it shifted her perspective, and she took my role seriously.

Contracts, even for free or bartered services, set the right tone. They show you’re serious about your work and expect to be treated with the same professionalism.

2. Set Boundaries and Clear Expectations

Contracts aren’t just about money—they’re about boundaries. For example, I’ve seen doulas offer free services, either for a birth client or a postpartum support family, and not get contacted when the support is needed. Without a contract, you could lose out on both your time and the opportunity to fulfill your client’s needs.

Your contract should outline everything, from what services you’ll provide (e.g., birth support, overnight postpartum care) to how and when your client should contact you. For postpartum doulas, it’s important to set clear boundaries to prevent misunderstandings—such as clarifying that you are not a housekeeper or nanny. If you offer lactation support as an add-on, make sure the contract clarifies that lactation services come with an extra fee, while outlining what basic services are included in your postpartum work.

Including a clause requiring the client to notify you in advance if they need to cancel or reschedule postpartum visits is also a good way to ensure clarity.

3. Flexibility with Experience

As you grow as a doula, you may need to adjust your contracts to reflect your experience. For example, if your typical contract includes three prenatal visits but a client hires you at 39 weeks, it may be hard to meet that. Adjusting your contract to reflect one prenatal visit—while allowing room for more if time permits—helps avoid breaches.

4. Covering Legal Bases and Providing Peace of Mind

A contract isn’t just about professionalism; it’s about protecting both you and your client. It should give peace of mind, ensuring everyone is clear on what to expect. A well-crafted contract addresses your unique needs as a doula and helps avoid misunderstandings. For example, I include a clause asking my clients to call, not text, when they are in labor because I’m hard of hearing and don’t wake up to text messages. This sets a clear expectation for both me and the client.

Common questions doulas ask include:

• Do I need a contract? (Yes!)
• Can I use someone else’s contract? (No, it’s best to have your own.)
• Should I have a lawyer review it? (Absolutely.)

Always have a lawyer review your contract to ensure it complies with your state’s laws, especially if you’re using a template from an online marketplace, such as Etsy.

5. Contracts: A Powerful Communication Tool

Beyond simply being a legal document, a contract serves as an essential communication tool between you and your client. It’s not just about covering the basics; it provides clarity, helping both parties feel confident about what to expect. A well-drafted contract removes ambiguity, ensuring that your role, the client’s responsibilities, and the services you’re providing are fully understood. It helps set a solid foundation for your professional relationship, reducing the risk of miscommunication. For instance, clearly outlining the steps for contacting you, the scope of your services, and your backup plan ensures that there are no surprises later on.

6. Include Essential Clauses to Protect Your Time and Energy

To make your contract work for you, it’s crucial to include key clauses that address common issues doulas face. These clauses protect your time, energy, and professional boundaries. Some must-haves include:

• Backup Doula Information: Clients need to know who will step in if you are unavailable, ensuring continuous care and avoiding confusion during a critical time.
• Scope of Services: Be clear about what you are (and are not) responsible for, especially as a postpartum doula. For example, clarifying that you’re not a housekeeper or nanny can prevent misunderstandings. Similarly, if you offer lactation support, specify whether it’s included or available for an extra fee.
• Image Release: If you plan to use photos for social media, make sure this is spelled out as an opt-in, giving clients control over whether they want to participate.

Other optional clauses might cover cancellation policies, emergency situations, or any non-refundable deposits for securing your services. The more specific and detailed you are, the less likely you’ll run into issues or misunderstandings.

7. How to Introduce the Contract in Client Interviews

Presenting a contract doesn’t need to feel overwhelming or overly formal. In fact, I use my contract as a guide to walk clients through my services, expectations, and boundaries during our initial meeting. Use the contract as a conversation starter—go over what you offer, any add-ons (like lactation support), and any special clauses you have (such as how to contact you). Let the contract guide the conversation and ensure that both you and the client are on the same page. After walking them through it, give your clients time to review and ask questions before signing. Alternatively, you can send the contract electronically for them to go over at their own pace.

By making contracts an integral part of your doula practice, you ensure that both you and your clients are clear on expectations, protected from misunderstandings, and able to build a trusting relationship from the start. Whether you’re offering birth support, postpartum care, or specialized services, a well-constructed contract sets the tone for professionalism and ensures that your time and energy are valued. Take the time to customize your contract for each client, and remember that clarity upfront leads to smoother, more successful doula-client relationships in the long run.