Policies

Arising Doulas Are:

• Contractors through ATX Doula's Bonfire program

• Trained in emotional and physical pregnancy, labor, birth, and/or postpartum support​

• Mentored by seasoned professional doulas

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What Arising Doulas do/do not do:

• Will NOT give medical advice or perform any medical procedures.

• Will help me stay comfortable by helping me change positions, offer breathing exercises, and other relaxation methods.

• During labor/birth- will stay with me throughout labor and delivery, or do their best to find a replacement aspiring doula if they cannot stay the whole time.

• Will NOT discuss my labor or delivery with my family unless asked.

• Will leave the room if asked.

• May use information about my pregnancy, birth, and postpartum (without using my name) for statistical purposes but will not share any of my personal information without written consent from me.

• May contact me after my birth to provide postpartum support, follow up, and referrals.

Arising Doula Services:

• In Pregnancy, the arising doula can help you find resources and information regarding your pregnancy and preparation for birth, but does not replace your prenatal doctor appointments.

• The main role of a arising doula is to be with you throughout labor and delivery, providing you with non-medical support. The arising doula does not take the place of a doctor, midwife, or nurse.

• The arising doula will provide continuous emotional and physical support. They can also make suggestions for comfort during labor such as breathing and relaxation techniques and ways to make the most of the birth room.

• The arising doula does not make decisions for you. They will help you clearly communicate your thoughts and wishes to your birth team.

• The arising doula will stay with you for a short time after birth to assist with bonding, breast/chestfeeding, etc.

• Your information is kept private, and shared internally for data collection and outcomes reports. The arising doula will not share any of your personal information outside of the system without written permission from you.

• The arising doula will attend your birth, and visit you at the hospital or home once if you wish. The arising doula can help in postpartum but cannot medically examine or assess you or your baby.

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Refund Policies:

• Birth Package

  • If canceled before labor or induction begins the client will receive no refund.​

  • If canceled after labor or induction begins the client will receive no refund and no transfer of services. 

  • Failure to contact or call your aspiring doula during labor—regardless of the circumstances, including premature or precipitous labor—will result in the forfeiture of all fees and no refund will be issued.

  • Birth clients who must have a c-section prior to labor are not eligible to transfer funds or a refund unless the doula is notified ahead of arrival at the hospital that they are not able to support in the OR. Please communicate with your arising doula in the case of an emergency cesarean and they will support you during your birth or in recovery. 

  • BIRTH PLANS & POST-BIRTHS are non-refundable or transferable to other services.

  • Classes and appointments not used within 30 days of birth will be forfeited and not eligible for a refund/transfer.

• ​Postpartum Package

  • All postpartum hours will expire 3 months after purchase of postpartum hours OR birth of the baby (whichever is greater)

  • 50% of the package fee is non-refundable and non-transferable for all hours that are not scheduled

  • Pricing will convert to the individual hourly amount for partially used packages

  • Cancellation Policy:

    • ≥ 2 weeks - 24 hours -- no fee for rescheduling

    • 24 hours to 2 weeks -- 50% (based on number of hours scheduled)

    • < 24 hours -- no refund

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Consent and Release of Information:

• I give permission to have a arising doula to serve as my doula and stay with me during my labor and attend the birth of my child. I am committing to engaging in services and will stay in contact with them.

• I understand that the arising doula may track my health information for statistical purposes and to inform future services.

• I agree to treat the arising doula with respect and dignity, upholding the values of in my services with the arising doula. I understand that services can be terminated if there is a lack of safety, including, but not limited to, physical safety and emotional safety (freedom from hate speech or disparaging remarks).