Program Overview, Scope of Care, Service Agreement:
Purpose of Services
The Doula For The People Integrative Postpartum Doula Program provides non-medical, holistic postpartum support to individuals and families during the weeks following birth. Services are designed to support physical recovery, emotional wellbeing, infant care, and family adjustment through a liberation-focused, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive care model.
Postpartum doulas affiliated with Doula For The People provide care that centers the whole person and honors each family’s unique needs, values, identities, and lived experiences.
Scope of Postpartum Doula Support
Postpartum doulas provide non-medical physical, emotional, and educational support during the postpartum period. Services may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Emotional support and compassionate presence during the postpartum transition
- Education related to postpartum recovery, self-care, and adjustment
Infant care education and hands-on support, including soothing, feeding support, and sleep education
- Lactation and feeding education, including chestfeeding, breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and combination feeding support
- Support with postpartum comfort measures and recovery practices
- Guidance in developing parenting values and caregiving routines
- Light practical support related to infant care, such as baby-related dishes or laundry, when appropriate
- Referrals to healthcare providers or community resources when additional or specialized care is needed
The specific focus of each visit is determined collaboratively based on the priorities and needs identified by the client and doula. Postpartum doulas do not provide medical care, diagnose conditions, or replace licensed medical providers.
Major housekeeping tasks are not within the scope of postpartum doula services.
Integrative Postpartum Doula Program Services
Participants enrolled in the Doula For The People Integrative Postpartum Doula Program receive the following services at no cost:
- 32 hours of postpartum doula care provided by a trained Doula For The People postpartum doula
Six weeks of prepared meal support, designed to nourish postpartum recovery and support healing
An opportunity to participate in a Postpartum Sanctuary Circle, a facilitated community-based space for collective care, reflection, and connection
Participation in Sanctuary Circles is optional and subject to availability.
Health, Safety, and Medical Care
Postpartum doulas do not diagnose or treat medical conditions for either parent or infant. Doulas may share evidence-informed education and observations and will encourage clients to consult their pediatrician, midwife, obstetric provider, or primary care provider with any health concerns.
Clients are encouraged to seek medical care immediately if they have concerns about their own health or the health of their baby.
Health and Illness Communication
All parties agree to communicate promptly regarding illness or exposure to contagious conditions in order to support health and safety and make appropriate adjustments to services when needed, in alignment with current public health guidance.
Emergencies
In the event of a medical emergency involving an infant or parent, the doula will make reasonable efforts to contact the client and follow previously discussed emergency preferences. When necessary, emergency services may be contacted.
Client Responsibilities
Clients understand and agree that they remain solely responsible for their family’s wellbeing and medical decision-making.
Clients agree to:
Communicate their needs, priorities, and expectations clearly and honestly.
Notify their healthcare provider of any postpartum complications, and
Treat doulas with respect, care, and clear communication before, during, and after services. Provide a safe and accessible environment for postpartum support.
Surveillance Disclosure
Clients agree to disclose the presence of any cameras or surveillance equipment in the home prior to the start of postpartum doula services.
Limitation of Liability
Clients understand and agree that postpartum doula services provided through Doula For The People are non-medical and are intended to offer emotional, educational, and practical support only. Postpartum doulas do not diagnose, treat, or provide medical care and do not replace licensed medical providers.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Doula For The People, its staff, contractors, volunteers, and affiliated postpartum doulas shall not be held liable for any injury, loss, or damage arising from or related to the postpartum doula services provided, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Clients acknowledge that they remain solely responsible for their own health and wellbeing and that of their infant(s), including all medical decisions. Any information or support provided by a doula should be considered complementary to, and not a substitute for, care provided by licensed healthcare professionals.
In no event shall Doula For The People or affiliated postpartum doulas be liable for incidental, indirect, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of participation in the Integrative Postpartum Doula Program, regardless of the theory of liability.
Nature of Agreement
This program description outlines the general scope of services provided through the Doula For The People Integrative Postpartum Doula Program. Specific scheduling, doula matching, and service details are coordinated through Doula For The People and participating postpartum doulas.