Terms of service

1. Nature of Services

Hearth & Feather Postpartum Care provides non‑medical postpartum doula services, including emotional support, newborn care education, infant feeding support, practical household help within reasonable limits, safety and harm reduction planning, and resource navigation. Services do not include medical care, psychotherapy, legal advice, or midwifery/obstetric care.

2. Scope and Limitations

The doula does not diagnose conditions, prescribe or administer medications, perform clinical tasks, or make treatment decisions. Clients remain responsible for seeking care from licensed medical and mental health professionals and for following up on any urgent symptoms or safety concerns.

3. Service Area and Format

In‑home services are offered primarily within the Mohawk Valley region of New York State, with possible case‑by‑case accommodations for nearby areas. Care is provided in a hybrid format: in‑home visits and virtual support (video, phone, or secure messaging) at mutually agreed‑upon times.

4. Scheduling and Availability

Visits are generally scheduled in 2–4 hour blocks during daytime or early evening, based on mutual availability. A minimum visit length (for example, 2 hours) applies to all in‑home sessions. Specific dates and times are confirmed in writing (email, text, or messaging), and availability outside typical hours is not guaranteed.

5. Fees, Payment, and Sliding Scale

Unless otherwise specified in writing, the standard rate is 40 dollars per hour for postpartum support, billed in whole‑hour or half‑hour increments, with package pricing available for pre‑agreed bundles of hours. Any sliding scale, community‑supported, or reduced‑fee arrangements will be discussed individually and confirmed in writing before services begin. Payment methods, due dates (for example, deposit and remaining balance), and any payment plans are outlined in the individual client agreement.

6. Cancellations and Rescheduling

Clients are asked to provide at least 24–48 hours’ notice (exact number you choose) to cancel or reschedule a visit. Cancellations with less than the stated notice may be subject to a cancellation fee, up to the value of the scheduled visit, except in true emergencies or by mutual agreement. If the doula must cancel due to illness, emergency, or unsafe conditions, reasonable efforts will be made to reschedule or adjust the billing accordingly.

7. Client Responsibilities

Clients agree to:

- Provide accurate information about their health, household, and any known risks (including infectious illness) that may affect service delivery.

- Maintain a reasonably safe, smoke‑free indoor environment for visits and secure any pets as needed for safety.

- Communicate promptly about changes in schedule, address, or contact information.

8. Confidentiality and Privacy

All personal and health‑related information shared in the course of services will be treated as confidential and not disclosed to third parties without the client’s consent, except where disclosure is required by law (for example, imminent risk of serious harm). Notes may be kept for continuity of care; identifying details will not be shared in teaching or professional settings without explicit permission.

9. Harm Reduction and Safety

Hearth & Feather follows a harm reduction and trauma‑informed approach, welcoming clients who use substances, are in treatment, or are in recovery. Safety planning is collaborative, and there is no automatic reporting of substance use or mental health history. If the doula believes there is an immediate risk of serious harm, the doula may encourage or assist the client in contacting emergency, medical, or crisis services and will explain any steps taken as transparently as possible.

10. Boundaries and House Tasks

The doula may provide light household tasks directly connected to postpartum support (for example, simple meal prep, dishes, tidying, baby laundry) but does not perform heavy cleaning, yard work, home repairs, or driving clients. Any tasks that feel unsafe, beyond scope, or outside agreed boundaries may be declined.

11. Termination of Services

Either the client or the doula may end the service relationship at any time, with reasonable notice when possible. The client is responsible for payment of all services rendered up to the termination date. Prepaid hours and refunds will be handled according to the individual client agreement and any stated refund policy.

12. Liability and Assumption of Risk

By engaging services, clients acknowledge that postpartum doula care is non‑medical and that outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Clients agree to hold the doula harmless within the limits of applicable law for outcomes reasonably outside the doula’s control and to seek appropriate medical and mental health care when needed.

13. Changes to Terms

Hearth & Feather may update these Terms of Service from time to time. The version in effect at the time of signing an individual service agreement will apply for that contract period unless both parties agree in writing to adopt updated terms.