BIRTH POOL RENTAL AGREEMENT

This Birth Pool Rental Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into between Mama Doula Canada, hereinafter referred to as the "Lessor" and , hereinafter referred to as the "Lessee" collectively referred to as the "Parties". 

1. Rental Period
The rental period for the La Bassine Maxi Birth Pool (the "Pool") shall commence at  or at 36 weeks of pregnancy and continue up to 6 weeks or 3 business days after the birth of the Lessee's child, whichever comes first.

2. Pool Description
The Pool specifications are as follows:

• Shape: Cocoon
• Handles: Pair of internal handles
• Color: Purple
• Pool material: 0.60mm thick eco-vinyl
• Inflated floor: 7.5cm (3")
• External length: 165cm (65")
• External width: 135cm (53"*)
• External height: 76cm (30")
• Internal length: 125cm (50")
• Internal width: 95cm (38")
• Internal depth: 65cm (26")
• Rim width: 20cm (8")
• Water capacity: 450 liters at 80% full
• Weight when empty: 6.3kg

Other materials included:

• 1 plastic liner (disposable)
• 1 hose (disposable)
• 2 universal connectors 
• 1 pump for inflating the pool
• 1 water pump for removing water
• 1 net (disposable)
• 1 bottle of disinfectant 
• 1 repairing kit 

3. Rental Fee and Payment
The Lessee agrees to pay the Lessor a rental fee of $265 + HST for the entire rental period. Payment shall be made in full at the time of signing this Agreement.

4. Security Deposit
The Lessee shall provide a security deposit of $250 to the Lessor. The security deposit will be returned to the Lessee within 7 business days after the Pool is returned in its original condition.

5. Pool Care and Use
a. The Lessee shall keep the Pool at room temperature before, during, and after use. It is important to note that temperatures below 10°C | 50°F can damage this type of plastic material.
b. BEFORE USE: The Lessee shall ensure that both the pool and the liner are at room temperature before handling and unfolding them.
c. The Lessee must inflate the pool over a clean surface, such as a debris-free floor, to prevent any damage.
d. For user comfort, it is recommended to place a comforter or blanket under the pool before inflating and filling it with water.
e. CAUTION: The use of an electric water heater can damage the pool's material. Please refrain from using it.
f. AFTER USE: The liner and hose are disposable materials and do not need to be returned.
g. To clean the pool, the Lessee should use soap and water to spot clean the pool. Then, the Lessee should apply a disinfectant spray solution and wipe it with a paper towel. The pool should be allowed to air dry before folding it for return.
h. To clean the pump, the Lessee should prepare a solution of 10% bleach and 90% water. The Lessee should cut a piece of the hose (approximately 30 cm long) and attach one end to the pump and the other end to a container with the bleach solution. The pump should be run for 10 minutes with the bleach solution. Afterward, the pump should be allowed to air dry before returning it.

Please note that the Lessee is responsible for following these care and use instructions to ensure the proper maintenance of the pool. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in damage to the pool, for which the Lessee may be held responsible.

6. Termination
Either Party may terminate this Agreement in writing with 10 business days' prior notice. In case of termination, the Lessee shall return the Pool to the Lessor as instructed.

7. Entire Agreement
This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the Parties and supersedes any prior agreements or understandings, whether written or verbal, relating to the subject matter herein.

8. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Ontario. Any disputes arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Ontario.

9. Severability
If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the validity, legality, and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not be affected or impaired.

10. Amendments
No amendment, modification, or waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be valid unless it is in writing and signed by both Parties.

11. Waiver
The failure of either Party to enforce any provision of this Agreement shall not be deemed as a waiver of such provision or the right to enforce it.

12. Confidentiality
The Parties agree to maintain the confidentiality of all terms and conditions contained in this Agreement and shall not disclose them to any third parties without the written consent of the other Party.

Please carefully review this Birth Pool Rental Agreement. By signing below, both Parties acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agreed to all the terms and conditions outlined in this Agreement.

General Policies for Our Labor & Birth Support Services

Doula’s Role and Obligations

• We are independently employed; we work for you and your partner, not your doctor, midwife, or hospital.
• The number of prenatal consults will be done accordingly to the package you have chosen and, at mutually agreeable times. During these visits, we can discuss any questions you might have, and review your birth plan/wishes which will help organize your thoughts about what is important to you and help communicate your wishes to your medical caregivers. It would be helpful if both you and your partner or another birth companion can be present at these meetings.
• Additional visits, classes or appointments can be arranged at an additional hourly charge.
• We can provide information on options for your birth wishes. However, you will be responsible for deciding on a birth wishes that is best suited to your individual needs and preferences and for discussing the terms with your doctor.
• We will be on call for you from the time you sign the contract and until 6 weeks postpartum, we are available by phone, text, or e-mail from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, and for emergencies or labor by phone call at any time. In case of emergency call your health care provider or 911.
• One of us will remain with you from the time you request us to be with you once labor has begun, until two hours after your baby is born, apart from short breaks for meals and rest if time allows. Longer breaks, for instance, if you first call me in early labor, may be taken as mutually agreed.
• We can help you to utilize non-medical support techniques for labor and birth, such as breathing techniques, massage, heat packs, mantras, bath or shower, positions, comfort measures with balls, etc.
• We can take pictures of the event if you wish so. We will maintain a birth log if you wish, as circumstances allow, of the events that occur during labor and birth. All records we keep are confidential.
• We will not share these records with any person out of Mama Doula Canada, except where disclosure is required by law.
• We will help you to initiate breastfeeding if that is what you choose to do. We are not certified lactation consultants, we are Breastfeeding Counselors, so we can refer you to one if the need arises. If you wish to bottle-feed your baby, we can help with the first feedings if required.
• The postpartum visits will be done in number accordingly to the package contracted by you, and can be done the day after the birth, the day you return home from the hospital, or any other day you prefer, for a 2 hours period and within 2 weeks. We will strive to answer any questions or give you a referral to another professional when appropriate.

Limitations of Doula Practice

• We will not make decisions for you. We will provide information that may be helpful for you and/or your partner to make an informed choice.
• We will not perform clinical tasks such as assessing blood pressure, checking the dilation of the cervix, monitoring the fetal heart rate, making any medical diagnosis, administering or prescribing medication, or any other procedure that qualifies as practicing medicine. Our role is limited to providing for your physical, emotional, and educational support.
• We will not provide medical advice or advice concerning any alternative therapies, we can just tell you possible alternatives you might want to research or ask a professional. Any information we provide should in no way be construed as medical advice and is not a substitute for medical advice, which only a licensed medical practitioner can provide. It is your responsibility to seek the advice of an appropriately qualified practitioner in case of doubt.
• We will not speak to your medical caregivers on your behalf. We can discuss your concerns with you and provide information on options that may be available and help you with composing questions for you to ask your caregivers, but you or your partner will be responsible for communicating your needs to the medical staff. Exceptions might arise in emergencies.
• We are not licensed or permitted to deliver your baby or to perform any clinical skills related to the delivery of your baby. In the event that the baby arrives unexpectedly at home without a licensed medical practitioner in attendance, you or your partner or other attendants will be responsible for catching the baby as he/she is born. However, should your partner or attendant not be available to catch the baby as he/she is born, and if you are unable to do so yourself, then with your consent, we may take on this role. For safety and liability reasons we do not attend programmed unassisted births.

Your Obligations

• You should complete a written birth plan, and discuss it in detail with the medical practitioner scheduled to attend your birth.
• You will make the necessary arrangements to tour your proposed birth facility (if not home) before the birth.
• You will call us when you think you may be in labor, even if you are not sure, or as soon as your waters break so that we make arrangements to attend your birth. We will provide support over the phone until you decide you would like us to be with you in person.
• When we receive the call to come to you, the assistance time will start counting when we are in your presence. In order to provide a qualified service, the main doula can stay up to 24 hours providing continuous support, when she should call the backup doula to replace her, have a period of at least 8 hours of rest and return for assistance if necessary. In this situation, an one-time overtime fee of $200 will apply (the invoice will be automatically sent after delivery). In situations where the presence of a backup doula is not possible, the lead doula and family may decide to follow up on support and the same one-time overtime fee will apply after 24 hours.
• If we receive your call, stay with you and have to return home (due to a “false alarm”), these hours of assistance will count towards the total hours after delivery and a travel fee of $50 will apply.
• You will allow us approximately 1h30min to reach you from the time you have informed that you require doula’s presence. Please ensure you have either spoken with us verbally or received a confirmation from us, that we are aware that you are in labor. If your on-call Doula does not get back to you in 10 minutes call the backup. It is up to you or your partner to determine when you will leave for the hospital/call the midwives.
• It is your responsibility to ensure that the necessary arrangements are made to have a medical practitioner present at the birth whether the birth is to be in the hospital, birth center, or at your home.

Payments and Refunds

Fees will vary accordingly to the package chosen by you.

Payment will be charged as follow:

Retainer fee: 50% within 48h after the receival of the contract.

Remaining amount: 50% up to 4 weeks before your due date.

An invoice will be sent to you by e-mail following the receival of the contract. Payment can be done by e-transfer or by credit card (with an additional fee of 2.4% over the total amount of the invoice). Payment must be made in full before we are able to be available on call for your birth. 

If you decide to cancel this contract, the following will apply:

• More than 10 weeks before due date: 100% refund, minus the retainer fee, the HST and the costs of any already completed prenatal visit
• Between 10 and 5 weeks before due date: 70% refund, minus the retainer fee, the HST and the costs of any already completed prenatal visit
• 4 or less weeks before your due date: no refund

For the effect of this contract, the retainer fee is equal to 50% of the total amount of the contracted services. The cost of each in-person prenatal visit for the purpose of cancellation and refund is $100 and the online prenatal meeting is $50.

Elective Cesarean Birth
If you are booked for an elective C-section will accompany you to the hospital before and/or after your elective cesarean, and be present with you during the birth, as hospital policy allows, to provide support, information on what to expect, and assistance in making your cesarean birth a positive experience.
We can help with breastfeeding, answer questions about speeding recovery from a cesarean, and let you know what to expect in the first few days afterward. We will stay with you up to 2 hours after the birth. 

If you do not want us to be there before or during the cesarean section and you communicate up to 2 weeks before the expected date, we can provide immediate postpartum support in the hospital (up to 4h) and add a postpartum session to your package (up to 4h). If you don't want immediate postpartum support at the hospital, we can add two postpartum sessions to your package (up to 4h each).

Trials for vaginal birth that ends in a C-section are not considered elective surgeries.

Change of Services

If you wish to change from this service to another, your must request this change by e-mail. This request must be done maximum 8 weeks before your due date. Your request may be accepted if we have a doula available for the new service. In this case, you will be charged a $200 administrative fee, plus the amount of any already completed prenatal visit, and the remaining paid amount can be applied to the new service.

Please note that the service change request may not be accepted if there is no doula available for the desired service.

Failure to Provide Services
We will make every effort to provide the services described herein.
In the case of circumstances beyond anyone’s control, including but not limited to a rapid birth or medical emergency, it may be impossible for us to provide these services, no refund will apply.
If you call in good time to advise that you are in labor, but we don’t attend your birth due to an error on our part (such as losing or inadvertently turning off our cellphones, or missing your call or family health emergency such as an accident or serious hill), we will refund the total amount paid less the cost of any prenatal care already provided and any postpartum care desired. If you are unable to contact one of us please contact the emergency number.

If the person on call fails to attend your birth due to emergency situations, the backup doula will do so.

If you fail to call us that you are in labor, for whatever reason, you will not be due a refund of amounts paid. If there is a remaining balance outstanding, this will be due.

Important Notes:

In the event of events such as storms/pandemics or disasters that may block our face-to-face access to you, as well as if we are unable to go to the hospital or birthing center due to Covid-19 restrictions and face-to-face support has not been provided, you may opt for :

1. VIRTUAL birth support + $100 cashback OR

2. Refund of the total amount paid minus HST, administrative fee ($200) and the cost of antenatal and postpartum visits or appointments, if contracted OR

3. Other options, such as applying the amount paid for use in postpartum services, can be discussed if that is your preference AND doulas are available on the team.

Limitations of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable laws, our liability for any and all claims, losses, expenses,
injuries, or damages related to the performance of services under this contract of whatsoever nature and howsoever arising whether in tort or in contract or otherwise shall be limited to the amount paid by you pursuant to this contract.
We will not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages, resulting from the provision or non-provision of services under this contract, even if the possibility of such damages has been specifically advised.

In signing this contract, you agree that you understand and agree with all the points herein. You further agree that you have been given the opportunity to raise any questions that you might have concerning our services and that these questions have been answered to your satisfaction.

MDC DOULAS TRAINEE PROGRAM 

You are being invited to participate in our Mama Doula Canada team doula training and qualification program. 

This program aims to ensure that doulas in the process of being admitted to the MDC team have the opportunity to observe our practices and act in accordance with the standard of service required by the company, ensuring that all clients receive the same quality of care. 

In practice, your care team will consist of a senior doula (your primary doula), a backup doula and a trainee doula who can act as an observer or delivering shared care, always under the guidance of the senior doula.

At the end of the service, you will be invited to complete a satisfaction survey about the quality of service provided by your team.

Please, fill up the following blank space with DO, if you want to participate or DON'T, if you prefer not to participate:

I ()  ACCEPT TO PARTICIPATE

Participation is OPTIONAL and dependent on trainee availability. Mama Doula Canada will communicate the availability of a trainee doula for your family and confirm your participation through email.
​In appreciation of your participation in the program, we are offering one (1) additional postpartum visit of 2 hours duration to your package as a benefit.
You can revoke this authorization at any time by writing. By doing that, the bonus postpartum visit will be automatically canceled as well.

Confidentiality Agreement

Due to current confidentiality regulations, all doulas should have a signed release form from their client before taking any notes about the client or the client’s labor, birth, and postpartum. The best way to fully compliant would be to get this release signed at the first prenatal visit, or upon first meeting and joining the client.
I, , give permission to my doulas from Mama Doula Canada, at 1014 Kipps Lane, London ON, to take notes about me, including personal information I choose to disclose, and information regarding the labor, birth, and postpartum, as well as any information regarding my child/ren. I realize that the information will be shared only with the backup doula or in case of legal action.
I, , would like the doula to take pictures and videos of the birth if permitted and time allows to share only with me.
I , authorize Mama Doula Canada to use my testimony or non-graphic pictures that will be consented to and discussed with me beforehand and only published with my consent through e-mail.

General Policies for Our Postpartum Support Services

• We provide hands-on postpartum doula care for families seeking a few hours of support during the day, including breastfeeding/lactation support, assistance with baby care, help with household light tasks and other family needs. 
• We are independently employed; we work for you, not your doctor, midwife, or hospital. 
• Our main role is to support you and your baby in the postpartum period.
• We can provide information on options for decisions you may be making in the postpartum period. However, you will be responsible for deciding on a postpartum plan that is best suited to your individual needs and preferences and for discussing the terms with your health care provider. 
• All records we keep are confidential. We will not share these records with any person, except where disclosure is required by law.

Limitations of postpartum doula practice

• We will not make decisions for you. We will provide information that may be helpful for you and/or your partner to make an informed choice on baby care, medical treatment, or other issues.
• We will not perform clinical tasks such as making any medical diagnosis, administering or prescribing medication, or any other procedure that qualifies as practicing medicine. Our role is limited to providing for your physical, emotional, and educational support.
• We will provide breastfeeding support as a breastfeeding counselor. Any information we provide shouldn't in any way be construed as medical advice and is not a substitute for medical advice, which only a licensed medical practitioner can provide. It is your responsibility to seek the advice of an appropriately qualified practitioner in case of doubt. 
• We will provide information and guidance regarding newborn care and can help you in all tasks related, the goal is that you feel confident to eventually do them yourself. As postpartum doulas, our goal is to ease the transition to the family from individual to family.
• We can help you will small house tasks and with everything baby-related, but you and your family members recognize that a postpartum doula is not a cleaning person.
• Services can be used until baby gets 3-months old and/or as previously agreed with the doula.

Your obligations

• You should present the doula with a postpartum plan or fill up the one we will send to you after signing the contract. It is understood that circumstances may change unexpectedly, or your needs may change, and so this plan is not rigid. It services to give us a common understanding of the role you would like the doula to take in supporting your family. 
• If your needs change, and the amount of time you need the doula to spend with you changes considerably, you will notify us as soon as reasonably possible so that we may adjust the doula's schedule. If the doula is not able to add extra hours to her time with you, we can find another postpartum doula from Mama Doula Canada who would be able to work with you, if that is your wish. 
• You should also provide the doula with a list of emergency contact numbers for family members, family doctors, etc. 
• In case you are hiring a doula for the daytime, the hours are to be booked a minimum of 5 hours and maximum of 8 hours shift.
• Clients need to book each shift preferably one week in advance and according to the doula’s availability. Moreover, if a reschedule is needed, please let your doula knows at least 24h in advance - we understand emergencies situations.

Payments and Cancellations

A transportation fee might be charge in case the available doula offers in-person support outside their area of coverage. 

An invoice will be sent to you by e-mail following the receival of the contract. Payment can be done by e-transfer or by credit card (with an additional fee of 2.4% over the total amount of the invoice). Payment must be made in full before the first postpartum session.

Cancelations should be communicated in written, by e-mail. There is no refund for postpartum services already booked. Please notice that clients in labor have priority in service, we will book days in advance but it might happen that someone goes into labor, if so, the doula will inform you right away and you can have a backup coming to you, to reschedule for another date in your convenience or to be partially refunded for the hours left on that night.

Limitations of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable laws, the doula liability for any and all claims, losses, expenses, injuries, or damages related to the performance of services under this contract of whatsoever nature and howsoever arising whether in tort or in contract or otherwise shall be limited to the amount paid by the pursuant of this contract. 

The doula will not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages, resulting from the provisioned non-provision of services under this contract, even if the possibility of such damages has been specifically advised. 

MDC DOULAS TRAINEE PROGRAM 

You are being invited to participate in our Mama Doula Canada team doula training and qualification program. 

This program aims to ensure that doulas in the process of being admitted to the MDC team have the opportunity to observe our practices and act in accordance with the standard of service required by the company, ensuring that all clients receive the same quality of care. 

In practice, your care team will consist of a senior doula (your primary doula), a backup doula and a trainee doula who can act as an observer or delivering shared care, always under the guidance of the senior doula.

At the end of the service, you will be invited to complete a satisfaction survey about the quality of service provided by your team.

Please, fill up the following blank space with DO, if you want to participate or DON'T, if you prefer not to participate:

I ()  ACCEPT TO PARTICIPATE

Participation is OPTIONAL and dependent on trainee availability. Mama Doula Canada will communicate the availability of a trainee doula for your family and confirm your participation through email.
​In appreciation of your participation in the program, we are offering one (1) additional postpartum visit of 2 hours duration to your package as a benefit.
You can revoke this authorization at any time by writing. By doing that, the bonus postpartum visit will be automatically canceled as well.

General Policies for Breast/Chestfeeding & Lactation Services

Services

What I do as a Lactation Counselor

• We provide breast/chestfeeding counseling and management support to families who are thinking about breast/chestfeeding or who have questions or problems during the course of breast/chestfeeding/lactation.
• We do counseling, education, clinical management, and support for an uncomplicated breast/chestfeeding experience.
• We assess for, monitor, and evaluate physical, behavioral, cultural, and social conditions that predispose mothers and babies to a complex breast/chestfeeding experience.
• We provide needed evidence-based information regarding breast/chestfeeding and medications, tobacco use, alcohol, and illicit drugs.
• We identify and advocate for aspects of breast/chestfeeding management programs that facilitate optimal health outcomes.
• We conduct a comprehensive assessment of mother and child related to breast/chestfeeding and human lactation.
• We assess breast/chestfeeding using a multi-faceted approach.
• We use counseling skills and techniques that are supportive to breast/chestfeeding people and babies, practicing in a competent manner.
• We develop an evidence-based care plan specific to the needs identified through assessment and counseling and implement it to help mothers meet their personal breast/chestfeeding goals.
• We work collaboratively with other professionals on your health care team.
• We assess the needs of people and babies who are at risk of, or currently experiencing, lactation difficulties, providing follow-up care, and triaging referral to other care providers as needed.

What We Do Not Do as A Lactation Counselor 

• We do not perform medical procedures 
• We do not prescribe medications
• We do not make decisions on your behalf

Fees and Payments

An invoice charging for the services you have chosen will be sent to you by e-mail following the receival of the contract. Payment can be done by e-transfer or by credit card (with an additional fee of 2.4% over the total amount of the invoice). Payment must be made in full before we are able to assist you. 

Cancellation of Services

If at any time after the confirmed booking the client chooses to cancel the services, then 20% of the fee will remain with the counselor for services rendered to date (administration, lost opportunities with other clients).
In the unlikely event that the counselor needs to cancel her support then the client shall receive all paid fees back in full.

Final Agreement

I/we've read and understood the contract above and agreed with the terms and conditions in which services will be delivered