3 Contract Mistakes New Doulas Make (and How to Avoid Them)
Starting a doula business is exciting—and overwhelming. You’re learning how to support clients, manage your schedule, and run a business all at once. One of the most common places new doulas struggle? Contracts.
A clear, professional doula contract protects both you and your clients. Unfortunately, many new doulas unknowingly make contract mistakes that lead to unpaid labor, burnout, or uncomfortable client conflicts.
Here are the three most common contract mistakes new doulas make—and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Not Using a Contract at All
Many new doulas start offering services with nothing more than a verbal agreement or a few text messages. While this may feel easier or more “personal,” it leaves you legally and professionally unprotected.
Without a doula contract:
Payment expectations can become unclear
Clients may cancel without notice
Boundaries around communication and availability are undefined
You have no written record of agreed-upon services
Even the most well-intentioned clients can misunderstand expectations when nothing is written down.
How to Avoid It
Always use a written doula contract, even if you’re offering discounted or sliding-scale services. Your contract doesn’t need to be complicated—but it does need to clearly outline:
Scope of services
Fees and payment schedule
Cancellation and rescheduling policies
Communication boundaries
Using a contract from the beginning sets you up as a professional and builds trust with clients.
Mistake #2: Vague or Incomplete Payment Terms
One of the fastest ways to experience burnout as a doula is inconsistent or unclear payment policies. New doulas often forget to include:
Retainer requirements
Payment due dates
Late fees
Holiday or overnight rate adjustments
When payment terms aren’t clearly spelled out, doulas may feel awkward enforcing them—or end up providing unpaid labor.
How to Avoid It
Your doula contract should clearly state:
When payments are due
Whether retainers are refundable
How remaining balances are billed
Late payment penalties
Any rate increases for holidays or special circumstances
Clear payment language protects your time and ensures your business remains sustainable.
Mistake #3: Missing Boundaries Around Communication and Safety
New doulas often want to be available all the time. Without boundaries written into your contract, clients may expect immediate responses at all hours or emotional support beyond the scope of your role.
Another common oversight? Failing to include safety, mandated reporting, or harassment clauses.
Without these protections, doulas may feel trapped in unsafe or uncomfortable situations.
How to Avoid It
Your contract should clearly define:
When and how clients can contact you
Response time expectations
Your role as a non-medical professional
Safety protocols and mandated reporting responsibilities
Your right to leave if harassment or abuse occurs
These sections aren’t about being “cold”—they’re about protecting everyone involved.
Why a Strong Doula Contract Matters
A professional doula contract:
Sets clear expectations
Reduces misunderstandings
Protects your time and energy
Supports ethical, sustainable doula care
Helps you show up fully for your clients
Contracts aren’t about distrust—they’re about clarity.
Final Thoughts for New Doulas
If you’re just starting out, investing time in your contract now will save you stress later. A clear, well-written doula contract allows you to focus on what matters most: supporting families with confidence and professionalism.
If you don’t want to start from scratch, using a professionally written doula contract template can help you avoid common mistakes while giving you room to customize for your services.
Ready to Protect Your Doula Business?
If you’re looking for a professionally written sample contract you can customize for your own practice, you can download both a Birth Doula Contract and a Postpartum Doula Contract from CT Doulas.
These contracts are designed specifically for doulas, with clear language around the scope of services, payment terms, communication boundaries, safety policies, and client responsibilities—so you don’t have to start from scratch.
✨ Bonus: When you download both contracts together, you’ll receive a built-in discount, making it an affordable way to protect your work and your time from the very beginning.
👉 Download the Birth & Postpartum Doula Contracts.
Investing in a solid contract now can save you from stress, unpaid labor, and misunderstandings later—so you can focus on providing confident, professional doula care.
