Terms of Postpartum Doula Service
Effective Date: September 2026 • Tatiana Vilas, Experienced Postpartum Doula & Infant Care Specialist • The River Nest Doula
1. Non-Clinical Postpartum & Infant Care Scope
The River Nest Doula, operated by Tatiana Vilas, provides non-clinical physical recovery support, infant nocturnal care, soothing techniques, neuro-developmental coaching, and family guidance throughout the postpartum period.
Important Professional Scope Disclaimer: Postpartum doulas are non-clinical infant care and family support specialists. We do not provide medical diagnosis, prescribe pharmaceutical therapies, perform clinical examinations, or manage surgical recovery complications. In acute medical situations, families must contact their pediatrician, primary physician, or emergency services (911).
2. Transparent Rates, Shift Minimums & Retainer Structure
All postpartum doula and infant care services are offered at an honest, transparent investment rate of $50.00 per hour:
- Overnight Care Shifts: 9-hour minimum ($450 per overnight shift), typically scheduled from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM or 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
- Daytime Sanctuary Shifts: 4-hour minimum ($200 per daytime session) focused on neuro-play coaching, babywearing, and maternal rest.
- Signature Packages: The River Rest Package ($5,400 for 12 shifts; $8,100 for 18 shifts) and The Night Nest ($450/shift) with dedicated calendar holds.
- Retainer Schedule: A 25% non-refundable retainer is due upon contract execution to reserve requested dates. The remaining balance is billed on an agreed weekly or bi-weekly schedule prior to scheduled shifts.
3. Scheduling & 24-Hour Notice Policy
Care shifts are scheduled and confirmed mutually in advance. Because your booked shifts represent exclusive practitioner reservations, a minimum of 24 hours advance notice is required to cancel or reschedule any scheduled daytime or overnight shift. Modifications made with less than 24 hours notice are billed at the full scheduled shift rate.
4. Vetted Doula Partner Network
Tatiana Vilas is an active, proud doula partner at The Nesting Place LI (thenestingplaceli.com/doulas). In the rare event of severe practitioner illness or unavoidable family emergency, backup postpartum support is coordinated through the vetted Nesting Place LI doula network with prior family consent.
5. Territory Parameters & Home Sanctuary Environment
The River Nest Doula provides in-home care across Queens, Long Island (Nassau & Suffolk Counties), Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Westchester, NY. Families provide a welcoming, smoke-free home environment and agree to AAP-aligned safe sleep nursery practices (firm mattress, flat surface, no loose bedding) for infant nocturnal care.
6. Cancellation & Refund Policy
The initial 25% retainer is non-refundable upon booking due to reserved calendar capacity. If a client terminates care prior to the commencement of shifts, any prepaid funds exceeding the non-refundable retainer are refunded. Once shifts begin, rendered services and cancellations with less than 24 hours notice are non-refundable.
7. Governing Law & Jurisdiction
This agreement, covenant, and all client care relationships shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without regard to conflicts of law principles.
8. Direct Practitioner Contact & Questions
For questions regarding this agreement, invoicing, or care scheduling, contact Tatiana Vilas directly at Therivernestdoula@gmail.com, via phone at (914) 382-0059, or via our Zoom Introductory Scheduler.