Inclement Weather and Illness Policies

 
 

These policies are in place to protect families, babies, and doulas while ensuring clear communication and continuity of care whenever possible.

Snow & Inclement Weather Policy

We recognize that weather conditions can impact travel safety, particularly for overnight and early morning shifts.

  • Safety is the top priority for both families and doulas.

  • In the event of snow, ice, severe storms, or hazardous travel conditions:

    • The doula and family will communicate as early as possible

    • A decision will be made based on road conditions, local advisories, and commute distance

Possible Outcomes

  • Proceed as scheduled if conditions are safe

  • Delayed start or early end of a shift

  • Rescheduling of the shift

  • Virtual check-in support (when appropriate)

Payment & Rescheduling

  • If a shift is canceled or shortened due to inclement weather for safety reasons, we will work with families to reschedule the hours whenever possible.

  • If rescheduling is not feasible, the shift will be refunded.

Illness Policy

For Families

Because we work closely with newborns, postpartum parents, and families during a vulnerable time, health transparency is essential.

  • Families are asked to notify us as soon as possible if anyone in the household has:

    • A fever (100.4°F / 38°C or higher)

    • Vomiting or diarrhea

    • A contagious illness (including but not limited to flu, COVID-19, RSV, hand-foot-mouth disease, strep, or pink eye)

  • This allows us to make informed decisions to protect other families and our doulas.

  • In some cases, postpartum support can still continue with appropriate precautions (masking, hand hygiene, or modified tasks), but this will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. If the child we are providing direct care for has a fever, vomiting, or is diagnosed with the flu or covid-19, the shift must be rescheduled.

Illness Policy

for Doulas

The health of families and doulas is a top priority. We differentiate between minor illness and major illness as follows:

Minor Illness (At Parental Discretion)

Examples may include mild cold symptoms without fever, mild congestion, or seasonal allergies.

  • The doula will notify the family as soon as symptoms arise.

  • Parents may choose to:

    • Proceed with the shift as scheduled

    • Request masking

    • Reschedule the shift

The decision to proceed is always at the parent’s discretion.

Major Illness (Reschedule Required)

Examples include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, COVID, RSV, or any illness that would reasonably pose a risk to infants or postpartum parents.

  • Shifts will be rescheduled or covered by a backup doula when possible.

  • If coverage is not available, the shift will be rescheduled at a mutually agreed-upon time.

  • Families will not be penalized for illness-related rescheduling initiated by the doula.

Communication Expectations

  • Prompt and honest communication is essential on both sides.

  • Families and doulas are encouraged to notify one another as soon as concerns arise regarding illness or weather.

Our goal is always to balance flexibility, safety, and continued high-quality postpartum support.