Effective date: 01/01/2025
Last updated: 16/01/2025

I’m committed to protecting your privacy and handling personal information in line with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

This website and the services are operated by Portia Chapman (ABN: 16139484078) trading as Mother Doula Sydney (“I”, “me”, “my”).
Email: portia.mercay@gmail.com
Service area: Greater Sydney, NSW, Australia

This Privacy Policy explains how I collect, use, disclose, store, and protect personal information when you:

• visit my website
• contact me or enquire about services
• book or receive services
• subscribe to updates (if offered)
   

This policy does not apply to third-party websites or platforms I do not control (for example social media, booking tools, payment providers). Their privacy policies apply.

The type of information I collect depends on how you interact with me. It may include:

• Contact details: name, email, phone number, suburb/address
• Service details: due date, appointment preferences, your care provider details (if you choose to share them)
• Health and wellbeing information: relevant information about pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and wellbeing that you choose to share so I can support you (this may be sensitive information)
• Family details: partner/support person details, emergency contact, sibling details where relevant
• Communications: emails, messages, call notes, intake forms
• Payments: invoice details and payment status (I do not store full card details)
   

Sensitive information includes health information. I only collect sensitive information when it is reasonably necessary to provide my services, and I handle it with additional care.

I may collect information:

• directly from you (forms, email, phone, messages, intake questionnaires)
• through my website (contact forms, cookies and analytics)
• from third parties with your consent (for example a partner/support person or a referral)
   

I collect and use personal information to:

• respond to enquiries and provide information about my services
• provide doula services and support
• schedule appointments and communicate with you
• keep records of services provided
• issue invoices and process payments
• improve my services and website
• meet legal and tax obligations
   

I do not sell or rent your personal information.

I only share personal information where necessary, including with:

• Service providers who help me operate my business (for example website hosting, email provider, booking/scheduling tools, invoicing software, payment processors)
• Professional advisors (for example an accountant or lawyer)
• A backup doula (only if required for service continuity and appropriate in your circumstances)
• Authorities where required or authorised by law, or where there is a serious risk to someone’s safety
   

When I use service providers, I take reasonable steps to ensure they handle information securely.

Some service providers I use (for example website, email, analytics, scheduling, or cloud storage) may store data outside Australia. Where this happens, I take reasonable steps to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place.

My website may use cookies and similar technologies to help the site function and to understand how visitors use the site (for example via analytics tools). You can control cookies through your browser settings. Blocking cookies may affect site functionality.

I take reasonable steps to protect personal information from misuse, interference, loss, and unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure. This may include password protection, access controls, and using reputable third-party systems. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, but I take reasonable precautions.

I keep personal information only for as long as needed to provide services and meet legal, accounting, and record-keeping obligations. When no longer required, I take reasonable steps to destroy or de-identify it.

You can request access to the personal information I hold about you, and ask me to correct it if it is inaccurate, out of date, incomplete, irrelevant, or misleading. I may need to verify your identity before responding. I aim to respond within a reasonable timeframe.

If you subscribe to updates, you can opt out at any time by using the unsubscribe link (where available) or emailing me. Service-related messages (for bookings or care) may still be sent where needed.

If you have a concern about how I handle personal information, email me at portia.mercay@gmail.com with details of your concern. I will respond within a reasonable time.

If you are not satisfied with my response, you can complain to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).

Website: www.oaic.gov.au

Phone: 1300 363 992

Email: enquiries@oaic.gov.au

I may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version will be published on my website with the updated date.