Effective date: 01/01/2026
These Terms apply to your use of this website and, where you book services, to the supply of doula services.

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

By using this website, contacting us, or booking services, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, do not use the website or book services.

I provide non-medical doula support services, which may include:

• Pregnancy (antenatal) education and preparation
• Labour and birth support
• Postpartum and parenthood support
• Resource recommendations and referral support
• Specific inclusions, pricing, and scheduling are as described on our website and/or confirmed in writing at the time of booking.
   

I am not medical providers. We do not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Information we share is general and educational and does not replace advice from your midwife, doctor, child and family health nurse, or other qualified professionals.
You remain responsible for your healthcare decisions. If you have concerns about your or your baby’s health, contact your care provider or emergency services.

A meet & greet may be offered as obligation-free and does not reserve on-call availability unless confirmed in writing and a booking fee/retainer is paid (if applicable).

A booking is confirmed when:

• I accept your booking in writing; and
• any required booking fee/retainer is paid; and
• you provide any information reasonably needed to deliver the service.
   

We may offer phone/text/email support as part of a package. Response times may vary, particularly during births, overnight, weekends, or days off. We will outline any communication boundaries at booking.

• Prices are in AUD and include GST (as applicable).
• Fees are payable as set out on our website or invoice.
• If you choose a payment plan, you remain responsible for the full amount.
• If payment is overdue, we may pause services until payment is brought up to date.
   

If your package includes on-call birth support:

• The on-call window is [e.g., two weeks either side of your due date] unless agreed otherwise in writing.
• You agree to keep us updated about changes to your pregnancy, care plan, induction plans, hospital admissions, and labour signs.
• We will attend as agreed when labour is established or as otherwise arranged based on your circumstances and location.
   

If I cannot attend due to circumstances outside our control (for example illness, emergency, another birth, or hospital restrictions), we will:

• notify you as soon as possible; and
• where available, arrange a backup doula or alternative support option.
• If no backup is available, we may provide virtual support and/or adjust fees for any service not delivered, as required by law.
   

• You may reschedule a visit with at least 24 hours notice.
• If you cancel with less notice, or do not attend, a cancellation fee of 50% may apply or the visit may be counted as used (if it is part of a package), except where required by law.
   

If you cancel a birth package:

• Any non-refundable booking fee/retainer (if used) is non-refundable, except where required by law.
• Any other unused, prepaid services will be handled in line with Australian Consumer Law and the portion of services already delivered.
   

I may reschedule services due to illness, family emergency, safety concerns, extreme weather, or other circumstances beyond our control. If I cancel and cannot reschedule, I will refund the portion not delivered, except where required by law.

I do not offer refunds for change of mind or change of circumstances, except where required by Australian Consumer Law. If a refund is owed, it will be limited to the portion of services not delivered.

You agree to treat us respectfully and maintain a safe environment during visits. I may end a visit or refuse to continue services if we reasonably believe there is a risk to safety (including violence, threats, harassment, or unsafe conditions). Fees may still apply for services already delivered.

I handle personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
I keep your information confidential unless:

• you consent;
• we need to share information to provide services (for example, with a backup doula); or
• we are required by law (including where there is a serious risk to safety).
   

All website content (text, branding, images, downloads) is owned by us or licensed to us. You must not copy, reproduce, sell, or republish our content without written permission. You may share links to our pages.

If you provide a testimonial, you consent to us using it for marketing (first name/initials only unless you agree otherwise). I will not use identifiable birth or family photos without your written consent.

Our website may link to third-party websites. I are not responsible for their content, availability, or privacy practices.

To the maximum extent permitted by law:

• I exclude liability for indirect or consequential loss.
• Our liability for services is limited to re-supplying the services or paying the cost of having the services supplied again, where permitted by law.
• Nothing in these Terms excludes rights you have under Australian Consumer Law that cannot be excluded.
   

I may update these Terms from time to time by posting the updated version on our website. The updated Terms apply from the effective date shown above.

These Terms are governed by the laws of New South Wales, Australia, and disputes are subject to the courts of NSW.

Questions about these Terms: portia.mercay@gmail.com