The 12 Hour Language Argument

To use the 12 hour language or not to use the 12 hour language

There is this debate going on in the doula world regarding this thing called the 12 hour language.

The 12 Hour Language: A component in a doula's contract that states her flat fee covers prenatal visits, on-call time, 12 hours of in-person labor support, and a postnatal. 

• If you go over the 12 hours of in-person support you are then billed at an hourly rate

This stipulation is not a new concept in other business fields, or even a new concept in the doula field. It is not exclusively used by ProDoulas, nor is it required by the organization. 

And yet doulas who use this language are being attacked by doulas who don't. 

This debate does not need to be so confrontational. Some doulas offer their package to include unlimited continued support for a flat fee, and some doulas offer their package to include 12 hours of support for a flat fee. 

In favor: Doula Sustainability

• A doula is compensated fairly for her time
• She is able to afford home costs while with her client - such as childcare
• The client knows her support will not end, even after extended time. In the event the doula needs to call in backup relief, she is able to afford to do so.

Against: Client Impacts

• Clients are often "put on a clock" due to hospital policies - the last thing they need is for their doula to do the same
• Some clients simply can't afford to get a bill after the birth
• Most doulas state they only have had to send a bill once or twice in their multi-year venture of being a doula - the doula should just cover the cost 

The pros and cons of each aspect are not black and white, and are often misunderstood by both sides.

For example there is a misunderstanding that a doula will stop supporting after 12 hours if she has the 12 hour language; whereas most doulas who use this have an hourly rate, which they charge if they need to stay longer. 

​Why can't doulas respect each other's differences in business structure and get along? 

Doulas support clients without judgement or criticism even when the client makes a choice the doula adamantly opposes for their own family.
But ask some doulas to do the same for another doula and all support goes out the window. 

Stop arguing, start respecting. Doula the Doula.

Embrace Births Doula Support Package currently includes unlimited support for a set fee.