Setting Up Your Doula Business Profile

Your business profile is the foundation of your DoulaBub account. This guide will help you configure your profile for success, whether you're practicing in Canada or the United States.

Why Your Business Profile Matters

Your business profile:

• Appears on invoices and client communications
• Helps establish your professional brand
• Ensures compliance with local regulations
• Streamlines your workflow with pre-configured settings

Step 1: Basic Business Information

1. Navigate to Settings > Business Profile
2. Fill in your business details:

Business Name

• Use your professional name or registered business name
• This appears on all invoices and client communications

Business Address

• Your primary business location
• Used for tax purposes and client correspondence
• If you work from home, consider a PO Box for privacy

Contact Information

• Business phone number
• Professional email address
• Website URL (optional)

Step 2: Tax Configuration

For Canadian Doulas

GST/HST Registration

• Required if your annual revenue exceeds $30,000 CAD
• Enter your GST/HST registration number if applicable
• Select your province to calculate correct rates:
  • 5% GST (AB, BC, MB, NT, NU, QY, SK, YT)
  • 13% HST (ON)
  • 15% HST (NB, NL, NS, PE)

Note: Doula services are typically taxable in Canada. Consult with a tax professional for your specific situation.

For American Doulas

Sales Tax Registration

• Requirements vary by state
• Most states require collection at $100,000 in sales or 200+ transactions
• Enter your state tax ID if registered
• DoulaBub can help track when you approach thresholds

Note: Doula services may be exempt from sales tax in some states. Check your state's regulations or consult a tax advisor.

Step 3: Service Areas

Define where you provide doula services:

1. Primary Service Area

   • City or region where you primarily work
   • Example: "Greater Toronto Area" or "Portland Metro"

2. Travel Radius

   • How far you're willing to travel
   • Any additional fees for distance

3. Virtual Services

   • Check if you offer remote consultations
   • Specify video platform preferences

Step 4: Certifications and Insurance

Certifications

North American Organizations:

• DONA International (USA & Canada)
• CAPPA (USA & Canada)
• ProDoula (USA & Canada)
• Birth Arts International (USA & Canada)

Canada-Specific:

• Association of Ontario Midwives Doula Program
• Doula School Canada
• Fanshawe College Doula Education Program

USA-Specific:

• National Doula Certification Board
• ICEA (International Childbirth Education Association)
• Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association

To Add Certifications:

1. Click Add Certification
2. Select organization and certification type
3. Enter certification number and expiry date
4. Upload certificate (optional but recommended)

Professional Liability Insurance

While not legally required in either Canada or the USA, liability insurance is strongly recommended:

Canadian Providers:

• Prolink (Healthcare Professionals Insurance)
• HIROC (Healthcare Insurance Reciprocal of Canada)

American Providers:

• HPSO (Healthcare Providers Service Organization)
• CPH & Associates
• Philadelphia Insurance Companies

Add your policy details in the Insurance section.

Step 5: Payment Preferences

DoulaBub does not process client payments in the app yet. Decide which external payment method you accept, then add clear instructions to your invoice notes or footer.

Payment Terms:

• Standard payment due date (e.g., "Due upon receipt" or "Net 30")
• Any deposit or balance schedule you have agreed on with the client

Step 6: Service Templates

Create service templates to speed up invoice creation:

1. Prenatal Services

   • Package rates
   • Number of visits included
   • Duration per visit

2. Birth Support

   • On-call fees
   • Birth attendance rates
   • Backup doula arrangements

3. Postpartum Services

   • Hourly rates
   • Package options
   • Overnight vs daytime rates

Pro Tip: Create separate templates for different client types (first-time parents, multiples, VBAC, etc.)

Step 7: Branding (Optional)

Logo Upload

• Appears on invoices and client portal
• Recommended size: 400x400px
• Formats: PNG or JPG

Brand Colors

• Customize invoice colors to match your brand
• Maintains professional appearance

Email Signature

• Professional closing for automated emails
• Include certifications and contact info

Regional Compliance Checklist

Canada

• GST/HST number (if revenue >$30k)
• Provincial business registration (if required)
• Professional liability insurance
• Privacy compliance (PIPEDA if applicable)

USA

• State business license (if required)
• EIN (Employer Identification Number) for tax purposes
• State sales tax registration (if threshold met)
• Professional liability insurance
• HIPAA compliance considerations

Next Steps

Once your business profile is complete:

1. Review your profile for accuracy
2. Set up your service templates
3. Configure email notifications
4. Create your first invoice

Need Help?

If you have questions about:

• Tax requirements: Consult a local tax professional
• Business registration: Contact your provincial/state business office
• DoulaBub settings: Contact support@doulabub.com

Your business profile can be updated anytime as your practice evolves.