How to Provide a Background Check to Postpartum Doula Families
A background check is one of the simplest ways to build trust with a family before you enter their home during one of the most vulnerable times in their lives. Most families won’t know exactly what to ask for, so being prepared with documentation already in hand sets you apart as a professional.
What a complete background check package typically includes.
A thorough package for postpartum work generally covers four areas:
Criminal background check — county, state, and national records
Sex offender registry search — national registry, all 50 states
Identity verification — confirms you are who you say you are (SSN trace, address history)
Driving record (motor vehicle report) — important if you’ll be driving the family’s children or running errands
Some families, especially those working with an agency or using insurance reimbursement (Carrot, Maven, Medicaid), may also request:
Child abuse and neglect registry check (varies by state)
Employment verification
Reference checks
Professional certification verification (your BAI certification, CPR, etc.)
Step 1: Choose a reputable background check service:
You have two main routes — running it yourself, or having the family run it on you.
Doula-run (most common and most professional). You pay for the check, receive the report, and share it with families as needed. This is usually faster and more affordable.
Reputable services for independent contractors include:
Checkr — widely used by gig workers and contractors; $25–$75 depending on package
GoodHire — designed for small businesses and independents; $30–$80
Sterling — more comprehensive, often used by agencies
National Crime Search — affordable basic option around $20–$40
Accurate Background — full-service option for more thorough reports
For postpartum work specifically, request at minimum a national criminal database search, county criminal search for every county you’ve lived in for the past 7 years, national sex offender registry, and SSN trace. Expect to pay $40–$100 for a solid package.
Family-run. Some families prefer to run the check themselves through their own service or HR system. In this case, you’ll be asked to fill out a consent form (FCRA-required) authorizing the search. This is normal — never hesitate to sign legitimate consent forms with established providers.
Step 2: Get checked annually
Background information changes. The standard in the doula and childcare industry is to renew your background check every 12 months. Mark it on your calendar alongside your CPR renewal. Families value seeing a recent date on the report — anything older than a year reads as outdated.
Step 3: Save and protect your report
When your report arrives:
Save a PDF copy in a secure folder (password-protected cloud storage works well)
Note the date the report was issued
Keep a printed copy in your client intake binder if you use one.
Redact your full Social Security number before sharing — only the last four digits should be visible. Reputable services often do this automatically, but always double-check before sending.
Step 4: How to share it with families
Share the report before the prenatal interview or during the contracting phase, not after you’ve been hired. This positions it as part of your professional onboarding, not as a defensive response to a question.
Two ways to share:
Proactively, in your welcome packet. Include a line in your intake email like:
“For your peace of mind, I’ve attached my current background check (issued [date]) along with my certifications and references. Please let me know if you’d like additional documentation.”
On request. If a family asks first, respond promptly and warmly:
“Absolutely — I run an annual background check through [service name] and am happy to share the current report. I’ll email it over today.”
Send the PDF via secure email or a password-protected link. Avoid sending it through social media DMs or text message.
Step 5: What to include alongside the background check
A background check carries more weight when it’s part of a complete professional packet. Consider including:
Your BAI postpartum doula certification
Current CPR/first aid certification (infant and adult)
Photo ID copy (driver’s license)
Proof of liability insurance, if you carry it
2–3 professional references with contact information
Vaccination records if relevant (TDAP, flu, COVID — families increasingly ask)
A signed confidentiality agreement
A note for doulas with something on their record
A past charge doesn’t automatically disqualify you from doula work. Be upfront with families before they see the report — context matters, and most families respond well to honesty. Some states have laws about how old offenses must be before they appear on consumer reports (typically 7 years for non-conviction records under the FCRA). If you’re uncertain how something will appear, run a check on yourself first so there are no surprises.
A note for families
If you’re a family reading this: a professional postpartum doula will not be offended by a request for a background check. It’s standard practice, and most experienced doulas will offer one before you ask. If a doula refuses to provide one or becomes defensive, consider that a meaningful signal.
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