Mother Co PTY LTD trading as Mother Mother Doula
ABN: 97 688 593 017
Email: hey@mothermotherdoula.com
Mobile: 0410 281 161

These Birth Pool Hire Terms & Conditions apply to the hire of birth pools and associated equipment (“Hire Equipment”) from Mother Co Pty Ltd trading as Mother Mother Doula (“we”, “us”, “our”). By booking, paying for, collecting, accepting delivery of, or using any Hire Equipment, you (“the Hirer”, “you”, “your”) agree to be bound by these Terms.

These Terms apply in addition to our general Website Terms & Conditions, Refund & Cancellation Policy, and any booking confirmation or written agreement issued by us. If there is any inconsistency, the more specific hire terms will apply to the extent of that inconsistency.

Nothing in these Terms excludes, restricts or modifies any rights or remedies you may have under the Australian Consumer Law where those rights cannot lawfully be excluded.

1. Hire packages, pricing and inclusions

The following hire options are available, subject to availability:

• Regular Pool Hire: $350 hire fee plus $150 refundable bond
• Mini Pool Hire: $300 hire fee plus $150 refundable bond

Each standard hire kit includes:

• one birth pool of the selected size
• one single-use pool liner
• one small air pump for inflation
• one submersible draining pump
• three generic tap adapters
• one puncture repair kit
• disinfectant wipes for post-use cleaning
• one instruction sheet and equipment checklist

The following optional add-ons are not included in the standard hire fee and may be purchased separately, subject to availability:

• food-grade drinking hose, 10 metres
• My Anchor Strap
• additional hire weeks
• local delivery and collection

Additional hire weeks are charged as follows:

• Mini Pool: $60 per additional week
• Regular Pool: $70 per additional week

Unused liners that are returned in as-new condition may, at our discretion, be purchased back by us for $40.

Local delivery and collection, where available, are charged at:

• $10 flat fee
• $1.50 per kilometre, calculated on the round trip

All pricing is in Australian dollars unless otherwise stated. We reserve the right to update pricing for future bookings at any time. However, the pricing confirmed at the time of booking will apply to that booking unless amended by mutual written agreement.

2. Hire period

The standard hire period is five weeks.

The recommended hire window is from approximately 37 weeks gestation until approximately 42 weeks gestation, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Early return does not entitle the Hirer to any full or partial refund.

Any request for an extension must:

• be made in writing before the scheduled return date
• be subject to availability
• be confirmed by us in writing
• be paid for before the extended hire period begins, unless otherwise agreed in writing

An extension is not confirmed unless and until we confirm availability in writing and payment has been received.

3. Bond, deductions, invoices and replacement costs

A $150 bond is required for every birth pool hire.

The bond is held as security for the return of the Hire Equipment in the required condition. We may deduct from the bond any permitted amount under these Terms, including but not limited to:

• late return fees
• cleaning or sanitation costs
• repair costs
• replacement costs
• missing item charges
• damage beyond fair wear and tear
• punctures, tears, mould, staining, odours, residue, water damage, or contamination
• failure to use the supplied single-use liner
• improper cleaning or drying
• pet hair, debris, dirt, bodily fluids, or other contamination not addressed in accordance with the cleaning instructions
• any reasonable costs incurred by us in restoring the Hire Equipment to a hireable condition
• any reasonable administration costs associated with assessing, restoring, repairing or replacing the Hire Equipment

If the total cost of deductions exceeds the bond amount, you remain liable for the difference. We may issue an invoice for any shortfall, and that invoice must be paid within 14 days of the invoice date.

Any unpaid amount remains a debt due and payable to us.

Minor damage and repairable damage

Minor damage that can reasonably be repaired, such as a small puncture, may result in a partial bond deduction to cover:

• repair materials
• labour
• administration
• any reduction in the remaining lifespan or hireability of the equipment

Significant damage or non-hireable return

If the pool or any associated equipment is returned in a condition that renders it unsafe, unhygienic, incomplete or unsuitable for future hire, including but not limited to:

• multiple punctures
• missing items
• missing liner where required
• mould
• strong odour
• staining
• contamination
• misuse
• unauthorised repair attempts

we may retain the full bond and invoice you for any additional replacement or associated costs.

Replacement costs will be charged at the current recommended retail price, plus any shipping or associated sourcing costs reasonably incurred by us.

4. Overdue returns, late fees and abandoned equipment

If the Hire Equipment is not returned by the agreed return date, and no extension has been approved in writing beforehand, a late fee of $20 per day will apply from the day after the agreed return date until the full Hire Equipment is returned.

Late fees may be deducted from the bond first.

If we approve a later return date in writing, no late fee will apply during that approved period.

Late fees do not create an automatic right to retain the Hire Equipment. The Hire Equipment must still be returned when required unless a further extension is approved by us in writing.

If the Hire Equipment is more than 14 days overdue, and no written alternative arrangement has been agreed, we may:

• retain the full bond
• treat the Hire Equipment as unreturned
• invoice you for the full replacement cost of the pool and all associated equipment at current recommended retail price, plus any shipping or associated sourcing costs
• recover any additional costs reasonably incurred by us

5. Fair wear and tear

Fair wear and tear means minor signs of ordinary use that do not affect safety, hygiene, function or future hireability, such as:

• light scuffing
• minor cosmetic discolouration

Fair wear and tear does not include:

• punctures
• tears
• mould
• staining
• missing parts
• misuse
• contamination
• deep scratches
• excessive residue
• damage caused by pets
• improper storage
• water damage
• any issue that compromises safety, cleanliness or function

6. Cleaning requirements

All Hire Equipment must be cleaned strictly in accordance with the written instructions supplied with the kit.

At minimum, this requires that:

• the pool is fully drained
• the pool is thoroughly dried
• the pool is wiped down using the provided disinfectant wipes
• all accessories are returned clean, dry, complete, and in working order
• the Hire Equipment is returned free from visible residue, debris, hair, pet hair, dirt, moisture and odour

The supplied liner is single-use and must be used for every hire.

The liner is not expected to be returned as part of the standard kit return, unless you wish to offer it back to us unused and in as-new condition for possible buy-back at our discretion.

Use of the pool without the supplied liner is prohibited and may result in:

• contamination charges
• full or partial bond retention
• additional cleaning, repair or replacement charges where applicable

If the equipment is returned damp, dirty, contaminated, mouldy, malodorous, incomplete, or otherwise not cleaned to the required standard, we may deduct reasonable cleaning, sanitation, restoration or replacement costs from the bond and invoice any excess if required.

7. Hirer responsibilities

The Hirer is solely responsible for ensuring the Hire Equipment is used safely, appropriately and in accordance with all instructions provided.

You are responsible for ensuring:

• the pool is set up on a suitable, safe and adequately protected surface
• a waterproof floor covering is used
• the pool is filled using clean drinking water only
• the single-use liner is used correctly at all times
• children and pets are supervised around the pool at all times
• the Hire Equipment is used only for its intended purpose
• the Hire Equipment is stored safely and protected from damage, contamination and misuse
• any relevant advice from your midwife, obstetrician, GP, hospital or other care provider is obtained where necessary regarding your intended use of the pool

You must not:

• use the pool without the liner
• attempt to repair, alter, patch, glue, modify or tamper with the pool or equipment, except in accordance with any express written instruction from us
• use the Hire Equipment for commercial purposes or for another person’s birth
• lend, sub-hire, transfer or give possession of the Hire Equipment to any third party
• use the Hire Equipment in a way that is unsafe, unsanitary, negligent, unlawful or contrary to instructions

8. Delivery, collection and return

Delivery and collection may be available by separate agreement and are subject to availability.

Where delivery or collection is provided by us, charges will apply at the rate of:

• $10 flat fee
• $1.50 per kilometre, calculated on the round trip

If self-collecting, you are responsible for transporting all Hire Equipment safely and ensuring it is securely stored and returned.

All Hire Equipment must be returned by the agreed date and in the required condition.

Collection is by appointment only unless otherwise agreed. The Hirer must contact us by text message to arrange an exact collection time. The collection address is not published publicly and will be provided in the booking confirmation or by separate communication.

If the Hirer fails to attend the agreed collection time without communication, and no collection occurs within 5 days, the booking may be treated as a cancellation under clause 11.

If we are unavailable on the preferred collection or return date, we may offer an earlier collection date or later return date where reasonably possible.

It is the Hirer’s responsibility to arrange both collection and return unless delivery and collection have been separately booked and confirmed.

Where return by post or courier is specifically agreed, risk remains with the Hirer until the Hire Equipment has been safely received and inspected by us.

9. Equipment checks, inspection and test inflation

All Hire Equipment is inspected and test-inflated by us before collection or dispatch.

The Hirer must complete their own test inflation within 7 days of collection. This requires inflating the pool, leaving it inflated for approximately 4 hours, and then deflating it.

The Hirer must notify us in writing within that 7-day period if:

• any item is missing
• any item appears damaged
• any item is not functioning as expected
• there is any other issue, fault or concern with the Hire Equipment

If an issue is reported within that timeframe, we may, depending on the circumstances, provide:

• a replacement
• a repair solution
• a credit
• another appropriate remedy

If no issue is reported within 7 days of collection, the Hire Equipment will be taken to have been received in good working order and condition, subject always to any non-excludable rights under law.

If faults, damage or issues are first reported after the 7-day period, during labour, or after use, we may treat the matter as wear and tear, damage, misuse, or a non-reportable defect for the purposes of bond assessment and refunds, unless the law requires otherwise.

10. Use at your own risk and liability

The Hire Equipment is supplied as non-medical hire equipment only. Its availability for hire does not constitute medical advice, clinical approval, or a recommendation that water birth is suitable for you.

You acknowledge that pregnancy, labour, birth and water immersion involve inherent risks, and that safe use of the Hire Equipment depends on proper setup, hygiene, monitoring, supervision, and use in accordance with instructions.

To the maximum extent permitted by law, we are not liable for:

• any injury, loss, damage, incident or claim arising from the use or misuse of the Hire Equipment
• failure of the pool or accessories where instructions were not followed or where the equipment was misused, altered, overfilled, contaminated, or used on an unsuitable surface
• any inability to use the Hire Equipment because your labour, birth setting, care provider, hospital or circumstances change
• any indirect, incidental, special or consequential loss arising from the hire or use of the Hire Equipment

You accept full responsibility for the safe and appropriate use of the Hire Equipment.

To the maximum extent permitted by law, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless Mother Mother Doula, Mother Co Pty Ltd, and our officers, employees, contractors and agents from and against any claims, liabilities, losses, damages, costs or expenses arising from your use, misuse, handling, storage, return or possession of the Hire Equipment, except to the extent caused by our negligence, fraud, or any liability that cannot lawfully be excluded.

11. Cancellations, non-use and changes

Cancellation requests must be made in writing.

The following cancellation terms apply:

• more than 4 weeks before the hire start date: full refund of the hire fee and bond, less a $50 administration fee
• between 2 and 4 weeks before the hire start date: 50% refund of the hire fee and full refund of the bond
• within 2 weeks of the hire start date or collection date: the hire fee is non-refundable and the bond will be refunded in full
• after collection: the hire fee is non-refundable and the bond will be refunded only after the equipment is returned, inspected, and any permitted deductions have been assessed under these Terms

No refund is available where:

• the Hirer chooses not to use the Hire Equipment
• labour or birth unfolds differently than expected
• the birth location, hospital or care provider does not permit or support use of the pool
• the kit is collected but not used
• there is a change of mind after collection

Any request to modify dates, defer the booking or extend the hire must be made in writing and is subject to our approval, availability, and any applicable fees.

12. No guarantee of outcome

We do not guarantee that use of the Hire Equipment will result in any particular:

• labour experience
• comfort level
• pain relief
• water birth
• birth outcome
• satisfaction with your birth experience

13. Bond refund timing

The remaining balance of the bond, if any, will be processed for refund within 10 business days after the Hire Equipment has been returned, inspected, and any permitted deductions have been assessed under these Terms.

14. General

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, unlawful or unenforceable, that provision will be read down to the extent necessary or severed, and the remainder of the Terms will continue in full force.

Our failure to enforce a right under these Terms at any time does not waive that right.

These Terms are governed by the laws of Western Australia.

15. Agreement

By booking and paying for a birth pool hire, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to these Birth Pool Hire Terms & Conditions.

For any questions, please contact:
Sarah Del Borrello, Mother Mother Doula
Email: hey@mothermotherdoula.com
Website: www.mothermotherdoula.com