The Birth Ally – Privacy Policy
The Birth Ally – Emily Bartlett
Last updated: March 2026
1. Purpose
The Birth Ally is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy outlines how The Birth Ally (ABN 75 692 642 907), (hereinafter referred to as “The Birth Ally”, “the doula”, “we”, “us”, “our”) is committed to protecting your (hereinafter referred to as “the client(s)” and is applicable to any persons interacting with The Birth Ally, not only contractual clients for the purpose of this document) privacy and handling personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). Reasonable steps will be taken to maintain the confidentiality of all disclosed information, in accordance with applicable Australian laws and regulations.
This Privacy Policy explains how The Birth Ally collects, uses, stores and discloses the client(s) personal information.
This Policy applies to:
The Birth Ally website – www.thebirthally.com.au
The Birth Ally social media platforms – Instagram and Facebook
The Birth Ally digital products, programs, courses and live events
Any services The Birth Ally provide to the client(s) as part of prenatal, birth or postpartum doula support.
The Privacy Policy is not applicable to third party websites or platforms outside of our control, should the client(s) engage with The Birth Ally in these forums.
2. Collection of Personal Information
The Birth Ally may collect personal information, including, but not limited to; the client(s) name, contact details, address, phone number, email address, payment details, pregnancy history, health information, birth information and details, photographs and other information relevant to providing doula services. Information is collected directly from the client(s) via email, forms, consultations and during pregnancy, labour, and postpartum support.
3. Use of Personal Information
The client(s) personal information will only be used for purposes related to providing birth support services, including, but not limited to:
Planning and providing prenatal, birth, and postpartum support
Communicating with healthcare providers where necessary
Scheduling and coordinating services, including backup doula arrangements
Providing educational resources and support
Complying with legal and tax requirements.
Sending marketing emails, newsletters, running promotions and providing service updates (if the client(s) have consented and registered for this)
You can opt out of marketing communications anytime by clicking “unsubscribe” in our emails or contacting The Birth Ally at; emily@thebirthally.com.au
4. Disclosure of Personal Information
The Birth Ally will only share the client(s) personal information, in specific circumstances;
With the client(s) explicit written consent, where possible to do so.
To trusted and required third parties, as part of using The Birth Ally services ie Xero, Zoom, PayPal.
Professional advisors ie accountants, legal representatives.
To engage a back-up doula in accordance with the client(s) agreement.
As required by law or court order.
To protect the client(s) health or safety or the health or safety of others, including the doula’s, if there is a reasonable belief of imminent harm.
With healthcare professionals or other Government bodies or officials, when necessary for the client(s) health, the health of the client(s) baby or the safety of others, including other children.
In certain circumstances, it may be necessary for The Birth Ally to disclose relevant information about the client’s pregnancy, labour or birth to medical professionals, including registered medical practitioners and other healthcare providers. This may occur where The Birth Ally reasonably determine it is in the best interests of the client(s) health, the health of the client(s) baby or the safety of others, for the purpose of minimising harm.
Certain personal information may also be disclosed if required by law, including obligations under the Children and Young People (Safety) Act 2017 (SA) to report concerns to Government authorities, about the safety or wellbeing of children. This ensures appropriate care and protection of children in accordance with Australian law.
The client(s) information will never be sold or shared with third parties for marketing purposes.
All third parties The Birth Ally works with is expected to have appropriate data protection and privacy policies in place.
5. Photography, Birth Stories, Testimonials and Public Use of Content
The Birth Ally may request permission to use photographs, video footage, birth stories, testimonials, or reviews for educational, professional, or promotional purposes, including use on the website, social media platforms, educational materials, promotional material or professional portfolios.
Such content will only be used with the client’s explicit written consent, which may be given or declined at the client’s discretion (as per The Birth Ally Consent and Withdrawal of Consent form). Client(s) may also choose whether content is shared anonymously or with identifying details.
Client(s) will be provided with copies of any photographs taken during pregnancy, labour, birth, and postpartum care. Where possible, The Birth Ally encourages client(s) to capture photos using their own devices to reduce the risk of loss or unauthorised access.
Any photographs, video footage, birth stories, testimonials, or reviews intended for public sharing will be shown to the client for review and approval prior to publication. Consent may be withdrawn at any time in writing, and reasonable steps will be taken to remove content from public platforms where practicable, in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles.
6. Storage and Security
The client(s) personal information is stored securely, including password-protected electronic devices and secure physical storage. Reasonable steps are taken to protect the client(s) information from misuse, interference and loss and from unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure.
7. Client(s) Rights
The Client(s) has the right to access the personal information The Birth Ally holds about themselves, request corrections if information is inaccurate, withdraw consent for marketing purposes, sharing of photographs / videos, birth stories and maintains the right to request that personal information is discarded (other than when required to be retained for legal purposes). Requests of this nature should be made by the client(s) in writing.
8. Retention
Personal information will be retained for the duration of the professional relationship and beyond this for professional purposes, including education, reflection and portfolio development, unless otherwise requested by the client(s) to discard this information.
9. Changes to the Privacy Policy
The Birth Ally may update the Privacy Policy, to reflect changes in practice, services or legal requirements. Updates will be represented via the ‘Effective Date’ footer below and the most up to date version will be available on The Birth Ally website.
10. Questions or Concerns
Questions or concerns about privacy, should be directed to;
emily@thebirthally.com.au
If you remain unsatisfied with our response, you may wish to contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC), the independent federal regulator for privacy in Australia. OAIC can be contacted by;
Phone; 1300 363 992
Complaints/enquiries form - via the OAIC website; www.oaic.gov.au
Email; enquiries@oaic.gov.au
Mail; GPO Box 5288, Sydney NSW 2001, Australia
11. Amendments
The Birth Ally reserves the right to update or amend the Privacy Policy at any time. Updated versions will be published on this website and take effect upon publication.
The Birth Ally reserves the right to update or amend the Privacy Policy at any time, consistent with applicable laws and principles, without notice to you. Updated versions will be published on this website and take effect upon publication. It is your responsibility to review the Privacy Policy prior to using our services and periodically during your engagement with us. If at any time you do not agree with these Terms, you should discontinue use of our services.
By continuing to access or use our services, you acknowledge and accept the Privacy Policy, including any updates published on this website.
If you have any questions or require clarification regarding the Privacy Policy or any information on our website, you are warmly encouraged to contact us before proceeding with a booking or purchase.