Policies + Forms

There are a number of precautions and procedures we are taking to try to limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19 for clients and practitioners. These practices are subject to change at the recommendation of the Department of Health or local maternity care doctors.

In-person Classes:
All students attending in-person classes must present proof of the primary series of vaccination. Masks are now optional, mirroring recent changes in local healthcare settings. 

The studio is cleaned between classes and has HEPA filters to circulate and clean the air. We ask that students bring their own yoga mats when possible, and wipe down any studio blocks props after use.

Private Doula Care, Classes or Bodywork Sessions:

• Unvaccinated clients are expected to wear face masks throughout their sessions and at all times while in our building.
• If you have any symptoms of illness, please let us know as soon as possible before your appointment and we will be happy to help you reschedule your appointment when you are symptom free.
• If you have symptoms of or are sick with COVID within 10 days of your appointment with us (before or after), please contact us immediately so we can take proper precautions.
• We do not see clients if we have been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing any potential symptoms. We will contact you if this is the case and help you reschedule when it is safe to do so.
• We wear masks in the treatment space if this is your preference, or at our discretion.
• We have a series of protocols to air out and clean the space between clients, including:
  • opening windows between clients
  • running high quality HEPA and HEGA filters in the treatment room
  • Wiping down all contact and high touch surfaces with disinfectants

Pregnancy bodywork, yoga, and dance are beneficial throughout pregnancy, but must be modified for safety according to stage of pregnancy and individual conditions. Labor bodywork can be given at the discretion of your prenatal healthcare provider. Postpartum bodywork can begin 24 hours after delivery, with provider release. Group postpartum yoga and dance classes are recommended after the baby is at least 4 weeks old and participation should be approved by your provider. For yoga or exercise classes before 4-6 weeks postpartum, we provide private sessions and require a release from your provider.

What are the benefits?

• Reduced stress / increased relaxation
• Increased confidence / well-being
• Relief of muscle spasms, fatigue and joint pain
• relieve of back, neck, hips, leg and foot pain
• Increased circulation / decreased swelling
• Improved comfort breathing
• Improved digestion and elimination
• Increased strength
• Emotional support
• Preparation for labor
• Postpartum healing support
• Increased abdominal and pelvic floor health
• Understanding emotional + physical self-care
• Infant care and breastfeeding support
• Support in learning your rights and options
• Support making decisions that are right for your specific family
• Community of pregnant and postpartum families

It is our intent to provide you with a safe and nurturing experience during and/or after your pregnancy. There are some conditions we need to be aware of to keep our therapies, classes and workshops safe for you and your baby.

We request prenatal and postpartum women to complete a Pregnancy/Postpartum health history form. We encourage you to discuss your interest in bodywork or classes with your providers, to learn whether they have any concerns or restrictions.

If you or your baby have any high-risk conditions, had health complications arise during your labor or birth, or have not yet seen your practitioner for your 6-week postpartum follow-up appointment, we also require their written release. Where applicable bring all releases to your first session or class.

If your healthcare worker would like to speak to us directly about concerns or modifications, please provide him or her with a written release. He or she is welcome to call Kaeli Sutton at 401-338-5466, or to email kaeli@opencircleRI.com.

Bodywork, movement and educational classes during pregnancy or postpartum are not intended to replace prenatal or postpartum medical care. If you are having trouble finding medical care, please let us know and we will help refer you to a practitioner or organization so that you receive the respectful care you and your baby both need and deserve.

Private Appointments:
All private appointments or private workshops require 48-hour notice of cancellation, except in the case of emergencies or sudden-onset illness. Appointments given 48 – 24 hours cancellation notice will be billed at 50% of the full session or workshop fee. Appointments given less than 25 hour cancellation notice will be billed at the full fee.

If your teacher or practitioner must cancel, she will do so with 24 hours advanced notice, except in the case of emergency or sudden-onset illness. If she must cancel in less than 24 hours, because of emergency, you will be offered 1/2 off your next session.

Class Series or Workshop Registrations and Cancellations or Changes:
Full payment for class series or workshops is required to reserve a space.*

Schedule changes must be requested at least two weeks in advance. We recommend notifying us as early as possible to ensure there is space in the class that you are hoping to attend.

If you decide to withdraw from the series or workshop, you must submit written or emailed withdrawal two weeks prior to the series/workshop start date. With adequate notice, full payment will be returned, minus a $35 administrative fee and $20 materials fee (if materials have been delivered).

If the series or workshop is cancelled by Open Circle, you will be offered the choice of a full refund or credit at the Center that can be used for any of our services.

*Payment plans can be discussed on an individual basis prior to registering when finances do not allow pre-payment. All other registration and cancellation policies apply.

6-Month Parent + Baby Memberships:
Parent + Baby memberships provide unlimited attendance at parent and baby classes, workshops and community hours. Membership requires a 6-month automatic monthly billing contract. Cancellations after 6 months can be made at any time prior to the next monthly billing cycle. Cancellations and refunds for the current billing cycle are not available.

For all non-parent + baby offerings: please try to arrive 5-15 minutes early so that you have time to get situated, complete forms and settle in. If you arrive late to a class, please enter as quietly as possible.

All parent + baby classes have a 30 minute arrival and exit window, and we encourage you not to worry about coming into the space late, leaving early or leaving slowly. Baby-time deserves a relaxed space to enter and exit. We do ask you to do your best to keep voices low if another class or session has begun.

If you arrive late to a private session, your practitioner or teacher will give you a complete session if their schedule allows. If not, the session will end at the time originally scheduled.

Your practitioner or teacher will make every effort to begin your session on time. If a private session begins it late you will be offered the option of a complete session that day, or a longer session making up for missed time for your next appointment.

Doula Care or Private Sessions: everything discussed or shared with your practitioner before, during or after your session is kept strictly confidential, and all client notes are stored in a HIPAA compliant manner. The only exception is if your practitioner believes you or anyone you are connected to to be at risk of serious harm. In such a case, as required by law, your practitioner will contact a professional trained to work in such situations.

Classes, Workshops and Support Groups: Teachers are expected to respect student privacy and confidentiality. Any information shared in private will not be shared in group settings or with other individuals without direct permission of the individual involved.

Open Circle students and group participants are asked to keep any personal information shared by other group/class participants confidential and private. While we encourage you to feel free to share what you learn with your family and community, we request that you do not share identifying specifics about other students experiences or sharing in classes. 

For everyone, please follow the general guidelines below to keep yourself comfortable and safe:

• Wear comfortable, flexible clothing to online classes and workshops
• Have snacks and hydration on hand to keep yourself comfortable
• Take breaks and use the restroom as often as needed
• Please adjust your position or location as needed for physical comfort

For Classes with Infants and Babies 

If you receive income-and-resource based pricing reductions and have changes in your family’s income, please set up an appointment to evaluate your current payment tier / move you to another tier where appropriate.