Question for the pros: Trading services?

[othersomethings]

It's my understanding that some midwives, doulas, etc. will occasionally trade their services in exchange for other services. My question is multi-part...I was wondering how many of you have considered that in the past, and what are the most desirable trades you would consider when money is not really an option for a pregnant woman?

My question is stemmed from the recent quandary I've had with figuring out how to handle my (current) first pregnancy, and then the realization I just had that I actually have very valuable skills to offer in trade, as a marketing and advertising consultant and designer. I do everything from commercial advertising to websites, in an industry that actually has a dollar value much higher than many medical professions. (A cruel irony, I think, valuing advertisements higher than saving lives.)

In your professional opinion, could I reasonably approach a local midwife with that offer of trade? I don't want to even consider it if it'd be offensive or would come off wrong, or anything like that.

[DoomaYula]

Well I'm not a midwife, but I don't think it would come across as offensive or wrong. Also, lots of midwives take payment plans, etc, so that might work in your favor.

[courtenay_e]

Oh, I think that it'd work, if you found the right midwife. And if they don't need advertising, you could probably work out a payment plan and/or some other skill that you have or some other application of your skill. Some midwives do this and some don't but it really can't hurt to try.

[birthgreeter]

As a midwife, speaking for myself only, yes I will take trade at times.
We have cattle, and horses, and have taken trade of hay for example. I will always be willing to listen to someone about trade. If it is a service I want to see a reference or a sample of your work as you would also want to 'check out' my references. I once had a clients husband tell me he did web design, only to find out he was a 'wanna-be' web designer, and had I went with his services for trade, would have had a 'mess'.

So to answer your question, no it is not offensive to be asked, and I am sure it is not for other midwives either.
The most they can do is say no.