How much to charge for this birth situation...?

[DoomaYula]

Remember I posted a while ago about attending a birth when I'm 38w pregnant? Well the stars aligned and the mom had an afternoon/evening labor on a day I was well-rested and so I attended her. She had a med-free hospital VBAC! Hooray!

Mom had PROM and I missed her initial call, but she didn't go to the hospital for 2h after that. I made it to the hospital 2h after she arrived, and was there til 1h postpartum.

Now, I didn't charge her prior to the birth because I wasn't sure I'd be able to attend her. My typical fee is $400. I usually do 2 prenatals and 2 postpartums, and I only did one prenatal -- although I did a lot of phone consults with her. I'm planning to do at least one postpartum, maybe more if I haven't had this baby yet. And of course I didn't attend the ENTIRE birth.

$200? $250? Less?

[SublimeBirthGirl]

I was thinking $300.

[dewi]

$300 sounds about right.
Next time deal with the money thing first! :-)

[Maggi315]

If you only do one postpartum, I would say 250, if you do two, 300. Money is always hard isn't it. I have been learning the hard way as the first year on my own.

[DoomaYula]

I normally have a standard contract with payment in full due by 36w, but this was a special circumstance, as I couldn't guarantee her I'd attend the birth. If I'd had my baby first, or if it was 4am and I hadn't slept well or something...

[TurboClaudia]

does she know your standard fee? i.e. was it a question she asked when she interviewed you? if yes, (and i would assume yes) i would let her know that your standard fee is $400 for 2 prenatals, attendance at the birth, and 2 postpartum visits and then ask her to pay you what she believes is an appropriate fee.