Fee Questions for Doulas

[CortLong]

A few questions about fees you charge your clients......

How does everyone charge?? A set fee? A sliding scale? Don't charge?

How much do you charge?

What does this fee include? How many pre-natal visits, how many post-natal? What are the stipulations? Does it include a birth story?

When is the money due??? Do you take a deposit when the contract is signed and then require the rest later?

Thanks in advance!!!

:D

[somemama]

I'm not a doula but I used one. She charged $200 (way cheap, imho) and collected half as a deposit.

[HeatherE]

In northern va/ washington dc area i was charging $400 as a brand new doula, more experienced ones were making $800-$1000 a birth! Now I'm in pa and the cost of living is so much lower here, so I now charge $250, $100 due at our first pre-natal and the rest due at our post partum. But I always tell people that I work on a slide scale and that they can give me whatever they can if the fee is too steep. And I've done some free births if I know the couple can't afford it. My doula, who was also a friend, didn't charge me anything cause she knew we couldn't afford it. so that's what I try and do for other people as well.

[Wendyesm]

I did my first birth for free, since I felt like I didn't have any experience so therefore must not have much to offer... WRONG! Realized I worked my butt off for 24 hours and really helped them, even without experience, so now I value myself more. :) Started charging more gradually, and usually quote $350 (low for my area, but I'm still new) and tell them that I do have a sliding scale and they should pay me what they can afford and what they think that the service is worth. When I leave it up to them, they usually pay me MORE than I would have asked for.

I do ask for 50% as a deposit, the rest at the postpartum visit, but I've also made exceptions when people are desperate and don't have money at the time. I think you just have to be a good judge of character. You know when people are honest and good-hearted, and generally you can trust those people will pay you what and when they can.


Good luck!

[veganmamma]

I have a sliding scale, but my doula had 2 prenatal, one postpartum and her fee was $700. She was well worth it, she became a good friend and since I had a 72 hour labor we told her she should charge by the hour next time!

Also, I like the two prenatal one postpartum with unlimited phone calls.

[Defenestrator]

I have a sliding scale with the top at $500. I live in a pretty prosperous area, but also serve students a lot, so I find that I am sliding my fee about 20% of the time. I should probably charge more -- most of the experienced doulas in my area are $100-$200 higher. I am on maternity leave now and may consider raising my rates when I get back.

I do 2-3 prenatals, birth and 2-3 postnatals. Many of my experienced moms don't need more than 1-2 postnatals -- I usually stop by the hospital the next day and then make a visit at home. For first time moms, I do a lot of work with breastfeeding and baby care, so I see them more. I have not yet charged for extra visits, though I might in the future.

Because I have a sliding scale, I am really, really strict about getting paid on time. I take a 50% deposit at the first visit after the consult, and ask for the balance by 37 weeks. The top of my sliding scale includes people who make more than my family does, so I feel pretty justified in doing this.

I take paypal, which helps out folks who have access to credit cards to pay my bill in a way that is more convenient to them.


Hope this helps.

[Defenestrator]

Oh, I forgot to mention something. I get tipped after just about every birth. I have never asked for it, or even mentioned that it is something that some people do, but it is a really nice bonus. I am not sure if there is a relationship between what I charge and the tipping, though when I talk to the doulas in my area who charge $800-$900 they say they hardly ever get tips.

Good luck!

[DoulaDee]

I am a Labor Doula in the SF East Bay, and the fees really are determined by the area the Doula's work in. In this area, the average Labor Doula fee is about $800, for a well experienced Doula. However in the larger cities near here, it's not unheard of for a good Doula to charge $1,200.

If you haven't done it already, look on the DONA (www.dona.org) website for "interview questions" and really make sure the Doula you are considering has the experience you need. Doula's who are not certified, or are just starting out will tend to cost less, and most have really wonderful big hearts.

Have a blessed and happy birth. My thoughts are with you.

Deanna Jesus
Certified Labor Doula, DONA & CAPPA
Lactation and Childbirth Educator
Certified HypnoBirthing Practitioner

[veganmamma]

PayPal is a great idea!