Tips on Affording a Doula
Do you have to pay for a doula out of pocket?
Will my health insurance cover a doula?
How much does a doula cost?
These are questions I hear all this time, and here are some answers.
First, if the cost of a doula is deterring you from hiring a doula, don’t stop looking, there are many options.
The cost of a doula
Fees for doula services range anywhere from $0 to $500 to $1500, it all depends are who the doula is and what they offer in their package. Often times doulas who are brand new and working on certification offer reduced rates to their first few clients. More experienced doulas might offer more, and others have additional services in their package (such as prenatal massage, lactation consulting, etc…). In my area (seacoast of NH and ME) most doulas are around $1200.
Insurance
For the majority of people, doulas are an out-of-pocket expense, and in some rare cases private insurance companies will cover the cost or partial cost of a doula. If you have a Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) through your insurance, many times they can reimburse for the cost of a doula.
Affording a doula
If you cannot afford a doula out of pocket, and your insurance doesn’t cover it, don’t despair, you are not out of options! As I mentioned above, certifying doulas often charge less, and are a wonderful resource. It can be difficult to find doulas who are new because they may not have a large online presence yet. I highly recommend reaching out to any doula in your area, and asking them if you know anyone working on certification, they could connect you with. Doulas are a tight knit community, and we all know each other and refer to each other often!
Some doulas offer a sliding scale or payment plans (I offer both of these). Often doulas will also do one birth a year where they waive the fee, so inquire about that as well. At a hospital local to me there is some scholarship money to help people afford doulas, this is unique and not common at most places (but might still be worth asking your provider about).
Bonus tip
Put a doula on your baby shower registry! Instead of having multiple of other items (highchairs, books, clothes, etc…) why not ask your loved ones to pitch in and buy doula support as a gift. You will end up with many hand-me downs and other little gifts regardless, so why not make the most out of your baby shower? And why stop at birth doula? Ask for postpartum doula support, a meal service, etc…
I hope you find this helpful or informative, share it with others who have similar questions, and don’t hesitate to reach out with questions.