Can I afford a Doula ?

Guess what?  You can!  
Every woman should have a doula and it does not have to be a big deal to find the money to pay for one. It is worth investing in a doula that will help you in your birth journey!

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A doula will charge anywhere between $400-$1,200, depending on experience, services offered, as well as your geographical area. It may seem like a lot, but  a doula's fee covers many things.  For example, she will be on call 24/7 for at least 5 weeks toward the end of your pregnancy and will be available at a moment's notice. She will also have personal expenses that need to be covered, like child care and travel.  We don’t do this for the money. We do it because we love what we do: Empowering women to create and achieve a beautiful birth experience.


How am I gonna pay for this when I have all these other baby related items that need purchasing?  
Don't stress, if you truly want to have a wonderful, fulfilling & empowering birth, no matter your circumstances, you can make it happen. Most doulas offer some sort of payment plans and are willing to work with you to meet your needs. Sit down and figure out what works best for you.

                                          

                                                                                                                

Here are a few easy ways to save for your Doula:

• Save 10 dollars a week for 40 week (BOOM that was pretty easy!)
• Throw a pregnancy related party: gender reveal, a sprinkle, or a shower of some sort. Let it be known you will be collecting funds to help pay for birth support services. You can do this in the form of a raffle at one of these events to drum up more funds or just pass the hat.
• Ask your close family members and friends if they can donate to the cause. My in-laws lived two states away but they were willing to help pay a good chunk of the cost.
• Sell those unwanted items that you need to get rid of before baby comes on your favorite sale site or hold a garage sale. 
• Try cutting unnecessary things out of your budget that costs between $3 to $5, eating out, going to the movies, getting a coffee in the morning, or trying to lower the cost of bills like your phone or cable bill. 
• If you receive a tax return set some money aside from it.

A doula’s support is something every woman deserves to have during her birth and postpartum time.  What creative ways did you use to pay for your doula?  Let us know in the comments!