How To Pay For Your Doula

If you're pregnant or have a new baby and are thinking about hiring a birth or postpartum doula, you're likely grappling with budget concerns. While we firmly believe doulas are worth every penny, we get it—cost can be a hurdle. But don't worry, there are practical ways to make doula care fit your finances without compromising on the support you deserve. Investing in a doula can make a world of difference during birth and postpartum, and we're here to help you by sharing tips on how to make it work within your budget.

Doulas are worth every cent, and here’s why.

Research consistently demonstrates the significant benefits of having a doula. From reducing the likelihood of needing medical interventions like an induction or a cesarean to minimizing the use of pain medications to shortening labor duration and enhancing overall satisfaction with the birth experience, the impact of doulas is undeniable. These benefits extend into the postpartum period as well, where postpartum doulas provide invaluable support in adjusting to parenthood, breastfeeding guidance, newborn care, and emotional reassurance. It's no surprise that more families are recognizing the value of doula care and choosing to invest in this essential support.

So, how do you afford this essential support?

How to Pay for Your Doula

Check Your Workplace Benefits

Some companies are forward thinking enough to offer reimbursement or coverage for doula care. Check with your human resources or wellness representative to see if your employer supports these services.

Start a Doula Fund

BabyList has a wonderful feature where you can add a “cash fund” to your registry. This allows friends and family to contribute to the cost of your doula. You can decide if you’d like to receive contributions via PayPal, cash/check, or both when setting up your cash fund. A step-by-step guide can be found here. If you don’t want to go to the trouble of submitting things online, you can set up a cute box at your baby shower or blessingway so attendees can contribute to doula support. Rather than requesting physical gifts, you can request they bring a monetary gift.

Ask for a Superbill

Get a detailed receipt (a.k.a. superbill) from your doula to submit to your insurance. Some plans might cover doula services, so call your insurance and ask. Even if they say no over the phone, it may be worth your while to submit your superbill anyway - include a description of how your doula supported you and a personal account of how you believe your doula saved your insurance company money! For example, if you were able to avoid an epidural with the support of your birth doula, you surely saved your insurance company from covering the cost of not only the medication, but the services of the anethesiologist.

Use FSA, HSA, or HRA

Doula services can often be reimbursed through flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA), or health reimbursement accounts (HRA) with or without a letter of medical necessity. Just a heads-up though: this doesn't apply to dependent care FSAs or limited-purpose FSAs.

Medicaid and Doula Care

As of June 2024, Medicaid in California, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Virginia and Washington DC covers doula care. More states are expected to follow.

Set Up a Payment Plan

Many doulas offer payment plans, discounts for first responders, sliding scale fees and the like. They may not necessarily advertise this, so don't be shy – ask about options. Be sincere and honest about what you can afford.

Consider Hiring a Newly Trained Doula

Newly trained or certified doulas may offer their services at a lower cost in exchange for gaining more experience or for your written feedback. Reach out to us to find a newer doula in your area.

What Goes Into a Doula’s Fee?

Curious about doula fees? Prices will vary widely based on location, amount of training, experience, and skill set. A new doula may charge $800-$1200, while an experienced doula who has worked with hundreds of families could cost $3,000-$5,000 (or more in areas like Los Angeles or New York). Postpartum doulas usually charge by the hour, between $40-$80, with possible minimum hour or contract requirements.

Some doulas specialize in areas like holistic postpartum care, lactation counseling, hypnobirthing, prenatal yoga, sleep consulting, health coaching and more. Their rates will likely be higher to reflect these added skills and knowledge.

Finding the Right Fit

Choosing the perfect doula isn’t just about money or their experience level. Above all, finding a doula who you truly connect with can majorly impact your birth and postpartum experience. Compatibility may hinge on personality, chemistry, personal beliefs or values, or even shared life experiences, including factors like race, religion, or ethnicity. Your ideal doula will align with your comfort level and provide custom support in areas and ways that are important to you. For example: if you are wanting a holistic approach to postpartum care, you can find someone with experience in a “First 40 days” style approach or someone certified in belly binding. If you’re expecting twins, it may be important to you to find a postpartum doula or newborn care specialist with experience and knowledge in the unique approaches needed to care for two babies instead of one. Or if you’re planning a VBAC, having a birth doula with additional trainings and certifications in both vaginal birth and cesarean support may be ideal for you. Ultimately, you get to decide the who and what in your doula search.

Start Your Doula Search Early

Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t be. Platforms like National Baby Co. make finding the right doula match MUCH easier. Owners Lauren & Chelsea can provide you with personalized matches and provide information on our affiliated birth and postpartum doulas and other perinatal professionals. Fill out our inquiry form here to find your perfect doula match. Once matched, we recommend you schedule interviews with the doulas you connect with most, so that you can learn more about what they have to offer and how they can specifically support you.

Regardless of your budget, investing in a doula is something every new or expecting parent should consider. The benefits of birth & postpartum doula support are multifaceted and include so many services like emotional, physical, & mental preparation for birth, education on birthing options, support with pain management techniques in labor, guidance on breastfeeding, and education and guidance on caring for your newborn, holistic postpartum recovery, and light household tasks. You'll appreciate the love, support, information and guidance that a doula pours into you and your family.