Doula and cost

kellim · April 2011

I'm at the very early stage of thinking about hiring a doula, but I have no idea how much it would cost. I'm sure it varies by location. Are we talking $1,000's or less than a $1,000? Does insurance cover any of it? --

Virginny · April 2011

Good question about the insurance part of it - I don't believe so, but it's worth looking into.

In the South Florida area, an expert/very experienced doula was $1k....we opted for a less experienced doula - around $600. I do know that doulas in training need to be present for x # of births in order to be certified and so you could get a student doula for free. Our midwife suggested the doula service that we went with. Good luck!

MissAmber23 · April 2011

We paid $500 for a very experienced, well-known doula. We're in the midwest.

katiestrange · April 2011

In our area of Michigan, doulas are running around $350-500. We decided to contact DONA to get the names of doulas-in-training. They have completed their coursework, but have to attend a certain number of births to gain their certification. I don't think they are allowed to charge a fee while they are working toward their certification.

SageBeginnings · April 2011

It depends... that is my answer to all of your questions.

It depends on your area and income level of your area for what the average fee is. Here, the average is anywhere from $600-$850. That said, almost every doula will work with you on price if you show financial need.

DONA doesn't MAKE a provisional doula offer their services for free, but most doulas working toward their certification will offer their services for free or reduced.

Sometimes you can get it reimbursed by insurance. See here for information on how you might go about that.

bestmaid6 · April 2011

Most doulas in our area run about $450 with a few charging $600. I've heard of larger metro areas (Chicago, NYC, DC) being closer to or above $1000, but around $500 seems to be the norm any time this topic comes up.

brunette mac · April 2011

You can use flexible spending on a doula. Mine cost $700: this includes 1 hr prenatal massage in 3rd tri, a baby massage class and unlimited time on your birthing day. She's a licensed hypnobabies doula. You can get a doula who specializes in your birthing technique. Good luck!

cjgiannotti · April 2011

I got my doula for free. She has taken all of her courses and has been present at other births but is working towards her certification. I found her on craigslist. I have United insurance and she happened to know that, even if I hadn't aquired her services for free, they would have paid for a doula. So, it's definitely worth looking into. Prior to getting her, I looked into other doulas and it looked like the price range for my area was $3-600.

gy86 · April 2011

Typically doulas are not covered by insurance, since they do not provide medical services and are there more for mental preparation, reassurance, and emotional support -- so unless your insurance is phenomenal, you will likely pay for doula services out of pocket.

However, every doula (and doula-in-training) that I interviewed stated that she believed in the philosophy "a doula for every woman," meaning that price alone should never deter a mother from getting the support she needs. Many doulas have sliding scales and will adjust their rates for military families, single moms, and low-income households.

The doula I chose is certified, and has attended 47 different births. She typically charges $600-800, but I have a fairly limited income and no family in state. I shared my situation with her, and she lowered her rate to $380. This rate includes several prenatal consultations with me & my partner to discuss labor preparation, relaxation techniques, how he may be of support etc. I can call or email her at any point throughout the pregnancy with questions. She will also be "on call" for two weeks before & after my due date (meaning she'll be in the area and available should I go into labor.) When I go into labor, she'll come at any time, and she stays with me the whole time through the hospital birth and 1-2 hours afterward once we've settled and breastfed. While she is not a massage therapist, she is happy to provide neck/hand/foot massages, counter-pressure, etc. She also provides newborn & family photography services during and after labor & delivery, and one or two postpartum visits to make sure I'm doing well.

Doulas vary as to the services they provide -- I interviewed some who had birthing tubs they would bring to the hospital, TENS units available for rent, provided placenta encapsulation, and all sorts of things! The one thing I learned is that THEY WILL WORK WITH YOU. If you explain your circumstance honestly and tell them what your price range is, most doulas will be able to meet you and if not, refer you to someone who can.

Jeffsgurl86 · April 2011

I live in the midwest, and ours was $700. She is also a registered labor and delivery nurse. Our insurance covered 75% of the cost after an initial $250 co-pay (this is what they do for all "out of network" providers). She was totally worth it though and we'll be using her again for these babies. Good luck!

tokenhoser · April 2011

Mine is $450. Smaller city in Canada; prices here ranged from $300 - $1200.

JosephsSweetie · April 2011

Ours in a major metro area of MN is $400. I went with her because she has helped deliver many babies with our midwife group at the hospital we're delivering at.

maddiemoon43 · April 2011

tokenhoser:
Mine is $450. Smaller city in Canada; prices here ranged from $300 - $1200.

Sigh...we're in an mid-sized city and they start at $700+. Sad

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