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Doula fee question

anonamouse91412anonamouse91412
in Natural Birth

I met with and hired a doula last night. I had been researching and it looks like in my HCOL area, experienced doulas range from $600 (a group practice usually)-$1200 (very experienced, "popular" single practitioners). I was originally looking at groups that charge $600 and $750 respectively, but chose this woman because we really clicked and I wanted to know the person who would be there on the day. The only issue is she doesn't have a set fee - she has a minimum of $500, but allows you to pay whatever you choose. She knows I looked at the $600 practice.

I have a feeling we will see how much support we ask from her and base our decision on that (we pay her after delivery), but I am curious as to what you would pay in this scenario. 

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Re: Doula fee question

  • fryratfryrat member
    For me, it would totally depend on how she does with the before/after care, how supportive she is during birth, etc. Sort of how you tip a waitress after your meal. Just wait and see how satisfied you are with the service.
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  • Dana&PeteDana&Pete member
    Mine charges $600, but MH and I have considered paying her a bit extra. She has been great about the prenatal visits and definitely doesn't watch the clock. We'll see when we end up calling her in labor and how much time the process takes. If it is a very long labor we will more than likely give her extra.
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  • jennadoll87jennadoll87 member

    My doula had a flat fee which was great because that seems stressful to have it up in the air! My doula is only charging 450 since she is a somewhat new, but she has been fantastic so far, so i def plan on paying her extra.

    I agree that you should base the fee on the amout of help you receive before/during/after delivery. If she does a fantastic job then give her a big tip! if the experience is less than satisfactory then pay just the minimum.

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  • SWBs WifeySWBs Wifey
    Several doulas I've spoken to have the idea that they don't want to tell you a number that will keep you from hiring them.  They want to know you can afford them.  Does that make sense?  They don't want you to miss out on the chance to have a doula if they CAN accept less payment.   The doula we hired for DS1's birth had a sliding scale based on what our income was (so... what she thought we should be able to afford).  Because my husband is in the military and I wasn't working,  it was fairly low.  This time, we went into the process knowing we couldn't afford a doula, because there were additional costs associated with delivering at the birth center here, instead of the regular hospital.  A friend of mine put a call in to her own doula to ask around for any students or starting doulas that would be interested in attending our delivery despite our financial situation.  We met with one student and really liked her and got along on many levels, so we "hired" her.  She does normally charge minimally (to cover childcare of her own kids) but we told her we just couldn't afford that this time.  We will likely get her a GC or other similar gift if we feel she's excellent during our time of need!
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