Affording a Doula: 5 Ways to Creatively Fund Birth Support Services

Affording a doula can seem daunting when adding up all the costs of having a baby. I get it – I was there too! Ranging in price from $500 to over $1,000, doula services can seem cost prohibitive to many families.

However, I believe all families deserve the support they need, regardless of cost. I’ve outlined 5 creative ways to ensure your birth and support team is all that you’ve dreamed it to be, even during this time of economic stress.

Let’s put the cost of a Doula into perspective

Even at the lower end of the cost range, $500 can feel like a lot to spend on services from one person. That can be just as well spent on the cost of:

• A new crib (something we’ll likely end up on Facebook Marketplace in 2 years)

• 14 boxes of diapers (that go in the garbage!)

• A fully outfitted newborn wardrobe (that they’ll grow out of in 2 months)

When we really think about where our money goes in preparing for a newborn, we are quick to hand it over for ‘things’, and rarely services. Services, like those of a doula. Is it because ‘things’ are more valuable because they are quantifiable or more tangible than services?

I ask you this: The memories of your birth will last with you forever – positive or negative. Would you not want to have the birth team of your dreams, helping you realize the most positive birth experience possible?

I’m referring to the value that doula services brings to the experience of welcoming a child into the world. I understand diapers are a necessity, clothing is a basic need, yet we can sometimes place less value on things that are intangible, such as our birth experience. I’m simply advocating that a positive birth experience should be valued just the same as our necessities and basic needs.

5 ways to Creatively Fund Birth Support Services

I’ve pled my case that birth services are just as important as the newborn clothes, diapers, and that fancy crib, but I know that every family has a budget and there are only so many dollars to go around. Here are some creative ways to either fund or start saving for birth support services: 

1.      Add Doula services to your baby registry/wish list, or holiday wish list.

Without a doubt this is the most straightforward and no-cost solution to building your support team. There are online baby registry tools (Babylist) that allow you to consolidate registries from multiple retailers as well as adding meaningful gifts that can’t be bought in-store – like services!

Adding notes or a description about why doula services are important to you is a great way to let others know the significance and impact of this gift. Other services you could consider adding would be postpartum doula services, birth photography, lactation consultation, meal prep, house cleaning, you name it!

2.      Ask prospective doulas about payment plans or customized options.

Not all doulas offer the same services! Be sure to read their package details to understand all the services they will provide you. Some offer more prenatal/postnatal visits than others which can affect their pricing.

If you’re set on a specific doula, reach out to them! Schedule your consultation or meet-and-greet and inquire about package customization to fit your budget. Sometimes packages are set, in which case asking about payment plans can be a second option. I also love payment plan options because it helps spread the costs of a large ticket purchase over manageable payment plans. Don’t forget – it never hurts to ask!  

3.      Inquire with your Health Benefits about your health spending account.

Understandably, not all families have comprehensive health benefits. If your family has the option, some healthcare spending accounts (HAS) can be used for ‘other health services’, including certified doula birth and postpartum services. It is worth calling your benefits provider to determine if any (some or all) costs of doula services can be applied to your HSA. 

4.      Create a ‘saving’ rule in your bank account.

I personally love this rule when our family is saving for large ticket items.
There are multiple kinds of saving rules you can create like:

• Every time I buy a coffee, transfer the same amount into my savings account.

• Each payday, transfer [X] amount of dollars into my savings account.

• Round up every transaction in my account to the nearest dollar and transfer to my savings account.

This way of saving takes smaller amounts of money over a longer period of time so that you barely notice the saving taking place!  

5.      Purge!

With all the new influx of baby items, there will undoubtedly be things in your home you’ll need to part with n order to make space for your new family member. You can use online social media platforms to sell furniture, gently used clothing and accessories, kitchen wares – you name it! with all proceeds (big or small) heading to your savings account.

If this isn’t your first baby, there are many retailers that offer buy backs or consignment options for maternity wear, gently used baby toys, clothing and baby gear. Purge what didn’t serve you with your last baby, and put the costs towards services that will!

 ‘I can’t afford it’.

This was the number one comment I received when I attended an in-person expo this past winter.

It has been a hard few years financially for a lot of families, and the upfront investment of a doula can seem intimidating. If doula services are a priority for your family, I encourage you to think creatively about rallying the birth team you deserve. I’m always open to chat about doula affordability, if doula services are right for you, and anything else birth related.

You can reach me via my contact form, by phone, or direct email.