Doulas in our area (Bozeman Montana) charge $400-$500 for labor and birth support. In many parts of the U.S. they charge $1500 and up.
Bellabirthing pricing:
$500 Doula labor, birth and postpartum support. This includes 2-3 meetings before your birth to get to know each other (not including the free interview), 24/7 phone support, as much time as your birth experience needs + a few hours postpartum, and one postpartum visit in the following days. I also offer my library, films and supplementary information as needed (birth plans, info about birth procedures, etc.). You will not pay more if your birth is long, or if you have some false starts and I come several times.
Doula care and Birth class package: $665 (5% discount)
Repeat doula client: 10% discount, $450
How much is your birth worth?
I offer discounts to those who need them. I have given doula support for $200, for free, and for barter. Please just ask and I’ll work with you.
Sometimes you can find a doula-in-training willing to charge less than the going rate or even free. Please call me as I often know of new doulas who are looking for a “free” birth if you are interested in this.
Here’s why the price tag is $500.
Doulas can only take a couple clients a month at most, or run the risk of babies bumping into each other. Be sure to ask any potential doula if she would take another client in the same 4 weeks as your due date. Does she have back-up? I work with several excellent doulas who provide back-up for me.
Doulas are on call pretty much all the time and I routinely miss holidays, several nights of sleep and my children’s activities when I am working or waiting.
Doula work can be exhaustive, physically and emotionally.
Epidurals cost about $1000, c-section hospital bills run over $20,000 (check with your insurance and figure out what your copay/deductible would be for that bill). $500 isn’t really so much comparatively, and a doula might just be the best choice you make for your birth. Doula care may be covered by your insurance, or your flex-plan.
Your body, your birth experience and your baby are definitely worth $500.
Should you tip your doula? Doulas are thought of as service professionals; hair stylists, massage therapists, child care providers, wait staff are other service industry workers. Many people feel tipping is appropriate for good service. Whether you tip your doula or not is completely up to you. Many of my clients tip, some do not. I do not think poorly of anyone who does not; tipping is always graciously appreciated of course, but never expected.