I just quit my job. So I could learn as mush as possible. IT was only part-time . What can I expect to earn as a Doula?

-- BETH CREECH (Sccgbc @ aol.com), June 23, 2000

Answers

It really depends on what part of the country you're in. Doulas charge anywhere from $50.00 to $1500 per birth. If you want to make this your livlihood, take it seriously, treat it like a business and charge what your are worth! Personally, my fee has been $350 to $650 - with $350 as the minimum and the $650 is based on what they thought I was worth, i.e. it was a long or particularly difficult birth etc. I always tell them they are under no obligation to pay the entire $650 - it's like a "TIP". Interestingly, I have almost always received my entire fee... It's worth that and more.

-- Lesley Nelson (lesley@doula.net), July 14, 2000.

The first 6 births I attended I did not charge the clients because I felt like I was still in training. The 6th client paid me $100 because they felt like giving me something back. I have a part-time job on the side (altho I am on maternity leave for a year right now and have already been asked to attend 2 births!) and don't really need the money so that is another reason I have not charged yet. When I totally quit my part-time job and am able to become a doula full time, I will most likely charge between $400 and $600 depending on my level of involvement (ie., no. of prenatal visits, length of labor and delivery, no. of postpartum visits). My hope it to concentrate my doula business more on the postpartum side, as this is where I feel women really need assistance. Also, sometimes it is up to the midwife to pay the doula what she feels is justifiable for her services...

-- Kathi Davis (ecomaidn@aol.com), August 26, 2000.

I just wanted to respond to what Kathy said. I'm a bit confused about her saying that the midwife would pay her. Normally, doulas are paid by the parents. This means that the only people you have to answer to are the people you are supporting. There are no mixed loyalties that way. I'm not complaining about doulas working for hospitals or specific careproviders because any doula is better than none. In my own perfect world though : ) doulas would all have lots of work and get to work privately.

Kirsten

-- Kirsten Gerrish (kirsten@doula.net), August 26, 2000.