How much did your doula cost?

[Anonymous]

For those who have used doulas, can you tell me what the going rate is? Services would include one prenatal & postpartum visit, labor sitting and of course, the actual birth & labor. Thanks all!

[Anonymous]

In my experience, prices range from $800 to $1000. I paid $1000 for someone with more experience and was working towards her midwifery.

[Anonymous]

$500 This includes two prenatal visits and one postpartum.

[Anonymous]

New or student doulas range from $200-$600. Experienced doulas can cost anywhere from $700-$1200. Usually the higher cost doulas have tons of experience with many different hospitals, birth centers, doctors & midwives, and unusual circumstances (ie, vaginal breech, VBAC, twins, etc.). If it is very important to you that you have a particular kind of birth, then it is worth it to go with a more experienced doula. However, even more important is finding a doula that is a good fit for you personality-wise. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

20:49, is your doula an experienced doula or a trainee?

[Anonymous]

I paid $950 which included 2 prenatal visits, labor and delivery and some postpartum phone calls (she would have made a visit in person if I'd wanted her to).

[Anonymous]

20:49 here- she isn't a trainee, but has not been practicing as long as some others (two years, I believe). But I spoke to several of her references, and they all spoke extremely highly of her. We looked into some more experienced doulas, too, but are really not able to afford the rates ($1,000 and up in some cases). I haven't actually given birth yet, but I'm hoping it will be a good experience!

[Anonymous]

thanks 20:49! we are about to pay $1100 but i am okay with that b/c my main concern is having someone who is really experienced. if you have a FSA through work, you can try to pay it pre-tax, FYI...i've heard many people have had success with that when they submitted.

[Anonymous]

I'm the OP; thanks to all who responded. My doula is going to run $900 which I think is in the proper range. Good luck to all who are planning to use doulas. Please post your experience after birth - I would love to know how everyone makes out. I will do the same!

[saradunton]

I paid $1200 for ours, but she was very experienced and I was trying for a VBAC. I also took a Bradley childbirth class and rented an aquadoula tup (hot tub for sitting in at home while in labor). It was the best $1200 I've spent in a long time! I got my VBAC, medication-free, both of which she was a huge help with. Labor assistance is not really something you want to leave up to your husband or random hospital nurses. My doula's website is www.birthblessings.com.