Since it's Thrifty Thursday and May, I thought I'd combine a money saving tip with the celebration of International Doula Month!
A doula is a trained professional who assists a couple in birth. Using a doula can help you reduce the need for many interventions commonly used in labor. Using a doula can also help make labor less painful and shorter. However, in this day an age, many couples tell me that while they would love to have a doula, they are taking a second look because of budget constraints.
I try to explain to couples, particularly those who are paying out of pocket, that this is one of those cases where you spend money to make money. Since using a doula can lower your risk of needing interventions, then you save money by not needing those interventions. Some insurance companies are even starting to do the math on how doulas can help save money. But even if that doesn't happen, I've compiled some tips on lowering the costs associated with hiring a doula.
Related:
- Saving Money on Doulas
- Professional Labor Support: A Doula
- Birth Stories featuring Doulas
- Do I need a doula for a scheduled cesarean?
On some Thursdays I'll present a Thrifty Thursday with tips from other guides to help you hang on to your hard earned cash and spend wisely. Here are the tips of the week:
- Free Admission to Children's Museums, Theaters and Art Museums
- Saving Money on Doulas for Childbirth
- Celebrate Mom Without Spending a Lot
- Save Money in Your Teen's Gas Tank
- Major League Baseball at Minor League Prices
- $5 Toy Story Dolls and Books at Kohl's
- Have a Yard Sale to Generate Kids' Summer Spending Money
- Make Your Own Infant Cereal
I don’t think doulas were an option where I lived when I was having my babies around forty years ago, but I certainly wish they had been! Especially for my first birth, when the doctor severely overmedicated me.