The economy is suffering and people are trying to cut back any way they can. This can sometimes mean that there are not enough funds for things that you may find important, like doula care for your birth. Since a doula can help reduce the risks of many complications and potentially help lower your overall hospital or labor and delivery bill, it can be a great investment. Here are some ways that you can use a doula, lower some potential risks and potentially save some money.
- Barter.
If you or your partner has a talent, ask the doula you have chosen if she can barter that talent. This is often a win-win situation. I've bartered for new front steps, a new logo design, baby sitting, drapes and many more things. Sometimes I've done a full barter, where 100% of my fee is paid in trade. Other times I've done a half barter where a portion of my fee is money and the other portion is goods or services. It never hurts to ask! - Payment plans.
While a payment plan may not save you money all together it can spread out your payment plans, making it easier on you to afford a doula. How long of a payment plan is between you and the doula. - Discounts.
Some doulas offer discounts for various reasons. Common reasons might be if you have taken a certain childbirth class or work with a certain practitioner. Other discounts might be that you are a military family. Ask the doulas in your area what discounts they may provide. - Student doulas.
A student doula is someone who has gone through the doula training but may not have many births under her belt. Because she is trying to get experience, perhaps for certification, she may have a reduced fee. - Seek insurance reimbursement or use flexible spending account dollars.
Many insurance companies allow you to send in your own request for reimbursement. This can be a long process. I have had some clients have great success with this, while others did not. This is definitely worth a try, as I've found those clients who are persistent often do get some reimbursement. Most flexible spending accounts (FSA) will allow you to use a doula as an expense that can be reimbursed. This is money set aside in pre-tax dollars from your paycheck by your employer. These dollars are often gone if not used within a year.
All of this said, doulas are professionals who work very hard for the money that they earn. They work long, hard hours and often pay a lot of money not only for training but things like baby sitting while they are at a birth. Just as you wouldn't think of asking your doctor or midwife to work for nothing, you should have the same respect for your doula's time and energy.
