Doula services vary in cost based on geographical location, experience, training, and certifications. While the price may seem overwhelming at first, there are several ways to make doula care more affordable and accessible.
1. Check Your Insurance Coverage
Some private insurance companies and Medicaid programs now provide partial or full reimbursement for doula services. Coverage varies widely, so it’s best to:
✅ Call your insurance provider and ask if they cover doula services under maternity benefits.
✅ Request a procedure code (CPT code 99499 or S9445) and NPI number from your doula if your insurer requires it.
✅ Inquire about out-of-network reimbursement, which some policies offer for doula care.
🔹 Medicaid & Doulas: Some states, including Minnesota, Oregon, and New York, offer Medicaid reimbursement for doula services (Hardeman et al., 2019). Check with your state’s Medicaid program to see if you qualify.
2. Use an HSA or FSA
If your employer offers a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you may be able to use these funds for doula care.
✔️ HSAs & FSAs allow pre-tax dollars to be set aside for healthcare expenses, making doula services more affordable over time.
✔️ If you contribute $10–$20 per paycheck, this can help offset costs significantly over the course of pregnancy.
3. Add Doula Services to Your Baby Registry
Rather than receiving multiple baby outfits or toys, ask friends and family to contribute to doula services.
✔️ Mention it on your baby shower invitations.
✔️ Use online baby registries that allow cash fund contributions (such as Babylist or GoFundMe).
✔️ Many people prefer to give meaningful and useful gifts, and doula support is one of the most beneficial gifts for a new parent.
4. Ask About Gift Certificates
Some doulas offer gift certificates, which can be purchased by loved ones. If your doula provides this option, share the information with family and friends who may want to contribute.
5. Set Up a Payment Plan
Many doulas understand the financial burden of preparing for a baby and offer payment plans.
✔️ Typically, a small deposit is required to reserve your due date.
✔️ The remaining balance can be paid in installments over several months.
✔️ Ask your doula about flexible payment arrangements to help make their services more budget-friendly.
6. Consider Bartering Services
Some doulas are open to bartering! If you have a skill, service, or product to offer, discuss trade options with your doula.
✔️ Examples of barter services: Photography, graphic design, childcare, meal preparation, etc.
✔️ Many doulas are small business owners and appreciate alternative payment methods.
7. Start Saving Early
The earlier you decide to hire a doula, the more time you have to save.
✔️ If you hire a doula at 8 weeks pregnant and need to pay in full by 36 weeks, that gives you 28 weeks to save.
✔️ Setting aside as little as $10–$20 per week can make doula care more attainable.
Conclusion: Investing in Birth Support
While hiring a doula is an investment, studies show that doula-assisted births lead to better outcomes, including:
🔹 39% decrease in Cesarean births
🔹 15% increase in spontaneous vaginal birth
🔹 10% reduction in pain medication use
🔹 Higher satisfaction rates with the birth experience (Bohren et al., 2017).
With insurance, flexible payment options, and creative funding solutions, affording a doula is more possible than ever!
References
- Bohren, M. A., Hofmeyr, G. J., Sakala, C., Fukuzawa, R. K., & Cuthbert, A. (2017). “Continuous support for women during childbirth.” Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 7(CD003766).
- Hardeman, R. R., Kozhimannil, K. B., & Karbeah, J. (2019). “Applying a Critical Race Lens to Minnesota’s Doula Policies.” American Journal of Public Health, 109(2), 279–284.
