- Frequently Asked Questions -

Doulas are SO expensive. How will I ever be able to afford one?
Doulas fees are set due to a number of factors. Prenatal appointments, being on call 24/7, continuous support during labor/birth- doulas do a lot! At the same time, I totally recognize that money doesn’t grow on trees. Here are some out-of-the-box ideas to helping pay for your doula:

• Baby shower gift! Why not put a doula on your registry? Family and friends love putting money towards a gift they know will be truly utilized and appreciated.
• Re-allocate funds! It can be shocking how much money adds up when skipping a Starbucks a few days a week.
• Barter! What can you offer to trade a doula for some or part of their fee? Everything from gift cards you have sitting in your wallet to babysitting to haircuts- who knows what a doula might be willing to trade.
• Sell some stuff! Who doesn’t have a few things laying around, taking up space? Now with so many online options (Craigslist, VarageSale, etc.) it can be so easy to declutter and make some extra cash.
• Use your tax return!
• Get creative! Don’t be afraid to ask- you never know unless you do. 

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Why hire a doula when I have my partner (or insert another family member or friend)?
Partners, family members, and friends are amazing people to have on a birth team. Ah-maz-ing. And the majority of families give birth with only that support. But, did you know that birthing people who had a doula in the room report having even better outcomes? Check out some of the research here


How is a doula different than a midwife?
Someone once told me that doulas support from the waist up- and that explanation has always stuck with me! A doula is in no way, shape, or form a medical professional. They won’t be doing cervical checks, intermittent monitoring, or charting. They are truly there only for the emotional and physical support of the birthing person.


I am counting down until I can get an epidural, so what’s the point of hiring a doula?
Doulas are for birth- ALL births! Just because a person has an epidural doesn’t mean they aren’t in labor. The support needed during an epidural may look a bit different than that of an un-medicated birth, but it is still deserved. This is true for cesarean births as well.
Bottom line is that all families deserve dedicated, continuous support- no matter the way babies arrive!

Kate is a wonderful listener, has a peaceful joyful energy, and is full of knowledge. From pregnancy to postpartum Kate offered more than the knowledge you could gain from books, I know I read at least 2 dozen. She had wonderful tips to share to make pregnancy, birth, and after care easier. 
Lauren, Parent in Renton

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