Forecasting Your Doula Fees with Rain or Shine Doulas

Welcome! I am so glad you are here. 

Doulas are a non-medical addition to your pregnancy support team, unfortunately we are not covered through Alberta Health Services as your OB and Midwives would be. There are great strides being made for insurance and group benefits coverage, however it is not where it needs to be at this time. Trust me, we are working on it! Hiring a Doula who will provide the level of support which we do deserves payment that is worthy of the work we do. Sadly right now it is often left to you, the client, to foot the bill.

When researching Doula websites and looking at fees, you may see offers for payment plans. I love visuals and using excel/google sheets, and so I have built the table to break down what payment plans could look like depending on what week you hire your doula. To expand on this topic even more, other ideas for gathering the funds to afford Doula support are listed as well.

​The below table provides a few different options for breaking down the Rain or Shine Doula’s birth support fee by gestational week of your pregnancy. Obviously the sooner your Doula is hired the more options you will have to pay the fee for support. Specific options and a visual of what it looks like is always good, right?

Insurance Coverage
For those with group or private benefits coverages, including health spending accounts, you may be in luck. We recommend calling your company to determine if your Doula fees will be covered prior to signing a contract for our support. This will notify you of any prerequisites or certifications your insurance company will need for coverage, and allows you to be prepared with information. Knowledge is power!

Gofundme
Create a personalized campaign that highlights the significance of having Rain or Shine Doulas’ non-medical support throughout your pregnancy journey. Share your story, emphasizing the positive impact a doula can make on your birthing experience. Encourage friends, family, and well-wishers to contribute to this meaningful cause instead of traditional baby gifts. By leveraging GoFundMe, you provide an opportunity for your loved ones to contribute to your well-being during this transformative period in your life. Not sure what to write? Kristle will help you!

It is important to remember to communicate openly with doula about your financial situation. We are passionate about ensuring that everyone who desires our support can access it, and we are willing to explore creative solutions with you.

As you embark on this incredible journey, navigating the exciting twists and turns of pregnancy, I want to assure you that the investment in Rain or Shine doula support is more than just a financial transaction—it's a commitment to prioritizing your well-being during this transformative time. Remember, you're not just hiring us as your Doula; you're enlisting a compassionate ally, a source of unwavering support, and someone who will cheer you on through the marathon of parenthood. So, whether you're maneuvering payment plans like a pro or contemplating the art of the crowdfunding pitch, know that you're making a choice that transcends dollars and cents. 

Embrace the adventure, relish the quirks, and trust that your decision to welcome a doula into your team is a step towards a birth experience that's uniquely yours. Here's to the amazing journey ahead—may it be filled with joy, laughter, and a doula by your side!