The Doula Business Advisor: What If They Can’t Afford You?

In my last Doula Advisor blog (March 8), I discussed the problem of couples who desire doula services, but are challenged by the doula’s fees. I want to urge doulas not to engage or support an entitlement mentality. There should be an exchange of energy. Here are some options for handling this situation.

Typically, I ask for something in return. For example, currently, if someone wants to take my childbirth classes and can’t afford the fee, I might offer the option of bringing a healthy snack to class to share with the other couples, or helping me at the office with some copying and assembly of course materials, or providing a deposit up front to hold a spot for them and then writing me postdated checks on the first night of class. The payment plan is proposed by them, according to what they can manage, and then I hold onto the checks for deposit until the date they are written for. Perhaps doula business owners have tasks that they need help completing?

Be sure also to explore insurance reimbursement options and strategies with your clients. Some clients may have Health Savings Accounts, Medical Reimbursement Accounts, or Flex Accounts available; doula services may qualify for reimbursement under these pretax medical savings accounts.

To be continued …

The Doula Business Advisor blog is designed to support the establishment and long-term sustainability of private doula businesses. Patty Brennan is the author of The Doula Business Guide: Creating a Successful MotherBaby Business.

Posted by Patty Brennan on March 15, 2011 • Filed under Doula Business Advisor
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