The cost of doulas varies within the field. There are both Doula Agencies and Independent Doulas which allows for a wide difference in cost. Doulas are trained in the “normal.” They are non-medical support persons.
A good doula is instinctively nurturing, has a calm manner, has the ability to gently encourage, has good teaching skills, is non-intrusive, reliable and honest. A postpartum does more than a baby nurse* as outlined below.
A Postpartum Doula:
- Teaches a new mom about her baby**
- Assists with breastfeeding – if needed
- Cares for newborn as outlined by the mom
- Allows mom to nap
- Cares for siblings
- Laundry for the whole family
- Light housework
- Meal prep and clean-up
- Errands (including school and activities) and shopping
- Helps the adjustment of every family member to the new baby
An Overnight Doula:
- Assists new mom with breastfeeding during the night
- Assists with changing and settling newborn** shortening mother’s “up-time”
- Feeds and cares for baby through the night if baby is bottle fed
- Takes notes during the night on baby’s activity
- Offers sleep suggestions, answers questions about the baby
- Makes formula, fills bottles, and washes bottles and pumping supplies as needed
- Allows both parents to get unbroken sleep
How Much Does a Doula Cost?
Postpartum Doulas in CT will vary. Cost depends if one is hiring an independent doula or a Doula Agency.
Independent Doulas
Independent doulas charge anywhere from $20 – $45/hour. The benefit of using an independent doula is that they are often cheaper.
Doula Agencies
MothersCare is a CT agency that charges $40/hr. for daytime or overnight doulas. MothersCare has no minimum number of days or nights required to contract. The per day minimum is 4 hrs./day and the Overnight minimum is 8 hrs./night.
During this challenging time there will be an added travel fee for most clients, dependent on where the doula needs to travel.
The benefits of using an agency for your doula are:
- Doulas are screened, interviewed by MothersCare owners
- Criminal/background checks are performed
- Doulas attend yearly on-going training
- Pertussis vaccine
- CPR certified
- MothersCare has on-staff a variety of doulas which allows a family to meet and arrange a doula they are comfortable with
- Replacement doula is always available if doula is not available due to sickness or personal issues
- Replacement doula is available if the doula you meet and start with is not a good “fit.”
- Tax deduction for childcare as MothersCare is registered with the State.
- Doula taxes not the responsibility of the client
*Baby Nurses are a New York phenomenon. A baby nurse is not a medical nurse. She cares for the baby only. The family is required to have food in the house for her. She does not help with nursing, housework, meals for the family, laundry (except for the baby’s laundry) or two year olds (siblings). A baby nurse often does not drive.
**Doulas care for twins and triplets as well
Labor Support Doulas In CT
A Labor Support or Birth Coach in CT:
- Provides on-going physical support during labor including comfort techniques
- Provides on-going emotional support
- Does not change shifts; care is continuous until mom is in her recovery room
- Advocates for the birth plan of the couple
- Respects the medical team
- Supports partner allowing him to take food, bathroom breaks, naps
- Helps breastfeeding get off to a good start
- Stays with mom after delivery allowing spouse to follow baby for testing
- Takes pictures
- Does a postpartum follow up providing positive closure for the family
The Cost of a Labor Support in CT varies widely. Independent doulas cost anywhere from $650 a birth to $1500. MothersCare charges $1,200 for our Labor Support Services.
The benefit of hiring an independent doula is cost can often be less per birth. The downside is not all Independent doulas have a back-up if she becomes sick or for personal emergencies.
The benefit of hiring a Labor Support doula from MothersCare Doula Services is you can meet a variety of labor doulas, if needed, to assure comfort with your doula during labor. Our doulas back-up one another especially when there is sickness or if an emergency or family event arises. Taxes are not the responsibility of the client. It is easy to get a postpartum doula, as well, if needed.
About Susan Shepard
I am the owner/partner of MothersCare Doula Services in CT. I am a Postpartum doula and my business partner, Sheila Marley is a Labor doula. MothersCare places both Labor and Postpartum doulas with CT Families. I am the mom of five beautiful children, one set of twins. The best quote for me as a young mother and the catalyst for MothersCare is “It’s not weakness to know you need help, it’s wisdom.”
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