How Do I Get Paid as a Doula?
Being a doula is pretty much the best thing ever, would you agree? And you probably didn’t become a doula to get rich, right? But no matter how amazing this career, you still deserve to be paid for the incredible work you do. Doula work is no small task and making sure you get paid fairly and on time is essential to maintaining your business, maintaining balance, and avoiding burnout. So, let’s break it down: how do get paid without all the awkwardness?
How to Set Your Doula Rates Without Undervaluing Yourself
When figuring out how much to charge as a doula, it’s easy to feel unsure. Many doulas feel pressure to set super low rates or offer services for free until they get more experience and as lovely as that is, it’s simply not sustainable. We know a lot of doula organizations recommend offering free or heavily discounted services as a new doula and while we aren’t opposed to it, we personally think you should consider charging something.
When setting your doula fees, consider the following:
Your experience: If you’ve completed certifications or additional training, charge accordingly.
Location: Research the average rate for doulas in your area (again, keep experience level in mind). Rates vary widely depending on where you live.
Services you offer: Do you specialize in birth support, postpartum care, or both? Are you on call for your clients? Offer belly binding or placenta encapsulation? All of this should be reflected in your pricing.
Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to adjust your rates as your experience grows. It’s common to start lower as a new doula, but as you gain experience, your rates should go up - this allows doulas newer than you to charge a liveable wage and for you to receive more income for your experience level. Don’t wait until you feel overworked to charge what you’re worth.
When and How to Get Paid as a Doula
Having a clear payment structure is essential to ensure you’re compensated fairly and on time. You don’t want to be chasing payment when a client goes into labor or dealing with payments when they’re juggling life with a newborn. Whether you’re offering birth or postpartum doula services, setting up a system that’s straightforward can save you from awkward payment conversations and the hassle of chasing money after the fact.
Birth Doula Payment Structure
For birth doulas, most follow a two-part payment plan, but ultimately you need to decide what works best for you.
Retainer: A non-refundable retainer or deposit is due at the time the client signs the contract. This secures your availability and confirms the client’s commitment to working with you. Typically this is 50% of the total fee.
Final Payment: The remaining balance is generally due between 32 and 36 weeks. Notice this is well before the client’s due date so they don’t have to worry about paying bills as the birth nears. Having 100% of your payment before the birth ensures you and your clients are both fully committed and avoids the stress of having to collect payment post-birth when your client has many other things on her mind.
Postpartum Doula Payment Structure
Postpartum doula work tends to be more flexible than birth support, as the length of time and level of care can vary greatly depending on each family’s needs. There are a few common ways to structure payments for postpartum services.
Retainer: Most postpartum doulas or newborn care specialists charge a retainer fee to guarantee their availability for a specific period (typically 20-30% of the total fee). This non-refundable fee secures your time and ensures that you’ll be available when the client needs support, especially during busy seasons. The retainer is usually applied to the final hours of the contract.
Weekly or Biweekly Payments: For long-term postpartum care, dividing the total cost into weekly or biweekly payments can make it easier for families to manage. This option works well if your services span several weeks or months, providing steady income while giving clients flexibility.
Hourly or Package Rates: Many postpartum doulas charge an hourly rate, allowing clients to pay as they go. However, offering package rates (e.g., a set number of hours per week) can streamline the process. Packages typically require upfront payment, giving you financial security while allowing the client to budget for a block of time.
Pro tip: Charging a retainer up front ensures that you’re committed to the family, and they’re committed to you. This can be especially helpful when your calendar is tight, as it guarantees income while securing your time. Offering flexible payment options, such as installment plans or packages, can make your services more accessible to clients while ensuring you get paid on time.
Accepting Payments as a Doula
Offering multiple payment options can make it easier for clients to pay on time and reduces the risk of delayed payments. You should accept payments in whatever way is most convenient for you and your clients.
Common payment methods include:
Cash or Check: Cash is definitely king and if it is convenient for both parties, why not accept it?! Personal checks and cashiers checks are also relatively easy. Accepting checks may be necessary especially if you’re working with clients who are using HSA/FSA funds as the facilitator may need to send you payment in the mail.
Digital payment platforms: PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle are popular choices for ease of use. Be mindful of transaction fees and make sure you have a system to easily track payments (like Quickbooks or an Excel Spreadsheet).
Credit card payments: Services like Square and Stripe allow clients to pay via credit card, though they come with small processing fees (which are a deductible business expense). Again, some clients with HSA/FSA cards or even a Carrot Fertility card may require this as an option.
Bank or wire transfers: A wire transfer directly to your bank or transfers through Zelle or other banking apps can save on fees, but again, make sure you’re tracking payments carefully.
Pro tip: Automate payment reminders using tools like PayPal or Stripe, so clients get a notification when a payment is coming up or overdue.
Doula Contracts: Why You Need One to Protect Payments
A doula contract is essential for protecting yourself and ensuring clear communication with your clients, whether you're providing birth or postpartum support. It establishes expectations, outlines payment terms, and prevents misunderstandings down the road. Without one, you risk financial loss and confusion around services.
Your doula contract should include the following:
Total Cost and Payment Schedule: Clearly outline the full cost of your services, including birth support, postpartum care, or both. Be specific about when payments are due—whether it’s a retainer fee, a weekly payment, or final payment. For postpartum care, include details about hourly rates, packages, or retainer fees.
Late Payment Penalties: Make it clear what happens if a payment is missed. Whether it’s a late fee, pausing services, or even contract termination, setting these terms upfront helps avoid awkward conversations later.
Refund Policy: Spell out what happens if the client cancels your services. For birth doulas, this might include how much of the retainer is non-refundable. For postpartum work, you might offer refunds on unused prepaid hours or packages up to a certain point, or you may opt for a no-refund policy. Be sure to detail these terms so there are no surprises.
Flexibility for Birth Outcomes: Births don’t always go as planned, so include a clause for what happens in case of scheduled cesareans, early inductions, or if the client no longer requires your services for unforeseen reasons. This way, you protect your fees while offering some flexibility.
Pro tip: For postpartum doulas, include a clause about how unused hours or prepaid services will be handled. Whether you offer a refund or allow clients to roll over hours into a future date, having this in writing ensures there’s no confusion.
At the end of the day, you’re running a business, and businesses get paid. You’re not just a doula; you’re a skilled professional offering vital support. Setting clear rates, having a solid contract, and establishing payment systems protects your energy, honors your time, and creates sustainability so you can keep showing up for the families who need you. Don’t be afraid to charge what you’re worth and run your doula practice like the powerful, purpose-driven business it is.