I am a new doula, working really hard to learn more and more about birth, choices, medical practices, routines and research related to pregnancy. Right now, I am focusing on the birth side of things, which means I am trained most exclusively in labour practices.
I have yet to put a tumblr tab about the costs of my labour, and the truth is that I am still hessitant because I really believe that birth support is something everyone should have access to. But trainings, kittens, and life still depend on money, and this is why I have to start adding a cost to my practice. I want to make access to birth support a reality, but I need to juggle that with my own sustainability. The more paid births I have, the more time I can dedicate to birth support for people who can’t afford it.
1. Money
My fees are usually on a sliding scale, based on your income, which is kind of left at your discretion, and it is always negotiable.
Usually a birth-doula package comes in the following format:
- 2 pre-partum visits: We will talk about your goals and aspirations for the birth, questions, some fears, some musts.
- Labour, including at-home labour (if this is your thing), hospital care and breastfeeding support on the first 2 hours post-birth
- 1 post-partum visit, in where we speak about your challenges, breastfeeding, support strategies, and further referrals if needed
With this kind of hourly-extensive work I am asking for a bottom bracket of $600. Because I feel I am still establishing myself as labour support, my cap is (generously) at $1000. Please don’t feel intimidated by this range, and feel free to give me a call or email me to work something out.
2. Availability
Recently, I came across a potential client that I couldn’t follow through with due to my availability. I will be on vacation, outside of the country, from August 12-28.
On top of the doula gig, I am still juggling a few tricks, and one of them is being on-call for a midwife’s daughter. This means my client has to be established at least by the time they are 6 months pregnant, so that I can arrange the proper care for the little piece of heaven that I take care of. *As of May my next client needs to be due in September at the earliest.*
Please help me spread the word! This world of doula-ing is new and awesome, and I would love nothing more than to service my community. I will come to you from years of anti-oppression organizing and education, and a commitment to see through the layers of marginalization, power and privilege that we are all part of.
Want to chat? just email me or call me. I love talking about pregnancy, birth and other things too!
With much love
Ro
Rad.Girl.Doula
Across the spectrum of pregnancy
905 808 0857
rfvelasquezg@gmail.com