prices

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I am interested in becoming a doula and working toward my certification. But I heard you can still work as one until you are certified people have offered to pay me but I do not know how I should charge them. I need a break down of the cost. I am also wanting to start my certification but right now funds are unavailable so I thought before taking the class I could read the reading requirements but I can not find a list if any one can help I would love it. Thank you Amber

-- amber mcclelland (amber11@gci.net), May 14, 1999

Answers

Hi Amber, Congratulations on your decision to become a Doula. It is a very rewarding vocation! Depending on who you plan on becoming certified through, there are several recommended readings, For DONA certification, the following are just a few that are recommended: Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn: The Complete Guide: by Penny Simkin, Janet Whalley and Ann Keppler.

The Birth Partner: Everything You need to Know to Help a Woman Through Childbirth: by Penny Simkin.

From Start to Finish: A Practical Guide for Your Labor Support Business: by Barbara Ross-Ellis.

Mothering the Mother: By Marshall Klaus, John Kennell, and Phyllis Klaus.

Like I said, these are just a few to get started with they can be purchased from ICEA, or from Cutting Edge Press.

As Far as prices go, That also varies depending upon the area you live, Charges range from $200 to $800/per birth, and also depend on what you include in your services. Hope this information helps in some way. Good Luck! And keep following your DREAMS! Terry Emrick Birth Matters

-- Terry Emrick (Birthmater@aol.com), May 16, 1999.


I wanted to add some on the pricing issue. It certainly does depend on what you offer your clients. Some doulas even prefer to charge hourly. I like charging a flat fee so that the mom never feels pressured for time- I'm there as long as it takes. It seems to work out- some births are quite short and others are really long. I make up for the ultra-short ones (if I feel that they haven't gotten their money's worth for some reason) by spending more time with them post- partum. What I do though, is get a portion of the fee up front which covers prenatals and the on-call time. It also serves to finalize the fact that we will be working together. It is also nice to get the whole fee before the birth. I do this because I don't want anyone worried about money during or after the birth. After the birth we all just want to enjoy that sweet baby!!

Before I was certified I worked for free to gain the experience. Some women charge only the cost of parking and babysitting (I didn't have children so this wasn't an issue) while they are certifying. If you have bunches of experience I don't think there would be a problem with you charging while getting certified. You need to just figure out what you feel comfortable with.

Good luck- money is always the least fun part to worry about.

Kirsten

-- Kirsten Gerrish (kirsten@doula.net), May 17, 1999.


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