Little Honey Doula Services LLC

When you heard that someone had a doula during their birthing experience, what was your initial thought?

I’ll tell you mine…I cannot afford that luxury.

I was nervous to bring this request to my hubby because I knew money was tight to begin with. But, as I started to deep dive into all my prenancy and birth information, there was no way I was going to go into labor without a doula present.

Now, you may be like me and have an amazing and resourceful hubby, but this does not negate the need for a doula…I promise you.

Between the statistics given about how black women are treated during labor and birth, and my own personal health issues I knew that I needed to have this support in order to feel properly supported through this journey.

I am here to give you a few suggestions on how you can afford a doula, because if you find one that truly cares…it can make your birthing experience reflect your wants and needs by truly sifting through your priorities and helping you to remember that you are in charge.

Set Up a Doula Fund: Many first time mamas mistakenly put unnecessary items on their registry. Before putting up a ton of clothes, and cute items that may only be used once… do research and see if the item is really worth asking for. Instead, you can ask for people to add to the doula fund in order for mama to feel supported and reduce the possibility birthing trauma.

Bartering: This is not a common one here in Southern California, but you could get lucky if you also have a service to provide!

Does Your Insurance Cover or Reinburse Doula Services?: This could be something to look into! Not all insurances provide this and not all doulas accept insurance, but if you are in the planning phase of pregnancy this is something worth looking into.

Payment Plan: Many doulas are understanding and know the importance of you having support, so they should try to work with you and be flexible about a payment plan of some sort. If they do not seem open to the idea, they may not be the right fit for you.

Before you write yourself off thinking you can’t afford to have a doula, try these options!

With love,

Melina