How to Set Your Birth Doula Fee with Confidence
Charge what you’re worth and be worth what you charge!
You became a doula because you love supporting families—but when it comes time to set your birth doula fee, it can feel overwhelming to put a number on your value. If you are a new doula, look at what other new doulas in your area are charging and start there.
The Truth about Fees?
Your fee isn’t just about what others are charging—it’s about your time, expertise, and the energy you pour into every client.
The “Charge what you’re worth” part:
Start by looking at your experience and training. Are you newly certified or have you attended dozens or even hundreds of births? The level of experience you bring to a birth is a foundation for your pricing—but it’s only one piece.
Next, factor in your time investment. Being on call for weeks, attending long labors, driving all over town, arriving at hospitals at 3 am, and offering emotional and physical support before and after birth means you’re providing far more than a single service—you’re walking beside families through one of the highest of high - and the lowest of low - moments of their lives.
Don’t forget your expenses. Even if you are brand new and have never attended a birth, there are still costs to being a doula. Mileage, childcare, continuing education, doula insurance, website fees—all of these costs matter and can add up quickly. Your pricing should ensure your business is sustainable, not just “affordable.” There are hidden costs everywhere. We didn’t even mention building your doula bag! Make sure that you are tracking those.
And perhaps most importantly, remember your value. You’re not just offering hours—you’re providing wisdom, calm, advocacy, and confidence to your clients.
Setting your fee is about honoring your worth and creating a business that allows you to continue doing what you love—without burning out.
Now we get to the ”Be worth what you charge” part!
ASK YOURSELF:
“Am I giving 150%?”
“Would I hire Me?
“Do I bring an extra special something to the table?”
BE WORTH WHAT YOUR CHARGE!
Two common questions I get as a mentor are “when do I know that it’s time to raise my fees?” and “how do I know if I am charging too much?” The first question is easy… When you feel like it! No, really! But more strategically, the answer for me has always been when I was what I considered fully booked over a 3 month period, I raised my fees by a few hundred dollars. You’ll know if you have bumped them too high because you won’t get inquiries. Simply reduce your new fee by $100 and see what happens. There is no hard and fast rule on this. Do what feels right.
Now the good part!
If you’re unsure where to start, talk with a mentor or trusted doula peer. Sometimes, the confidence you need is just a conversation away! I am more than happy to have a consultation with you.
When you value your work, others will too.
#Be the Ferrari — don’t set your fee by the lowest bar.
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