5 Creative ways to save for doula support
For many people from the moment they learn they are pregnant the planning begins. What will the nursery look like? what is the best stroller on the market? what are the “must have” baby products? North American culture puts so much emphasis on the products that make pregnancy and postpartum easier, forking over thousands of dollars in gadgets and clutter. Yet we struggle with the concept that “things” are usually never the answer to a supportive and empowering birth & postpartum experience PEOPLE are.
Let’s think about your wedding day for example. A recent report stated that the average Canadian couple will spend upwards of $28000 on their wedding day. We put value on the beautiful dress, delicious food and breathtaking venue but what was your return on investment? Are you more likely to have a happy and fulfilled marriage because you started your nuptials off with a banger of a party?
So what's the value of a birth or postpartum doula? Let’s stick with the wedding analogy here. A doula is essentially your birth/ postpartum co-ordinator, the wedding planner of the birth world. Research has shown that hiring a birth doula can
• Decrease pain
• Decrease anxiety
•Shorten labour time
•Decrease use of medical interventions
• increase birth satisfaction and experience
•better outcomes for baby (higher apgar testing)
Pregnancy, birth and the fourth trimester are the building blocks of your parenting journey. By increasing your birth satisfaction, decreasing your risk of postpartum depression and anxiety you are creating a strong foundation for your family to grow upon.
So let’s get to the real reason you're here. You know the benefits of hiring a birth or postpartum doula. You see the return on investment is worth it. Now let's talk about creative ways to save for the expense.
Health Care Spending account : Many insurance companies see the benefit of allowing their clients to pick the products and services they require on an individual basis using a “pool” of money. My clients have had great success in submitting their doula expenses to their employers insurance company for reimbursement. Ask your doula to provide you with a receipt along with a letter outlining the support a doula provides.
Baby Registry : Do you really need 78 receiving blankets? Instead ask for monetary donations to go towards birth or postpartum care. Babylist is an excellent way to put together a well rounded registry including adding doula support
Use your tax return : If you’re expecting a tax return use that money towards the cost of services. It’s already come off your paycheck so consider it an “out of sight out of mind” savings account
Reducing your Takeout / Coffee budget : Whether you're stopping at Starbucks on your way to work or indulging in weekly take out by reducing your miscellaneous spending you can save on average $800 over a 9 month period (that’s only $20/week).
Ask for a payment plan : Many doulas will work with their clients to come up with a reasonable plan to get you the support you need without going into overdraft. Doula work truly is a labour of love and although our services deserve to be compensated fairly we will often work WITH you.
Is doula support an investment? YES. Is it worth it? Only you get to decide that (but yes! yes it is)
We would love to hear from you . If you have other unique and creative ideas be sure to leave a comment.