There has been a big push lately for states to fund doulas either through non-profits (where community doulas are employed the most) or for states to have doulas covered through insurance. Evidence shows how important consistent support through labor/birth is and that people not only experience a more positive birth, but that birth outcomes are better when people have birth doulas for their labor and birth. States are finally understanding that.

States are viewing doulas as a way to combat the growing maternal mortality rate in the US, so making sure that people who would otherwise not be able to afford a private doula can benefit from having one through state funding.

What is a private doula?

How are they found? A private doula is someone who is sought out, actively interviewed, and hired all through the pregnant person. The pregnant person pays out of their pocket for the private doulas service, signs the private doulas contract, and follows how the private doulas business is set up.

How are they paid? Private doulas are business owners. They pay their own taxes (about 30% of whatever they get paid), pay for health insurance out of their own pocket (if they even have it), and run every aspect of their business by themselves or if they have angry, they run it with their co-owners.

Training: Most private doulas are trained by one or more birth organizations. Not every private doula chooses to certify (however if they’re like myself, I chose to have 3 birth doula certifications 😂).

Back Ups: A private doula needs to find and vet back ups for their clients. Not every private doula is able to secure a similar doula for their birth clients, it’s rare but it happens.

As a private doula, my stand alone doula fee is $2500 with prenatals before you give birth (the number varies because it’s personalized), labor and birth support, and 1-2 postpartum visits about 1-2 weeks postpartum with text/phone support for up to 6 weeks afterwards. Many experienced doulas are high cost and that can be cost prohibitive to some.

What is a community doula?

How are they found? A community doula is someone whose services are typically offered to clients already enrolled in services within the organization they work for. Many people think that a doula is not affordable to them, so they don’t think to research any more in to them. If the client chooses to use the doula and their services, the client would sign an agreement that the organization provides.

How are they paid? Community doulas are employed by the state, local non-profits, even hospitals sometimes. They do not have to worry about running a business. They are given the paperwork and timeline for everything regarding their clients by the funders guidelines and organization.

Training: Community doulas are REQUIRED to be trained by DONA specifically, with an emphasis on becoming certified as well.

Back Ups: Back up doulas are built into the organization/company. So clients will never be without birth support if their primary doula is already at a birth.

When it comes to cost for a community doula, many, if not most, are free for the clients. The non-profit or organization receives funding from different sources to be able to pay the wages of the community doula. It is way more cost efficient for clients, however many organizations have income limits for those who qualify for doula services. Depending on funding for the doula though, some funders do not have income limits.

How are they similar? How are they different?

The biggest difference in private and community doulas are how they’re paid and found. One is paid by the client, and the other is paid through state funding. But both are trained and typically certified. Both work with you to create as positive of a birth experience as possible. Their focus is you, and their priority is you.

Both private doula’s and community doulas are amazing and so very much needed. And I’m so grateful that clients have options!!