My Sliding Scale
My work as a birth companion is rooted in seeking reproductive justice for all, and this includes economic justice and addressing economic disparities that exist in our culture when people seek reproductive care. I believe that access to my companioning support should not be based upon income and privilege alone, therefore, I offer fixed price access points based upon individual financial experience. A sliding scale is my moral and ethical obligation to recognize the differences in wealth, income, costs and privilege that exist when people access reproductive care, and to address economic disparities.
The fees I set consider my own financial privilege, whilst also enabling me to be paid fairly for my time. Me fees also cover expenses associated with providing support to those experiencing less finanical security and inequitable access to healthcare, as well as no-cost support to families experiencing a pregnancy loss or death of their baby.
Offering my services in this way to you, requires honesty and trust, so as to ensure that those who have the means to pay the full price do, and those that do not have the means or who face significant barriers in receiving the healthcare they need, continue to have access to my support. I will not ask you to prove your financial situation, so please do not worry. I trust that you will pay honestly in accordance with the guidance within my sliding scale and your unique financial experience.
If you are unable to pay for my support at the lowest price or you require support that is covered by Medicaid, please contact me and I will signpost you to birth doulas/companions in your community, who accept Medicaid or are able to work at no cost.
My Birth Doula Companioning Fees – $500 to $1500
** I am able to offer one middle or lowest price birth per month – please contact me to discuss availability **
Top (full) Price – $1,500 with a non-refundable retainer fee of $375
This price point is the actual, full cost for my services. If you choose a price point below this, you are receving a discount. Full price should be paid if you sit within multiple layers of financial privilege, including you:
- Have a high degree of earning power due to citizenship, level of education, gender privilege, racial privilege, class background, are able bodied or speak English as your primary language
- Are able to comfortably meet all of your basic needs
- Have expendable income
- Have savings, investments, retirement accounts or inherited money
- Are able to access healthcare and pay medical expenses with private insurance
- Own a home or rent a high end home
- Own one or multiple cars
- Are currently not working or exercising your earning power, through choice
- Have secure employment, work part time by choice, or do not need to work to meet your needs
- Are able to buy new items
- Can afford to take time off, take a vacation or travel recreationally
Middle Price – $1000 with a non-refundable retainer fee of $250
This price point is a discounted price for my services. The middle price point is for those who are able to meet their basic needs but have little expendable income and paying for my support may qualify as a sacrifice, but it would not create hardship. Middle price should be paid if you:
- Have a lower degree of earning power due to citizenship, facing racism, gender based discrimination, disability discrimation, language barriers or physical/mental health
- Might have access to savings, investments or other monies
- Are currently paying off medical bills or other debts
- Rent a home
- Are able to meet your basic needs
- Have some expendable income
- Are able to buy some new items or rely on thrifting for others
- Have access to a car
- Taking a vacation annually causes some financial burden but is achievable
Lowest Price – $500 with a non-refundable retainer fee of $125.
This price point is a significantly discounted price for my services. The lowest price point is for those who struggle to meet basic needs and paying for my support would be a significant hardship. Lowest price should be paid if you:
- Face significantly lower earning power due to racism, citizenship, educational level, gender based discrimination, disability discrimation, language barriers or mental/physical health
- Have been denied work or have difficulty securing regular employment
- Have difficulty paying rent on a home or in securing consistent housing
- Do not have access to a car and face limited access to transportation
- Meeting your basic needs can be a struggle
- Rely on Medicaid for healthcare
- Have debts and medical bills that are a financial burden to pay
- You can barely buy new items because you are unable to afford them
- Cannot afford a vacation or to take time off from employment without significant financial burden.
Consultancy Fees
Support on a consultancy basis is charged at an hourly rate. In alignment with my sliding scale, I offer 3 hourly rates:
Full price rate – $45 per hour
Middle price rate – $30 per hour
Lowest price rate – $15 per hour
Additional travel costs are charged per mile for in person consultations out of Hillsborough County. Mileage is charged at 65.5 cents per mile.
If you purchase a consultancy session and decide to book my full doula companion package, the cost of your consultation will be deducted.
If you face signficant financial burden and cannot access my support at the lowest price rate, please reach out to me to talk about your needs and to find a way forward.
My NICU Doula Companioning Fees
My support in the NICU is charged at an hourly rate. In alignment with my sliding scale, I offer 3 hourly rates:
Full price rate – $45 per hour
Middle price rate – $30 per hour
Lowest price rate – $15 per hour
Additional travel costs are charged per mile for in person NICU support out of Hillsborough County. Mileage is charged at 65.5 cents per mile.
If you face signficant financial burden and cannot access my support at the lowest price rate, please reach out to me to talk about your needs and to find a way forward.
My Miscarriage, Stillbirth and TFMR Doula Companioning Fees
My companioning support is provided at no cost, however donations are always greatly appreciated to enable me to continue to serve bereaved families, to cover my expenses and to replenish supplies. If you would like to make a donation as a gift of thanks for the companioning support I have offered you, or if you have not received my services but would like to support my ongoing work, please click below to donate.
* My sliding scale was adapted from the work of Sylvia Duckworth (Wheel of Power/Privilege), The Kindred Feminine and Worts and Cunningham.
