The Luxury of Doula Care - Part 3: Coming Up With the Cash

As promised, here is my last installment of "The Luxury of Doula Care," my series about the cost of a doula. This post is about practical ways to afford the doula of your dreams. If you haven't yet, you may want to read the first two posts, "The Value of a Doula," and "A Breakdown of My Fee."

One of the top reasons parents-to-be give for not hiring a doula is the cost. I've already shown you the outstanding value of a doula as well as explained how I established my fee amount. Many parents-to-be agree that they'd like to have a doula but claim that hiring one just is not "in the budget." That's the wrong thing to say to a doula who also happens to be a Financial Peace University coordinator and a very strict budgeter. If it's important to you, if it's something you see as valuable, you can and will find a way to pay for it. Here are five ways that can help you find that extra cash to hire the doula of your dreams....the doula you deserve, the doula you need.

1. Sell something. 
 - One man's trash is another's treasure, right? Everyone has junk laying around they don't need or want or use. Sell it. 
2. Budget.
- I wonder how many of these parents-to-be that say a doula is not "in the budget" actually have a written budget. If you don't have one, make one. If you don't know how, sign up for a session of FPU. You may be surprised at all the little ways you can cut your spending to help you pay for your doula.
3. Save
- Most pregnancies last around 40 weeks. If you set aside even just $5 a week, you will have saved up a good portion of a doula's fee.
4. Cut out a "luxury" item.
- Many people have little indulgences they like to treat themselves with. There's nothing wrong with that. But, if having a doula for your birth is a priority, perhaps give up your coffee, ice cream, pedicures or exchange your dinner-and-a-movie date nights for cheaper options to help you on your path of an amazing birth with the love and care of a doula. Hiring a doula is one indulgence I promise you won't regret.
5. Barter/Trade Services
- I am open to bartering/exchanging services. Most people have something to offer, a talent to share or a service to trade. If you are not sure you'll be able to come up with the cash to pay my fee, make me an offer. 

Use these ideas as a starting point for your own brainstorming...use one, use them all, but please please please do not put your doula fees on a credit card. You deserve a doula, and you deserve to not go into debt for one.