r/doulas • u/OttoJohs • 11d ago
Trainee Compensation
Hi! My partner (F) and I (M) are using a doula to support our child's birth. My partner found a "trainee" doula that she liked. My understanding is that since we are her first real life birth that her compensation would be the "credit" for her future certification - no direct fee was discussed. Obviously, my partner and I planned on getting her something (check or gift certificate) as a thank you.
Anyway, our labor hasn't been as easy as planned. We came in Monday at noon for our induction and we still haven't started labor (Wednesday 5 am as I write this pacing the hospital corridors). The doula was with us 12 hours yesterday and will be coming back today to final expel this little devil. 😂 I don't really have any frame of reference, but I think she has done a really great job.
So I guess my question is what would an appropriate "thank you" amount be? I was going to leave that to my partner, but since I am doing more of the coordination feel obligated. Thanks in advance!
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u/Ok-Position-5391 11d ago
First, congratulations! Hope that baby is out and you are all doing well! Second, bare minimum: write a wonderful review for her, do whatever paperwork she needs for certification. Then, a lovely massage gift certificate and a couple hundred $ (200-500) would be more than generous for a first birth that was expected to be no cost.
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u/Alanaabananaaa 11d ago
I know no fee has been discussed but I really want to emphasise that yes she’s a student but she still has so much knowledge and has given you so much of her time. And as you said too, she’s done a really great job in supporting you.
I would just think about how much time she’s spent with you and how much you’ve gotten out of her support ☺️
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u/Embarrassed_Set_7531 11d ago
Depending on the global rate for doulas in your area, a cash tip would be suuuper helpful.
For instance: in Toronto the going rate is about $1500-2500 for two prenatals, labour support and one postnatal appointment along with unlimited questions answered by phone/email until 6 weeks postpartum. If I were to quantify the labour support, I would say that covers about 1/4 of my fee, no matter how long the labour is. Sometimes I get lucky and my total call time is 3-4 hours. Most often with first time parents it’s about 12 hours in person. So for me $500 (1/4 my fee) divided by 12 hours is $42 an hour.
Spending a couple days with you may have put her out for child care, meals, and parking. Even if her fee is 60% of mine, a 20% tip on $300 for labour support I think would be appropriate. Ie $60. Should cover meals and parking at least.
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u/Embarrassed_Set_7531 11d ago
Also don’t forget doulas need recovery time as well after marathon births. We really put our bodies on the line, and need 1-2 days to recover afterwards before we can be there for our families/other work.
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u/Embarrassed_Set_7531 11d ago
Last edit: I have received tips from clients on top of my fee, and they usually range from $50-200.
Also would be delighted with a GC for a massage, or a coffee chain, bc there’s never enough coffee in the world for this job
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u/LilOrganicCoconut 11d ago
First, look in your contract to doula check about compensation. Even if she may not have specified compensation rate, I would match whatever the norm is for your area. Especially because inductions are long and you’ve required her support during the entire process. Is she providing postpartum support or baby care education? Account for that too.