As a birth worker, one of the biggest questions is always: “How do families afford my services?” It’s a fair concern—after all, you’re providing essential care, guidance, and expertise at some of the most transformative moments of their lives. But the landscape of reimbursement for doulas, IBCLCs, and other maternal care professionals is changing rapidly. There are more options than ever to help parents cover the cost, which is great news for you and the families you serve.
Let’s dive into five different ways parents are paying for your care. Knowing these options empowers you to guide families toward the best solutions, making your services more accessible and impactful.
1. Cash Payments and BeHerVillage Funds
For a long time, cash payments were the most straightforward way for parents to hire birth professionals. While this is still common, many parents now combine out-of-pocket funds with other sources. One of the newest and most exciting options is BeHerVillage. With BeHerVillage, parents can create a registry that allows friends and family to contribute directly to their birth and postpartum care. Instead of baby gadgets, they get funds for your services—making it easier for them to afford your expertise.
2. Local Grants and Community Funds
In some areas, grant programs and community funds exist specifically to help cover birth-related services. A great example is Long Island Doula Association’s Community Support Fund, which provides financial assistance to families who can’t afford the cost of a doula. By staying on top of local resources like this, you can point parents toward much-needed financial support. These programs not only help families but also help you reach a broader client base.
3. Short-Term Disability & Insurance Coverage
Some parents leverage short-term disability benefits to cover their birth and postpartum care. While it might not cover everything, it can lighten the financial load. In addition, insurance companies are starting to see the value in supporting services like IBCLCs, pelvic floor therapy, and in some cases, doula care. As legislation evolves, more states are including doula support in their Medicaid coverage, and private insurers are testing reimbursement models.
Keep an eye on local policies and insurance updates. Being aware of which plans cover what—and how to help parents navigate these options—can set you apart as a truly informed and resourceful birth professional.
4. Corporate Benefits like Carrot
As workplace benefits expand, some companies partner with organizations like Carrot, which provides fertility and family-forming benefits. Carrot often reimburses for doula services, allowing parents to access your care through their employer benefits. This is a growing trend, as companies recognize that supporting employees during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum is an investment in overall employee well-being and retention.
5. Medicaid and State-Sponsored Doula Programs
Several states are leading the way in integrating doula care into Medicaid coverage. This is a huge step toward making your services available to families who might not otherwise afford them. As more states roll out pilot programs or codify doula support into their Medicaid plans, it’s crucial to stay informed about what’s available in your region. If parents ask, you can confidently say, “Yes, if you’re on Medicaid, there might be coverage options for you!”
A Constantly Evolving Landscape
The key takeaway here is that this landscape is always shifting. As a birth worker, your job is to remain flexible, keep your ears open for new funding opportunities, and educate yourself on the evolving insurance and reimbursement options. The more informed you are, the better you can serve your clients—breaking down financial barriers and ensuring more families have access to your valuable services.
By guiding parents through these payment avenues—from BeHerVillage registries to local grants, insurance coverage, Medicaid options, and corporate benefits—you’re doing more than just making a sale. You’re ensuring that the families who need you most can actually afford the incredible support you provide.
BeHerVillage is helping parents like you get the funds they need for the support they deserve! Are you having a baby and are looking for support? Create a registry for support today and get gifted funds directly into your bank account to pay for your support team. You deserve this.
Are you a birthworker who supports new moms? Use BeHerVillage to help your clients pay for your support. Create your free profile here and you can be the best baby shower gift a mom will ever get!
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)