Too many doulas carry the weight of believing their support is only valuable if a client can pay out of pocket. And while one-on-one client work is a core part of this profession, it’s time to start asking a better question:
Who else benefits from this support—and who else might be willing to pay for it?
Let’s be real: doulas provide more than just emotional and physical support. You reduce cesarean rates. You improve patient satisfaction. You help families navigate complex systems. That doesn’t just help your client—it helps hospitals, community organizations, and entire public health systems.
Alternative Sources of Doula Funding
If you’ve been struggling to book clients because of cost concerns, or you’re looking to expand your reach, here are a few places to start looking:
1. Hospitals & Birthing Centers
Some facilities fund or contract doulas directly to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction scores. These programs may prioritize high-risk patients, Medicaid recipients, or specific cultural communities.
Tip: Ask your local L&D unit if they have or are interested in piloting a doula program.
2. Nonprofits & Grant-Funded Programs
Many community-based organizations receive grants to improve maternal health outcomes. They often contract doulas to serve specific populations, such as teens, BIPOC families, or those facing housing insecurity.
Tip: Search your region’s maternal health grant recipients or connect with perinatal nonprofits already working in your area.
3. Government & Public Health Agencies
City and state health departments sometimes contract with doulas as part of maternal and infant health initiatives. These often come with structured outcomes and reporting—but also steady pay.
Tip: Look into local initiatives under maternal mortality prevention, home visiting programs, or community health worker collaborations.
4. Employers & Benefit Programs
Some employers (especially larger ones or those in progressive industries) are adding doula support to their employee benefit packages.
Tip: Reach out to local HR departments, midwifery clinics, or wellness collectives to explore partnerships.
5. Doula Agencies & Collaboratives
While you’ll often earn a percentage instead of the full client fee, working through an agency or collective can give you access to contracts and client pipelines that wouldn’t be available otherwise.
Tip: Make sure the agency shares your values and offers fair pay. You deserve to be compensated well for your work.
Start with This Question:
“Who else benefits when this family is supported?”
That one shift can open doors. You’re not just helping one client—you’re improving outcomes, strengthening communities, and reducing health disparities.
So yes, someone should pay you.
And no, it doesn’t always have to be the person giving birth.
