Independent birth doula

Expecting parents who want extra continuous support, often paying out of pocket. Some may use health spending accounts or employer benefits, which vary.

A flat package fee per birth that covers prenatal visits, on-call availability, labour support and a follow-up visit. Add-ons can include birth planning sessions or a postpartum visit.

• Calm and caring under pressure
• Good listening and communication
• Knowledge of the birth process and local hospital and midwifery options
• Respect for each family's choices and background

• Certification is not legally required in most places, but clients and some hospitals look for training, so check what is expected locally
• Check hospital and birth centre policies on support people and doulas
• Check commercial general liability insurance options for doulas
• Being on call affects sleep, family life and other work, so plan a backup doula
• Stay within your scope: do not give medical advice
• Check whether you need a municipal business licence and when to register for GST/HST

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $800 to $2,500, depending on the training or certification you choose, insurance, and the supplies and marketing you set up. Treat this as an estimate and compare training options before you pay.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $3,500, depending on how many families you support, your fees and your local demand. Being on call affects your sleep and other work, so many doulas plan a backup doula and limit their bookings.

Certification is not legally required in most places, but clients and some hospitals look for training, so check what is expected locally. Also check hospital policies on doulas, liability insurance, any municipal business licence, and when to register for GST/HST.