Become an independent birth doula

Expecting parents who pay out of pocket. Some may use health savings or flexible spending accounts, or coverage where their state or insurer offers it.

A flat package fee per birth that usually covers prenatal visits, being on call, attending the birth and a postpartum visit. Some doulas add extras such as birth photos or a childbirth class.

• Calm and reassuring presence
• Good listening and communication
• Knowledge of the stages of labor and comfort techniques
• Willingness to be on call at any hour

• Doulas are not licensed in most places, but check your state for any rules, Medicaid enrollment options or registry requirements
• Check whether general liability insurance makes sense for you, and ask about it at the hospitals or birth centers where you plan to work
• Hospital and birth center policies on support people differ, so check them before promising anything to clients
• On-call life means disrupted sleep and plans, so arrange a backup doula for clashes
• Stay within your role and never give medical advice

Startup costs are typically around $500 to $2,500, depending on the setup you choose. These are estimates, so compare your options and ask about insurance and any expectations at the hospitals or birth centers where you plan to work.

Monthly revenue is typically around $500 to $4,000, depending on how many clients you take and your local rates. These are revenue estimates, not profit. Being on call disrupts sleep and plans, so arrange a backup doula.

Doulas are not licensed in most places, but check your state for any rules, Medicaid enrollment options or registry requirements. Also check whether general liability insurance makes sense and what hospital or birth center policies say about support people.