Expecting(nyc) functions as a group practice model, meaning the families who retain our services are supported by the entire practice. This model asks doulas to view each client holistically, beginning with the open house/initial consultation, prenatal visits, on call time, birth, and postpartum visits. With this model, our job as doulas becomes much greater than simply supporting “The Birth”, which is only one of many days; instead, we usher our clients through the transformational journey of pregnancy to parenthood. With this in mind, doulas work as independent contractors through Expecting(nyc) and they are paid for each service they provide (see breakdown below). Additionally, doulas are encouraged to view their time with families as relevant and equally important regardless of attending the actual birth.
Expecting(nyc) requires doulas to work in partnership for all clients. This model is important for doula sustainability, client engagement, continuity of care, and comprehensive, holistic preparation.
When do I get paid?
Payroll is done on the 15th and 30th of each month. Doulas will need to submit their hours to the office, via the payroll spreadsheet, prior to each payment cycle. Payroll may be delayed if hours are not submitted within 48 of payroll days or in the event that client payments are late. As we grow, Expecting(nyc) will be able to cover doula fees even if the client’s pay their invoices late. I ask you to bare with me in the interim.
How does the fee structure work?
Doulas are paid for each part of the service package they are contracted for. Prenatal visits are done in partnership, on call time is shared between doula team members, one doula attends the birth for fee (see FAQ for what happens if two doulas attend), postpartum visits are done solo so that the client can get as much postpartum support as possible.
Apprentice Doula Service Package includes:
• Birth Plan Basics
• One Prenatal Visit
• One Postpartum Visit
• 30 On-Call Days
• Birth
A doula can expect to earn approximately said amounts per client:
• Prenatal visit: $25 per visit (halved if done in partnership)
• Postpartum visit: $25 per visit (halved if done in partnership)
• Birth: $300 (doulas have the option of attending birth as a team in order to both gain experience and evaluation papers)
Totals:
$350 (with birth attendance as solo doula)
$50 (without attending birth: you are paid for two client visits)
$150 (shared birth) and/or plus $50 per doula for the shared pre and postnatal visits
Principle Doula Package includes:
• Birth Plan Basics
• Two Prenatal Visits
• Two Postpartum Visits
• 30 On-Call Days
• Birth
A doula can expect to earn approximately said amount per client:
• Prenatal visit: $37.50 per doula per visit (two visits)
• Postnatal visit: $37.50 per doula (once each)
• On call days: $7.50 for each day on call
• Birth: $600
Totals:
$825 (attended birth solo plus 15 days on call)
$225 (without attending birth)
$525 (both doulas attend birth*)
*if both doulas attend tag-team style but for various lengths each, you will be compensated based on your hours attending.
**Please note that Principle Doula fee and rate will increase in 2018 after doulas gain more experience and obtain certification through CAPPA. Additionally, Principle Doulas will need to certify as CLC’s within 1 year.
***Expecting(nyc)’s group practice model will cover the breastfeeding counseling component for Principle Doula clients.
Senior Doula Package includes:
• One Prenatal Massage
• Two Prenatal Visits
• Two Postpartum Visits (including Lactation Consultation)
• 30 On-Call Days
• Birth
A doula can expect to earn approximately said amount per client:
• Prenatal massage: $140 for LMT
• Prenatal visit: $100 per visit
• Postnatal visit: $100 per visit (IBCLC visit including infant scale - rate tbd)
• On call days: $20 for each day on call
• Birth: $1200
[Postpartum Doula Package starting payrate: $20/hour]
What if the client doesn’t need all of 30 days of on call time that is set aside?
Doulas are paid for the time they are on call, if the client only "uses" 15 days of on call time the doula is paid for 15 days of on call time. The additional fee that is charged from the client is put back into the business to cover overtime/additional visits for clients with special circumstances. Additional, on call time is also needed when multiple births happen at once.
Do I get paid the same fee for each client I’m on call for?
Generally speaking, yes. In the future, as more doulas are working within the same "tier" and sharing on call time for multiple clients, Expecting(nyc) will pay each doula a flat rate (to be determined) for their time on call.
What if I offer more visits than Expecting(nyc)’s doula package provides?
Doulas are free to offer their clients more support if they choose to, but Expecting(nyc) cannot pay doulas for additional visits that aren’t included in the service package.
What if I don’t have a partner, how does the fee work?
Our goal is to always work in partnership; occasionally this is not possible due to scheduling issues.
If you are an Apprentice Doula, you will be paid 50% of the total fee for the client’s service package. That means for every solo apprentice client you work with, you will receive $350. It is important to consider your time as an apprentice doula as work study hours rather than official employment.
If you are a Principle doula, you will be paid the designated amount set aside for each service component, for example: rather than $37.5 per prenatal visit, you will be paid $75 per visit.
That sounds good, can I work as a solo doula with Expecting(nyc)?
Unfortunately, that is not our practice model. You are certainly free to take your own clients and work independently outside of Expecting(nyc).
How soon can I expect to move up the "ladder"?
This is really up to each individual doula depending on her experience level, repeat client referrals, advanced trainings, positive client feedback/evaluations, and actual birth experience. Typically, after completing the first year of apprenticeship with a positive evaluation, the doula can expect to move into the Principle doula range. Apprentice doulas are encouraged to get as much birth experience as possible in and outside of Expecting(nyc) - this may mean low or no fee births and shadowing (without pay) an experienced doula. Principle doulas can expect to earn more (within their tier) after attending 50 or so births and Expecting(nyc) will reduce the business percentage in order to compensate the doula based on her experience. Becoming a Senior doula requires advanced trainings, certifications, supporting 100+ families, and taking a leadership role within the practice.
What if I want to refer my personal clients to Expecting(nyc)?
That’s great! To encourage your commitment and growth to the practice, Expecting(nyc) is offering you a referral fee for every client that you send our way.
For example:
Apprentice Doula Package purchase: you receive $50
Principle Doula Package purchase: $50 (this fee will increase as the Principle doula fee increases)
Senior Doula Package purchase: you receive $200
What if I don’t go to any of these births?
It doesn’t matter; you referred a client to the practice and so you will be compensated. Thank you!
What are other doula practices in NYC charging and paying their doulas? Why would I want to work for Expecting(nyc)?
Good question, we’ve done a little research for you.
(Keep in mind that most agencies work as either "referral", meaning they take a percentage off the top and the doulas are required to completely manage their own practice including, accounting fees, bookkeeping, lawyer fees and scheduling. OR they take a 40-50% cut from the doula’s fee for referring client, contracting, invoicing, etc. The doula is required to handle all communication with clients and (generally) works independently and does not receive supervision.)
Carriage House Birth:
Tier 1 $300-$500 attended 0-7 births
Tier 2 $800 attended 8-15 births
Tier 3 $1200 attended 16-50 births
Tier 4 $1600 attended 51-100 births
Tier 5 $2000 attended 110+ births
Tier 6 $2600-$3000 Master
BirthDay Presence:
New Doula $300-$600 (around 1-5 births)
Tier 1 $700-1100 (around 6-12 births)
Tier 2 $1000-1500 (around 8-24 births)
Tier 3 $1300-1900 (around 20-45 births)
Tier 4 $1650-2250 (around 40-90 births)
Tier 5 $2000-2600 (around 80-180 births)
Tier 6 $2400 and up (around 150+ births)
Birth Focus:
A Tier 1 Affiliated Doula has attended 0-3 births. The fee is $400
A Tier 2 Affiliated Doula has attended 4-10 births. The fee is $800
A Tier 3 Affiliated Doula has attended 11-26 births. The fee is $1250
A Tier 4 Affiliated Doula has attended 27-50 births. The fee is $1650
A Tier 5 Affiliated Doula has attended 51-99 births. The fee is $1950
A Tier 6 Affiliated Doula has attended more than 100 births. The fee is $2300
Our Director has attended 150+ births. The fee is $2800.