JUST started researching...

[MelKD]

Hello all, my name is Melissa, I'm in Fort Worth, TX, and ever since the birth of my son last year, have been interested in this line of work. At first I considered pursuing a Nursing degree and working as a labor & delivery nurse. However, the cost and schooling for that is more than I can handle at the moment. I then considered becoming a doula -- it's along the same lines, and it's a more personal experience (not to mention more cost-effective for me).

I've always had an entrepreneurial spirit and desire to work for myself. I am here to look into all aspects of becoming a doula, what it entails to become one, and to gain a support system.

One concern of mine is income - I read somewhere that after all costs are factored in, a doula only averages $5000/annual. THAT would be a huge problem, so I need to know how close to the truth that is (without anyone getting to personal about their own numbers) - I know it's probably based on location and area, but what is an average income for a doula?

[delilahdr]

Hi, Melissa! I would say that it takes time and experience to make a living wage as a doula... several years before you could hope to do so. I am 4.5 years into it, and I still don't make as much as I did in corporate America in 2001... and I have no benefits, and obviously work crazy hours. LOL

BUT... if you don't have to "get a job" where you are making the rent every month from the get-go, and can gradually increase your amount of work, you can eventually certainly make more than $5000 a year.

[Supermomma]

Hi Melissa, i think this is sonething all us newbies face! I've only been really doing it about 6 months. And because all my births so far have been cert births, and I've been getting my supplies, doing workshops . . . I'm in the negitive for my career! However, i am part of a larger doula community here, and quite a few of my other doula sisters, who have been at it for years, are actually making a decent lining. One gal i know, flat out says she chooses not to make more then 15,000 a year, just so she dosen't need to charge taxes.
I think once you get establised, and figure out what you'd charge, the costs of doing in your area, it can be a rewarding & money making career.
If money is an issue, then you will for sure have to figure out if this is for you now. For me this has been a 2 year process. And I'm only really doing it now, cause my family is in a place that can somewhat afford it.
Have you thought about other birth related roles? Like a childbirth educator? With that you can set your own schedule a little easier then trying to plan a birth.
Hugs, good luck!!