Fees - How low do you go?

[MIA-D]

Hi everyone:

I got a call today from a mom that this is her 8th baby (only two at home boys ages 8 and 9), divorced as of yesterday, husband's child support is only $1000 per month, home schools, rent is $850 a month not including the utilities. My usual fee is $300 (doulas not in high priority around here yet). She knows she needs someone and wants to hire me but finances are a HUGE concern. How low would you go on your cost? This is not how I survive. This is my "fun" job. I do this because I love it. Sure I would like to be able to have this as my only job but ...

Just any opinions would be great!
Thanks!
Heather

[Kim Trower]

I think it's a personal choice. I never do anything for free, but that doesn't have to mean money. I like trading services. It's important that both parties feel there is a fair exchange and value put on their services. It also makes the client take some responsibility a little more than if it were just given freely.

[DL]

Heather....

I sometimes do a Sliding Fee Scale. As of now, my flat fee is $400, but the sliding fee can go anywhere from $400 down to $100 (for low income). If wherever they fall on the scale is still a financial hardship for them, we can sometimes work out a monthly payment until they are paid in full (get it in writing with signatures!). If their total fee is $100, you can see that the monthly payment isn't going to be very large at all. I seldom have someone who needs to go that low, but I do like to be open to those mommas who have very little financially, but desparately need a doula! I'm sure we all would handle this differently, but this is just what I do.
with figuring out something that you and your potential client will both be comfortable with!

[tlcdoula]

I think you got some great answers from the ladies already. Has this mother asked you to lower your fee? If she has why not ask her what she feels is a fair price to pay and one that she feels she could honestly manage. I have done this with families - I sit them down and explain that my fee is xyz and that includes <explain all the services that I provide for that fee>. I then ask them what they think they could reasonably pay within their budget and a fee that they think would be fair to me and my family as well.

Like someone else said you could always see if she is into bartering too. She might have a skill that you could use - even if it is something like croqueting blankets

One other thing to think about is - what do you think would be fair to you and your family? I know you said this is a hobby and something fun to do on the side, but there is also so much more that goes into a decision like this. How will it impact your children? Your time away - what value is that to you and them? I say all of this after learning the hard way that being away and volunteering to do tons of birth can truly impact my family. It can be great to teach your children the value of helping others either by volunteering or lowering your fee, but please also remember that your children will be away from you during your times with this mom too.

For that reason I have created a sliding scale and offer that to people, but I also offer fundraising for those who can't afford my fees. I sell Mary Kay so I do fundraising with them that way.

Sorry I know that I didn't really answer your question and am rambling - that is what happens when I try to create a message with my two oldest teens goofing off in the background

[raspberrymoondoula]

i also do a sliding scale and/or payment plans. i usually ask for haf up front and the rest by 36 weeks, i have taken payment in thirds as well as post dated checks. i let one mom pay me only $50 for gas and paperwork since she was paying for all her ob care out of pocket.really it varies by person!

[loveslabor]

Personally, if I felt that tugging on my heart strings, I would go as low as just my expenses...parking, gas, etc....

I don't get tugs with just anyone, so I'd say go with your gut.