WHICH BRINGS ME TO DOULA FEES

For a training doula you can expect to pay from R0 (offered to disadvantaged moms who are financially unable to afford a doula) to R1 500, and for more experienced doulas from R2 000 to R5 000, depending on the province. The average rate is R3 500.

If you are paying cash, most doulas offer a plan that can be paid off from the first consultation up till 36 weeks of pregnancy.

Check with your hospital what their protocol is depending on which level of lockdown we are in. Mention that you would really like to use a doula, explain the benefits to them, and suggest introducing your doula to your gynae at one of your consults, if they are not familiar with each other. Another option is to consider having a midwife-assisted birth at a birthing center or at home if your pregnancy is low risk.