Striving for Economic Accessibility for All
Because birth and postpartum support is not a luxury, I have always striven to make my services accessible to the families that hope for them, at the same time that I continue to earn a fair and sustainable wage. This model was fully adopted from my dear and respected doula friend and colleague's page, Doula JoAn Monplaiser of Luna Doula.
Sliding Scale Model and Accessibility
In an effort to make my services accessible to as many of those who need it as I can, at the same time that I strive to earn a fair and sustainable wage, I have moved my services to a sliding scale model.
Because birth doula support is more than a luxury, I hope this model will be a resource for all. Below you will find a sliding scale range to help you determine the appropriate fees for your family. My doula fees at the $110,000+ income bracket reflect my fair wages based on my experience and based on the market rate of my colleagues in the DMV area.
For a long time, I have gone back and forth on how I can make this service accessible to families who desire it and keep my rates at my fair price. I hope this page gives you a glimpse into understanding the sliding scale model I have embraced.
I hope this model will be a resource for those who are able to pay my full fees & for those who need communal support to receive this service.
The below words have been adopted 100% from the website of JoAn Monplaiser, DMV birth and postpartum doula, social worker, and Reiki practitioner.
"A sliding scale is a tool for building economic justice, and it requires your active participation.
For a sliding scale to work, it relies on the principle of truthfulness, respect for complexity, and accountability. I do not ask for income verification because I trust my clients to be honest.
Please be mindful that if you pay for my services at the lowest level of the scale when you truthfully afford the higher prices, you are limiting access to those who truly need the gift of financial flexibility and truly need access to this service and vital resources."
Sliding Scale Model and Accessibility
Where Do You Fall on this Payment Model?
Continued from JoAn Monplaiser of Luna Doula:
"The highest dollar cost reflects the true cost of the service. It is the cost that I would charge to all clients in the absence of a sliding scale. If you (in combination with your your household income) have access to financial security, own property, or have personal savings, you would not traditionally qualify for sliding scale services. If you are able to pay for 'wants' and spend little time worried about securing necessities in your life, you have economic privilege and power in our community. This price is for you."
"The middle cost reflects my acknowledgement that paying the full cost would prevent some folks from being able to sign onto my services, but who do not honestly find themselves reflected in either description for the highest cost or the lowest. If you are struggling to conquer debt or build savings or move away from paycheck to paycheck living but have access to steady income and are not spending most of your time thinking about meetings basic needs such as food, shelter, medical care, child care, etc., you belong here. If you, however, can ask others for financial support, such as family members, partners, or friends, please consider using those personal resources before you use the resources of the sliding scale and thus limiting opportunities for others."
"The bottom cost represents an honest acknoweledgment that there are (people) whose economic circumstances would prevent them from receiving these services if there was not a deliberate opportunity made for them to access services at a cost that is reflective of their economic relities. If you struggle to maintain access to needs such as health care, housing, food, child care, and are living paycheck to paycheck or are in significant debt, you probably belong here and you deserve a community that honors your price as equal(ly as someone) who can pay the highest tier."
Consider paying less on the scale if you:
Consider paying more on the scale if you:
JoAn Monplaiser of Luna Doula has adopted this sliding scale description with permission from Worts and Cunning Apothecary and Little Red Birth Botanicals.