GIRL MATH: Investing in a doula to save thousands!
When it comes to spending money, girl math is all about turning a perceived splurge into a savvy investment—and hiring a doula is the ultimate example (promise I’m not biased!). Sure, doulas provide emotional and physical support during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, but here’s the secret sauce: they also can SAVE you serious cash. From avoiding unnecessary purchases to cutting hospital costs, investing in a doula isn’t just self-care—I like to call it savvy financial planning.
Here’s how a doula saves you thousands without compromising on the magical birth experience you want:
1. Fewer Medical Interventions = Fewer Bills
Let’s talk numbers. Now, in Australia we’re pretty lucky that we can get good care totally FREE (sorry, US familes). But with that said, there’s still some out of pocket expenses, especially if you opt for care through the private system. A Caesarean can cost upwards of $10,000 (not including extended recovery time or complications), and an epidural often adds at least $1,500 to the bill because of the cost of an anesthetist. Research shows that doula-supported births are less likely to involve interventions like these… Why?
Because doulas are pros at helping you feel confident, calm, and in control. We guide you through labor with comfort measures, position changes, and support for your birth preferences, and statistically speaking, we reduce the need for epidurals for pain relief. Less intervention means fewer medical costs and, let’s be real, a better post-partum recovery.
2. Saving on Unnecessary Purchases
Without a doula, it’s easy to panic-buy “birth/postpartum must-haves” that you may not even use. Here’s where a doula’s expertise comes in: we know what’s actually helpful and what’s just clever marketing. For example, you don’t need multiple tins of formula ‘just in case’. You don’t need a medical grade pump ‘just in case’. You don’t need baby powders, 14 different swaddles and a $200 white noise machine ‘just in case’.
Plus, we have a tonne of birth tools and goodies in our doula bags meaning you can save hundreds on your birth kit.
For example:
Fairy lights, galaxy lights and flameless candles: we’ve got them in all different shapes and sizes ready to transform your birth space!
Rebozos and massage tools: don’t waste money on things you likely won’t need again. We’ve got all the massage tools you need!
Essential oils: Clary sage for encouraging contractions, Lavender for relaxation, Peppermint for headaches - you name it, we’ve packed it!
TENS machines: TENS machines can be about $200 new, and you’ll likely never need it again!! You can hire for around $60, but when you’ve got The Modern Doula on your team, you’ve already got one booked!
The Birth Sling, Birth Combs, Birth Balls: Again, more items you’ll rarely need after birth but that your doula will likely already have on stand by for you!
By helping you focus on what truly enhances your birth, doulas will help keep your spending in check.
3. Shorter Labor = Lower Hospital Costs
Doulas are like labor hacks—they know how to get things moving while keeping you comfortable. With our help, labor can be up to 25% shorter.
Translation? Less time in the delivery room means fewer hours billed for staff, equipment, and room charges. And if you’re birthing in a private hospital, where costs can skyrocket, every saved hour makes a huge difference, especially when you factor in staying postpartum too!
4. Postpartum Prep = Less Panic Spending
New parents often fall into the trap of buying all the things in the fog of exhaustion, but a doula helps you plan ahead and avoid unnecessary expenses.
For example:
Instead of a $300 bassinet, your doula might recommend a co-sleeping option that’s just as safe but half the price.
Instead of spending hundreds on lactation consultants or online courses, your doula can provide breastfeeding support directly or connect you with affordable resources when it’s absolutely necessary.
Postpartum is expensive when you’re unprepared. A doula ensures you’re not throwing money at quick fixes when the chaos hits.
5. Breastfeeding Support Saves on Formula Costs
Formula feeding can cost families $1,200–$1,500 a year. A doula helps you set up for breastfeeding success by helping you nail the basics, saving you from formula expenses and unnecessary gadgets like $50 nipple shields you might not even need. Plus, we know that sometimes just having extra support postpartum can give you so much more confidence with breastfeeding (which is totally free! aside from your time, of course).
6. Emotional Support = Priceless (But Also Financially Smart)
A positive birth experience often goes a long way in creating a positive and healthy postpartum which means less chance of needing mental health support! Postpartum mental health struggles that are swept under the rug can often lead to therapy, medications, or extended time off work. Doulas provide emotional support throughout the perinatal period, which can help reduce anxiety and help you feel empowered—saving you from the long-term costs of untreated mental health issues.
7. In-Home Postpartum Support & Meals
Investing in a doula postpartum means buying less take-away, less late night snack purchases and more nourishing and home cooked meals which will save your wallet AND your health! I love bringing warm nutritious meals to my clients postpartum, and know that I’m contributing to a healthy mum which means a happy and healthy baby.
Girl Math in Action: Doulas Are Worth It
Hiring a doula doesn’t just set you up for a positive birth—it’s a money-smart move that pays off in medical savings, reduced panic buys, and a smoother postpartum recovery.
Because let’s face it: girl math means investing in what matters most. And when it comes to a calm, empowered, and cost-effective birth, a doula is the ultimate financial flex.
Now of course, the chance of needing SOME of the above items is still there, but with a doula by your side, you’ll have support, referrals and evidence based recommendations meaning you’re only ever spending what’s necessary!
Having a doula isn’t just a support person, we’re an investment in your birth experience, your budget, AND your parenthood journey.