Melissa Koning, BSN, RN, CPPD, CLEC
About Sliding Scale and Financial Accessibility
I believe that everyone deserves access to postpartum support services. I also believe that postpartum care providers deserve to be paid fairly and according to the level of education and experience we bring to our work. I provide a variety of services at a range of price points that I believe are fair to my clients and myself as a professional.
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In home doula services
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My rates for in-home doula support services are not negotiable- without charging my full fee, I would not be able to continue doing business as a doula. However there are some ways to reduce the financial burden.
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Payment plans are available to families booking services in advance. Please inquire if you are interested in this option. If you live in El Cerrito or Albany, I offer a $5/hr reduction in my hourly rate. I love to support my local community, and working locally saves me time, sleep, and gas. Win win.
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Some employers offer benefits which cover postpartum support through companies such as Carrot. If you're not sure if your employer offers this benefit, check to see!
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It is often possible to team up with a newer doula whose rates are lower. This can be a great option! For example, you might have one night per week with me and a few more nights with the other doula. We would work as a team to provide consistent care. You would always have access to the experience and expertise of a seasoned doula, but at an overall lower cost.
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​Gift certificates are available- consider asking for a financial contribution towards your postpartum support on your baby registry.
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Consider daytime doula services rather than overnights. Daytime shifts are usually shorter, and thus the total cost is less. Often having that opportunity to nap, eat, shower, etc. can make a big difference in your overall wellbeing. ​
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An alternative to in home doula services is virtual doula services. By booking a "Talk to a Doula" session, you can receive the same guidance as you would with in home services at a much lower expense (and a sliding scale!) With this emotional support, guidance, and coaching, we can find strategies to make your days and nights go more smoothly and lessen the need for hands on help.
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Consultation services
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All consultation services are offered using a sliding scale fee structure in order to ensure parents of all financial means are able to get the support they need. I use the Green Bottle Method designed by Alexis J. Cunningfolk to help clients determine pricing tiers. No income verification is needed: I rely on your honesty and generosity in order to continue offering these services. If you are financially privileged, please choose the full price option. The graphic below is designed to help you understand which tier on the sliding scale fits your circumstances. You may also find a text version of this information here.
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If the sliding scale rates are not accessible to you, please contact me directly so we can determine if there is an alternative that will work for you.
