Birthing on a budget: 5 ways to help you afford your dream birth team - Natalie Bee Photography of Spokane, Washington

Welcoming a new addition to the family is an exciting & joyous occasion, and having a birth photographer or doula supporting you can make the experience so much more memorable. but let's face it: these are absolutely considered luxury investments and not all families can make it possible. as a mother of 4 kids myself, I know how budget constraints can pose a huge challenge in hiring who you truly want  for your birth day. For this very reason, I wrote down 5 ways that I could personally afford my birth team years ago, and figured it could be extremely helpful for others since we're all becoming even more aware of what investments we're making for our future, whether they be tiny or monumental.

1. ASK FOR A PAYMENT PLAN. most PHOTOGRAPHERS OFFER PAYMENT PLANS now! although THESE payment PLANS WILL LOOK DIFFERENT FOR EVERY BUSINESS OWNER, it never hurst to ask. I PERSONALLY OFFER super FLEXIBLE PAYMENT PLANS because ultimately I believe that a solid birth team can make for an incredible birth experience, and it should be more of an option for families. After paying the initial retainer and signing the contract, you can spread the remaining balance over several months, with the final payment due around 37 weeks. Some photographers even extend low-interest payment plans beyond the birth, ensuring financial flexibility for new parents.
   
   
2. ask to setup a gift registry. A LOT OF PHOTOGRAPHERS NOW OFFER THIS FLEXIBLE OPTION, WHICH ALLOWS FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO DONATE TOWARDS YOUR BIRTH PHOTOGRAPHY AND/OR DOULA PACKAGE VIA AN ONLINE GIFT REGISTRY. A CUSTOM WEBSITE IS CREATED, WHICH YOU CAN ADD TO BABY SHOWER INVITATIONS OR SHARE ON SOCIAL MEDIA. YOU CAN ADD A SPECIAL MESSAGE OR SHOW OFF YOUR GROWING BUMP WITH AN UPDATED PICTURE TO ADD an extra PERSONAL TOUCH. The percentage paid off is visible to contributors without revealing the total investment amount, making it truly a wonderful way to garner support from your loved ones; REQUEST GIFT REGISTRY.
   
   
3. call your insurance. Surprisingly, some health insurance providers offer partial or full refunds for doula services. Make sure to Contact your insurance provider to inquire about potential coverage or reimbursement options. Even a partial refund can significantly ease the financial burden associated with hiring a doula, definitely making it a worthwhile inquiry.
   
   
4. Barter or trade service/skill. DO YOU HAVE A SERVICE OR SKILL THAT YOU ARE OPEN TO BARTERING/TRADING? MASSAGE THERAPIST/CHIROPRACTOR, TATTOO ARTIST, CARPENTER/CONTRACTOR, HAIR STYLIST, ETC.? I HAVE MADE SOME GREAT (CONTRACTED) TRADES IN MY CAREER AND I'm ALWAYS OPEN TO MORE in the future. MAYBE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER OR DOULA IS LOOKING FOR THE EXACT THING YOU OFFER, SO IT NEVER HURTS TO ASK THEM!
   
   
5. purchase non-essentials after baby is born. This may be the more unpopular opinion here, but Reevaluate your possessions, slim down on the baby items list prior to baby arriving and consider selling items you no longer use or need; Holding onto non-essential items not only takes up space but can also be turned into funds for important investments! I PERSONALLY hosted A YARD SALE when I was [SURPRISE] pregnant with #4 BABY which generated nearly $600 that I GOT TO reINVEST BACK INTO the THINGS THAT WERE IMPORTANT TO my family: my birth photographer. When I was done having my babies, all of my gear (swings, swaddles, clothes, wraps, diapers, etc.) went to my local gifting community pages where other families could use them without spending more money.
   
   ​
   

I am currently offering a free micro maternity session to all 2024 birth clients!

More Birthy Details