Welcoming a new life into the world is a magical experience, and having the right support system can make all the difference. For many birthing families in San Antonio, Texas, this means finding the perfect doula to guide and comfort them throughout pregnancy, labor, and beyond.
In this article, we’ll explore the top doula agencies and independent doulas available in the Alamo City, helping you make an informed decision for your family’s unique needs. So, whether you’re a first-time parent or a seasoned pro, read on to discover the exceptional doula resources waiting for you in San Antonio.
1. San Antonio Birth Doulas
Non-profit Organization
Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of San Antonio, Inc
Address: 4522 Fredericksburg Road, Suite A-79 & A-47, Balcones Heights, TX 78201
Phone Number: 210.222.0988
Email: clientservices@sabdoulas.org
Website: https://sabirthdoulas.org/
Services Offered:
- Birth Doula
- Postpartum Doula
- Lactation Support (Classes or 1 on 1 consultation)
How to Register: Call or email.
Notes: All services are free of charge. Eligible individuals must be one of the following:
• Must be a U.S. citizen or qualified resident.
• Pregnant and/or Parenting at least one child under 36 months of age.
• There are no income or insurance requirements to receive services.
2. San Antonio Black Doula Collective (SABDC)
Non-profit Organization
*Directory of independent doulas
Scope of Support: depends on the doula you choose.
Email: sablackdoulacollective@gmail.com
Website: https://www.sablackdoulacollective.com/
Social Media:
Facebook | Instagram
Services Offered:
- Birth Doula
- Postpartum Doula
- Fertility Doula
Extra Parental Care Services:
- Childcare Education Classes
- Spiritually Led Events
- Womb Cleanses
- Infant Sleep Classes
- Postpartum Planning Classes
- Massage Therapy
How to Register:
1. Select the type of doula you are looking for, example “Birth Doulas” , “Postpartum Doulas” or “Fertility Doulas”.
2. All the doulas offering the type of support you selected will be visible.
3. Select a doula and read their profile to get to know them.
4. Contact the doula directly to schedule a consultation or interview.
3. Rooted Birth | San Antonio Doula Collective
Address: 2101 West Avenue, STE 101
Phone Number: +1.210.548.8800
Email: rootedbirthdoula@gmail.com
Website: https://www.rooteddoula.com/
Social Media:
Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest
Services Offered:
- Prenatal Care: Classes, Labor Doula
- Postpartum Care: Postpartum Doula, No-cry Sleep Consultation Services
- Massage: Prenatal, Postpartum, Infant Massage
- Bengkung Belly Binding
- Placenta Encapsulation
- Private Hypnobirthing Workshop (In-person or virtually) – Price: $325
How to Register: Fill out the form at https://www.rooteddoula.com/contact
Notes:
- Free consultation with a birth doula.
- Payment plans available.
- Special pricing for military families.
4. Birth Blessings
Address: 18618 Tuscany Stone, Suite 250, San Antonio, TX, United States, Texas
Phone Number: +1.210.621.7206
Email: Jocawthon@msn.com
Website: https://www.sabirthblessings.com/
Social Media:
Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest
Services Offered:
- Birth Doula – Price: $800 – $2800
- Childbirth Education Classes
Postpartum Doula:
- Day time support $200 / shift (4 hours)
- Overnight support $480 / shift (8 hours)
How to Register: Call or email.
5. Doulas of San Antonio
*formerly Journey to Motherhood
Phone Number: +1.210.816.4488
Email: info@sanantoniomotherhood.com
Website: https://www.doulasofsanantonio.com/
Social Media:
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Services Offered:
- Birth Doula Support (In-person or virtual)
- Postpartum Doula
- Prenatal Classes
- Placenta Encapsulation – Price: $230 – $270
How to Register: Fill out the form at https://www.doulasofsanantonio.com/contact/
Notes: Free 20 minute chat.
6. Blooming Water Lilies
Independent Doula
Shelby Natalie: Doula
Scope of Support: Serving:
- San Antonio
- New Braunfels
- San Marcos
- Austin and surrounding areas
Phone Number: 210.995.7187
Website: https://www.bloomingwaterlilies.com/
Services Offered:
- Labor and Birth Doula
- Midwifery Care
- Overnight Postpartum Doula Care
- Natural Birth Childbirth Education
- Breastfeeding Education and Support
- Placenta Encapsulation
- Placenta Tincture or Smoothies
- ASL Doula (For the deaf and hard of hearing)
Packages:
Birth Doula Care Services:
- Standard Rate – Price: $1,400.00
- Repeat Client Rate – $1,350.00
- Discounted Rate – $1,250.00 (For all Clients who will be taking Blooming Water Lilies Natural Childbirth Education Class Series.)
Postpartum & Overnight Doula Care Services:
- Daytime Doula Care – Price: $30.00 / hour (7AM – 7PM) ; Minimum 5 hour shift
- Nighttime Doula Care – Price: $35.00 / hour (7PM – 7AM)
- Overnight Doula Care – Price: $225.00 / Night (10PM – 6AM) or (9PM – 5AM)
- Immediate Postpartum Doula Care – Price: $275.00 Package / Support in hospital after birth and help leaving birth location and settling in at home
*Location fees may apply, depending on distance & location from New Braunfels
*Full Doula Care Package rates are discounted from the hourly rates
Placenta Encapsulation:
- Doula Clients – Price: $200
- Non-Doula Clients – Price: $250
Custom Package
Childbirth Education
- For first time parents who desire a natural birth (Natural Childbirth Education Series, Plus Breastfeeding Education & Newborn Care) – Price: $425
- Refresher course or for those expecting their first natural birth – Price: $275
How to Register: From the given site, fill out the form under “Schedule a Consultation”
Notes: Free meet and greet consultation.
7. Alamo City Birth
Scope of Support: hospital birth, birth center birth, home birth
Servicing:
- San Antonio
- Leon Valley
- Alamo Heights
- Olmos Park
- Terrell Hills
- Balcones Heights Kirby
- Castle Hills
- Windcrest
- Converse
- Martinez
- China Grove
- Live Oak
- Schertz
- Cibolo
- Selma
- Bracken
- Garden Ridge
- Shavano Park
- Leon Springs
- Cross Mountain
- Grey Forest
- Helotes
- Boerne
- Universal City
- Fair Oaks Ranch
Website: https://www.alamocitybirth.com/index.php
Services Offered:
- Birth Doula
- Postpartum Doula
- Express Childbirth Education
- Placenta Encapsulation – Price: $500 (a 2 day in-home process)
Packages:
- Premium Birth Doula Service – Price: $2,500
- Postpartum & Infant Doula Care:
- First Appointment – Price: $250 (2.5 hours)
- Subsequent Appointments – Price: $60 / hour (minimum 3 hours)
Budget Friendly Classes (private classes):
- Childbirth & Infant Care Classes
- Express Childbirth Class: $350 (2.5 hours ; 1 meeting)
- Newborn Care Class: $350 (2.5 hours ; 1 meeting)
- Newborn Home Visit: $350 (2.5 hours ; 1 meeting)
How to Register: Fill out the form at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeEfeMoBFq4U5Yoj6D_HFaGCCFAc0HDCiaVjKNRlBY1kjnBzg/viewform#responses
Notes: Repeat Clients receive a discount for the Premium Birth Doula.
8. Brian the Birth Guy
Independent DONA-trained Doula
Address: 754 NW Loop 410 #101, San Antonio, TX, United States, Texas
Phone Number: +1.210.683.0318
Email: brian@thebirthguy.com
Website: https://www.thebirthguy.com/
Social Media:
Facebook | Twitter | YouTube
Services Offered:
- Birth Doula Services – Price: $1800.00
- Birth Mentoring and Childbirth Education – Price: $1250.00
How to Register: Fill out the form at https://www.thebirthguy.com/contact-us
The Cost of Hiring a Doula in San Antonio, Texas
In San Antonio, the cost of hiring a doula can range from $600 to $1,500 or more, depending on several factors. It’s essential to carefully consider your needs, preferences, and budget when selecting a doula to ensure you receive the support you need at a price you can afford.
Let’s try to understand the other factors that affect doula fees in San Antonio:
1. Experience and Certification
The level of experience and certification of a doula can significantly impact their rates. Doulas with more years of experience, additional training, or higher certifications may charge more for their services. On the other hand, a newer doula or one with less advanced certifications may offer lower rates.
2. Scope of Services
The range of services a doula provides can also affect their charges. Some doulas offer comprehensive packages that include prenatal visits, labor support, and postpartum care. Others may offer individual services, allowing you to customize your support according to your needs and budget. The more extensive the service package, the higher the cost may be.
3. Duration of Support
The length of time a doula will be supporting you can also impact their fees. Some doulas charge by the hour, while others offer flat-rate packages. If you require support for an extended period or multiple sessions, be prepared for higher costs. It’s essential to discuss your specific needs and preferences with potential doulas to determine the most suitable arrangement.
4. Travel Expenses
If a doula has to travel a significant distance to provide their services, they may charge extra to cover their transportation costs. This factor is especially relevant if you live in a remote area or outside of San Antonio city limits. Be sure to discuss any potential travel fees with your doula beforehand to avoid surprises.
5. Additional Services and Offerings
Some doulas offer supplementary services such as childbirth education classes, lactation support, or prenatal massage. If you’re interested in these additional offerings, be prepared for higher costs. However, bundling services may provide a more cost-effective solution than hiring separate professionals for each service.
6. Demand and Availability
The demand for doulas in San Antonio and their availability can also influence their rates. If a doula is highly sought after or has limited availability, they may charge more for their services due to the high demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a doula?
A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to expectant mothers before, during, and after childbirth. Doulas do not provide medical care but work alongside healthcare professionals to ensure a positive birthing experience.
2. How can I find a doula in San Antonio?
Search online directories, ask for recommendations from friends or family members, or contact local doula organizations for referrals. You can also attend local prenatal classes, workshops, or support groups to meet and connect with doulas in the area.
3. How much does it cost to hire a doula in San Antonio?
Doula fees vary based on experience, services offered, and location. In general, you can expect to pay between $600 and $1,200 for doula services in San Antonio. Some doulas offer sliding scale fees or payment plans to accommodate different budgets.
4. Can my insurance cover the cost of hiring a doula in San Antonio?
Some insurance plans may cover doula services, either partially or fully. Contact your insurance provider to inquire about coverage for doula services and any necessary documentation or requirements.
5. How can I confirm a doula’s certification?
Ask the doula for proof of their certification, such as a certificate or membership card, and verify it through the certifying organization’s website or by contacting the organization directly.
6. Can a doula support me if I plan to give birth at a hospital or birthing center in San Antonio?
Yes, most doulas are experienced in supporting births at various locations, including hospitals and birthing centers. Discuss your birth preferences with potential doulas to ensure they are comfortable and experienced in providing support in your chosen birth setting.
7. What if I need to change my doula after hiring one?
If you feel that your relationship with your doula is not working out, communicate your concerns and try to resolve any issues. If necessary, you can choose to terminate the agreement and find a new doula. Be sure to review your contract for any cancellation policies or fees.
When searching for a doula, it’s crucial to interview several candidates to find the best match for your needs and preferences. Don’t hesitate to ask about their experience, certifications, and rates during these interviews. By taking time to find the right doula for you and your family, you can avoid changing a doula.
8. Are doulas in San Antonio willing to offer payment plans or sliding scale options?
Yes, many doulas in San Antonio are willing to work with clients on payment plans or offer sliding scale options based on the client’s financial situation. It’s essential to discuss your budget and payment preferences during the initial consultation or interview process with potential doulas.
Keep in mind that each doula may have different policies regarding payment plans and sliding scales, so it’s crucial to find one that best aligns with your needs and financial circumstances.
9. How soon do I need to hire a doula?
It’s recommended to start looking for a doula as early as possible in your pregnancy, ideally during your second trimester. This will give you enough time to interview potential doulas, choose the one that best fits your needs and preferences, and establish a comfortable rapport with them.
Hiring a doula early also ensures that they have availability around your due date, as doulas can book up quickly. However, it’s never too late to hire a doula, and some families may find a suitable doula even in their third trimester.
Have you found your doula? Don’t forget to ask them for a doula contract. A doula contract details each person’s roles and responsibilities to avoid misunderstandings and confusion in the future. Read this article to view a sample Birth Doula Contract Template, or Postpartum Doula Contract Template.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a doula in San Antonio can be a great way to ensure you have the support and guidance you need during your pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum period. Consider researching local doulas to explore their qualifications, services offered, and fees before making your decision.
Keep in mind that cost should not be the only factor when selecting a doula; the most important thing is to find someone who is a good fit for you and can provide the guidance and support you need. Good luck!
Note: Please contact the establishments / doulas directly through their website for up-to-date information. If you are a parent looking for a doula, please consult your physician or other healthcare professional before hiring a doula.