How Much Does a Doula Cost in the UK? A Complete Guide

Birth Doula Prices

Most birth doula packages include antenatal visits, continuous labour support, and at least one postnatal follow-up. But if you feel like you need different support, then most doulas will adapt their packages to suit individual needs. 

• Standard packages: Around £1,200– £2,500+
• London and experienced doulas: £1,800 – £4,000+

Postnatal Doula Cost (Hourly Rates)

• Typically £20 – £50 per hour across the UK
• In London, expect the higher end: around £25–£60/hour
  

Some doulas offer discounted packages for bulk booking hours, which reduce the per-hour cost.

Night Doula Rates (Overnight Care)

• This is usually charged charged per night (8–12 hours), although some doulas charge per hour.
  
• Typical average : £150 – £350 per night

Night doulas provide hands-on baby care so parents can rest, often including feeding support and settling routines. If birthing person is breastfeeding, they can support with any questions or issues while breastfeeding baby.

Most birth doula packages in the UK include:

• 1–2 antenatal sessions to prepare your birth plan
  
• 24/7 on-call availability - typically, 10 days before and two weeks following your due date
  
• Continuous labour and birth support
  
• Support with babies first feed
• A postnatal visit to check in after birth and do a birth debrief

Postnatal doulas often provide:

• Baby care guidance and reassurance
  
• Breastfeeding or/and bottle-feeding support
  
• Household help (light chores, meal prep)
  
• Emotional support during the transition to parenthood
• Sign posting to local experts, if required, such as cranial osteopaths, Mummy MOT’s, newborn parenting groups

Overnight Doula support

Night doulas provide hands-on baby care so parents can rest, often including feeding support and settling routines. If birthing person is breastfeeding, they can support with any questions or issues while breastfeeding baby or carry out some light duties. Eg. folding clothes, sterilising.  

Location – Doulas in London and major cities generally charge higher rates.
Experience & Training – Mentored or newly qualified doulas may offer reduced prices, while experienced doulas and doulas with specialist training will charge more.
Services Included – Extras like hypnobirthing classes, additional postnatal visits, or WhatsApp support can raise the package price.
Availability – Doulas only take on a limited number of clients each month to guarantee personalised support.

Currently, doula services are not funded by the NHS. However, some private health insurance, such as BUPA or employee wellness schemes may contribute. Carrot Insurance is a very popular wellness scheme, which before pregnancy some clients had not heard about but have since found their employees offer it.

Some insurances require doulas fit their criteria, so it is worth finding out the criteria before starting your search. 

For those on lower incomes or a strict budget, their are options to explore. 

Some charities provide free or subsidised doula support. These include :

• Happy Baby Community
• Doulas without Borders
• Doula UK access fund
• Birth Companions 
• Neighbourhood Doulas

To help reduce the cost or manage payments :

• Many doulas offer sliding scale pricing or payment plans to make their services more accessible.
• Doula's who are mentored or going through a coaching process usually offer lower rates depending on their experience
• Ask about payment instalments, as most doulas are flexible
• Look for packages, as hourly bundles often save money long term
• Ask for gift vouchers as a baby shower present or instead of presents for baby

While the cost has to be a consideration, families find the investment invaluable. The continuous support, reassurance, and advocacy a doula provides can transform the birth and early parenting experience.

Research shows with doula support you are :

• 39% decrease in the risk of caesarean
• 15% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth
• 10% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief
• Shorter labours by 41 minutes on average
• 38% decrease in the baby’s risk of a low five-minute Apgar score
• 31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience

If you’re considering hiring a doula, start by interviewing a few (3-4). While price has to be considered, the connection is vital. Even if a doula is lower in price, if you do not connect, your money could be wasted.  With the right fit, a doula will be one of the best investments you make during pregnancy.