The Hidden Costs of Underpricing Your Birth Services

Many birth professionals struggle with pricing their services. You want to make your support accessible, and you fear that charging too much will push potential clients away. As a result, you set your prices lower than you should—only to find yourself overworked, underpaid, and barely making ends meet. Sound familiar?

The problem isn’t just about making money—it’s about sustainability. If you continue underpricing, you risk burnout, resentment, and even leaving the profession altogether. But what if charging your worth actually helped you attract betterclients and create a thriving, long-term business?

In this article, we’ll break down the hidden costs of underpricing and how to confidently raise your rates while still attracting the right clients.

The Hidden Costs of Underpricing

Many birth professionals think setting lower prices will make them more competitive, but here’s what actually happens:

🚨 You Attract Price-Shoppers – Lower prices often bring in clients who are only looking for a “deal,” not those who truly value your expertise. These clients are more likely to cancel last-minute, ask for discounts, or drain your energy.

🚨 You Work More for Less – With lower rates, you need to take on more clients just to make a sustainable income. This leads to exhaustion and less time for each client.

🚨 You Burn Out Faster – When you’re overworked and underpaid, passion turns into frustration. Many talented birth professionals leave the industry simply because they can’t afford to stay.

🚨 You Undervalue the Entire Profession – If too many birth professionals price themselves too low, it affects how the industry is perceived. Potential clients begin to expect low-cost services, making it harder for everyone to charge fairly.

The Mindset Shift: Why Charging More Helps Your Clients

Raising your rates isn’t just about making more money—it actually improves your client experience. Here’s how:

✨ You Attract Committed Clients – Clients who invest in your services take their experience seriously and are more likely to follow through on your guidance.

✨ You Provide Better Support – With fewer clients, you can offer higher-quality care, be more present, and customize your services.

✨ You Avoid Resentment – When you’re paid fairly, you serve your clients with energy and enthusiasm, rather than feeling exhausted and undervalued.

✨ You Sustain Your Business Long-Term – Pricing correctly ensures that you stay in this work for the long haul, helping more families over time.

How to Confidently Raise Your Rates

If you’re ready to stop undercharging and start thriving, here’s how to do it strategically:

1️⃣ Calculate What You Actually Need to Earn – Consider your time, expenses, expertise, and the value you bring. Your rates should reflect the full picture—not just what “feels fair.”

2️⃣ Stop Comparing Yourself to Others – Just because another doula charges less doesn’t mean you should. Your pricing should be based on your expertise, location, and the level of service you provide.

3️⃣ Communicate Your Value – Instead of just listing your price, showcase what makes your services unique. Explain the transformation clients experience when working with you.

4️⃣ Practice Saying Your Price with Confidence – If you hesitate when stating your rate, potential clients will feel uncertain too. Practice saying it out loud until it feels natural.

5️⃣ Be Ready for Pushback (And Don’t Lower Your Prices!) – Some people will always say, “That’s too expensive.” That’s okay! Those who truly value your work will invest.

The Right Clients Will Pay for the Right Support

Underpricing doesn’t serve you—or your clients. The right clients will happily invest in the support they need, and by charging your worth, you’re creating a sustainable business that allows you to continue serving families for years to come.

If you’re ready to confidently price your services and attract dream clients who see your value, it’s time to make the shift.