I'm not a big fan of credit cards because, well, they can be evil.  But I realize that's just because I like to shop and don't much care for when the bill comes my way....

For those of you who could use the flexibility of paying your doula fees via credit card and don't deal with PayPal, I'm happy to announce that I can take credit card payments in person or over the phone via  www.squareup.com.

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More blog goodness coming later this week.  I'm a busy girl this week! 

I've got to admit--I hesitate with writing some of these things in my doula blog because maybe it is too much info for potential clients.... But I have decided to go with it and see what others have to add. 

I, obviously, charge a certain amount for my doula services.  It may seem to be a substantial amount, but it's actually one of the lowest fees I've seen in our area for certified doulas.  My doula sisters have all kinds of thought processes for setting their rates at what they do, and I have my reasoning.  A big one for me, was merely just feeling like I was very one-dimensional.  By one-dimensional, I mean that other doulas in this area have other complimentary birth-related skills that I do not at the moment.  That doesn't mean that I'm not a good doula, it just means that I'm not a good doula/belly caster because, well, I haven't focused on that and don't have any idea if I'm good at that or not.

So, by not being a doula one-stop-shop for all of these interesting niche-y birth curiosities, does that mean I am missing out somehow?  Do I pale in comparison if I'm not a childbirth educator, massage therapist, or rocket scientist?  

As I gain more experience and really start feeling comfortable in my doula skin, I will consider raising my birth doula rate so I am not short-changing myself and my family....  But in the back of my mind I wonder if I will lose potential clients because they could, for the same amount of money, hire someone who knows x, y, and z.

Sure would love some perspective on this if any of you have insight for me!