Bornbir Blog

Pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum articles for parents, doulas, lactation consultants, and other perinatal care providers.

Doula Training

How to Become a Doula in California (2024 Updates)

Becoming a doula in California involves several key steps to ensure you are well-prepared to support clients during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Here are three reputable options to consider:DONA International CertificationOverview: DONA International is a leading organization offering comprehensive training for birth and postpartum doulas. Their certification process includes attending a DONA-approved workshop, supplementary reading, lactation and childbirth education, hands-on client support, and business training.Cost: Training workshops typically range from $700 to $1200, depending on the provider. Additional costs include a certification processing fee of $110 and an annual membership fee of $100.ProDoula CertificationOverview: ProDoula provides training for...

Doula

How Much Does a Doula Cost in Ontario? (2024 Updates)

The cost of hiring a doula in Ontario varies based on factors such as experience, services offered, and location. Generally, birth doula services range from $600 to $1,000, which typically includes two prenatal visits, support during labor and delivery, and a postpartum visit. However, some doulas may charge higher fees, with certain birth doulas listing fees between $2,200 and $5,000.Postpartum doula services are usually billed hourly, with rates ranging from $25 to $50 per hour, depending on the doula's experience and the specific services provided. It's important to note that these figures are approximate, and actual costs can vary. When...

Doula

How to Find Muslim Doula Near Me? (In 30 Seconds)

Finding a doula who aligns with your cultural, spiritual, and personal needs can make a significant difference in your birth experience. For Muslim families, having a doula who understands and respects Islamic values can be incredibly comforting and supportive throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. Here’s how you can find a Muslim doula near you using BornBir, a platform that connects families with qualified and compassionate doulas.Why Choose a Muslim Doula?A Muslim doula can provide culturally sensitive care, offering guidance and support that respects Islamic traditions and beliefs. Whether it's accommodating prayer times, understanding dietary requirements, or supporting specific spiritual...

Doula Cost Insurance

Are Doula Expenses Tax Deductible? (From CPA)

Yes, doula expenses can sometimes be tax deductible, but it depends on the specific situation and whether the doula’s services are considered medically necessary.Conditions for Doula Expenses to be Tax Deductible:Medical Necessity: If a doula provides services related to medical care or therapeutic support that a doctor has recommended, those expenses may qualify as a deductible medical expense. For example, if a doula helps address a medically significant condition (such as anxiety reduction in pregnancy), a portion of their services might be considered tax-deductible.FSA and HSA Eligibility: Some Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) or Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) allow funds to...

Lactation Consultant

How Much Does Maven Clinic Pay IBCLC? (2024 Updates)

While specific salary figures for IBCLCs at Maven Clinic aren't publicly disclosed, data from Indeed indicates that the average hourly pay for clinical therapists at Maven Clinic is approximately $85.00 per hour. This suggests that IBCLCs, who provide specialized lactation support, may receive compensation within a similar range. It's important to note that actual pay rates can vary based on factors such as experience, location, and the specific terms of employment. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it's recommended to contact Maven Clinic directly or consult their current job postings.Create FREE Lactation Consultant Profile in just 5 minutes with...

Doula Insurance

Why Don't Insurance Companies Cover Doulas? (2024 Updates)

Insurance companies often don’t cover doulas due to a few key reasons, primarily tied to traditional definitions of medical necessity, standardized billing, and provider credentialing:Medical Necessity and Licensing: Many insurance providers consider doulas a non-medical support service, as they don’t provide clinical or medical care. Since doulas focus on emotional, physical, and educational support, their services often fall outside the traditional scope of "medically necessary" services that insurers cover. Doulas aren’t licensed healthcare providers, which also influences insurers' decision to exclude them from standard coverage.Lack of Standardized Billing and Credentialing: Doulas are not widely recognized within the standardized billing systems...

Doula Insurance

Does Maven Clinic Cover Doulas? How to Find One?

Yes, Maven Clinic offers access to doulas as part of its comprehensive maternity and newborn care program. Members receive personalized, 24/7 support from a diverse care team, including OB-GYNs, doulas, lactation consultants, and more. Through Maven's virtual platform, members can connect with certified doulas who offer guidance and support throughout pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period.Maven's virtual platform connects members with doulas who provide guidance throughout pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. This support aims to improve outcomes for both parent and child by easing stress, encouraging healthy behaviors, and offering continuous assistance. With BornBir, finding a doula who accepts Maven Clinic...

Lactation Consultant

Can Lactation Consultants Write Prescriptions?

No, lactation consultants generally cannot write prescriptions. Most lactation consultants, including those certified as International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), are not licensed medical providers and do not have the authority to prescribe medications. Their role focuses on providing support, education, and guidance for breastfeeding and lactation-related challenges.However, there are some exceptions:Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) who are also lactation consultants have prescribing authority due to their medical licensing. If they are additionally certified as lactation consultants, they can integrate that expertise when providing care.In cases where a prescription is necessary (e.g., for conditions like mastitis, pain...

Lactation Consultant

Cigna No Longer Covers The Lactation Network (November 2024)

As of November 2024, Cigna covers lactation consultant services under many of its insurance plans, including assistance from lactation consultants who can help with various breastfeeding issues such as proper latching, managing pain, and increasing milk supply.In a recent development, Cigna has announced that it will no longer cover lactation support services provided through The Lactation Network (TLN). This change is expected to impact many families who rely on accessible, professional lactation support to navigate the challenges of breastfeeding. See original Reddit posts. Here’s what Cigna members can do in light of this change:Verify Coverage for Lactation ServicesCheck with Cigna...

Midwife

How much is a home birth in North Carolina? (2024 Updates)

The cost of a home birth in North Carolina varies based on factors such as the midwife's fees, location, and additional services like doulas or birth pools. On average, families can expect to spend between $4,000 and $8,000 for a home birth. This range aligns with national averages, where home birth costs typically fall between $3,000 and $9,000.It's important to note that while home births are generally less expensive than hospital births, insurance coverage for home births can vary. Some insurance providers may cover part or all of the costs, while others may not. Therefore, it's advisable to consult with...