Why I Offer a Sliding Scale Investment for Birth Support

The sliding scale is my way of acknowledging and honouring different financial realities in the hope that it makes my support more accessible.

I offer three payment tier levels which are in line with the green bottle sliding scale (information below), this means the cost of the package is higher or lower depending on where you identify yourself in the tiers, but the inclusions in the package stay the same.

  • Tier 1: SUBSIDISED (Lowest Fee)

  • Tier 2: STANDARD

  • Tier 3: UPPER (Highest Fee)

I trust you to choose the tier that reflects your current situation. No justification needed. I believe in your assessment of your life, just as I believe that everyone should have access to this kind of care.

I also know that even Tier 1 (Subsidised) pricing can still feel out of reach for some. Please know that I offer this structure while also caring for my own wellbeing and the sustainability of this work. I extend to myself the same grace and compassion that I offer to my community, so we can meet each other where we are, with honesty and care.

This approach is rooted in the idea that no one should be excluded from support due to cost. It aims to make care more inclusive, accessible, and equitable.

The Green Bottle Sliding Scale Explained

The Green Bottle graphic depicts three bottles—full, half-full, and low—each illustrating different levels of financial privilege and experience. Here’s a breakdown:

  • Full bottle (Tier 3): Indicates financial comfort and privilege. Statements include:

    • Meeting all basic needs comfortably.

    • Having expendable income and savings.

    • Owning a home or a car.

    • Being able to afford holidays or new items.

  • Half-full bottle (Tier 2): Reflects some stress but still consistent financial attainment. Statements include:

    • Basic needs usually met, though occasionally stressful.

    • Some expendable income, perhaps buying new items or thrifting.

    • Able to take vacations every few years.

  • Low bottle (Tier 1): Describes limited financial capacity and significant stress. Statements include:

    • Frequently struggling to meet basic needs.

    • No savings, limited expendable income.

    • Unstable housing or lack of car access.

    • Reliance on government assistance.

    • Unable to afford new items or holidays.

You can learn more about the Green Bottle sliding scale model here:
https://www.radicalhistoryclub.com/sliding-scale

8 months in, I feel proud and grateful to share that this model has raised over $1000 for Birth for Humankind, a local not-for-profit that provides free and volunteer-based birth and postpartum support to women and birthing people across Victoria. This donation is made possible by those who have engaged my services, as well as anyone who purchases Radiant Birth products and services. If this organisation resonates with you and you're in a position to give more, I warmly encourage it. I’ll continue to share updates on donations transparently each year.

As with all parts of my work, I welcome respectful conversation, questions, and feedback. I am always learning. No judgement, just care and connection.