How to Find the Perfect Back Up Doula
Why it matters and how to do it with confidence
One of the most important—and often overlooked—parts of running a successful doula business is having a solid backup plan.
Whether you're going on vacation, juggling overlapping clients, or simply want peace of mind, having a backup doula is not a luxury—it's a professional must. But finding the right one? That takes intention, trust, and clarity.
Let’s walk through how to find a backup doula who’s not just available, but aligned with your style, values, and clients.
Why You Need a Backup Doula
If you’re working with clients and attending births, it’s not if something will come up, it’s when.
A reliable backup:
Protects your client experience
Supports your work-life boundaries
Adds credibility to your practice
Reduces burnout and anxiety
It also shows your clients that you’re thoughtful, prepared, and professional—which builds trust and respect.
What to Look For in a Backup Doula
You're not just hiring a warm body. You’re looking for a trusted colleague who can step in with confidence.
Here’s what to look for:
Shared philosophy – Choose someone who approaches birth, advocacy, and care with a style similar to yours.
Professionalism – Are they dependable, clear in communication, and able to follow through?
Proximity – Are they within range of your clients? Can they get to a birth quickly if needed?
Experience – Do they have the skillset to confidently step into your role?
Fees - Clients talk. Just look at the mom’s groups on Facebook. It’s important that her fee be close or the same as your fee. If she charges $2000 for birth doula services and your client paid $3000 for your services… Your client will feel cheated ( even if the birth was great!) and will likely be vocal about it!
Collaborative spirit – This is a relationship. Look for someone who sees this as a partnership, not a one-off favor. It goes two ways. Be willing to back her up, too!
Where to Find the Right Person
Start with your doula circles:
Fellow doulas from your training
Local doula meetups or online birth worker groups
Facebook or Mighty Networks communities
Workshops, conferences, or continuing education events
When you reach out, be clear about your expectations—and honest about your needs. Ask if they’re currently taking on backup opportunities, and if they’re open to a short Zoom call or coffee chat to get to know each other better.
Consider using a Backup Doula Agreement
This protects you, your client, and the backup doula.
A written agreement should include:
The on-call window
What the backup is expected to cover (labor only? prenatals? postpartum?)
Payment structure
How and when they will be notified
A confidentiality clause
Final Tip: Introduce Them to Your Client
Whether it’s a quick phone call, a virtual hello, or a bio in your welcome packet, introducing your backup to your client builds trust and smooths the transition if they’re ever needed.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
One of the best parts of this work is that we don’t have to be solo practitioners all the time. Strong doulas support each other. And a backup doula isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of professionalism and care.
