Powerful Business Tips for Doulas

Every Birth Doula wants to grow a thriving, sustainable business and the way to do that is with a mindset of excellence and adaptability — in other words, to #BeTheFerrari

1. Show Up Like a Pro — Every Time
You’re not “just” a doula. You’re a trusted professional in one of the most transformational seasons of someone’s life. That means clear communication, consistent branding, timely follow-ups, and a polished presence online and in-person. My momma always said to dress for the part that I wanted…When you go to your first meeting with a client (in-person or via zoom) dress for the occasion. This may sounds crazy to say but I’ll say it anyway - this means Business Casual not jeans and a tee shirt (unless it’s a past client or friend who already knows you!). If you need to go shopping for a few outfits, it’s worth it - And, don’ t forget - that is a tax write off. Keep your receipts.

2. Your clients won’t know you exist unless you help them know you exist!
Actively network with birth workers, OBs, midwives, chiropractors, pelvic PTs, and prenatal fitness pros. Offer value-based talks or mini-workshops. Pitch yourself for podcasts. Every connection is a ripple that leads to clients. Visibility builds trust. Social media is FREE and that is also where you clients are! Show up!

3. Know What You Offer — and Say It Clearly
Be crystal clear on your services, your philosophy, and why you’re different. Are you the doula who specializes in VBAC prep? Perinatal fitness? Emotional birth trauma support? Define your niche and speak directly to those clients.

4. Be Willing to Pivot When It's Not Working
If something in your business isn’t attracting the right clients, draining your energy, or keeping your income stuck — change it. Try a new package. A new referral focus. Different pricing. Streamlined systems. #BeTheFerrari means not clinging to what’s familiar, but committing to what works.

5. Even Doula Mentors have a mentor!
Skip the “school of hard knocks” and accelerate your path. Learn from someone who’s done it. Whether it’s business coaching, certification upgrades, or marketing strategy — growth comes faster when you're not trying to figure it all out alone. High-performance doulas invest in their business like it matters — because it does.

If you find yourself shaking your head yes to every one of these points but still struggle to get fully booked, I can help you with this.

Contact me for Birth Doula Mentoring. Get started today to open those doors to be fully booked.

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:

1. Shared philosophy – Choose someone who approaches birth, advocacy, and care with a style similar to yours.

2. Professionalism – Are they dependable, clear in communication, and able to follow through?

3. Proximity – Are they within range of your clients? Can they get to a birth quickly if needed?

4. Experience – Do they have the skillset to confidently step into your role?

5. 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!

6. 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.

Looking to grow your doula practice with systems like this already in place?
That’s exactly what I help you build inside Mentoring4Doulas.

Let's grow together.