If you're a birth worker who struggles with capitalist ideals, this post is for you. If you're a birth worker who is just starting out, feeling a bit underconfident in your abilities and nervous about charging a fee for your services, this post is for you. If you're a birth worker who just doesn't enjoy spending time on social media, this post is for you.
Here are 5 tips for doulas who feel like they "aren't good at business." Because at DTI, we believe all birth workers have the potential to find their groove and serve their community in a meaningful way.
- Consider trading services.
Some doulas find that bartering is a wonderful way to start their doula practice. Maybe this continues to be the structure that works best for you for a long time, or maybe it's a short-term approach. Either way, take some time to consider the services you need right now -- massage therapy? Herbal support? Yoga classes or other fitness coaching? Mental health support? If your practitioner or someone in their family is expecting a baby, trying to conceive, or newly postpartum, let them know that you would be open to working as their doula through this type of exchange. Starting the conversation may end up being the beginning of a beautiful relationship! Tip: Give this relationship plenty of time to develop. Be open minded and don't expect an immediate trade agreement unless that feels right. And speaking of agreements, when it's time to discuss the details, put it in writing, just like you would with any other contract or mutual understanding. It doesn't have to be anything fancy or formal. Just make a list of the expectations, the boundaries, the time frame, and any other relevant details.
- Do some work around reframing your relationship to money.
This one might not resonate with everyone, but if it does for you, the exercise can be very helpful. First take a few moments to write down anything that comes to mind when you think about your history with financial health. What is the story that you tell yourself about: your capacity to earn income, past experiences with earning, saving, giving, etc., and how you see yourself as an entrepreneur. See what comes up. Sit with it for awhile. You might feel ready to shed some of these old and now outdated beliefs about yourself. How would you feel about releasing any guilt that may be attached to the idea of being paid for your time? How would it feel to acknowledge that money, with all of the power and weight and corruption that it can carry in our society, is really just a form of communication? It is a way to make a trade. If the exchange is even and balanced, then money can do the job it was intended for. And for clients who are struggling financially, consider bartering, sliding scales, or becoming a Medicaid credentialed doula. But please strongly consider avoiding working for free. Your time is valuable regardless of how much or how little experience you have as a doula. It's important to create an even exchange with the person you are supporting, no matter how you do that.
- Lean into your strengths.
What type of communicator are you? Do you excel at verbal expression? Are you a strong writer? Or do you communicate in other ways? Communication is an important tool for doulas just starting out. Whether it's through networking, public speaking/presenting, marketing, social media or blogging, it may be necessary to devote time to one or more of these in order to establish yourself as a doula in the community. Or you may take a much more relaxed approach by offering support to the people you already have a relationship with. Both are legitimate ways to be a doula! Just remember that you do NOT have to do it all. If you are a good writer, but not great with technology, focus on topic ideas for blog posts and flesh them out, while hiring someone to create a website for you. (Maybe through bartering!) If you are naturally very outgoing, focus on making new contacts and friends. Rehearse your attention catching "elevator speech" so that you know exactly what you want to convey about birth work in a short amount of time. The point is that while you may find it necessary to get out of your comfort zone, it is probably not necessary to struggle greatly to teach yourself new skills if that's not something you have the time, funds or motivation to do. Try to focus on what you know you are already good at, and ask for help with the rest.
- As you do life, embody the doula everyone wishes they had.
As you go about your daily life, reframe every interaction as an opportunity to embody the work that doulas do. Slow down, listen actively, validate what others communicate with you, and respond in the same ways you will be working with clients to support their reproductive healthcare experiences. When you are chatting with people and they ask what you do for a living, take the chance to share that you are a doula! Not a "doula in training" or "becoming a doula," but you are beginning work as a doula presently. Be ready to jump right in, even if you don't feel 100 precent ready. The very best way to train as a doula is to practice. The best way to gain experience is to offer your support!
- Make 3 intentional points of contact every week.
Again, if networking and marketing is really not your thing, you can break it down into something simpler:
Every week make it a goal to reach out to 3 new people, introduce yourself as a doula, and let them know you are ready to take on clients.
It will take some amount of time for these efforts to bear fruit, so by the time you begin receiving referrals, you will really be ready! As you create your Client Resource List, reach out to everyone you intend to include and get their permission for you to make referrals to them. In most cases they will be happy to return the favor! Try to identify as many categories of practitioners as possible who may already be seeing pregnant clients: acupuncturists, health clinics, midwives and more. Even unrelated service providers like hair stylists or tattoo artists can be a source of clients, believe it or not!
If this post was useful and you are looking for doula training, check out our offerings. If you are already trained as a doula and are looking for a lifetime certification, you can certify with us