Doula Near Me
November 27, 2023
One of the biggest mindset blocks we see with doulas is not truly treating their business as a business. You might be incredibly skilled and deeply caring — but if you’re not showing up consistently, setting goals, tracking income and expenses, and making strategic decisions, then you’re treating it more like a passion project than a profession.
Fix It:
Create a simple business plan — even if it's just a page. Set clear monthly income targets. Track your client inquiries and conversions. Start your week with CEO time: 1–2 hours dedicated to business development, not client care.
There’s a common fear in the UK doula world that if you raise your rates, clients will run for the hills. But low prices don’t just undervalue your work — they also position you as less experienced or less confident. Many clients want the reassurance of paying for high-quality, professional support.
Fix It:
Start by doing some market research in your region. What are doulas charging in your area? What’s the value of what you offer? Consider raising your rates incrementally, and add payment plans or packages to make your services accessible without discounting yourself into burnout.
Saying “I support women and birthing people through pregnancy, birth, and beyond” is lovely — but it doesn’t tell a potential client why you’re the right doula for them. Generic messaging blends in. Strong, clear messaging stands out.
Fix It:
Get specific. Who do you love working with? What unique approach do you take? Maybe you're passionate about supporting solo parents, VBAC births, or neurodivergent families. Build your message around your strengths and your people. This is your niche — it doesn’t exclude, it magnetises.
In today’s world, even the most word-of-mouth driven businesses need a solid online presence. If your website is outdated (or non-existent), or if you’re only posting on social media once every few weeks, you’re missing opportunities to connect.
Fix It:
Start with one main platform (Instagram works well for doulas) and show up consistently. Share your voice, behind-the-scenes glimpses, client wins (with permission), and educational content. Make sure your website is mobile-friendly, up-to-date, and clearly states how to work with you.
Burnout is real when you're trying to be the doula, the marketer, the bookkeeper, and the admin assistant all at once. Many UK doulas are also juggling family responsibilities or other part-time jobs. Trying to “figure it all out” on your own slows you down massively.
Fix It:
Outsource where you can. Even hiring a virtual assistant for 3–5 hours a month can be transformative. More importantly — get support. Join a business mentorship programme, find a doula business coach, or connect with a mastermind group. Community and guidance are game-changers.
This is such a missed opportunity! Many doulas will have a consultation call and then wait… and wait… and wait… assuming if someone doesn’t book right away, they’re not interested. In reality, people are busy and distracted — they often need a loving nudge.
Fix It:
Create a simple follow-up system. After an enquiry or consult, send a warm follow-up within 48 hours. Then another a week later. Share something personal or valuable in that email. A testimonial, a helpful article, or a reminder of upcoming availability. People often book the doula who follows up — not just the one they liked most.
BONUS TIP: Make a resolution to reply to ALL enquiries that you receive. As business coaches the most frustrating thing is when we refer enquiries on to doulas only to follow up with the potential client and be told that their enquiries weren't responded to! We are in no doubt that these won't be the only enquiries that are being missed. Tough love... don't moan that your business isn't growing when you're literally leaving big chunks of cash on the table!
Birth support is deeply personal. Many clients will stalk your Instagram or website for months before reaching out. They’re looking to see if they feel safe, seen, and supported by you — even before they meet you.
Fix It:
Trust is built through consistency, authenticity, and visibility. Use your platforms to show who you are — not just what you offer. Let your personality shine through your content. Share your values, your approach, and what matters to you in birth work. Let people feel you before they hire you.
If you’re not where you want to be in your doula business right now — please know it’s not because you’re not good enough, or because the market is too saturated. It’s because running a business requires a different set of skills than providing doula support — and that’s okay.
The good news? You can learn those skills. You can get the support you need. You can create a business that brings in consistent income, lights you up, and gives you the freedom you dreamed of when you first became a doula.
You’ve already got the heart. Let’s build the strategy around it.
Need help growing your doula business in the UK?
Let’s talk. Why not consider joining our membership for only £10 month. This gives you access to our coaching, Business Boost sessions, and general business support as well as much more. To sign up today click this link https://doulanearme.co/register or DM us @DoulaNearMe