How to Find More Doula Clients

Hooray! You’ve completed your doula training… now what?

Lucky you - you possess the necessary expertise and skills to start launching your doula business and finding your first doula clients. For some it can be a daunting task to put oneself out into the world and start advertising or marketing your new services, especially if you’ve never done it before. Many doula trainings require you to service a certain number of clients (typically 3) before being eligible for certification, so the sooner you find those new clients, the better! While this can present its challenges, we wanted to offer you invaluable tips to kickstart the process.

Utilize Your Inner Circle: Begin with those closest to you – your friends and family. They (hopefully) not only understand your passion for doula work but can also serve as free advertising for your services. Share your excitement about your new career path with those closest to you and kindly ask them to spread the word to pregnant or new parents.

Create an Online Presence: Create a professional website and maintain active profiles on social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Share informative content, testimonials from satisfied clients, and updates about your doula services. Engage with online communities, join relevant groups, and participate in discussions to expand your network and connect with potential clients who may be seeking doula support.

Tip: your social media profiles should have similar handles as your website name or business name. This creates continuity in your branding.

Join a Doula Matching Service: Consider joining a reputable doula matching service, like the team here at, National Baby Co. Our marketing and matching services help connect families with qualified doulas based on their preferences and needs. By becoming a member of our doula matching service, you can increase your visibility and reach potential clients who are actively seeking doula support.

Bonus: your membership comes with lots of perks and we don’t use algorithms to do any matching!

Network with Healthcare Providers: Establishing relationships with obstetricians, midwives, lactation consultants, prenatal chiropractors, fertility and prenatal acupuncturists and other healthcare providers can be a valuable source of client referrals. Attend networking events, join professional organizations, and engage in collaborative efforts to build a connection with healthcare professionals in your community. By positioning yourself as a trusted partner, you may receive referrals from these providers seeking doula support for their patients.

Offer Community Outreach and Workshops: Organize workshops or informational sessions on topics related to fertility, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care in your community. Partner with local libraries, community centers, and prenatal yoga studios to host these events. By providing valuable information and establishing yourself as a knowledgeable resource, you can attract potential clients who attend your workshops and express interest in your doula services.

Engage with Facebook Groups: Join a local birthworkers' Facebook group to introduce yourself and your services proactively. If no relevant group exists, consider creating one to foster community engagement. Initiate virtual or in-person coffee meetings to build relationships with fellow professionals and explore opportunities for collaboration and client referrals.

Marketing yourself takes practice, but ultimately, it is all about sharing your passion for this career. If you’re passionate about being a doula and can authentically share that with a variety of people, then the clients will come. Take a leap of faith and really put yourself out there! The more practice you get, the easier it will become to share about your services, your passion, and how you can provide support in pregnancy, birth & postpartum. If you’re in the need of a pep talk or some strategic planning, we’re here to help! Our one-on-one doula consultations are a great way to create an action plan and boost your confidence as you launch your doula business. Reach out for more information!

And don’t forget: YOU GOT THIS!