How to Start Your Doula Business: A Step-by-Step Guide for New Birth Workers

Becoming a doula is one of the most rewarding and meaningful paths you can take — supporting families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum is powerful work. But once you’ve completed your doula training, you might be wondering: How do I actually start my doula business?

Whether you dream of attending births full-time or offering part-time postpartum support, building a strong foundation from the start will set you up for success. Here’s a guide to help you take those first confident steps into your new doula career.

1. Complete a Reputable Doula Training Program

Your first step is to choose a recognized doula training that covers not only the practical and emotional aspects of supporting families but also the business skills you’ll need to succeed. A good program will help you understand childbirth physiology, comfort measures, communication skills, and informed consent, while also offering guidance on contracts, marketing, and client relationships.

If you’re looking for a hands-on, inclusive, and comprehensive doula training, check out our Foundational Birth Doula Training Course — designed to help you feel confident and prepared from your very first client.

2. Choose Your Doula Niche and Services

There are many paths within the birth world. Some doulas specialize in birth support, while others focus on postpartum care, fertility, or bereavement. You can offer additional services like childbirth education, photography, or lactation support.

Clarifying what you offer and who you serve will help families find you. Ask yourself:

• Who is my ideal client?

• What kind of support do I most love to give?

• What additional skills or training might enhance my work?

3. Set Up the Business Basics

Once you’ve completed your training, it’s time to get your business set up. This includes:

• Registering your business name

• Creating a simple website and email address and google business listing

• Developing a contract and intake forms

• Setting your rates and packages

• Setting up payment systems including invoice management programs

  
  

Even if it feels small at first, treat your doula work like a professional business — it helps clients trust your services and builds your confidence as an entrepreneur.

4. Build Your Doula Brand and Online Presence

Your online presence is how most families will find you. Start with:

• A clear, welcoming website that explains your services - remember to focus on what you are offering the families with your services

• Professional photos of you and your work

• Testimonials (once you’ve supported a few clients)

• Social media profiles on Instagram or Facebook

Share birth-related education, inspiring stories, and your philosophy of care. Consistency builds trust and helps search engines (like Google!) recognize your business.

5. Network and Connect with Your Birth Community

Building relationships with midwives, childbirth educators, and other doulas is one of the best ways to grow your practice. Attend local birth events, join professional associations, or collaborate with other doulas for backup support.

Community over competition is the heartbeat of birth work. These connections often lead to referrals and mentorship opportunities that help your business thrive.

6. Keep Learning and Growing

The birth world is always evolving. Continuing education helps you deepen your skills and expand your offerings. Workshops on topics like trauma-informed care, lactation, or advanced comfort techniques can enhance your confidence and your value to clients.

Ready to Begin Your Doula Journey?

Starting your doula business can feel big — but you don’t have to do it alone. A solid training program will guide you not just through how to be a doula, but how to build a sustainable doula practice.

If you’re ready to begin, join our Foundational Birth Doula Training — a hybrid learning with a 2-day, hands-on course that covers both the heart and the business of birth work and 6 weeks of online training. Learn from experienced doulas, connect with a supportive community, and take your first step toward a meaningful new career.