You’ve Completed Your Doula Training — Now What?
You’ve taken your doula training, felt the inspiration, and now you’re ready to step out into the world as a doula. But where do you begin? Many new doulas feel both excited and unsure about what comes next—how to gain experience, find clients, and start building a sustainable practice. The good news is, you don’t have to have it all figured out right away.
In this post, we’ll walk through some realistic steps you can take to get started—from building your confidence and setting your fees to finding your first clients and connecting with your local birth community.
Getting Started After Doula Training
You’ve attended a doula training workshop, and now you might be wondering: how do I get started and find your first clients?
There are many ways to be proactive and gain real-world experience as a new doula. Getting hands-on practice not only helps you apply what you’ve learned in training but may also fulfill your certification requirements.
Most doula certification programs require you to work with a certain number of families after completing your training. For example, DONA International asks that doulas attend three births for birth certification and provide postpartum support to three families for postpartum certification.
Supporting families early in your doula journey is an invaluable way to build your skills, gain confidence, and begin developing your professional identity as a doula.
How hard is it to make money as a doula?
Some new doulas don’t feel comfortable charging for their first few clients and I get how that might feel a bit intimidating for some. Consider the time, energy and value you’re bringing to your families though and know that these things are worth something in return. I also like to think of money in terms of energy and with a business– I give you my services or products (my energy) and in return you give me money (client’s energy.) Exchange is important and doula work is not sustainable long term without this exchange. Plus, most of us need to make a living.
If you’re comfortable charging for your first clients, start out on the low end of the going rate in your community (talk to the doulas in your community about what the range is) and then increase your fees as you gain more experience.
Finding Your First Paying Clients
Here are some ideas to help you get started finding paying clients:
Launch Your Practice
There are many benefits to being certified, but don’t wait until you’re certified to begin offering your services. (Remember—working with a few families is usually one of the requirements for certification.) A comprehensive doula training should include guidance on starting your practice, but if you need extra help, consider taking our Doula Business Essentials class at SDA.
Get Your Systems in Place
Before launching, set up the framework of your practice: decide how many visits you’ll provide, what your fees will be, and how you’ll structure your services.
Build a simple website (your digital calling card)
Create new client forms and contracts
Set up a basic bookkeeping system
Create and publish your social media pages
Network Within the Birth Community
Reach out to childbirth educators, midwives, prenatal bodyworkers, and other doulas—both in person and online. Professionals can’t refer to you if they don’t know about you! Established doulas often look for backup support or overflow coverage when their schedules are full, which can be a great way to get your practice off the ground.
Offer Backup Support
Many experienced doulas need backup doulas when they can’t attend a birth. This is a wonderful way to gain experience and possibly receive mentoring. Be sure to have clear conversations about payment in advance and confirm everything in writing (emails are considered legal documentation).
Join Local Doula Collectives or Agencies
Doula collectives usually offer paid annual memberships that include a profile on their website, helping families find you.
You might also explore working with a doula agency. Agencies—often owned by experienced doulas—handle business and marketing while you focus on client care. Doulas are usually paid a percentage of the client fee (typically 60–85%) and function as independent contractors.
Find a Mentor or Coaching Program
Mentoring provides invaluable guidance and confidence-building support. You can seek out 1:1 personalized mentoring (like our Doula Mentoring program at SDA) or join a group mentoring circle. Group programs often include continuing education and community support, and can be an amazing way to stay connected while you grow your practice.
Use Word-of-Mouth Marketing
Word-of-mouth is still one of the best ways to grow a business. Carry business cards with you and tell people what you do—your hair stylist, barista, or local shop owners may have pregnant clients! When people see your enthusiasm, they’ll want to share your information.
Attend Outreach Events
Participate in “Meet the Doulas” events or local Birth & Family Expos. These are wonderful opportunities to connect directly with expecting families and other birth professionals.
If You’re Not Ready to Charge Yet…
If you’d like more experience before charging clients, consider these options:
Volunteer through hospitals or birth centers. Many facilities have volunteer doula programs. This helps you gain experience, build relationships with healthcare providers, and establish your reputation. (Note: volunteer births may not always count toward certification requirements.)
Offer your services to friends and family. Working with people you know can be a gentle and supportive way to start.
Contact local low-cost pregnancy clinics or public health programs. Offer your services to new or under-resourced mothers.
Reach out to shelters or social service agencies. Many serve pregnant individuals who would benefit greatly from doula support.
Connect with midwives and OBs. Ask if they know of single parents or unsupported families who might welcome your help.
Contact adoption agencies or surrogacy programs. They often serve birthing parents who appreciate extra support.
Offer educational talks. Reach out to local community groups, clinics, or nonprofits and give short presentations about doula care or comfort measures. This not only helps families but also builds your confidence and visibility as a new doula.
“Courage is being afraid but doing it anyway.”
Final Thoughts for New Doulas
It’s completely natural for new doulas to feel a little unsure when they begin—especially if you’ve never attended a birth before or haven’t had a baby yourself. Please remember that expectant and postpartum families aren’t looking for medical experts; they already have their doctor or midwife for that. What they’re truly seeking is connection, trust, and comfort—someone they feel safe with and genuinely like.
Getting hired as a doula is far more about the relationship you build than the number of births you’ve attended.
Most importantly, think in terms of teamwork when it comes to your doula practice. Birth professionals thrive when they support one another. Staying connected to your peers, networking within your community, and lifting each other up are what make this work sustainable—for you and for the profession as a whole.
And as you take your next steps, know that you’re not alone.
Our website partner, Simplified Website Design, offers new doulas 10% off as you launch your business—a small gift to help you get started on your journey.
