How to Start a Doula Business
A step-by-step guide to launching your doula practice with clarity, confidence, and a simple plan that supports steady growth.
Starting a doula business is exciting and meaningful... but it can also feel overwhelming. There are decisions to make, systems to build, and questions about where to begin. The good news is that you don’t need everything figured out before you start supporting families. You just need a clear foundation and simple steps that help you grow steadily.
This guide walks you through the essentials of starting a doula business, from your message and packages to your website, marketing, and the systems that keep everything running smoothly. If you want the full setup done for you, the Doula BrandPack includes your website, messaging, content, systems, and marketing plan all in one place.
Let’s build a doula business you feel proud of.
Start With Your “Why” and Who You Want to Support
Before you design anything or promote your services, get clarity on why you want to do this work. Parents hire doulas for your presence, your heart, and your personality, not just your training.
Think about:
- why birth work matters to you
- what experiences shaped your desire to support families
- the life stage or type of family you feel called to serve
- what you want families to feel after working with you
Your “why” becomes the emotional foundation of your business and shows up in your message, website, and client experience.
Choose Your Services and Create Simple Packages
Keep your packages clear and easy to understand. Families already feel overwhelmed during pregnancy, they’re not looking for complicated options.
Most doulas start with:
Birth Doula Support
Prenatal visits, on-call window, labor support, postpartum check-in.
Postpartum Doula Support
In-home support, feeding help, newborn care basics, emotional support, light household help.
Virtual Doula Support
Prenatal education, emotional support, ongoing guidance.
Potential Add-Ons
- childbirth education
- lactation support
- birth planning sessions
- postpartum planning
Each package should clearly explain:
- who it’s for
- what’s included
- the type of support you offer
- how long the support lasts
- what families can expect
Clarity helps parents feel safe making a decision.
Related Guides
Set Prices That Reflect Your Time, Energy, and Experience
Pricing can feel emotional, especially in birth work. But clear, confident pricing builds trust and supports sustainability.
A good starting point:
- look at local averages
- consider your availability
- assess your on-call time
- calculate what makes your business sustainable
- choose simple, round numbers
You can adjust your pricing as you gain experience. What matters most is communicating your value clearly and kindly.
Want help growing your doula business?
Book a FREE Strategy Session and discover how to build a more credible online presence.
Build a Clear, Trust-Building Website
Your website is where families decide whether you’re the right fit. It doesn’t need to be fancy—it just needs to feel warm, organized, and supportive.
Your website should include:
- a calm, clear headline
- a warm introduction
- your services and packages
- your approach and philosophy
- testimonials or kind words
- your simple “how it works” process
- a booking link that’s easy to find
- a photo of you
- a pregnancy-safe color palette
- gentle, supportive language
A strong website helps families feel emotionally safe before they ever contact you.
If you want this done for you, the Doula BrandPack includes a ready-to-launch site.
Create a Lead Magnet to Build Your Email List Early
Many families visit your website months before they’re ready to book. A lead magnet helps you stay connected during their pregnancy.
Great lead magnet options:
- birth preferences worksheet
- postpartum planning checklist
- partner support guide
- hospital bag list
- “questions to ask your provider”
Once someone downloads your guide, they join your email list—where your welcome sequence and nurture emails take over.
Related Guides
Build a Simple Email System That Supports Families Over Time
Email is one of the most effective tools for doulas because parents move through different emotional stages during pregnancy.
Your email plan should include:
A warm welcome email
Short, friendly, and human.
A 3–5 email welcome sequence
Your story, your approach, their fears, your support.
Weekly or biweekly supportive emails
Tips, reminders, affirmations, partner support guidance.
Email keeps families feeling connected and less alone, which naturally leads them toward booking.
The Doula BrandPack includes this entire system.
Build Community Connections and Birth Worker Partnerships
Doula work thrives in community. Strong partnerships help families find you naturally and consistently.
Ideal partners:
- midwives
- OB/GYNs
- childbirth educators
- prenatal yoga instructors
- lactation consultants
- photographers
- pelvic floor therapists
- chiropractors
Ways to connect:
- introduce yourself warmly
- offer helpful resources
- collaborate on workshops
- refer clients their way
- attend local events
Partnerships often lead to long-term referrals.
Create a Gentle Visibility Rhythm That Fits Your Personality
You don’t need to be “on” all the time. You need consistency, not perfection.
A simple visibility rhythm may include:
- 2–3 weekly social posts
- weekly stories
- 1–2 helpful blogs or articles per month
- a monthly workshop or class
- one partnership outreach per week
- a steady email rhythm
- an updated Google Business Profile
Your marketing should feel supportive, not stressful.
Starting a doula business doesn’t require a complicated plan. It requires clarity, simple systems, and the willingness to show up with warmth and steadiness. When you communicate clearly, stay visible, and build trust over time, families naturally move toward you.
If you want your doula business foundations done for you (your website, messaging, lead magnets, emails, content templates, and more) the Doula BrandPack gives you everything you need.
Action Plan
This week:
- Write your message
- Outline your packages
- Add a simple booking link
This month:
- Launch your lead magnet
- Build your welcome sequence
- Connect with two local partners
This quarter:
- Strengthen your website
- Host a workshop
- Review your pricing and packages
If you want help building or improving your doula business, book a Strategy Session and we’ll build your plan together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Doula Marketing
Should Doulas Post Their Pricing Online?
Yes, in most cases it helps to share pricing or “starting at” rates on your website. Clear pricing builds trust, filters out families who truly cannot afford your services, and makes money conversations easier.
How Do Doulas Market To Partners As Well As Moms?
Doulas can market to partners by speaking directly to their fears and questions. Show partners that you are there to support them too, not replace them.
How Do I Explain What a Doula Is In a Simple Way?
You can explain a doula simply by saying: “A doula is a trained support person who helps you feel calm, informed, and supported during pregnancy, birth, and early postpartum. I focus on emotional, mental, and practical support so you do not feel alone.”
What Should a Doula Put On Their Website To Build Trust?
A doula website should feel warm, calm, and clear. It should explain who you support, how you help during pregnancy and birth, share a few kind words from past clients, and give a simple way to book a call.
How should Doulas Use Social Media For Marketing?
Social media is helpful but not required. It can be a great way to educate, share stories, and stay visible, as long as you keep it simple and sustainable.
