When I decided to leave the world of database programming and enter the field of doula work I never imagined how my life would change. Life as a birth doula is so hard to describe. Let me attempt to explain the profession by boiling it… read more
The Challenge of Doula Fees
Doulas often have a hard time setting their fees. Many doulas start out by doing their certification births for free or for a very reduced fee. Once they get experience they raise their rates. The big dilemma comes when they have to set their fee…. read more
How to Work as a Doula – Independent Doulas {2 in a 5 part series}
Independent doulas are doulas that work on their own. They aren’t part of a group, agency or collective. For this blog, I looked at 12 areas of business and gave my thoughts on how the independent doula relates to each. {For purposes of this blog series I will… read more
How To Work as a Doula – Doula Working Arrangements {Part 1 in a 5 Part Series}
For the next five weeks we will use the 100percentdoula blog to explore the question “How Can I Work as a Doula?” This is a common question that I often hear asked by new doulas, those interested in becoming a doula and existing doulas that… read more
5 MORE Lessons Learned from 10 years of doula work
As it turns out, there are a few more lessons from my 10 years of birth doula work that I would love to share. If you missed the first set of 5 lessons, check them out here. 1) Avoid negative doula relationships I hear about doula… read more
5 Lessons learned from 10 Years of Doula Work
I can hardly believe that I am finishing my 10th year of doula work. The years go by fast, but the recovery from a marathon birth is painstakingly slow. I have learned a lot over these years and have put together 5 lessons. 1) The… read more
Doula Data – 7 Steps to Achieving Nirvana
It’s not a requirement to be a master at data management in order to be a good doula. But, having a good system to store and retrieve your data will help you run your business and serve your clients better. I started out with a… read more
The Doula Interview: 3 Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Turn it into a mini prenatal Some clients are so hungry for information that they come to the interview with a copious amount of questions. They might ask you everything from your opinion about their care provider to what your thoughts are on… read more
Spinning Babies Workshop Review
If you are a birth doula, then it is very likely that you have heard about Spinning Babies. Most doulas have even visited the website or directed our clients to check out a page or two. Spinning Babies is all about fetal positioning. Founder, Gail… read more
Doula Contracts: Electronic Signatures
The purpose of a doula contract is to protect both the doula providing the service and the clients receiving the service. The contract should explain what is expected of both parties and what should be agreed upon and signed by everyone involved. Traditionally contracts were printed out… read more
Doula Fees: How to Get Paid for Services
How are you being paid for your services? Doulas have been compensated in many ways ranging from barter to insurance payments. The most common way to be paid for years has been cash and check, but payment options are growing. In this blog post I’ll… read more
Journey Back to Certification
Certifying for the First Time In March of 2005 I began my journey to doula work by attending a DONA birth doula training in Atlanta with the amazing Rae Davies. I was serious about this new career and began the road to certification immediately. I… read more