As a doula, you have the opportunity to help your clients through some of the most challenging and beautiful moments of their lives. However, at some point, as a professional, you must also set boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance. At 100% Doula, we aim to equip doulas like yourself with the tools and skills possible to thrive. Read more from our blog to learn more about doula training opportunities and navigating the doula business world!
5 Ways to Maintain Healthy Boundaries With Doula Clients
Whether you have just started launching your doula business or have years of experience, these five tips will help you set boundaries with your clients and maintain your sanity while providing excellent care for the people who need it most.
- Detail expectations in writing: After your successful doula interview and client onboarding, offer your client a contract defining their roles and responsibilities and yours. This document will cover both parties in case something goes awry later down the road and will protect you if there are any misunderstandings or disagreements during your interactions.
- Be direct with your client: You are human, and as such, you have other responsibilities. If a client starts blurring the line between personal and professional, let them know that although you thank them for their openness, you prefer to keep relationships strictly professional. Many doulas find it helpful to explain that this is for everyone’s benefit — it helps ensure that each client receives proper care from a dedicated doula and protects you from feeling over-extended or overwhelmed in any one relationship.
- Offer alternatives to meet their needs: It’s natural to want to help everyone you can, but sometimes the best way to help our clients is to offer them a few alternatives to meet their needs. If your clients pester you about providing more than you’re comfortable with, direct them to local mom groups or specialists to ensure they get the assistance they seek without unnecessary responsibility falling on your shoulders.
- Unplug from work: Everyone needs time away from work at times. It’s essential to take the occasional break from your doula clients or direct your focus to other things in your life to avoid burnout and ensure your business is sustainable for years to come. While providing more assistance is terrific, don’t pressure yourself into doing more than is healthy for you, your business, your family or your client.
- Decline services or cut contact: Trust your gut! If something doesn’t feel right, then it probably isn’t. Some people try to scam free or more services — but plenty of great clients out there will be happy to pay you well and treat you with respect. For creative ways to gain more clients, check out this course.
Receive One-On-One Support From 100% Doula
When you’re ready to take your business to the next level, do it with support. With some guidance and mentoring, you can achieve more results, discover and overcome blind spots and enjoy sustainability in your business.
That’s why Robin Elise Weiss, founder of 100% Doula, offers one-on-one coaching to help doulas nationwide reach their goals through personal development and mentorship. Book your mentoring session today!