As a professional doula, there are some general professionalism tips you’ll need to successfully work with clients. Professional tips for doulas are like general professionalism but vary a bit. After all, birth work is unique.
At the International Doula Institute, we strive to ensure our doulas are prepared to work as soon as they complete certification. Our comprehensive training includes business basics. However, there are many things to learn about business.
With our commitment to continued support, we like to provide continuing education in many forms. One of those forms is through this blog. So, here are five professional tips for doulas:
Professional Tips For Doulas #1: Always Know Your Role
During our comprehensive training, we require students to understand their scope of practice and role as a doula. We also require students to come up with an “elevator pitch” to ensure they understand how to explain that role.
It is important to be able to tell colleagues, potential clients, and even strangers what you do in a brief and professional way. When you can clearly explain your job and role, you can present yourself in a professional manner.
As the word doula is not always well known, it can be easy to stumble over describing your position. However, if you are not able to clearly describe your role, it can make you sound unprofessional. Even if you are the best doula around, if you cannot explain your role, it is hard to land those clients. That’s why this is one of our most important professional tips for doulas, know your role.
Professional Tips For Doulas #2: Be Prepared During Consultations
Receiving potential client inquiries is exciting. However, it is only the start of a potential doula client relationship. When you meet with a potential client, the goal is that they understand your role and see you as a professional support.
When you go into a consultation, it is important you present yourself in a professional way. There are many ways to be prepared, but some ways might include:
- Having information packets or handouts
- Using a pre-consultation questionnaire
- Ability to clearly state your role as mentioned above.
- Having a copy of your service agreement or contract
- Be familiar with local birthing facilities, providers, and options.
- Know the answer to common pregnancy and birth questions, or where to look for the answer.
- Be aware of referrals for other providers such as prenatal massage therapists, mental health support, midwives, etc.
As a professional doula, you do not need to have the answer to every question. However, it is important to present yourself as a knowledgeable professional. Being able to confidently respond with evidenced-based information or knowing where to refer them to get that information is important.
#3: Make Networking and Connections Second Nature
As a professional, building a reputation where others become familiar with your name is beneficial. While clients are excellent with word-of-mouth referrals, getting referrals from fellow professionals often goes a long way.
When you can build a reputation among other professionals, your business tends to grow faster. Potential clients will also see you as a professional when other professionals know your name.
Make it a point to carry business cards or be ready to share your contact information. Have your elevator speech ready for networking opportunities.
#4: Have a Professional Online Presence
In-person and word of mouth referrals are a great way to grow your business. However, in the age of search engines like Google, and social media living on everyone’s phone, internet presence can be important.
Take time to present a professional website. You can find many basic one-page website templates. Things you might want to include on your website:
- A clean and professional looking logo
- Clean and clear headshot if desired
- Brief bio including your experience, training, etc.
- Services
- Your location and service area
- Contact information
As you grow, you might want to include a blog. Some also have booking software so potential clients can easily schedule a consultation.
Professional Tips For Doulas #5: Present Yourself in a Professional Manner – But Be Authentic!
When going to consultations, it is important to present yourself in a professional manner. Not all doulas align with or feel comfortable in business casual clothing. If you do, that is a great way to dress. However, some doulas feel more comfortable in scrubs, yoga wear, etc.
The important part of presenting yourself in a professional manner is not your exact clothing style. It is important to wear clean, well-fitting, and appropriate clothing. It is also okay to recognize regional norms. It may be frowned upon to wear open toed shoes to a consultation in some areas, but if you live in say Hawaii, everyone might be wearing sandals.
It is also important to speak professionally, and address people in an appropriate manner. That said, authenticity is important. Parents are looking to invite someone into their intimate birth space. It is important they get to know you as a person and not just as a business.
Ultimately, being a professional doula is built over time. But with the above tips, you’ll be there in no time!