{This is the second installment in this series. You can read Part 1 here.}
Why should you treat doula work like a business? It would be easy enough to only accept cash and never pay taxes and not have to deal with any of that stuff.
It might be easy, but it wouldn’t be professional.
There was a time when doula work was considered by many to be a hobby – partially because that’s just how people thought of it, and partially because doulas themselves didn’t treat their businesses like businesses. Some would work for free (despite the personal cost to themselves and their families); some would work against providers instead of seeing themselves as a vital part of the care team; some wouldn’t have backup doulas in place and then when emergencies happened, their clients were left without the support they paid for and expected to have. These things still happen of course, but in general, the world of doula work has become more professional of late.
Doulas are recognizing that they can make this heart work sustainable and successful. They can financially provide for their families by doing work they love – by treating that work as a professional business that has standards to meet and goals to achieve.
The way you conduct yourself in your business speaks to others. If they see that you’ve invested in trainings and certifications, they know you’re committed. If they know you have insurance and pay your taxes, they see you are responsible and honest.
You want to be viewed by the public as the expert in prenatal education, birth support, postpartum services, and placenta encapsulation. The more professional your business is, the easier it is for clients to find you and see that you are the expert they’ve been hoping to find. Word of mouth is invaluable. A friend’s recommendation will always carry more weight than even the most beautiful website. Professionalism also sets you up to be recommended by other professionals, such as midwives, doctors, massage therapists, chiropractors, pelvic floor physical therapists, newborn photographers, and so on.
Birth Beautifully offers Doula Mentoring which includes lots of helpful information about running a successful business. Our birth doula and childbirth educator trainings also give you resources and guides on how to take your love of birth and turn it into a successful and sustainable business.
Do you have tips to share on how your professionalism has helped elevate birthwork in your community, or tips on how new businesses can follow in your successes? Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram, we’d love to hear from you!
Christine Herrera helps people become amazing birth professionals.
