How to Start a Doula Service

Doulas are professionally trained to assist expectant mothers throughout their pregnancy. They educate women on pregnancy, labor, and new motherhood, as well as provide emotional and physical support. A doula’s role is to assist a woman through the birthing process, ensuring a healthy and liberating experience.

Ready to turn your business idea into a reality? We recommend forming an LLC as it is the most affordable way to protect your personal assets. You can do this yourself or with our trusted partner for a small fee.

Northwest ($29 + State Fees)

DIY: How to Start an LLC

Start a doula service by following these 10 steps:

  1. Plan your Doula Service
  2. Form your Doula Service into a Legal Entity
  3. Register your Doula Service for Taxes
  4. Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
  5. Set up Accounting for your Doula Service
  6. Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Doula Service
  7. Get Doula Service Insurance
  8. Define your Doula Service Brand
  9. Create your Doula Service Website
  10. Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your doula service. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas.

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

What will you name your business?

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Doula Service Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship, you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name, we recommend researching your business name by checking:

  • Your state’s business records
  • Federal and state trademark records
  • Social media platforms
  • Web domain availability

It’s very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

What are the costs involved in opening a doula service?

Fortunately, this profession requires very little capital to get started. Your greatest expense is the training and certification classes, which range from $150 to $750 per course. While it is not necessary to obtain every certification, it is recommended to take all the basic courses and to continue through the program as your experience grows.

Once you have received your certification, you will need to invest in a marketing strategy. This includes a website, blog, pamphlets, and business cards. An office is not necessary, as much of a doula’s work is done at the birthing site, in the client’s home, or over the phone.

What are the ongoing expenses for a doula service?

If you decide to open a physical location, you will have the standard overhead expenses that come with leasing a workspace. Beyond that, your ongoing costs are significantly lower than most businesses, with time being your largest investment.

Below are a few expenses incurred by doulas, on a per client basis:

  • Gas and parking fees
  • Childcare (if you have children) while you are with the mother during birth
  • Miscellaneous items client needs

Additionally, you will need to allocate a portion of your monthly budget towards the following:

  • Marketing and site maintenance
  • Continuing ed
  • Insurance – check with your agent to determine what is recommended
  • Payroll and taxes – to reduce these expenses, consider building a team of freelancers

Who is the target market?

Your customer base will be built on expectant mothers who have a specific path they wish for childbirth to go. Every woman understands that things do not always go as planned and that a cesarean or medication might be necessary. However, women often feel forced into making decisions that go against their birthing plan, simply because they were too scared or did not have enough information. This is where you step in as their advocate and support system.

Mothers who are expecting their first child are also an ideal doula client. Just the very idea of childbirth is terrifying to many pregnant mothers, particularly those that have never been through it before. Your knowledge and support is what will get them through this unsettling, yet life-changing event.

Consider what types of clients you are most drawn to and assess how much of the competition specializes in that area. A few demographics to consider are:

  • Intrauterine insemination/in vitro fertilization
  • Previous birth trauma
  • High risk pregnancy
  • Vaginal birth after cesarean
  • First baby
  • Home birth

How does a doula service make money?

Your business would charge a fee for doula services, typically a flat rate, that includes any expenses incurred, and for the time spent throughout the pregnancy and delivery.

How much can you charge customers?

Fees vary, depending upon region and demand. Some charge as little as $400, while others start at $1,000. Business owners take 10-20% of each employee’s doula fees, which should also be considered when structuring your fee schedule.

How much profit can a doula service make?

Profit is directly tied to your fees. If you charge $400 per client (assuming you are the doula), and incur $179 in expenses, you have earned a profit of $221. Business owners are urged to carefully consider their time spent with clients when coming up with a fee schedule. A profit of $221 works out to an average of $6.14 per hour. A doula fee of $900 works out to a profit of $721, or $20.03 per hour.

What percentage will you collect from each doula that is on your team? Business expenses should be considered when determining this as well.

How can you make your business more profitable?

The following have helped other doula businesses improve overall profits:

  • Host special events for expectant families
  • Host doula continuing education and certification classes
  • Include a midwife on your team

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC’s free Small Business Startup Guide – a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

One crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked when starting your doula service is the importance of establishing a solid business foundation. While sole proprietorships and partnerships are the most common entity types for small businesses, they’re a far less stable and advantageous option than LLCs.

This is because unincorporated business structures (i.e., sole proprietorships and partnerships) expose you as an owner to personal liability for your business’s debts and legal actions, while LLCs protect you by keeping your personal assets separate from your business’s liabilities.

In practice, this means that if your doula service were to face a lawsuit or incur any debts, your savings, home, and other personal assets could not be used to cover these costs. On top of this, forming your business as an LLC also helps it to appear more legitimate and trustworthy.

More than 84% of our readers opt to collaborate with a professional LLC formation service to kickstart their venture. We’ve negotiated a tailored discount for our readers, bringing the total down to just $29.

FORM YOUR LLC

Note: If you’re interested in more information before getting started, we recommend having a look at our state-specific How to Start an LLC guide (DIY) or our in-depth Best LLC Services review (for those opting for a professional service).

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It’s really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website. If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil.

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

  • Separates your personal assets from your company’s assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
  • Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a doula business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits.

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses.

Services Contract

In business where services are provided on an extended basis, a services contract is often put in place outlining terms and conditions of service.

Doula businesses should require clients to sign a services agreement before starting a new project.  This agreement should clarify client expectations and minimize risk of legal disputes by setting out payment terms and conditions, and service level expectations.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance. This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance. If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers’ Compensation Coverage.

Find out what types of insurance your Doula Service needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Doula Service.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator. Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a doula service

The first stage of your marketing strategy is doula certification. Whether you plan to operate as the only doula or your vision includes a team of professionals, each should have the proper training. When meeting with a potential new client, it is vital that you show you are knowledgeable and experienced about the pregnancy and birthing process.

To further garner respect within the community, your website should be educational and supportive. In addition to explaining what services a doula offers, identify your target audience and touch on subjects that would matter most to them. Make sure the image you are trying to convey carries over into your company name, logo, website URL, and email address.

In this community, networking is often your greatest marketing tool. Rather than trying to learn everything, master a few things and partner up with others who possess skills that complement yours. This referral network will help build your business quicker than any paid advertisement.

How to keep customers coming back

Achieving the goals laid out in your business plan hinges on one thing: your ability to connect with clients on a deeper level. Be honest with them, listen more than speak, and make them laugh. Above all, show them that you care by going the extra mile. Send out birthday cards, inquire about recent life events, and follow up with them once the baby has come. Parenting a newborn can be a lonely time; offer them the support they are lacking.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business.

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

  • All legitimate businesses have websites – full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
  • Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
  • Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended: Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders.

Other popular website builders are: WordPressWIXWeeblySquarespace, and Shopify.

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2024 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it’s fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

Since the primary role of a doula is to focus on the physical and emotional needs of a birthing mother, a female would do best in this position. Most women who enter this field are drawn to it because of their passion for supporting other women in their community. They are advocates for women’s rights, particularly in the delivery room, where expectant mothers are often pushed into making choices that do not follow their original birthing plan. 

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What happens during a typical day at a doula service?

Unless you take on a large number of clients, most days will not be spent in the labor and delivery room. Until your expectant mother is officially in labor, she will need you periodically for support and guidance. For several months leading up to childbirth, you’ll meet with her, by phone or in person, to answer any questions she might have and assist her in outlining her birthing plan. While a doula does not practice medicine, she is knowledgeable about the various medicines and issues that could arise during labor and delivery.

Since most deliveries are not scheduled, doulas are on-call 24/7 once her client reaches the third trimester. Once labor starts, she’s there to offer whatever support the mother needs, helping with breathing and relaxation techniques, supporting the mother in various laboring positions, and providing massage therapy. They help with partner involvement and advocate for the mother when things don’t go as planned. When the baby arrives, the doula is there to help the new mother breastfeed and bond with her newborn.

Some doulas, antepartum doulas, specialize in high-risk pregnancies, providing support and education throughout the pregnancy. Postpartum doulas specialize in afterbirth. They educate the new mother and assist them in household duties as their client adjusts to this new life.

As the owner of a doula service, your free time away from clients will be spent on administrative work and your marketing strategy.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful doula service?

Since your primary role is to ensure that the mother is comfortable, emotionally and physically, it is critical that you possess a great deal of patience, compassion, and understanding. It will often be necessary for  you to read the signals a woman is giving, anticipating her needs before she realizes them herself. Additionally, the ability to work well under pressure is paramount to an individual’s success as a doula.

Those who enter this profession must be healing in nature. You’re there to keep both mother and father calm throughout the entire experience. While you do not need to be an expert in all, a basic understanding of acupressure, aromatherapy, massage, music therapy, positioning, reflexology, and visualization are helpful in becoming an effective doula. To ensure you are educated in each of these techniques, receiving doula certification is recommended. The Doulas of North America (DONA) and The Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA) both offer well-respected doula certification programs.

Experienced doula business owners caution against opening your business without considering all that goes into such an undertaking. Work with your local Chamber of Commerce or consider taking some basic business courses at a community college before doing so.

What is the growth potential for a doula service?

Your doula business’ growth opportunities are directly tied to demand in your region, saturation of the market, and affordability of your fees. More and more expectant families are realizing the value behind having a doula’s support, making it one of the fastest growing industries. Many doulas have found that partnering with midwives with the same value system contributes to long-term success.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

  • Funding
  • Events
  • Guides
  • Support

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a doula service?

Consider these insider tips from doula professionals who have spent years in the industry:

  • While overhead costs are virtually non-existent, this profession can take an emotional and physical toll on you as an individual. Prepare your mind, body, and family, as you will be on-call tend to your client’s every need.
  • Since your services are required throughout the pregnancy and childbirth, it is recommended that you draft a service contract for each client to sign. Make sure the details of your services are clearly outlined, and that your client is aware of all fees, cancellation policy, and refund policy. This will reduce the number of monetary disputes that occur.
  • Keep in mind that your customers will be paying in cash. Before opening your business, make sure you have a payment system in place, with multiple options available.
  • When speaking with clients, never compare yourself to other doulas or speak ill of them. Yes, they are the competition, but running a business from a negative angle is never healthy and won’t help build your success.
  • Successful doulas are in a constant state of improvement. Refine your skills and expand your knowledge regularly to be the very best that you can be.
  • When meeting with current and potential clients, make sure you dress the part. Keep your apparel professional and neutral.

How and when to build a team

Some doulas prefer to work alone throughout their entire careers, while other business owners feel a well-rounded service team is best for the client and company. What is your vision for the company?

Once you have answered that question, you will know when (or if) you should build a team. Just make sure every employee is properly certified and keeps up with their continuing education.

Useful Links

Industry Opportunities

Real World Examples

Further Reading