Doula Agency Success: Insights and Strategies from Two Doula Agency Owners

If starting a doula agency is on your radar - you do not want to miss this episode!

In this episode of the Doula Darcy podcast, host Darcy, an experienced doula business coach and small doula agency ownder, discusses the dynamics of running a successful doula agency. Darcy is joined by Jodi Congdon of Hip2Heart. Jodi owns a much larger doula agency outside of Boston.

They talk about the upcoming Birth Worker Retreat in Florida, their journeys in running two very different sized doula agencies, and key strategies for growth. They also tackle practical tips on managing a team, setting client expectations, and the debate over listing prices on websites.

Additionally, Jody shares insights about her Birth Boss Agency program.

Join Darcy & Jodi at The Birthworker Retreat in January 2025 in Clearwater, FL. Save $100 with coupon code RETREAT100 at www.TheBirthworkerRetreat.com





Connect with Jodi and learn about her Birth Boss Agency program here.

In this episode, Darcy shares her strategies for turning doula client interviews into successful bookings. From her fourteen years as a doula, she shares the nuances of conducting successful client interviews, providing actionable tips to help doulas connect and build trust.

Darcy covers:

• How to simplify the client contact process to increase inquiries
• Ways to convey confidence in your experience, even if you’re new
• Essential questions to ask that demonstrate you care about clients' unique needs
• How to create a comforting environment that mirrors the support you’ll provide during birth or postpartum care
• Tips on tracking referrals to refine your marketing efforts

Whether you’re a new or experienced doula, this episode offers valuable insights to enhance your interview approach and book more clients confidently. Tune in to take your doula business to the next level!


Darcy also mentioned The Birthworker Retreat coming up in January 2025 in Clearwater, Florida. Save $100 with coupon code RETREAT100 at www.TheBirthworkerRetreat.com

In this special episode, we’re coming to you live from the Maine Doula Retreat, where five amazing doulas from My Doula Village share their experiences. Listen in as we discuss the transformative power of connecting with fellow doulas, taking time away from the demands of everyday life, and the benefits of being part of a supportive community. This episode is packed with stories of growth, laughter, and even a few tears as we delve into what makes the retreat so special and why every doula should consider joining us.

• Introductions: Meet the doulas joining Darcy on the episode: Molly (Atlanta, GA), Stacey (Rhode Island), Tammy (Scranton, PA), Christine (Palmer, AK), and Chelsea (Manistee, MI).
• The Retreat Experience: We discuss the benefits of the Maine Doula Retreat, including the beautiful ocean views, delicious food, and the luxury of having time to focus solely on personal and professional growth.
• Community and Connection: The doulas share how the retreat has strengthened their bonds with one another and created a sense of sisterhood. The power of being surrounded by others who truly understand the ups and downs of doula work is a recurring theme.
• Collaboration Over Competition: Insights into how My Doula Village fosters an environment of collaboration rather than competition, allowing doulas to share resources, ideas, and support.
• Breakthroughs and Business Growth: The doulas talk about how the retreat has helped them gain clarity in their businesses, make important decisions, and set actionable goals. From strategy sessions to spontaneous discussions, every moment is filled with growth opportunities.
• Personal Transformation: Beyond business breakthroughs, many doulas experienced deep personal growth. Some share stories of overcoming doubts, finding new motivation, and making peace with decisions they needed to make.
• Support Beyond the Retreat: The doulas discuss how My Doula Village extends beyond the retreat, providing ongoing support through virtual meetings, the Facebook group, and a network of over 100 doulas.
• A Life-Changing Community: Each guest shares why My Doula Village is an invaluable part of their lives, from having a network that understands the doula lifestyle to forming genuine friendships that last.

• "There’s nothing like being in a room full of people who understand the unique work we do. It’s a sisterhood."
• "The energy here is amazing—it feels like sleepover camp with your best friends, but for doulas!"
• "Being surrounded by other doulas who get it has given me the motivation to push forward in my business and personal life."
• "Joining My Doula Village changed my life. I wouldn’t be fully booked in my first year as a doula without this supportive community."

• Join My Doula Village here
  
  
• Learn about the Maine Doula Retreat here:
  https://douladarcy.com/doula-retreat-maine
  

If you’re a doula looking for a supportive community or considering attending a retreat, this episode is for you. Share your thoughts with us and let us know what you’d love to see at future retreats by tagging The Doula Darcy on social media!

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more doulas looking for community and connection.

In this episode, The Doula Darcy reflects on a major turning point in her doula business journey from several years ago. As a busy postpartum doula and agency owner, she found herself struggling to expand her business without sacrificing all of her time. She shares how she overcame these challenges through strategic outsourcing—not just in her business, but in her personal life too.

Key topics discussed:

• The Reality of Scaling a Doula Business: The challenges of finding time to grow when you're a hands-on business owner, and why hiring a team isn't always the answer.
• Outsourcing Mindset Shift: How looking beyond the business and hiring help for personal tasks (house cleaning, child transportation, meal delivery) freed up time and energy.
• Investing in Tools and Software: The benefits of using software to save time on administrative tasks.
• The Cost vs. Value of Outsourcing: Why spending money on services that free up your time is often worth the investment, even if it feels like adding another expense.
• Business and Personal Life Integration: How to design a business that works seamlessly with your life and aligns with your strengths.
• Practical Tips for Doula Business Owners: Advice on outsourcing non-business tasks and making smart investments in tools and resources.

This episode provides a fresh perspective on managing time, energy, and money effectively.

Resources Mentioned:

• Instagram for Doulas: 30 Pre-written social media posts

Connect with Darcy:

• Follow her on Instagram for more tips and insights.
  
  

Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow doulas who could use a fresh approach to scaling their businesses!

Are you a doula feeling stretched thin with client work? In this episode, I’m sharing how you can leverage your skills to create passive income and free up your time. Whether you want to earn an extra $500 a month or create a million-dollar business, the key is tapping into the online world with digital offerings.

I provide practical ideas and strategies for building courses, products, and resources that can generate income even while you’re off-call. This episode is geared towards helping you get motivated to start earning more without working more hours!

What You'll Learn:

• How to identify your unique skills and passions that can translate into a digital product.
• The power of passive income for doulas and why it’s a game changer for sustainable growth.
• Real-life examples of doulas who’ve built successful online businesses and how you can do it too.
• The first steps to take when building your online income stream, from brainstorming to execution.

Links & Resources:

• Book a strategy session with me to map out your passive income plan:
  https://douladarcy.com/doula-business-coach-book-a-call
• Join My Doula Village for support from other doulas building online businesses:
  https://douladarcy.com/my-doula-village
  
  
• Connect with me on Instagram and share your passive income ideas:
  https://www.instagram.com/thedouladarcy/

In this episode, Darcy sits down with Emily Wannenberg, a former midwife turned birth doula and owner of Fourth Trimester Fitness to discuss how to create a sustainable and thriving doula career. Emily shares her journey of building a successful doula business in two cities, her unique strategy of incorporating prenatal classes to attract clients, and why self-care is critical for longevity in birth work.

Emily explains how teaching classes not only supports her clients, but also acts as her main marketing tool. Listen in as Emily talks about building a solid backup doula network, why it’s essential to raise your rates confidently, and how to stay fit for the long haul in birth work. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale your business, this episode is packed with valuable advice for every doula!


Key Highlights:

• How Emily structured her business to thrive in two different cities
• The power of using prenatal classes to attract more clients
• Tips on finding the right backup doula and setting boundaries
• How to confidently raise your rates and communicate your value to clients
  
  
  
  Links Mentioned:
  
  
• My Doula VIllage: https://douladarcy.com/my-doula-village
• Fourth Trimester Fitness Method: www.4tfm.com
• Fit for Doula
• The Birthworker Retreat in Clearwater, FL in January 2025
• 4TFM Doula Training & Business Day Retreat in Atlantic Beach, Fl in March
• Follow Emily on Instagram: @4thTrimesterFitness
• Follow The Doula Darcy on Instagram: @TheDoulaDarcy