Just started my doula business in a small town in August.. I am having a hard time getting the word out about what it is that I can do for the women of this town! People automatically think that they can not afford it. I have sent public service notices out to the tv station and newspaper, I have put out flyers and pamphlets in dr.s offices and health stores, the hospital and ultrasound clinics. I have even gone as far as to volunteer my services to a non-profit organization in our town, and still I have no business. Any suggestions? I am getting very disappointed... Help! Misti, AZ

-- Misti Dawn Schubel (birthlinks2000@hotmail.com), November 19, 2000

Answers

Hello Misti,Sorry to hear that you are having troubles getting people to know of you,the doula. I too live in AZ(Tucson) and have encountered the same response of not having the money or that we will some how "take" over the whole birthing process. Something you may want to try is to create a wide site of you the doula and the services you offer. I think our biggest barrier is the medical community and their recultance to endorse the doula. If I can be of any help to you just let me know..we as doulas need to work together to make our positive presence known. Sincerely, Kit Clark CD

-- Kit M Clark, CD (kit11264@yahoo.com), November 19, 2000.

Hi, I've found that you don't get business from flyers and sending out info. Women won't invite someone to their birth that they don't know. When I was just getting started I did lots of talks on what doulas do. The women could ask questions, get to know you and hopefully learn a few tips for birth. I always got at least one client per talk. I talked at childbirth classes and a young women's pregnancy clinic. The best part is once you get going the women you have supported pass on the word and you don't have to try quite so hard after awhile!! Also, the childbirth educators and careproviders get to know you so they are more willing to promote your services.

Good luck! Kirsten

-- Kirsten Gerrish (kirsten@doula.net), November 19, 2000.

I know how you feel. Here's my advice: You can advertise 'till the cows come home, but it won't bring you clients.

Here's what WILL get you business: Face-to-face contact. I started with one mom, just one, who told her pregnant friend about me later, who in turn told two more of HER friends, and so on, until it snowballed. It took two years to get going. Now I am turning business away and am desperate for help.

It's slow going at first. Be patient. Also, start teaching classes on labor support, VBAC support, anything you really know about. It gets people to see you in person. Good luck!

-- sara (rspear1673@earthlink.net), December 10, 2000.

See if you can do a chat at a maternity store in your area. Some of them maintain a database of current (pregnant) clients, and you could offer do do a talk to "Meet the Doula". Maybe you could ask if you could do it on a weekend when they are having a sale?

I have one like this that I will be doing... Good luck! Rachel

-- Rachel Silber (beautifulbirths@hotmail.com), December 13, 2000.

I also live in a small town - one hospital. Have any of you ever approached an OB/GYN about him/her offering your doula services as part of HIS/HER services? Did the doctor pay part of you fee? Did you give discounts? HOW EXACTLY DID YOU APPROACH THIS CARE PROVIDER? How was your proposal received? Thanks! Christina Howell

-- Christina Howell (welcome2almostparadise@juno.com), March 10, 2001.