The Calling to Doula Work

Something in your heart is pulling you toward birth work. Maybe you’ve had your own transformative birth experience, or you’ve always been the friend who supports others through life’s biggest moments. You feel drawn to helping birthing people and new parents feel safe, empowered, and informed.

But before you take the leap, let’s have an honest conversation about what it truly means to be a doula. This work is deeply fulfilling, but it’s not just about holding hands, heat packs, and snuggling babies. It’s emotional, physical, and business-oriented. If you want to sustain yourself in this work long-term, you need to set yourself up with realistic expectations from the start.

What Being a Doula Really Looks Like

1. You’re on Call (or working nights)– and That’s a Lifestyle Adjustment

Being a birth doula means being on call, sometimes for weeks at a time. If you work solo and/or do not have a trading on call schedule with someone else, you will likely be on call for 4 to 5 weeks for one birth. That means, during that time, your phone stays on, plans are tentative, and sleep is unpredictable. Postpartum doulas often have more structured hours but still need to be flexible because babies arrive when they want! If you have young children or other commitments, you need a solid support system to manage life alongside birth work.

You will also be planning your schedule 9 to 12 months (or more) in advance! 

💡 Pro Tip: New doulas often underestimate the importance of on-call lifestyle planning. Make sure you have backup childcare & pet sitters (if needed), emergency self-care strategies, understand your personal/relationship/family needs, and a clear schedule with your clients.

2. It’s Emotionally and Physically Demanding

Doulas witness some of the most intense moments of human experience. You’ll see joy, exhaustion, trauma, and transformation—all in one birth space. The emotional weight of supporting families can be heavy, and physically, births can last 12, 24, or even 36+ hours. If you are an overnight postpartum doula, your body will have to adjust to your work--especially if you still have kiddos or others to care for during the day! 

💡 Self-Care Tip: Burnout is real in birth work. Studies show that caregivers who don’t prioritize self-care experience higher levels of compassion fatigue and stress (Figley, 2002). A self-care plan is non-negotiable if you want to stay in this field long-term. Some doulas decide to cap the amount of hours they will physically attend a birth, or charge hourly after a certain point, and some doulas do not. Emotionally, it is important to have a network of birthworkers you trust who you can debrief with and, in some cases, potentially a therapist. Birth and postpartum can bring the highest of highs and the lowest of lows for both parents and doulas. 

3. You Need to Know the Business Side of Doula Work

You can have all the passion in the world, but if you don’t have a business plan, pricing strategy, and marketing approach, you won’t get clients—or worse, you’ll get burned out working for free. Doulas are often underpaid because they undervalue their own work. Even if you plan to work for someone else, you will often do that role as a contractor, which still requires some set up. Also, adopting a business owner mindset means you take responsibility for how you represent your business and brand out in the world! 

💡 Success Tip: New doulas who set clear business goals, create a sustainable pricing model, and invest in business education are more likely to succeed (DONA International, 2023). Treat your business like a business from day one. Don't know where to start? I have a FREE step-by-step roadmap that walks you through exactly what steps to take to build your new business!

Is Doula Work Right for You? A Quick Self-Assessment

If you’re still wondering if this path is for you, ask yourself:

✅ Am I comfortable with the unpredictability of birth work? The physical toll of overnight postpartum shifts? 
✅ Can I handle emotionally intense situations with compassion and professionalism?
✅ Am I willing to invest in my education and business growth?
✅ Do I have a support system in place for my personal responsibilities? for my mental health? 

If you’re answering YES to most of these, you’re already on the right path. If not, don’t worry—there are ways to prepare!

Final Thoughts

Becoming a doula is a calling, a skillset, and a business. If you’re feeling the pull, don’t let fear hold you back—but also don’t dive in without preparing yourself for what’s ahead. The more informed you are now, the stronger your foundation will be.

📌 Next Steps: Ready to take the next step? Start exploring the right training program(s) for you! Being a doula is an AMAZING calling. 

📚 Sources:

• Figley, C. R. (2002). Compassion Fatigue: Psychotherapists’ Chronic Lack of Self Care.

• DONA International (2023). Doula Business Trends & Sustainability Report.