The Fear of Not Being Ready

Many aspiring doulas believe they need to “shadow” experienced doulas before taking their own clients. While this seems like a logical step, it often holds new doulas back. Here’s why.

1. Shadowing Doesn’t Teach You How to Lead

Watching someone else support a birth is not the same as supporting one yourself. You don’t learn how to take charge, advocate, or manage the emotional and physical dynamics of the birth space until you step into that role yourself.

💡 What to Do Instead: Get hands-on experience through mentorship, simulations, and role-playing client interactions. Many doula trainings now offer real-world practice scenarios. Watch birth videos and pay attention to the shifts in labor and what seems to help mom the most. 

2. Privacy & Ethical Considerations

Most clients hire a doula for intimate, personal support. Bringing in a shadowing doula can feel intrusive and affect the birth experience.

💡 Instead: Focus on networking with other new doulas to practice skills, attend birth storytelling circles, and learn from birth professionals in structured settings.

3. The Fastest Way to Learn is to Just Start

The best way to gain confidence is to take on clients. Many new doulas hesitate because of imposter syndrome—but remember, even the most experienced doulas had a first client once.

💡 Action Step: Instead of waiting for a shadowing opportunity, start with a small client load, join a mentorship group, and reflect on each birth for continuous improvement.

4. Your Training Truly Is Enough!

Shadowing actually devalues your training by communicating to others that you need something else in order to work with clients when, in actuality, you are fully prepared by your doula training! What comes with time and practice is recalling information quickly, situational knowledge, comfort in the setting, etc. 

💡 Pro Tip: Bring a flip page/quick guide on labor positions/procedures or a quick reference guide! Sometimes it's helpful for parents to see visuals of what you're describing too! Have your doula friends & mentors available via text or chat so you can ask questions if needed. 

Final Thoughts

Instead of waiting for permission or validation through shadowing, trust that your training and instincts are enough to start. The key is to start small, keep learning, and seek guidance as needed.