How to find clients?

serenitybirth · 11-20-2007, 10:19 AM

As a new doula who hasn't attended any births besides my own, how did you find those first few needed to get certified and gain experience?

jessa_bee · 11-20-2007, 10:30 AM

Here are some links that you might find helpful:

http://www.alldoulas.com/forums/tags...nding-clients/
http://www.alldoulas.com/forums/tags...tting-clients/
You Never Know Where a Client Will Come From...

nocomparta · 11-20-2007, 11:12 AM

Try Operation Special Delivery!
http://www.operationspecialdelivery.com

WildWest Doula · 12-11-2007, 04:16 PM

I posted an ad on craigslist offering my services for free. I got a ton of responses and chose those that I felt were serious. Also if theres a local doula group they may be able to refer low income clients to you.

Ceci · 12-11-2007, 04:22 PM

Try a local pregnancy crisis center, an adoption agency or a non-profit that works with teen moms..... they are often places where you can find a mom in need of support. Good luck to you!

dorothyh · 12-11-2007, 04:26 PM

Let everyone know that you are looking for clients! Offer your services very inexpensively, and let other local doulas know - I know sometimes I get calls from people looking for free/inexpensive doula services and they are fine with a new doula - I love having newer doulas to refer them to!

FLLucinda · 12-11-2007, 06:30 PM

Try linking up with local childbirth educators. They are great for doula referrals! That is where two of my clients have come from. (and possibly another to be added - just did the interview last night) Also if you are near a military base or guard/reserve unit sign up as an OSD volunteer doula. I have posted ads online. I'm sure one of the links above has them posted. I've gotten an OSD client that ended up not needing me because her husband came home. And word of mouth got me my other one that delivered on Thanksgiving.
Have business cards made up. I've never just given them out but if someone sees me wearing my "advertising" - I purchsed doula t-shirts, a sweat shirt from www.cafepress.com - great conversation starters and before you know it they are asking for a business card.
Good luck and happy Doula-ing!!

jkapheim · 12-11-2007, 07:56 PM

Definitely look for OSD births, and the teen centers.

And let everyone you know,know that you are out there looking.

Are their any other ladies in your area Doulas, Childbirth Educators, Lactation consultants, midwives, La Leche League?

Check with them,

Good Luck and keep your ears open
I pray soon you will have lots of clients.

DoulaMorgan · 12-15-2007, 08:41 AM

For me, it was doula-ing for a good friend, who then told all of her friends, who then hired me and continue to tell their friends.

Carla M. · 03-09-2008, 09:45 PM

The hospital-based prenatal courses where I worked as a registrar briefly used to get lots of calls asking for info on finding a doula, so if you have any connections through that type of program or others in the childbirth community you could try there. In fact, this thread made me think of the idea and I'll be calling my old boss tomorrow!

sadeyes102680 · 03-10-2008, 12:01 AM

Craigs-list is a great place to let others know in ur area that your lookin to be a doula Babysiiter anything..That websight Is Great!
Other place might be a Labor and Deliery canter you can also put flyer around town. Or go to Child Birth place and ask if you leave a stack of flyer would they put it in there waiting area...Usually during waiting for your appoinment lots of women look for reading material..