Potential Client Interviews

[loveslabor]

So I have been posting ads online and getting the word out that I would like to offer free doula services to mommas in 2006 to work toward my certification.

I have been emailing with a momma expecting her 3rd child in January. She would like to meet with me next week.

What kinds of things do YOU normally talk about at the initial meeting?

She also has 2 elementary aged children that she wants present at the birth. Any words of wisdom about issues that may come up around that?

--Amanda

[Tiffany]

That's awesome--CONGRATS!!

With my most recent client, she chose to meet with me at Starbucks and we just chatted a little about each other. She let me know her situation and I let her know mine. I was upfront and honest about my experiences and knowledge... just had a conversation really, nothing formal.

In the past I have initially met clients out and about.. so my initial meeting was an acquaintance, then I went to their house to do a 1st prenatal. Some others have called me on the phone and I went to their house to meet and chat about what she expects for labor, I comment.. and then I tell her to give me a call and let me know if she wants me to be her doula. I've never NOT had a person call me back.

[loveslabor]

WOW! How exciting!

[raspberrymoondoula]

how exciting!! i usually go over my experience (or lack thereof lol) and what i offer and see if they have any questions. i ask a little about them as well, such as what type of birth they watn, why they want a doula, that sort of thing.

[Tiffany]

Hey Amanda... that is how my first batch happened with me! I all of the sudden got one call after another and ended up with a client due in June, July and the end of August right after I took my May training. It was awesome and looks like it's turning out kinda the same for you!

[Matrescence]

Awesome!

[loveslabor]

Holy Moley!

[Tiffany]

Again, that is just about how mine went.. Good luck handling your first client load!

[DL]

Congratulations, Amanda! Wow....3 already??!!! That is really fantastic! It took me 13 months to get all 3 of my evaluation births for cert.

For my first meeting (I call it Initial Interview/Consultation), it is really casual. It's mainly to see if you "click" or not with each other. I start off by telling mom/the couple a little bit about myself. I explain to them what a doula is, the many options of things that I can do for them *if they're interested*, and find out what they are hoping I can do for them. Of course, give her an opportunity to ask you questions throughout. Once you get started, conversation will flow if you and mom 'click'. I have had couples sign with me at the Interview/Consultation, and I have had others think about it for a couple of days and then call me back to set up payment & scheduling prenatals!

You'll do great!

That is so AWESOME!!

[loveslabor]

Good vibes my way please.

Initial meetings:

Wednesday 11am
Thursday 6pm
Friday 10:30am
next Wednesday 11am
next Friday 12pm

Oh....and I'm pretty sure I found a back-up doula too! She lives in my area and we have mutual friends that we both happen to adore....so she must be good peoples....lol

[tlcdoula]

Wow that is fantastic news!!!!

[Tiffany]

That is awesome Amanda!!

[loveslabor]

She said that she would love to work with me.

She is due in the end of February. This is her second child.

So what do I do in the meantime? When should I schedule the prenatal visits and such?

I have 2 meetings tomorrow and 2 meetings on Friday....some more next week too. *phew*

Also, for those of you that do bellycasting, do you charge additionally? Just for the kit or for your time too?

[~Tranquility~Doula]

Congrats!
The first bellycast I did I only charged for materials because I hadn't done one before and didn't know how it would turn out. It was so easy! It was a lot of fun, too.