I am feeling a bit burned out...should I take this client?

Stacie · 05-20-2007, 01:18 PM

I have three clients lined up between now and July 10th.

My next one (June 5th) is a dear friend aiming for a VBAC in the hospital. I absolutely cannot miss this.

The next (june 20th) is another dear friend having her second baby in the hospital. Again, I cannot miss this.

My July 10th is a woman I have met with a couple of times, and I like her. Her first baby had either dystocia or sticky shoulders (she really doesn't know). Because of that, two different practitioners have offered elective cesareans, which she has refused, but more than likely, she will accept an induction.

I have not received a deposit from her (she didn't have her check book when we met for an intitial interview -- before that, we met at a community event after having spoken on the phone a few times). I told her it was no biggie, and that she could give me the deposit at out first prenatal (which would be this week sometime -- aftermy husband's graduation).

I am feeling burned, you know? I want a vacation, and I don't want to feel obligated to stick around in case we want to run off somewhere for 4th of July, etc. I know I could hook her up with someone else and even ease the transition.

Would you take her? Or would you try to accomodate her needs with another doula? If I do take her, I don't think I want anyone else for the rest of the summer!

betterbirths · 05-20-2007, 02:21 PM

I have a Doula friend in the same situation and she passed the client on to me. She had been a previous client for her and reall wanted her again. She explained to the client that she may not be able to be there and that I would be the primary doula but she will attend the birth as well if she is still in town. You couuld do something like that. Double up and have the other Doula be the primary and if you want to attend do so if not you know she will be covered. And then enjory your summer.

UtahDoula · 05-20-2007, 03:31 PM

From the sound of it, you may have already agreed (made an oral contract, for what that's worth) to be her doula. My advice to you would be to work with this woman, but then block out some time on your calendar when you're not taking clients so that you have some downtime. I do that once or twice a year, depending on what is going on in my life. For example, I've blocked out most of July (because of a long out of town trip) and the first few weeks of September (hoping to go to the Lamaze conference + have to get the back to school routine down) When I get calls for those dates, I just say "Sorry, I am booked for those dates." - they don't need to know that I booked myself.

AussieDoula · 05-20-2007, 09:27 PM

This is why I plan my vacation time at the beginning of the year.

It's important for all of us to treat our work as a business - which includes planning time off and setting boundaries - so we don't burn out.

Personally, I would still work with her (as it sounds like you've basically said you'll be her Doula - have you signed a contract yet?) and then take a vacation. Ofcourse, if you're really that needing of a holiday, then it might be best for her that you refer her on to another Doula.

Good luck!

Jilian · 05-20-2007, 10:09 PM

It sounds like you really are feeling burned out and do not want another client at this time - I don't think you should take her but I do think you should refer her to another Doula and be honest with her. She deserves a well-rested Doula who is eager to have her as a client, and it doesn't sound like you are feeling that way right now. IMO, a client is not an actual client until they have given you a deposit and/or signed a contract. I think she would appreciate your honesty if you tell her soon and help her find a replacement.

Stacie · 05-20-2007, 10:09 PM

I fully understand blocking time out -- I do that when I know there is something goin on or a holiday I don't want to miss, but there was no way to predict how these last births would be (3-days of labor with one, stillbirth with another). We have not signed a contract yet, and no money has been exchanged.

I will probably keep her, I just feel like I am in a funk. Maybe I will feel better in a few days.

douladot · 05-21-2007, 05:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jilian

It sounds like you really are feeling burned out and do not want another client at this time - I don't think you should take her but I do think you should refer her to another Doula and be honest with her. She deserves a well-rested Doula who is eager to have her as a client, and it doesn't sound like you are feeling that way right now. IMO, a client is not an actual client until they have given you a deposit and/or signed a contract. I think she would appreciate your honesty if you tell her soon and help her find a replacement.

whitecrew4 · 05-21-2007, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stacie

I fully understand blocking time out -- I do that when I know there is something goin on or a holiday I don't want to miss, but there was no way to predict how these last births would be (3-days of labor with one, stillbirth with another). We have not signed a contract yet, and no money has been exchanged.

I will probably keep her, I just feel like I am in a funk. Maybe I will feel better in a few days.

If one of your last births was a still birth, I think you need to give yourself permission to grieve.

MothertheMother · 05-21-2007, 10:21 PM

If you decide to go ahead and accept the client I say use some of the $$ to set yourself up with some spa pampering right after the June 20 mama gives birth. That way you have something to look forward to so you'll feel refreshed and ready for the next birth.