First potential client meeting

[SabbathD]

Okay! So on Monday, I am meeting for the first time with my potential client. She contacted me through my website. I know this has been discussed, but tell me again. What do you guys go over during the first sit down? I will have a copy of my contract to go over, but what else?

Thanks for humoring me!!

So excited/nervous!!! : banana

[tlcdoula]

I simply go over my services and what I have to offer and allow them to ask questions. I give them a copy of my contract, a brochure, business cards, and let them know that I cannot hold their spot until they fill out the contract and return it to me with 1/2 of the fee.

I do not go over the contract specifically, but I know some doulas do. I would like to believe that the clients I work with can read and have a reasonable intelligence level. I do let them know that if they have questions they can ask them.

[Mile High Doula]

I am with Michelle. That's about all I do at the interview. I bring a piece of paper so I can write down the hubby's name and/or kids names and such but don't do any other writing and put it away after I write down that info. I hand them a nice packet of info. They look over it at their own convenience but I do let them know what is on each side of the packet. I listen to what they have to say, why they want a doula, etc. Then I just talk about my services. I try to keep it short. Don't reveal too much info or they might think they don't need you. IF they ask lots of questions about stuff you would talk about in prenatals, just let them know you will discuss it at the prenatal.

[teachinmamaof4]

I've only done one interview so far (have had others with the mw I'm apprenticing with). I took a copy of my contract and went over with her. I also just sat and listened to her share about her first birth and what her desires were for this birth (VBAC).

The best advice I've received so far....once the interview is over and you walk away, put them out of your mind. If they are interested they'll get back with you.

[brilliant]

i have my first client consultation on sunday so this is a great thread for me too! so far i'm planning to give her a packet with my brochure, business card, "what is a doula" info sheet and an "about me" sheet.

[doulafava]

I am still fairly green, but at interviews I give potential clients a folder with a contract, a SASE (which has really worked out well for me), a list of references, the article from DONA "Dads and Doulas" and a recomended reading list - mainly to highlight my lending library. I bring with me a very basic client info form (name, dads name, address, previous births, etc.) and a checklist of points I want to cover. Beyond that it seems like we just chat to see if its a good fit. I found that when I was charging more of a student rate that people hired me on the spot, so be prepared for that.

Good luck! I didn't know about alldoulas before my first client meeting - I think if I had I would have been much more prepared!

[11 is heaven]

I have a sample contract from CAPPA, but I would like to see a couple of more examples, can anyone here help me? Thanks

[hbettenhausen]

Hi,
I didn't know if you were still looking for examples...this is the one I use. I usually make the first visit about services offered, bring a couple articles, kind of get a feeling for the mom and partner and then the NEXT visit, i'll bring more articles, info...go over "birth plan" and more extensive subjects. Without seeming "desperate," I usually go over why doulas are so awesome and a great attribute to births, take pressure off partners, etc...
Harmonie

[Zus]

I find the first interview always very hard! I usually want to keep it short, but often, the lady/couple has a lot of questions.
I explain what my services include, what my price is and how the payments should be arranged. I also tell about my birth philosophy and I answer questions.
I always bring my birth bag and I show what tricks I have in it.
I hand a folder.
That's about it!

[birthwisedoula]

I ask them these sorts of things:
Have they heard of a doula before? why, where etc
How are htye feeling about their pregnancy & birth?
What experiences have they had with birthing?
What do they value around their birth experience? (painfree/totally natural/no intervention/no internals etc)?
Have they thought about a birth plan?
What role does the partner want to have/the doula have?
Often this just generates discussions between the couple and helps towards working on the birth plan/preferences. I also ask them to feel free to ask me anything, anytime about anything so they can suss me out and get to trust me yk, as I have 'nothing to hide' etc. I often will meet with them 2-3x and they may also meet my son (2.5years)

[birthwisedoula]

p.s - they are often as nervous and scared as you are (as a first/second/third timer doula) !

[birthwisedoula]

Oops, I also leave a copy of the doula agreement with them or have emailed it to them before hand so they get some idea of what its all about. If they decide then and there at the first meeting they'd like me to assist them, we both sign it there.

I also ensure I hug both of them before I leave and tell them it wil all be wonderful!

[landensmomma]

thanks ladies, this helped me too!

[Gran]

This was good timing. I meet my first client on Sunday. I really appreciate the reminders of what to bring along. I feel more prepared now going to meet Mom.

[MamaMichelle]

Great thread! Thanks everyone!