The 6 Biggest Mistakes New Doulas Make

The 6 Biggest Mistakes New Doulas Make (and How to Avoid Them!)

Starting out as a Birth Doula is exciting—but it can also feel a bit overwhelming. I remember that feeling all too well! You’re passionate, motivated, and ready to serve families… but without the right guidance, it’s easy to make mistakes that can slow down your momentum or hurt your confidence. The good news? Most of these are totally avoidable once you know what to look out for.

In this blog post, I’m sharing the top 6 mistakes new Doulas make—and more importantly, how you can sidestep them as you build a Doula business you can be proud of.

1. Undervaluing Your Services

Charging too little (or worse, working for free (yikes!) is one of the fastest ways to burn out and believe it or not, will be your Achilles heel because others will undervalue what you do and that mindset will be very hard to overcome.

Many new Doulas feel they need to “earn experience” before charging fair rates. But your time, energy, training, and availability have value—even as a beginner. You have already invested a lot financially and energy wise when getting trained and certified. 

Start with a fair introductory rate—not free.

Offer value through excellent support and care, not steep discounts.

Create simple packages that reflect your time and worth. Don’t over complicate things – make it easy for a person to decide the best way you can help them.

Not sure how to price your services? Read my blog post 'How Much Should You Charge as a Birth Doula?' to get clear and confident!

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2. Skipping the Business Basics

You’re not just a Doula—you’re also a business owner.

Many Doulas start working with clients before setting up foundational business systems. That’s a recipe for confusion, possible legal issues, and financial stress.

Get your contracts in place before attending births.

Use a scheduling tool and payment processor to stay organized.

Track income and expenses from the beginning.

Need help setting up your business foundation? Grab my FREE resource 'From Passion to Profession - A Guide for New Birth Doulas'.

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3. Trying to Be for Everyone

When you speak to everyone, you connect with no one. New Doulas often fear niching down—but clarity in who you serve is what sets you apart. However, in the beginning, don’t get too hung up on this aspect – this is a process – serve who you can now and as you gain experience you will get clearer on who you serve best and can tailor your messaging to them. 

Get clear on your ideal client—what kind of birth do they want? What do they value?  Your ideal client may not do birth like you would – so try to keep your preferences for birth at bay.

Use that insight to shape your messaging, content, and branding.

Speak directly to her—not the entire internet.

Want to define your unique style and brand voice? Download my 'Canva for Doulas - A DIY Branding & Design Guide' today!

4. Ignoring the Power of Marketing

Birth work may be heart-centered work, but marketing is what keeps the work going.

If no one knows you’re a Doula, they can’t hire you. Showing up consistently builds trust and connection.

Share behind-the-scenes moments and client wins (with permission).

Post tips, inspiration, and your “why” to social media.

Get listed on DoulaMatch, BeHerVillage, and Google Business.

Struggling to get seen? Let's get you started with 1:1 mentoring for personalized help getting noticed!

5. Not Setting Boundaries Early On

Loving birth work doesn’t mean being on-call 24/7, 365 days a year.

Without clear boundaries, new Doulas often end up overextending themselves—physically and emotionally. When that happens, you really are not doing justice by your client.

Set realistic response times and communicate them clearly.

Establish backup support before your calendar fills up.

Learn to say no to clients who aren’t the right fit.

Boundaries are professional, not personal. They’re what allow you to do this work long-term. As my one of my dear Doula colleague Emily, creator of Fit4Doula always says, “Being clear is being kind”.

6. Waiting Too Long to Find a Mentor

You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Doulas thrive with support—just like the clients they serve. A mentor can help you skip the trial-and-error and get clear, confident, and profitable faster.

Find a mentor who aligns with your values and business goals.

Ask questions, get feedback, and don’t be afraid to grow.

Invest in your business just like you invested in your training.

Ready for expert guidance? Join my ‘From Passion to Prosperity’ coaching program and let’s build your business together!

Final Thoughts: No doula starts out perfect—but with the right tools and mindset, you can avoid common pitfalls and step confidently into your calling.

Remember: You don’t have to do this alone. Whether it’s pricing, branding, systems, or support—I’m here to walk the journey with you.

Let's connect today! Follow me on social and Book Your Clarity Call - it's time to take your next step toward becoming a confident, prosperous Doula!