The Doula Darcy Podcast

You're a skilled, passionate doula. You've invested in your training, and you know you have so much to offer families. So why does another doula seem to get all the inquiries?

It can feel unfair and as an eldest daughter who once made Christmas gift spreadsheets to keep everything equal, you KNOW that bothers me. 😂

In this episode, I'm talking about the gap between being an amazing doula and being the doula families find online. Let's look at whether the people searching for your services can actually find you.

In this episode:

...

If you're an established doula, you probably know the trap. You tell yourself you'll just take on a few extra clients this month to pay off a bill, cover college tuition, or build up your savings.

And then next month comes, there's another expense, and suddenly you're saying yes to even MORE work.

Sound familiar?

In this episode of The Doula Darcy Podcast, I'm joined by my friend and fellow agency owner and my co-host for the upcoming BirthWorker Retreat,Jodi Congdon, to talk about one of our favorite subjects: GENERATING REVENUE!

Maine Doula Retreat Recap - And Getting Off the Hamster Wheel of your Doula Business The Doula Business That Got You Here Won't Get You There

What happens when you take a group of busy, successful doulas out of their everyday lives, put them in a gorgeous oceanfront house in Maine, and give them permission to do absolutely nothing for a little while?

Something pretty magical.

I'm back from hosting two back-to-back Maine Doula Retreats for members of My Doula Village, and in this episode, I'm sharing what happened when these incredible women finally had...

Do doulas really need liability insurance? What does it actually cover? And do you need professional liability insurance, general liability insurance…or both?

These are questions that come up ALL THE TIME in doula groups and instead of relying on what someone heard from another doula who heard it from someone else, I decided to go directly to the source.

In this episode of The Doula Darcy Podcast, I'm talking with Miriam Ball and Karissa Norton from Alternative Balance to get answers to some of the biggest questions doulas have about liability insurance.

An...

Why real-life connection might be one of the most underrated ways to build a sustainable doula business.

What if one of the best things you could do for your doula business had nothing to do with marketing, strategy, social media or even AI?

I recorded this quickie episode in real time as I was getting ready for one of my favorite weeks of the entire year: the Maine Doula Business Retreat.

And while thinking about why I love bringing a small group of doulas together in a big house on the coast of...

What does it actually take to go from doing doula work "on the side" to making it your full-time career?

In this episode of The Doula Darcy Podcast, I'm talking with My Doula Village member Rachel Bailey about exactly that.

When Rachel joined My Doula Village in June 2025, she was a college professor teaching Public Health while also trying to build her doula business on the side. She loved doula work and knew she wanted to do more of it, but walking away from a steady paycheck, health insurance, and a career she'd spent nearly 20...

As doulas, we already know that words matter.

We help clients change the way they think and talk about birth. We use affirmations. We pay attention to the language being used in the birth room. We know that one seemingly innocent comment from a provider can completely change how someone experiences their labor.

But have you ever stopped to think about the language (via self-talk) and the deeply held beliefs you're bringing into your business?

In this episode, I'm joined by my friend Megan Blacksmith, NLP practitioner, business owner, and host of the...

Only Have 3 Hours to Market Your Doula Business? Do This If you only had three hours a week to market your doula business, what should you do with them?

Should you batch 50 Instagram Reels? Post three times a day? Try to educate every pregnant person in your community about why they need a doula?

My answer is easy: work on your SEO.

In this episode, I'm explaining why search engine optimization, and now AI search optimization, is the number-one marketing strategy I recommend for doulas who are short on time and...

If working harder were the secret to making more money, the busiest doulas would also be the wealthiest.

But that's not what we're seeing.

Too many talented doulas are working 6 nights/week, attending birth after birth, squeezing in more clients, putting their own needs last and still struggling to make the numbers work.

And eventually, something has to give.

In this episode of The Doula Darcy Podcast, I'm challenging the idea that earning more has to mean working more.

Exactly What I Say to Get Doula Clients to Hire Me Without Feeling Sales-y

You don't need to become "better at sales" to book more doula clients.

In fact, the harder you try to sell yourself during a doula interview, the more awkward it can feel for you and the potential client.

In this episode of The Doula Darcy Podcast, I'm sharing 6 simple phrases I use during doula interviews to help potential clients feel comfortable, confident, and ready to hire me, without ever feeling pushy or salesy.

These are phrases I've...

If You're Charging $600 for a Birth, We Need to Talk

In this episode, I dive into one of the biggest mistakes I see doulas making: setting rates without considering the real costs of running a business. From liability insurance and continuing education to website costs, self-care, and recovery after births, your pricing needs to cover far more than the hours you're physically attending a birth.

If you've ever felt guilty charging your full fee for a short birth, struggled to invest in your business, or wondered whether it's time to raise your rates, this episode...

As doulas, we spend our days nurturing, supporting, and caring for everyone else.

But how can we also teach mothers how to care for themselves?

In this week's episode, I'm joined by Dr. Gertrude Lyons, author of Rewrite the Mother Code: From Sacrifice to Stardust, for a conversation that completely reframes what it means to support women through motherhood.

We dive into the concept of self-mothering, the practice of offering yourself the same compassion, grace, encouragement, and care that you so freely give to everyone else. And then modeling that for our doula...

Do you hate social media?

You're definitely not alone.

In fact, it's one of the biggest complaints I hear from doulas.

In this episode, I'm sharing a mindset shift that has completely changed the way I look at social media and it's changing the way my students think about it too.

Instead of seeing social media as another annoying marketing task, what if you saw it as one of the most powerful ways to improve birth and postpartum care globally?

In this episode we'll talk about:

How...

On the Doula Darcy Podcast, Darcy interviews Ciarra Morgan, owner of Empowered Beginnings in Austin, host of the Birth, Baby! Podcast, and founder of Birth, Baby! Academy, about using authentic networking to grow a doula business doula without relying heavily on social media or paid ads. Ciarra explains that the best early referrals come from other perinatal professionals such as chiropractors, pelvic floor PTs, therapists, photographers, and birth centers, and emphasizes approaching conversations with curiosity and community benefit rather than pitching. She shares examples of networking leading to major opportunities, including free event space for a doula training and ongoing...

Is Your Doula Business Feeling Slow Right Now?

If your inquiries have slowed down, you're not alone.

In this episode, Doula Darcy tackles the "elephant in the room" that many doulas are experiencing right now: fewer inquiries, fewer consultations, and a noticeable slowdown in business.

Drawing from conversations with doulas across the English-speaking world and her own 16-year-old postpartum doula agency, Darcy shares why economic uncertainty may be affecting client bookings and, more importantly, what you can do about it.

Rather than hiding when business slows down, Darcy explains why this...

Why Doula Agencies Take a Cut (and Why Hard Conversations Matter)

The Doula Darcy cuts right to the chase on this episode, urging doulas to stop complaining about typical 25–30% agency commissions (noting 45–50% is excessive) and explaining that agencies earn their cut by handling contracting, negotiations, interviews, background checks, references, invoicing, client management software, and the stress and risk of running the business so doulas can focus on providing care.

Drawing from Agency Owner Office Hours in My Doula Village, Darcy describes common challenges such as boundary-pushing clients and unreliable contractors, emphasizing that having short, hard conversations earl...

You Can't Build a High-Value Doula Business with Low-Value Decisions

In this candid and "slightly spicy" episode, Darcy challenges a pattern she's seeing across the doula industry: the constant search for the fastest, cheapest, and free-est way to build a doula business.

From low-cost trainings to DIY websites and free mentorship requests, she breaks down why this mindset is quietly sabotaging doulas and why it directly impacts their ability to attract paying clients.

This conversation isn't actually about spending more money. It's about understanding value, self-worth, and the connection between how you invest...

In this episode, Darcy sits down with PR expert and seasoned doula Kristin Revere, founder of Gold Coast Doulas, to break down how doulas can bootstrap their own public relations strategy without spending thousands on a Public Relations agency. From pitching local media to leveraging national features, Kristin shares actionable, real-world strategies to help doulas get visible, build authority, and ultimately attract more clients.

✨ What You'll Learn

Would you ever guess that The Doula Darcy is an introvert?

She is! And this week, she's sharing encouragement and practical tips for introverted doulas. She explains how introverts recharge alone, why she books her own hotel room at events to decompress and rest early, and how learning about introversion (including the book Quiet) reduced her guilt and helped her plan downtime.   Drawing on early career networking at Chamber of Commerce events and later building her postpartum doula business, she emphasizes that networking and marketing become easier when you lean into your passion for doula work, schedule quiet b...

Money, mindset, and what to actually do when your income grows

In this episode, Doula Darcy is diving into a topic that doesn't get talked about enough in the doula world. Money.

Inspired by doulas in the My Doula Village community who are hitting consistent five-figure months, this conversation explores both the practical strategies and the mindset shifts needed to handle more income with confidence.

What You'll Learn

It's World Doula Week!  But what the heck does that even mean and what are we supposed to be doing?

Doula Darcy breaks it down for you in this episode and shares 5 actionable things you can do to piggyback off of World Doula Week and spread awareness about your own doula business. 

✨ Connect with Darcy on Instagram : @thedouladarcy   / thedouladarcy  

Join My Doula Village  for deeper trainings on things like this and so much more! 

About The Doula Darcy: Doula Business Coach & Marketing Strategist

Since 2010, D...

If you're a doula wondering what to post on Instagram to get more clients, this podcast episode is for you.

Today I'm talking with Instagram expert Molly Cahill all about how doulas can use Instagram to grow a local business, attract more of the right clients, and stop overthinking social media.

We cover what actually works on Instagram right now, why you do not need to go viral, and how to create content that helps potential clients get to know, like, and trust you before they ever reach out.

We also talk about...

If you've ever thought about adding passive income to your doula business but felt overwhelmed by building a course from scratch this episode is for you.

Today I'm joined by Lizzie Bolliger (aka Fierce Lizzie), founder of Unmedicated Academy, to talk about what it really takes to build an online offer as a birth worker.

We cover:

How Lizzie went from high school math teacher to full-time online childbirth educator

The truth about "passive income" (and why marketing never stops)

Why most doulas never finish the digital course they...

The Power of In-Person Events for Doulas - Retreats, Summits, and Putting Yourself in the Room with Doula Darcy & Jodi Congdon   We're trying something new and doing a joint podcast episode of The Doula Darcy Podcast and The Birth Boss Podcast today!   In this episode, Darcy & Jodi discuss why in-person events are a powerful catalyst for business growth, mindset shifts, and community in the doula world. They share their first experiences attending doula conferences (including DONA International and CAPPA) and describe the motivation, connection, and expanded vision that comes from being face-to-face with others who share the same passion and/or...

Curious about pricing strategies for doulas? It's your business, your decision!

Explore why some doulas showcase prices online while others don't, and what might work best for you.

Register for the free webinar that Darcy mentioned on How to Get Doula Clients here:

https://douladarcy.com/webinar

In this episode, I'm coming to you from sunny Clearwater, Florida a few days ahead of The Birthworker Retreat. I share the behind-the-scenes of how I intentionally designed this event (and my life!) to match my personal needs and seasonal rhythms. From walks on the beach and hotel massages to the mindset shifts that took me from burnt-out martyr to thriving doula business owner, I walk you through how this lifestyle didn't happen by accident. It happened by methodical design.

I'm breaking down how you, too, can start aligning your business with the life you truly want...

There comes a moment in many doula businesses when everything is technically "working"… You're getting clients. You're good at what you do. You're busy, maybe sometimes too busy.

And yet, the income still isn't where it needs to be.

In this episode, I'm talking about the very real (and very common) moment when doulas hit an income ceiling and what to do when you realize that trading hours for dollars simply isn't sustainable long-term.

I share my own story of reaching this point a few years into my postpartum doula business: juggling multiple fa...

If you're a people pleaser (and if you're a doula… chances are high), this episode is for you.

In this conversation, Darcy unpacks the quiet but powerful connection between the work doulas do for their clients — teaching them to advocate for themselves, ask questions, and trust their gut — and the places we don't do that in our own lives and businesses.

From birth rooms to living rooms, doulas are incredible at reminding parents they don't need permission to make decisions that feel right for them. But when it comes to our businesses? Our pricing? Our package...

Welcome to a real talk episode with Doula Darcy, recorded during that deliciously confusing week between Christmas and New Year's. In this solo episode, Darcy shares a side of her that you may not have seen much before: her passion for personal finance and how it ties directly into doula sustainability and self-care.

If you're ready to step into 2026 with more financial clarity, less stress, and a business that supports your life, not drains it, this episode is your guide.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Why paying yourself well is the ultimate form...

In this episode, The Doula Darcy shares three simple year-end money moves she makes every December that reliably increase revenue in the next year.

These steps take less than an hour each, but they compound in a powerful way.

Most doulas try to "hustle harder," but earning more starts with strengthening what's already working. Darcy breaks down how to raise your rates confidently, reduce your taxable income, and increase referrals through gratitude and intentional follow-up.

In this episode you'll learn:

Why scrolling your photos from January can transform how you feel...

I share the behind-the-scenes of hosting my doula agency's biggest holiday party yet on today's episode.

Hear all about how I strategically planned it to be both meaningful and a tax write-off!

You'll hear how I:

Used smart tax strategies (like the Augusta Rule!) to host a chef-catered dinner at home

Created special moments for my team, including custom holiday cards

Involved my teen boys in the prep, teaching them what mom really does

Pivoted on gifts and ended up offering heartfelt bonuses instead

Whether...

This week, I'm narrowing in on a question many people (including my parents) still ask me: What exactly does a business coach do? And why do you need one?

I'm breaking it down through personal stories from my competitive gymnastics and diving days, showing how having a coach - whether on the mat, on the diving board, or in your business—can be the difference between floundering and flying.

You'll hear:

Why coaching isn't just for athletes

How a good coach acts like a "spotter" in your business

The im...

This week I share how I'm restructuring my business this winter to better support my family and my energy, without the mom guilt.

I talk about:

Why I'm temporarily closing my membership, My Doula Village

The real reason I'm not building a big team (and why you don't have to either)

What bro marketers get wrong, and what actually works

How entrepreneurship is really a journey of self-discovery

The power of getting in rooms (IRL or virtual) with people doing what you want to do

...

Someone asked Darcy on Instagram how doulas can be incorporating CEO days their doula business.   Darcy, who prefers the term 'Island days' over 'CEO days,' shares her personal strategies for maintaining a balance between work and relaxation.   She shares the importance of taking time to work ON your business rather than just IN it. Whether through designated weekly hours, full days off, or attending business retreats, Darcy emphasizes the value of stepping out of your routine to spark creativity and achieve business growth.   00:25 What is a CEO Day? 01:22 Introducing Island Days 02:12

Want to meet the Business Coach Behind the The Doula Business Coach? 

What happens when your business coach becomes one of your strongest cheerleaders and biggest expanders? In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain and inviting you into a very personal (and often hilarious) conversation with my business coach of three years, the incredible Amber Lilyestrom.

Amber isn't just a business coach & brand strategist. She's a poet, a mom, and a professional crazy cat lady (yes, we explain). She's also the reason I've taken my doula coaching business to the next level. Together, we ta...

The only way to keep serving families without burning out is to design a business that earns you money even when you're not on call.

I see it all the time. Doulas pour their whole hearts into their clients, only to realize their business only works if they are physically working.

If you're on call 24/7…
If you feel guilty every time you block off a weekend…
If your bank account feels just as drained as you do…

That's not freedom. That's a business model that's running you.

You don't need a huge advertising budget to attract dream doula clients. In fact, you can build a thriving doula business for free (well, almost). In this episode, I share the only investment I believe every doula must make, plus the three free marketing strategies that will keep your client list full for years to come.

I also get real about the importance of showing up - online, in your community, and in your client work - so you can grow your business without wasting money.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

Postpartum doulas often equate their value with how much they do—laundry folded, dishes washed, bottles sterilized. But what if the most meaningful support has nothing to do with physical tasks? In this episode, Darcy challenges the productivity myth and highlights the profound impact of simply being present, listening, and validating a new mom's experience.

What You'll Learn:

Why postpartum doulas often undervalue emotional support

How our culture ties self-worth to productivity—and how to unlearn it

Real client stories that prove presence > performance

How to ask the right ques...

What should you actually bring and set up at your table if you're exhibiting at a Baby Expo, Baby Fair, or community event?

If you've ever found yourself wondering how to stand out in a room full of vendors (without spending a fortune), this episode is your must-listen guide. I'm sharing lessons from my years producing mom and baby expos across New England. Plus - the exact strategies I've seen work (and flop) when it comes to turning a six-foot table into a client-magnet.

What you'll learn:

The one mistake that g...

Darcy explains the number one mistake sleep consultants and doulas make when trying to attract clients.

Simply posting on Instagram and relying on cute Canva content won't bring clients rolling in.

Instead, building a strong marketing foundation with a lead generation funnel and effective systems is crucial.

Learn about the importance of turning strangers into followers, followers into leads, and leads into clients.

Darcy also introduces a new 90-day accelerator program aimed at helping sleep consultants earn $10,000 a month by implementing effective marketing strategies.

Apply here: https://douladarcy.com/90...