Running a successful doula business is no small feat. Between supporting clients, staying on call, and managing the emotional and physical demands of your work, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed—especially when you add the business side of things into the mix. For many doulas, the thought of hiring a virtual assistant (VA) comes up when the to-do list starts feeling insurmountable.
But is a VA right for you? Let’s explore why you might consider hiring one, the benefits they offer, and alternatives that might better suit your needs.
Why Do Doulas Feel Overwhelmed?
As a doula, you’re juggling a lot. Middle and long-term doulas often share these challenges:
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- Administrative Overload: Scheduling, invoicing, email management, and social media can take over your day, leaving little room for client care.
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- Unfinished Projects: Those website updates or marketing plans that keep getting pushed to “later”? They start to pile up.
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- Work-Life Balance Concerns: You’re doing it all but feeling stretched too thin.
This is where the idea of hiring help—like a VA—can become appealing.
Why Hire a Virtual Assistant?
A virtual assistant can be a game-changer for doulas who are ready to outsource certain tasks. Here’s how they can help:
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- Administrative Tasks: Managing emails, scheduling appointments, and maintaining client records.
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- Marketing Support: Creating and scheduling social media posts or newsletters.
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- Specialized Projects: Designing a new website, setting up an Airtable tracker, or organizing your client database.
For many doulas, hiring a VA offers the chance to reclaim time and mental energy, allowing you to focus on what you do best: supporting clients.
Do You Need a Full-Time VA?
Not necessarily. Depending on your needs and budget, you might consider:
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- One-Time Projects: Hire someone to tackle that website overhaul or create a marketing plan.
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- Time-Limited Support: Bring in a VA for a few months to get through your busiest season.
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- Task-Specific Help: Outsource just one thing, like monthly bookkeeping or social media scheduling.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
Before you dive in, take a moment to reflect on what you really need:
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- What’s Overwhelming You Most? Are there specific tasks that drain your time or energy?
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- What’s Your Budget? Be realistic about what you can afford.
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- What’s Your Timeline? Is this an ongoing need or a short-term project?
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- Can You DIY First? Sometimes, a simple tool or app, or system can streamline your work without hiring help.
Alternatives to a VA
If a VA doesn’t feel right just yet, there are other options:
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- Tech Solutions: Tools like Canva, Airtable, or scheduling apps can simplify your workflows.
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- Collaborate with Peers: Partner with another doula to share resources or trade skills.
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- Hire a Specialist: For example, a graphic designer for branding, someone on Etsy or Fiverr for a template, or an accountant for taxes.
Hiring a virtual assistant can be a transformative step for your doula business, but it’s not the only solution. Whether you choose to bring on a VA or explore other options, the goal is to create a business that supports you as much as you support your clients.
If you’re ready to take the next step, start by listing out the tasks you need help with and exploring what kind of support feels right for you. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help—it’s a sign of strength, not weakness.
