One Doula - Two Labors
As doulas, we know that babies can’t read calendars or clocks, which means there’s always a chance that two clients will go into labor at the same time. While it may not happen often, it’s something every doula needs to prepare for, both logistically and emotionally.
Even births that are close together but not simultaneous can be physically and mentally exhausting, making it important to pace yourself and have a solid backup plan. Let’s walk through how to handle this situation with confidence and professionalism.
Step 1: Smart Scheduling Can Minimize Overlaps
One of the best ways to prevent a scheduling conflict is to be strategic about how many clients you take per month. But due dates are unpredictable, so it’s not just about spacing them out—it’s about considering factors like:
- First-time parents vs. experienced parents, since first-time parents often labor longer.
- Induction likelihood, since knowing the induction rates of specific hospitals or providers can be helpful.
- Personal commitments, so you can block out dates when you’re unavailable upfront.
Related resources:
- How to Schedule Doula Clients Even When Due Dates Are Unpredictable
- How Many Clients Can a Doula Take Per Month?
Step 2: Always Have a Backup Doula (and Maybe a Backup Backup)
Every doula should have a backup plan in place—not just for overlapping births, but also for emergencies, illness, or personal conflicts. Some doulas even arrange backup backups, just in case.
When selecting a backup doula, consider:
- Compatibility: Do they have a similar approach and philosophy?
- Client experience: Will your clients feel comfortable with them?
- Professionalism: Do they reflect well on your brand?
It’s also important to test out a backup doula before committing. I once had a backup who agreed to cover me for three days, only to cancel on day one for a last-minute theme park trip. Needless to say, I never used her again.
Related resource:
Step 3: Communicate Clearly and Set Expectations Early
Most clients don’t spend much time worrying about what happens if their doula is unavailable. That’s why it’s important to set expectations from the start.
- Be upfront about blackout dates, even small ones like a child’s recital or your own birthday.
- Mention the backup doula in consultations, but don’t overcomplicate it. I simply say, “In the unlikely event that I can’t attend your birth, I have a trusted backup who is included in your fee.”
- Share backup doula details once a client books. Some doulas even schedule quarterly meet-and-greet calls with their backups.
Step 4: What to Do When Two Clients Are in Labor at Once
When this situation happens, have a clear policy in place. My personal rule is that whichever client goes into labor first gets me.
If two people are in active labor at the same time, you have to make a decision quickly and communicate it clearly.
For example, “I’m so excited that you’re in labor! My backup doula will be coming to support you because I’m already at another birth.”
Keep it short and simple. Don’t over-apologize or make it a bigger deal than it is. Clients pick up on your energy. If you sound calm and confident, they’ll feel reassured.
Step 5: Handling Postpartum and Business Considerations
After the birth, offer postpartum support with either yourself or the backup, depending on what your client prefers. Most clients still choose me for postpartum visits, even if they had a backup at their birth.
A few key business points:
- Do you discount your fee if a backup attends the birth? No. You were paid to ensure your client had support, and you provided that service. Your backup’s fee comes out of what you were already paid.
- What if a client is nervous about backups? Most aren’t, but in rare cases, I’ve heard of clients offering to pay triple the usual rate to secure their doula exclusively.
Stay Prepared and Confident
It may not happen as often as new doulas fear, but when you have a strong backup system in place, you won’t stress when it does. The key is honesty, preparation, and professionalism.
Have you ever faced two clients in labor at once? How did you handle it? Share your experience in the comments.
Need help creating a solid backup plan? Join Doula Office Hours for expert guidance and community discussion.
