How to Teach a Free Class at Your Library (and Get Doula Clients in the Process)

Why Free Classes Work for Doulas
Offering a short class at a library or community center is one of the simplest ways to reach new clients, build trust in your community, and establish yourself as a local expert. These 30-minute sessions can be especially useful for early-career doulas, those returning after a break, or agency owners needing more work for their team.

This is a long-game strategy. You won’t always walk away with a client that day, but it creates visibility, reputation, and word-of-mouth momentum that pays off over time.

Step-by-Step: How to Make It Happen

1. Find the Right Venue
Start with your local public library or community center. Search for “community class schedule” or “[your town] public library programs” and see what kinds of free classes they offer. It may take a few emails to find the right person, but once you do, the scheduling process is often easy and welcoming.

2. Pick a Title That Draws People In
Avoid using “doula” in the title—many people will assume it’s not for them. Instead, choose a name that appeals to a wider audience. Try:

• 5 Ways to Have an Easier Birth
• What No One Tells You About Birth (But You’ll Wish You Knew)
• Secrets to a More Comfortable Labor
• 5 Things That Help in the Postpartum Period

Rotate your topics by quarter: birth-related classes in Q1 & Q3, postpartum-focused classes in Q2 & Q4.

3. Make It Short and Approachable
Keep your class to 30 minutes. That makes it accessible for busy parents and easier for you to repeat consistently. Bring one or two visual aids—a peanut ball or pelvic model can draw interest from passersby. You don’t need a slide deck; just speak clearly and share helpful tips.

4. Promote Smartly (and Within the Rules)
You typically can’t charge for these classes, and some places may restrict food or promotional giveaways. However, you can usually:

• Hand out business cards or branded flyers
• Offer a PDF of class notes via QR code or sign-up sheet (to collect emails)
• Let the library include your class in their calendar
• Share your name, title, and website at the beginning or end

Follow-Up That Feels Good (Not Salesy)

After class, send a brief thank-you email to attendees. You can:

• Share one bonus tip or resource
• Ask if they want info about your services
• Offer to send a referral if you’re not a fit for their needs

This keeps the door open while centering the relationship, not the pitch.

Turn It Into a Regular Offering

Teaching quarterly or even monthly builds momentum. Reach out to other branches or nearby towns. As you get busier, consider having a backup doula help or co-teach.

You can also adapt these same presentations for:

• Baby fairs
• Parent expos
• Local prenatal or postpartum groups

The more consistently you show up, the more people will remember and recommend you.

This is one of the most accessible, affordable, and authentic ways to grow your doula practice. With just 30 minutes every few months, you can plant seeds that grow your client base, uplift your community, and create lasting connections.