Things You’ll Learn in This Post:

• • What agency doula work really looks like

• • The biggest pros (like built-in backup and no marketing)

• • What to watch out for in contracts

• • 12 key business areas to evaluate before joining a group

Working as a doula in an agency can be a great way to get experience, especially when you’re new or just not interested in the business side of things. You may avoid the hustle of finding clients, marketing yourself, and worrying about backup. But that doesn’t mean it’s a one-size-fits-all solution.

Let’s take a closer look at what it means to be an agency doula—and the 12 areas you should consider before joining a group.

What Is a Doula Agency?

A doula agency is typically a group or business that brings together multiple doulas under one umbrella. The agency handles the business side—things like marketing, intake calls, contracts, and often backup support—so doulas can focus more on attending births or providing postpartum care.

Some agencies operate like a referral network, simply connecting doulas with clients. Others function more like a team, where the agency assigns clients, collects payments, and sets policies that all doulas agree to follow. In most cases, doulas are independent contractors, not employees, which means you’ll need to understand the expectations and limitations of that relationship.

Not all agencies are created equal. Some offer flexibility and mentorship. Others have strict rules and limited autonomy. That’s why asking questions and reading the fine print is so important because what works well for one doula might be a poor fit for another.

What Is an Agency Doula?

An agency doula is someone who works with one or more doula agencies. Sometimes they also have their own solo practice and use the agency for client referrals. Others work exclusively through the agency.

5 Things to Consider Before Saying Yes

Before we dive into the business areas, here are five smart steps to take before signing on:

• 1. 1. Review every contract carefully. Especially look out for non-compete clauses that might limit your future work.
     2. Ask how payment works. Will you get paid even if the client ghosts or disputes a charge?
  1. Clarify scheduling expectations. You should both agree on how many clients you’re taking each month.
  2. Understand the group’s culture. Does the way they work match how you want to show up as a doula?
  3. Check for standards of behavior. Do they require doulas to stay a certain amount of time after a birth? Do postpartum visits come with every birth package?

12 Areas of Business to Evaluate in an Agency

1. Income

You won’t keep the full client fee. Agencies usually take 20%–30%. Payment timelines and systems vary widely, so ask about:

• • When and how you’ll be paid

• • Whether it’s tied to when the client pays

• • If you’re expected to collect payments or if the agency does that

2. Marketing

One major perk? You likely won’t need to handle marketing yourself. Most agencies:

• • Manage social media, websites, and ads

• • Might invite you to client-facing events like meet & greets, but you’re not expected to fund or organize them

3. Brand and Reputation

The agency sets the brand, the name, logo, tone, and public image. But:

• • Your work contributes to the agency’s reputation, good or bad

• • If someone in the group has a poor reputation, it can affect you too

4. Backup Support

Agencies usually have an internal backup system. You may be expected to:

• • Take backup clients

• • Be available as backup a few times a month

• • Coordinate with other members when needed

5. Decision-Making Power

Your voice may, or may not, carry weight. Some agencies are collaborative. Others are top-down. Ask:

• • How are decisions made?

• • Do doulas give input or just follow policy?

6. Contracts

Most agencies have a standard client contract you’re required to use. Less commonly, you may be able to use your own. Either way, you should:

• • Read the terms carefully

• • Understand refund and rescheduling policies

• • Know what you’re agreeing to on behalf of your clients

7. Client Acquisition

Usually, the agency handles lead generation. Common setups include:

• • Clients contacting the agency, then being matched to doulas

• • Agencies sharing inquiries with doulas, and you decide who to interview

8. Client Fit

Who decides if a client is a good fit for you?

• • In some cases, management assigns clients

• • Others let you interview and decide
    Make sure you’re comfortable with how this works, birth work is personal, and fit matters.

9. Scheduling Flexibility

You should be able to set your availability, but check how this is honored in practice. Does the agency:

• • Overschedule doulas?

• • Expect you to be on-call outside your preferences?

10. Job Security

Most doulas in agencies are contractors, not employees. That means:

• • You can likely leave at any time (but check the fine print)

• • The agency can also release you without cause

• • Your contract might include language that affects your ability to work elsewhere

11. Testimonials

Find out who “owns” the testimonial:

• • Can you use it on your MeetYourDoula.com, DoulaMatch or personal website?

• • Or does it stay with the agency only?
    Clear this up early, it matters for your long-term visibility.

12. Professional Growth

This isn’t on every agency’s list, but some offer:

• • Peer mentorship

• • Continuing education opportunities

• • Team meetings and community

If these are important to you, ask about them before joining.

Final Thoughts

Joining a doula agency can be a solid choice, especially when you’re just getting started or want to focus on client care without the marketing and admin load. But not all agencies are created equal. Ask questions. Read everything. Make sure it fits your goals and values.

Need more clients, read on: Carrot | Bornbir

Want to talk through your options or ask a question about an agency contract? That’s exactly the kind of thing we cover inside Doula Office Hours.