Key Points
- Why repeat clients are both a gift and a business consideration
- Common approaches doulas use (no discount, percentage off, or set dollar amount)
- How to decide what works for your practice
- Sample language for explaining repeat-client pricing policies
When a Client Comes Back, It’s the Best Kind of Surprise
One of the most amazing moments in a doula’s career is when a past client says, “I want you to be my doula again.” It’s affirming, heart-warming, and, if you haven’t planned for it, a little confusing.
When I first started my business, I didn’t think about repeat clients. I was building the plane while flying it, creating policies on the spot. So when my first repeat client asked if I offered a discount, I said yes and agreed to honor the same price they paid before. That worked fine at the time until baby number six, fifteen years later. My rates had gone up, but theirs never did.
I like to remind doulas that every mistake costs something, but it also teaches something. I paid that “tuition” so you don’t have to.
Why Repeat Clients Deserve a Thoughtful Policy
Repeat clients are loyal and trusting. They can also take the same amount of your time, energy, and availability as a first-time client. Pricing your first client is very different than pricing your client who is back for a second time. Having a clear plan before you’re asked means you can respond with confidence instead of scrambling on the spot.
Here are a few ways doulas handle it.
1. No Automatic Discount
Some doulas simply charge their current rate, knowing each birth requires full support.
“I don’t discount repeat births, not because clients don’t deserve it, but because this work is demanding. Each baby is a new experience, and my time away from family is the same.”
This approach values your expertise and recognizes that your knowledge (and your costs) have grown since the first time you worked together.
2. A Modest, Set Discount
Others choose a small, predictable amount or percentage off, such as $200 or 10 percent, as a gesture of appreciation.
This keeps your pricing transparent and avoids confusion about special deals. It’s easy to apply and communicate.
3. Discount Only If Requested or Within a Time Window
Some doulas reserve discounts for specific circumstances:
- Only if the client asks and expresses financial need
- Only if the repeat birth happens within a certain time frame (for example, within one year of the previous birth)
This honors client loyalty while keeping your income sustainable.
4. Adjusting When Your Fees Have Changed
If your rates have risen significantly since their last birth, you can still thank them for returning while honoring your growth.
A simple script might sound like:
“I’m so glad you reached out again. My current birth package is $___. Because you’re a returning client, I can offer you $ off as a thank-you.”
You can also frame it as a loyalty rate that expires after a certain time period to prevent long-term mismatches.
Finding the Balance Between Appreciation and Sustainability
The key is consistency. Decide your repeat-client policy before you need it, write it into your pricing sheet, and communicate it clearly.
You’ve invested in your training, experience, and continuing education. Your pricing should reflect that growth. Repeat clients trust you, and that trust includes trusting your value.
Practical Takeaways
- Set your repeat-client policy before someone asks
- Decide whether your discount (if any) is a percentage or flat rate
- Consider time limits (for example, within 12 to 18 months)
- Update your contract and pricing guide accordingly
- Remember that every birth is new work, even for returning families
Need more help?
Setting prices can feel tricky, especially when emotions and appreciation are involved. You deserve a pricing structure that honors your growth and values your time.
If you’d like help refining your doula pricing or setting policies that make sense for your business, join me inside Doula Office Hours. You’ll get ongoing support, practical business advice, and real conversation about what works in today’s doula world.
