Starting your own doula business can be a rewarding yet challenging journey. Along the way, it’s easy to make mistakes, but the key is learning from them and preventing them from happening again. Here are some of the most common business mistakes doulas make—and how you can avoid them to set yourself up for success.
1. Mingling Personal and Business Funds
One of the first and most important lessons is to keep your personal and business finances separate. Mixing these can lead to confusion when it comes time to file taxes or evaluate your business’s performance.
How to Avoid It:
Open a dedicated business bank account and use a business credit card. This will not only make your financial life easier but also help you avoid costly mistakes come tax time.
See Choosing the Right Bank Account for Your Doula Business
2. Falling for Scams
As a new doula, you might be tempted by offers that promise to help you get started for a fee. Some scammers take advantage of new business owners, offering services like an EIN (Employer Identification Number) or NPI (National Provider Identifier) for a price. These services are often available for free or at a much lower cost through official channels.
How to Avoid It:
Always do your research before paying for services or memberships. The IRS provides free EIN registration, and NPI numbers are free through the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES). Be wary of anyone who promises shortcuts for a fee.
3. Not Setting Boundaries
Many doulas struggle with setting boundaries, especially in the early stages of their career. Being on call 24/7 can quickly lead to burnout if you don’t learn to protect your time and personal space. It’s tempting to say “yes” to every client, but this can create an unsustainable workload.
How to Avoid It:
Set clear work hours and stick to them. Let clients know upfront what your on-call hours are and what happens if you need time off. Balance is key, so remember to prioritize your well-being just as much as your clients’ needs.
See Setting Your Boundaries as a Doula
4. Neglecting Long-Term Planning & Taxes
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of your doula business’s immediate needs. However, many new doulas don’t think about long-term business planning or taxes until it’s too late. Failing to save for taxes or plan for the future can cause financial stress down the road.
How to Avoid It:
Set aside a percentage of your income for taxes from the start. You can also consult with a financial advisor to make sure you’re on the right track with savings and planning for growth.
5. Marketing to the Wrong Audience
Social media can be a great tool for doulas, but many mistakenly use it to connect with other doulas rather than their ideal clients. While it feels good to receive likes and comments from your peers, this doesn’t necessarily translate to business growth.
How to Avoid It:
Shift your social media strategy to target potential clients—expectant families or those looking for birth support. Focus on providing value that resonates with your audience’s needs, whether that’s sharing educational content or offering client testimonials.
6. Undervaluing Your Services
A common mistake doulas make is underpricing their services to get clients. It’s easy to think that lowering your rates will help you stand out, but doing so can undervalue your skills and lead to burnout.
How to Avoid It:
Before lowering your rates, gather feedback. Have clients told you your price is too high? Or is it that you’re not reaching enough of your ideal audience? Evaluate your marketing strategy before adjusting your fees. Your pricing should reflect the value you bring to your clients.
7. Poor File Management
Keeping track of client documents, contracts, and other essential materials can become a nightmare if you don’t have an organized file system. From contracts to client notes, it’s vital that you keep everything in one place and easy to find. This also goes for files in places like Canva, where the files can add up quickly. Also consider sorting these by type (ads, Instagram, etc.)
How to Avoid It:
Create a simple folder system on your computer and back up your files regularly. For example, you can organize folders by year or client name. Use a file naming system that makes sense, such as “2025_Doula_Contract_Johnson.” This will save you time and stress when you need to access a file.
8. Not Learning from Your Mistakes
Mistakes are inevitable, but the key is to learn from them rather than letting them derail you. Whether it’s a contract mistake, a miscommunication with a client, or an error in financial planning, every misstep offers an opportunity for growth.
How to Avoid It:
Don’t be afraid to look back at your mistakes objectively. Ask yourself, “How much money did I lose, and what did I learn?” Each mistake is a lesson—take note of it and move forward stronger.
Start Strong
Starting and running a doula business is full of challenges, but avoiding these common mistakes can help you build a more sustainable, professional practice. If you’ve made one of these mistakes, don’t stress—every business owner has, and the important thing is learning and adapting. By planning ahead, setting boundaries, and staying organized, you’ll set yourself up for long-term success in your doula career.
