One of the most common questions I hear is, “Can I really find enough clients to make it as a doula?” My answer? Absolutely—if you’re willing to put in the time and effort.

Building your doula business takes intentionality, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With as little as an hour a week—or even small pockets of time here and there—you can grow a sustainable practice that works for you. Here’s how.

Scenario One: You Have an Hour Once a Week

Maybe you’ve carved out time when the kids are with a sitter or after they’ve gone to bed. In this uninterrupted hour, focus on tasks that require a bit more brainpower or continuity, like:

• Scheduling social media for the week.
• Reaching out to a local childbirth educator or OB office to introduce yourself.
• Polishing your website or designing business materials.
• Preparing for an upcoming presentation or interview.

Keep a running to-do list (a Google Doc works great!) so you’re ready to dive in when that hour arrives. This avoids wasting time deciding what to do.

Scenario Two: You Have 10–15 Minutes Several Times a Week

If your life is more stop-and-go (hello, carpool line!), you can still make progress by tackling bite-sized tasks:

• Monday: Schedule social media posts for the week.
• Wednesday: Send quick networking emails to local birth workers.
• Friday: Follow up with potential clients or partners.

Breaking tasks into smaller chunks allows you to be productive without requiring long stretches of time.

Quick Wins: A List of Things You Can Do in 10–15 Minutes

Regardless of how much time you have, being organized and having a list of ideas is essential. Here’s a categorized list of tasks that can help you grow your doula business, even in short bursts of time:

Networking

• Follow up with someone you met at a birth worker event.
• Research local networking events or groups for doulas or birth professionals.
• Message someone you admire in the birth world and share your appreciation for their work.
• Email a couple of people about hosting a conversation about doulas at local places of birth.
• Schedule coffee or a virtual chat with another doula or birth worker.

Social Media

• Answer questions in Facebook groups or comment on posts from local businesses.
• Write and schedule social media posts for multiple days.
• Create a reel or short video explaining a doula tip or answering a common question.
• Respond to comments or messages on your posts.
• Refresh your bios on Instagram, Facebook, or other platforms.
• Share a client testimonial or review as a post or story.
• Research trending hashtags or content ideas in your niche.

Organization

• Log miles for the last week.
• File receipts for tax purposes.
• Back up photos, videos, or important documents from your phone or computer.
• Clean out and restock your birth bag.
• Cull your to-do list or calendar.
• Update your pricing guide or client contract.
• Add a FAQ section to your website or client materials.
• Brain dump business ideas into a Google Doc.

Client Engagement

• Reach out to past clients to check in.
• Send a thank-you note or small gift to a past client.
• Record a quick video to send to new clients explaining your onboarding process.
• Create a checklist of postpartum recovery tips to share with clients.
• Write down or seek out why your clients love working with you.

Business Development

• Research one new way to expand your services (e.g., placenta encapsulation, postpartum meal prep).
• Read a chapter of a book on business strategy or doula work.
• Draft an outline for an email newsletter or a new resource for your clients.
• Design a business card or logo.
• Google yourself to see how your online presence appears to others.
• Conduct market research about your local birth community.

Recharge

• Nap. Yes, rest is part of running a sustainable business.
• Take a short walk to clear your mind.
• Listen to a podcast or audiobook about business or doula work.

The Secret to Making It Work

Whether you have an hour a week or 10 minutes here and there, the key is preparation. Keep a running list of tasks so you’re always ready to make the most of your time. Consistency is what builds your business—not giant leaps, but small, intentional steps.

What works best for you—dedicated time or short bursts? Let me know in the community, and share your favorite quick-win task!