Feeling like you’re not ready to take on clients? You’re not alone. Many new doulas struggle with imposter syndrome, convincing themselves they need just one more training, a perfect website, or fully polished paperwork before they can start. But here’s the truth—your first clients aren’t hiring you for perfection. They’re hiring you because they want you.

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to start putting yourself out there, this is it. Let’s talk about what’s holding you back—and how to move forward confidently.

The #1 Thing Holding New Doulas Back

Most doulas don’t struggle with passion or skill—they struggle with getting started. Here’s what that looks like:

 

• • Procrastination disguised as preparation. Instead of looking for clients, you focus on things like:
    

     

    • • Picking the perfect business name
    • • Tweaking your logo
    • • Refining your website
    • • Drafting contracts (before you even have a client to send them to!)

While these things do matter, they won’t get you in the room with a birthing family. If you want to attend births in three months, the time to find clients is now.

 

• • Believing you need to be “fully ready” before starting.
    Many doulas feel like they need a long list of certifications before they can charge for their services. But the truth is, no amount of training will make you feel “ready” if you keep moving the goalpost.

💡 Reality Check: Your first clients don’t expect you to be a 30-year expert—they just need someone who cares, listens, and supports them.

You Don’t Have to Know Everything—Just a Little More Than Your Client

Imposter syndrome often stems from the weight of responsibility doulas feel. That’s a good thing—it means you care. But you’re more ready than you think.

A Story from Experience:
I remember being 18 years old and getting paid $300 to attend a birth (which is about $760 in today’s dollars). I kept thinking, How do I know more than this grown adult? But I did. And that’s why they hired me.

Even after 30+ years, I still pause twice before entering a birth:

 

1. 1. In my car – I take a deep breath, shake off the stress of driving, and refocus.

1. 1. At the door – I take another deep breath, center myself, and remind myself to leave the outside world behind.

Doulas of all experience levels feel moments of doubt—but the difference is in how you move through it.

There’s No Such Thing as the Perfect Doula

You don’t need to be the best doula—you just need to be the right doula for your client.

Every doula brings a unique strength to the table. Maybe you’re great at:
✔️ Holding space and making birthing parents feel truly heard
✔️ Encouraging hesitant partners to get involved
✔️ Knowing comfort techniques and position changes like the back of your hand
✔️ Being a calming, steady presence when things feel overwhelming

You don’t have to be everything. You just have to be you.

✨ Doula wisdom from Erica Lane, PCD/CD(DONA): “I just needed to know one more thing than my client.”
✨ Advice from TaKiesha Smith, CBS, CD(DONA): “Do it scared.”

The Best Way to Build Confidence? Get Out There.

Confidence doesn’t come from thinking about doing the work—it comes from doing the work.

Simple ways to start feeling like a doula:
🔹 Have a conversation with a potential client—even if they don’t book you.
🔹 Offer a free consult and practice talking about your services.
🔹 Support a friend or family member through pregnancy and birth discussions.
🔹 Attend a community birth class and introduce yourself to others in the room.

Even the earliest research on doulas showed that just having someone in the room taking notes (without even interacting) improved birth outcomes. If you can do more than that, you’re already making an impact.

Should You Charge for Your Services as a New Doula?

Short answer: Yes.

I always recommend doulas charge for their services, even if it’s a lower rate at first. Here’s why:

 

1. 1. Families value what they pay for—when services are free, they may not call when they need you.

1. 1. Your time, presence, and emotional labor are worth something.

1. 1. Even a small fee builds confidence in your role and business.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: A Simple Mindset Shift

When doubt creeps in, remind yourself:
✅ I am enough.
✅ My client hired me for a reason.
✅ If I wait until I feel 100% ready, I’ll never start.

Stop waiting. The best way to feel like a real doula is to start acting like one.

Need a Game Plan? Let’s Build One Together.

If you’re stuck on how to move forward, I’ve got you. Join me in Doula Office Hours, where we’ll:
✔️ Tackle imposter syndrome head-on
✔️ Make a personalized action plan to start booking clients
✔️ Build confidence in your skills and business

🔗 Click here to join Doula Office Hours and start taking action today!