Why Doulas Should Build Local Business Connections
1️⃣ Establishing a Referral Network
Building relationships with healthcare providers, midwives, obstetricians, chiropractors, lactation consultants, and childbirth educators creates a strong referral system. When these professionals trust your work, they are more likely to recommend your services to their clients.
💡 How to Connect:
✔️ Attend networking events at birth centers, hospitals, and prenatal wellness clinics.
✔️ Offer to speak at childbirth education classes or hospital tours. You can also offer to speak at the library, food coop, and prenatal yoga classes.
✔️ Provide informational brochures about your services to local practitioners.
📌 Resource: Birth Arts International
2️⃣ Collaborating for Comprehensive Care
Working alongside local businesses such as:
✔️ Birthing centers for co-care models.
✔️ Prenatal yoga and fitness studios to promote movement and relaxation.
✔️ Mental health therapists to provide emotional and postpartum support.
🤝 Example: A doula-yoga partnership could offer discounted packages, combining prenatal yoga classes with labor support education.
📌 Resource: American Pregnancy Association – Finding a Birth Team
3️⃣ Expanding Education & Training Opportunities
Staying updated on birth trends and techniques is crucial for professional growth. Many local businesses host workshops, training sessions, and networking events focused on:
✔️ Childbirth Education
✔️ Breastfeeding Education
✔️ Infant sleep consulting
✔️ Holistic postpartum healing
💡 How to Get Involved:
✔️ Join local parenting groups and Facebook business networks.
✔️ Attend continuing education classes offered by doulas, midwives, or hospitals.
✔️ Offer to co-host an event with a local birth professional.
📌 Resource: Birth Arts International
4️⃣ Engaging in Community Outreach & Events
A visible doula in the community attracts more clients and builds credibility. Consider participating in:
✔️ Local health fairs and wellness expos
✔️ Baby & maternity shows
✔️ Mom support groups
💡 Example: Set up a booth at a pregnancy & parenting expo with a free Q&A session on birth support.
📌 Resource: La Leche League – Community Breastfeeding Support
5️⃣ Enhancing Support Services Through Collaboration
Creating a holistic care network benefits both doulas and clients. Some key partnerships include:
✔️ Postpartum doulas for extended care.
✔️ Pelvic floor therapists for postpartum recovery.
✔️ Photographers specializing in birth & newborn sessions.
📌 Resource: Evidence-Based Birth – Postpartum Healing
6️⃣ Leveraging Business Networking for Growth
Expanding beyond birth-related businesses can open new opportunities. Partnerships with:
✔️ Local baby boutiques – Host a newborn care workshop.
✔️ Spas & wellness centers – Offer postpartum self-care packages.
✔️ Photographers – Bundle birth & newborn photography services.
💡 Tip: Join your local Chamber of Commerce to connect with a wider business network.
📌 Resource: Small Business Association (SBA) – Business Networking
7️⃣ Boosting Visibility & Credibility
Being linked with established businesses increases trust in your brand. Having endorsements from OB/GYNs, midwives, and community leaders positions you as a respected professional.
💡 How to Build Credibility:
✔️ Get testimonials from clients and partnering businesses.
✔️ Maintain a professional website listing all collaborative services.
✔️ Be active on social media to showcase partnerships & educational content.
📌 Resource: Google My Business – Build Local Trust
8️⃣ Mutual Support: Building a Strong Business Community
Supporting local businesses strengthens the entire birth support network. Partnering with businesses fosters trust, shared growth, and long-term success.
💡 Example: If a doula refers clients to a pelvic floor therapist, the therapist may refer postpartum clients back for newborn care support.
📌 Resource: Birth Arts International – Business Development for Doulas
9️⃣ Advocacy for Community Health & Wellness
Doulas play a vital role in community health education. Engaging with local wellness initiatives allows doulas to:
✔️ Advocate for maternal health improvements.
✔️ Speak at public events on birth empowerment.
✔️ Provide free prenatal education at community centers.
📌 Resource: March of Dimes – Maternal Health Advocacy
How to Start Building Local Business Connections
1️⃣ Make a list of local businesses related to pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care.
2️⃣ Attend local networking events to meet potential partners.
3️⃣ Reach out to introduce yourself and propose collaborations.
4️⃣ Offer value—propose educational workshops, referral partnerships, or joint services.
5️⃣ Stay engaged—follow up and maintain professional relationships.
💡 Business Mentoring for Doulas: If you need support growing your doula business, consider mentorship programs or small business coaching specifically designed for birth workers.
📌 Resource: SCORE – Free Business Mentorship
Final Thoughts: Strong Connections = Strong Business
Building meaningful relationships with local businesses expands your reach, enhances client care, and supports long-term success. A well-connected doula is a thriving doula—and a key player in a strong birth-supporting community.
🌿 Start networking, start growing, and start making a bigger impact today! 🌿
Become a birthworker today. Help improve infant and maternal mortality rates and make birth better.