How to Stop Feeling Guilty About Turning Down New Clients as a Doula (And What to Do Instead)

You are a doula who loves your work and wants to help as many pregnant people and their babies as possible. You have worked hard to become a professional who can offer emotional, physical, and informational support to your clients before, during, and after childbirth. You have witnessed how your presence and assistance can improve birth outcomes and reduce complications for both the mother and the baby.

But I also know that sometimes you have to face the difficult decision of turning down new clients due to limited capacity. You can only attend a certain number of births per month, depending on your availability, workload, and personal circumstances. You may have to decline new clients if you are already booked or have other commitments.

This can be hard to do, especially if you have built a rapport with the potential client or if they are in urgent need of your support. However, you have to remember that you are not doing anyone a favor by overextending yourself or compromising your quality of service. You have to respect your own limits and boundaries and prioritize your own well-being.

In this blog post, I will share with you how you can cope with turning down new clients as a doula and how you can continue to provide quality care to your existing clients. I hope that this will help you as a doula to overcome your difficulties and continue to make a positive difference in the lives of many people and their babies.

One way to cope with turning down new clients as a doula is to communicate clearly with them in advance. You can create a contract that specifies your services, policies, and backup plan in case you cannot attend a birth. You can also explain why you may have to decline their request and offer referrals or alternatives if possible. For instance, you can suggest another doula who has a similar style or philosophy as you, or you can offer virtual support via phone or video call.

Another way to cope with turning down new clients is to collaborate with other doulas who can help you share the workload and the referrals. You can join a local doula collective that provides mentorship, referrals, training, and advocacy. You can also work with other doulas who have different availability or specialties than you. You can also create a network of trusted doulas who can cover for you in case of emergencies or last-minute changes.

One last way to cope is to take good care of yourself and celebrate your achievements. You can practice self-care by doing things that make you happy and healthy, such as eating your favorite food, sleeping in a cozy bed, exercising in a fun way, meditating in a peaceful place, or indulging in a hobby or passion that you love. You can also seek professional help if you need it, such as talking to a therapist, a coach, or a counselor who can help you deal with your emotions and challenges. You can also join support groups where you can connect with other doulas who understand what you are going through and offer you advice and encouragement. You can also take breaks from work when you need them and reward yourself with gifts after each birth, such as a massage, a book, a movie, or anything that makes you feel good.

In conclusion, turning down new clients as a doula can be challenging, but it is not impossible. You can cope with this challenge by communicating clearly, collaborating with others, and caring for yourself. You are amazing and I appreciate you.

Now, I want to hear from you. Have you ever had to turn down new clients as a doula? How did you handle it? What tips or advice would you give to other doulas who are facing the same challenge? Please share your thoughts and experiences. You are making a positive difference in the lives of many people and their families. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.