Podcast
The Doula Darcy Podcast
Hosted by Darcy Sauers · EN
The Doula Darcy is a Business Coach for Doulas who LOVEs helping doulas master the art of marketing so that they can grow their businesses and help more families. On the podcast, Darcy combines her decade of experience in advertising with 14 years as a doula to empower other doulas with the marketing strategies and mindset shifts they need to attract more clients and create successful, fulfilling doula careers. Whether you're just starting out as a doula or looking to take your doula business to the next level, you're in the right place!
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Episodes
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Stop Complaining about Doula Agencies Taking a Commission
2w ago00:15:55Summary readyWhy Doula Agencies Take a Cut (and Why Hard Conversations Matter) The Doula Darcy cuts right to the chase on this episode, urging doulas to stop complaining about typical 25–30% agency commissions (noting 45–50% is excessive) and explaining that agencies earn their cut by handling contracting, negotiations, interviews, background checks, references, invoicing, client management software, and the stress and risk of running the business so doulas can focus on providing care. Drawing from Agency Owner Office Hours in My Doula Village, Darcy describes common challenges such as boundary-pushing clients and unreliable contractors, emphasizing that having short, hard conversations early—including firing a problematic doula or declining a difficult client—protects the business and future clients. 00:00 Stop Complaining About Cuts 02:41 Agency Owners Handle Problems 03:55 Job vs Entrepreneur Mindset 04:45 What Agencies Cover For You 06:46 Hard Conversations Save You 09:18 Why Agencies Are Great Training 11:47 Join My Doula Village 13:38 Maine Retreat And Doula Community 14:51 Find Your Doula Besties About The Doula Darcy: Doula Business Coach & Marketing Strategist Since 2010, Darcy has built a thriving postpartum doula business (now doula agency) in New Hampshire. With her team of postpartum doulas handling the day-to-day in person clients, Darcy spends her time and energy helping other doulas grow & scale their businesses with a focus on sustainability and not burning themselves out. Prior to having her own 3 children and becoming doula, Darcy worked for 10 years in the advertising and marketing world. She was able to replace her corporate income quicker than most new doulas because of her previous career & expertise. Darcy now uses this experience to help other doulas build their own thriving practices. Learn more at https://www.thedouladarcy.com
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Low-Cost Decisions Are Costing You High-Paying Doula Clients
4w ago00:11:05Summary readyYou Can't Build a High-Value Doula Business with Low-Value Decisions In this candid and "slightly spicy" episode, Darcy challenges a pattern she's seeing across the doula industry: the constant search for the fastest, cheapest, and free-est way to build a doula business. From low-cost trainings to DIY websites and free mentorship requests, she breaks down why this mindset is quietly sabotaging doulas and why it directly impacts their ability to attract paying clients. This conversation isn't actually about spending more money. It's about understanding value, self-worth, and the connection between how you invest in yourself and how clients perceive (and pay for) your services. What You'll Learn Why "cheap and fast" thinking is hurting your doula business The powerful mindset shift: viewing your business decisions through a client's lens How your willingness to invest impacts your ability to get hired The truth about low-budget websites and high-ticket services Why self-worth, not strategy, is often the real bottleneck How to start attracting clients who value and pay you well A Perspective Shift to Try Darcy shares a simple but eye-opening exercise: Next time you see a post asking for the cheapest or fastest way to become a doula… 👉 Replace it with "childbirth education" or "birth preparation" Would you recommend the cheapest, fastest option to a pregnant mom? If not… why are you doing it in your own business? Key Takeaway "If you are not willing to invest in yourself, no one is going to be willing to invest in you." About The Doula Darcy Since 2010, Darcy has built a thriving postpartum doula business (now doula agency) in New Hampshire. With her team of postpartum doulas handling the day-to-day in person clients, Darcy spends her time and energy helping other doulas grow & scale their businesses with a focus on sustainability and not burning themselves out. Prior to having her own 3 children and becoming a doula, Darcy worked for 10 years in the advertising and marketing world. She was able to replace her corporate income quicker than most new doulas because of her previous career & expertise. Darcy now uses this experience to help other doulas build their own thriving practices. Learn more at www.thedouladarcy.com
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Pitch Like a Pro: How Doulas Can Land TV, Press & Podcast Features
Apr 2700:34:43Summary readyIn this episode, Darcy sits down with PR expert and seasoned doula Kristin Revere, founder of Gold Coast Doulas, to break down how doulas can bootstrap their own public relations strategy without spending thousands on a Public Relations agency. From pitching local media to leveraging national features, Kristin shares actionable, real-world strategies to help doulas get visible, build authority, and ultimately attract more clients. ✨ What You'll Learn The difference between paid advertising vs. earned media (and why PR is so powerful) How to pitch yourself to local TV, radio, and publications Why doulas are perfect for "feel-good" media stories How to use holidays and awareness weeks (like Mother's Day & International Doula Month) for media opportunities What makes a strong press release + follow-up strategy The importance of building relationships with reporters and producers How one media feature can lead to major national exposure (even The Washington Post!) Why credibility + authority skyrocket when you're featured in media How to repurpose media appearances for social content and SEO Tips for on-camera confidence and interview prep Kristin is the founder of Gold Coast Doulas, a certified birth and postpartum doula, childbirth educator, podcast host of the Ask the Doulas Podcast, and co-author of Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby. With a background in public relations, she brings a unique and powerful perspective to helping doulas grow their visibility and impact.
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Introvert Doulas: Protect Your Energy While Growing Your Business
Apr 2000:24:33Summary readyWould you ever guess that The Doula Darcy is an introvert? She is! And this week, she's sharing encouragement and practical tips for introverted doulas. She explains how introverts recharge alone, why she books her own hotel room at events to decompress and rest early, and how learning about introversion (including the book Quiet) reduced her guilt and helped her plan downtime. Drawing on early career networking at Chamber of Commerce events and later building her postpartum doula business, she emphasizes that networking and marketing become easier when you lean into your passion for doula work, schedule quiet breaks (even 15 minutes), and let passion override fear. She invites introvert doulas to reach out and notes introvert challenges in postpartum and birth settings. Register for Darcy's free "How to Get Doula Clients" webinar here: https://douladarcy.com/webinar About The Doula Darcy: Doula Business Coach & Marketing Strategist Since 2010, Darcy has built a thriving postpartum doula business (now doula agency) in New Hampshire. With her team of postpartum doulas handling the day-to-day in person clients, Darcy spends her time and energy helping other doulas grow & scale their businesses with a focus on sustainability and not burning themselves out. Prior to having her own 3 children and becoming doula, Darcy worked for 10 years in the advertising and marketing world. She was able to replace her corporate income quicker than most new doulas because of her previous career & expertise. Darcy now uses this experience to help other doulas build their own thriving practices. Learn more at https://www.thedouladarcy.com
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What to Do When you Start Earning a Lot of Money as a Doula
Mar 3000:24:18Summary readyMoney, mindset, and what to actually do when your income grows In this episode, Doula Darcy is diving into a topic that doesn't get talked about enough in the doula world. Money. Inspired by doulas in the My Doula Village community who are hitting consistent five-figure months, this conversation explores both the practical strategies and the mindset shifts needed to handle more income with confidence. What You'll Learn Why making more money can feel uncomfortable (and what to do about it) The financial mistake that led to a painful tax surprise, and how to avoid it A simple system to manage your income using the Profit First method How to prepare for taxes without stress Why having multiple bank accounts can transform your business The importance of saving for retirement (yes, even now) How your nervous system responds to money and how to regulate it Why doulas making more money can positively impact the world Mindset Shifts More money is safe and allowed You don't need to spend it just because it's there Your nervous system needs time to adjust to new income levels Money doesn't make you a bad person—it amplifies who you already are You can choose generosity, impact, and abundance Making more money and keeping it is about becoming the kind of person who can hold, manage, and feel safe with money.
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World Doula Week - What's a Doula to Do?
Mar 2200:11:35Summary readyIt's World Doula Week! But what the heck does that even mean and what are we supposed to be doing? Doula Darcy breaks it down for you in this episode and shares 5 actionable things you can do to piggyback off of World Doula Week and spread awareness about your own doula business. ✨ Connect with Darcy on Instagram : @thedouladarcy / thedouladarcy Join My Doula Village for deeper trainings on things like this and so much more! About The Doula Darcy: Doula Business Coach & Marketing Strategist Since 2010, Darcy has built a thriving postpartum doula business (now doula agency) in New Hampshire. With her team of postpartum doulas handling the day-to-day in person clients, Darcy spends her time and energy helping other doulas grow & scale their businesses with a focus on sustainability and not burning themselves out. Prior to having her own 3 children and becoming doula, Darcy worked for 10 years in the advertising and marketing world. She was able to replace her corporate income quicker than most new doulas because of her previous career & expertise. Darcy now uses this experience to help other doulas build their own thriving practices. Learn more at www.thedouladarcy.com
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Doula Marketing on Instagram: Simple Strategies That Actually Work to Reach Local Clients with Molly Cahill
Mar 1600:40:56Summary readyIf you're a doula wondering what to post on Instagram to get more clients, this podcast episode is for you. Today I'm talking with Instagram expert Molly Cahill all about how doulas can use Instagram to grow a local business, attract more of the right clients, and stop overthinking social media. We cover what actually works on Instagram right now, why you do not need to go viral, and how to create content that helps potential clients get to know, like, and trust you before they ever reach out. We also talk about one of the biggest mindset shifts doulas need around Instagram: your goal is not to become famous online. Your goal is to become the go-to doula in your local area. Inside this conversation, you'll learn: what doulas should post on Instagram how to use Instagram to get local doula clients why Instagram matters for birth workers and postpartum doulas how to use keywords and hashtags so pregnant women can find you why carousels, collaboration posts, and networking matter how to make your Instagram profile easier for potential doula clients to understand why consistency matters more than chasing viral content If you've been asking: "What should I post as a doula on Instagram?" "How do I market my doula business on social media?" "How can I get doula clients from Instagram?" …this episode will give you practical ideas you can start using right away. This video is for the doula who wants more client inquiries, better visibility, and a simpler Instagram strategy, make sure you subscribe for more training on doula marketing, doula business growth, and how to build a sustainable doula business. ✨ Connect with Molly on Instagram : @mollyacahill / mollyacahill ✨ Connect with Darcy on Instagram : @thedouladarcy / thedouladarcy Join My Doula Village for deeper trainings on Instagram and so much more! About The Doula Darcy: Doula Business Coach & Marketing Strategist Since 2010, Darcy has built a thriving postpartum doula business (now doula agency) in New Hampshire. With her team of postpartum doulas handling the day-to-day in person clients, Darcy spends her time and energy helping other doulas grow & scale their businesses with a focus on sustainability and not burning themselves out. Prior to having her own 3 children and becoming doula, Darcy worked for 10 years in the advertising and marketing world. She was able to replace her corporate income quicker than most new doulas because of her previous career & expertise. Darcy now uses this experience to help other doulas build their own thriving practices. Learn more at www.thedouladarcy.com
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From Burned-Out Teacher to Online Childbirth Educator: A Doula Business Story with Lizzie Bollinger
Mar 200:32:36Summary readyIf you've ever thought about adding passive income to your doula business but felt overwhelmed by building a course from scratch this episode is for you. Today I'm joined by Lizzie Bolliger (aka Fierce Lizzie), founder of Unmedicated Academy, to talk about what it really takes to build an online offer as a birth worker. We cover: How Lizzie went from high school math teacher to full-time online childbirth educator The truth about "passive income" (and why marketing never stops) Why most doulas never finish the digital course they start The burnout that comes from only trading hours for dollars And a done-for-you way to add childbirth education to your business Lizzie now works about 15 hours a week, homeschools her 3 kids, earns what she used to as a full-time teacher, and helps doulas license her comprehensive childbirth curriculum instead of building their own from scratch. If you're craving a hybrid doula business model, one that gives you more freedom, flexibility, and income, this conversation will open your eyes to what's possible. 👉 Grab Lizzie's free curriculum licensing guide here. Join My Doula Village to get access to Lizzie & Darcy's deeper dive on this subject: https://douladarcy.com/my-doula-village-4 Register for Darcy's upcoming free masterclass on Building a Hybrid Doula Business Model here: https://douladarcy.com/masterclass
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The Power of In-Person Events for Doulas - Retreats, Summits, and Putting Yourself in the Room with Doula Darcy & Jodi Congdon
Feb 2100:54:10Summary readyThe Power of In-Person Events for Doulas - Retreats, Summits, and Putting Yourself in the Room with Doula Darcy & Jodi Congdon We're trying something new and doing a joint podcast episode of The Doula Darcy Podcast and The Birth Boss Podcast today! In this episode, Darcy & Jodi discuss why in-person events are a powerful catalyst for business growth, mindset shifts, and community in the doula world. They share their first experiences attending doula conferences (including DONA International and CAPPA) and describe the motivation, connection, and expanded vision that comes from being face-to-face with others who share the same passion and/or who are achieving at a higher level. They talk about investing in yourself as an investment in your business, how even "bad" events offer valuable lessons, and why hosting events can be a core part of building a sustainable business. The conversation includes how they created the Birth Worker Retreat in Clearwater, Florida after realizing doulas needed marketing and business-focused gatherings, how the retreat evolved over the years, and the impact they've seen in returning attendees' progress. They also highlight the value of honest feedback from peers, built-in free time for deeper conversations (including "hot tub networking"), and the importance of doulas hosting local in-person meetups. The Birthworker Retreat - January 2027 in Clearwater, FL https://douladarcy.com/the-birthworker-retreat The hosts share upcoming events: a Maine retreat for members of My Doula Village: https://douladarcy.com/doula-retreat-maine The Birth Boss CEO Summit (April 10–12 in Boston) featuring boardroom-style strategy: https://www.hiptoheart.com/birth-boss-ceo-summit They close by encouraging listeners to attend events, create the event they wish existed, and recognize that the doula market isn't saturated, there are more families needing care than available doulas. 02:51 Why In-Person Events Matter for Your Business 03:50 First Doula Conferences & That 'Rocket on My Back' Feeling 05:46 Get in the Room: Bigger Vision, Better Mentors, Faster Growth 09:03 The Investment Question: Paying to Attend (and Why It's Worth It) 12:57 Events Aren't Profitable? Why Retreats & Summits Still Win 14:24 Designing Events That Fit You (Retreat vs Summit) + Community Care 16:40 No 'Wasted' Events: Learning from Flops, People, and Perspective 18:54 Perfectionism, Risk, and Lessons from Free Solo Climber Alex Honnold 26:27 Birth Worker Retreat Origin Story: 'Why Doesn't Doula World Have This?' 27:04 How the Retreat Evolved: Refining the Vibe, Location, and Experience 29:11 Why People Rebook Before They Leave: Proof the Retreat Works 29:39 Tracking Year-to-Year Growth (and the Tears That Come With It) 30:20 Success Stories: Launching New Offers & Leveling Up Fast 31:33 Real Feedback, Focus-Group Energy & "Hot Tub Networking" 33:43 Bringing Family Along: Modeling Work + Vacation for Your Kids 35:12 Career Paths Aren't Linear: Skills Transfer & Kids Seeing You Differently 39:36 What's Next: Upcoming Retreats, Masterminds & the CEO Summit 44:33 Upscale Experiences, Energetics & the Karma of Giving Value 50:59 There's Room for Everyone: Mature vs. "Saturated" Doula Markets 52:59 Final Takeaway: Events Move the Needle + Links in the Show Notes
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Are We Putting Our Prices on our Websites?
Feb 600:12:52Summary readyCurious about pricing strategies for doulas? It's your business, your decision! Explore why some doulas showcase prices online while others don't, and what might work best for you. Register for the free webinar that Darcy mentioned on How to Get Doula Clients here: https://douladarcy.com/webinar RESOURCES MENTIONED 📥 FREE Doula Client-Getting Cheat Sheet → https://douladarcy.com/how-to-start-g... 📸 Follow Darcy on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedouladarcy/ About The Doula Darcy: Doula Business Coach & Marketing Strategist Since 2010, Darcy has built a thriving postpartum doula business (now doula agency) in New Hampshire. With her team of postpartum doulas handling the day-to-day in person clients, Darcy spends her time and energy helping other doulas grow & scale their businesses with a focus on sustainability and not burning themselves out. Prior to having her own 3 children and becoming doula, Darcy worked for 10 years in the advertising and marketing world. She was able to replace her corporate income quicker than most new doulas because of her previous career & expertise. Darcy now uses this experience to help other doulas build their own thriving practices.
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