Why 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