The Doula Darcy Podcast

The Power of Community: What Men Get Right about Business with Kaitlin McGreyes of Be Her Village

 

The Doula Darcy welcomes Kaitlin McGreyes, founder of Be Her Village.

Kaitlin and Darcy discuss their shared mission of helping more families get doula support and how they each go about that mission in very different ways.

They share the humorous backstory of their 'twin' branding, and how they were inspired to create The Birthworker Retreat because that's "what the men were doing."

The conversation emphasizes the unique benefits of in-person networking for doulas, sleep consultants and other birthworkers, the significance of rest and fun for entrepreneurs, and how Be Her Village is transforming the baby gift industry by enabling families to register for doula services instead of traditional gifts.

Join The Doula Darcy and Kaitlin at The Birthworker Retreat in Clearwater, Florida in January 2025. Save $100 with coupon code RETREAT100 at www.TheBirthworkerRetreat.com

 

 

 00:00 Introduction

00:39 Birth Worker Retreat Memories

02:44 The Value of In-Person Connections

04:55 The Importance of Business Retreats

11:22 Overcoming Burnout and Finding Joy

13:25 The Power of Rest and Fun

16:12 Women in Business: Challenges and Reflections

18:50 Integrating Business and Personal Life

20:17 The Importance of Self-Care and Community

20:37 Join Us at the Birthworker Retreat

22:15 The Birth Worker Retreat Details

23:22 Be Her Village: Revolutionizing Baby Registries

24:30 The Journey of Be Her Village

30:04 The Impact and Success of Be Her Village

33:56 Collaborative Efforts and Future Goals 

Doula Agency Success: Insights and Strategies from Two Doula Agency Owners

If starting a doula agency is on your radar - you do not want to miss this episode!

In this episode of the Doula Darcy podcast, host Darcy, an experienced doula business coach and small doula agency ownder, discusses the dynamics of running a successful doula agency. Darcy is joined by Jodi Congdon of Hip2Heart.  Jodi owns a much larger doula agency outside of Boston. They talk about the upcoming Birth Worker Retreat in Florida, their journeys in running two very different sized doula agencies, and key strategies for growth. They also tackle practical tips on managing a team, setting client expectations, and the debate over listing prices on websites.

 

Additionally, Jody shares insights about her Birth Boss Agency program.

 

Join Darcy & Jodi at The Birthworker Retreat in January 2025 in Clearwater, FL.  Save $100 with coupon code RETREAT100 at www.TheBirthworkerRetreat.com  Connect with Jodi and learn about her Birth Boss Agency program here.

In this episode, Darcy shares her strategies for turning doula client interviews into successful bookings. From her fourteen years as a doula, she shares the nuances of conducting successful client interviews, providing actionable tips to help doulas connect and build trust.

Darcy covers:

• How to simplify the client contact process to increase inquiries
• Ways to convey confidence in your experience, even if you’re new
• Essential questions to ask that demonstrate you care about clients' unique needs
• How to create a comforting environment that mirrors the support you’ll provide during birth or postpartum care
• Tips on tracking referrals to refine your marketing efforts

Whether you’re a new or experienced doula, this episode offers valuable insights to enhance your interview approach and book more clients confidently. Tune in to take your doula business to the next level! Darcy also mentioned The Birthworker Retreat coming up in January 2025 in Clearwater, Florida.  Save $100 with coupon code RETREAT100 at www.TheBirthworkerRetreat.com

 

Episode Summary:

In this special episode, we’re coming to you live from the Maine Doula Retreat, where five amazing doulas from My Doula Village share their experiences. Listen in as we discuss the transformative power of connecting with fellow doulas, taking time away from the demands of everyday life, and the benefits of being part of a supportive community. This episode is packed with stories of growth, laughter, and even a few tears as we delve into what makes the retreat so special and why every doula should consider joining us.

 

• Introductions: Meet the doulas joining Darcy on the episode: Molly (Atlanta, GA), Stacey (Rhode Island), Tammy (Scranton, PA), Christine (Palmer, AK), and Chelsea (Manistee, MI). 
• The Retreat Experience: We discuss the benefits of the Maine Doula Retreat, including the beautiful ocean views, delicious food, and the luxury of having time to focus solely on personal and professional growth.
• Community and Connection: The doulas share how the retreat has strengthened their bonds with one another and created a sense of sisterhood. The power of being surrounded by others who truly understand the ups and downs of doula work is a recurring theme.
• Collaboration Over Competition: Insights into how My Doula Village fosters an environment of collaboration rather than competition, allowing doulas to share resources, ideas, and support.
• Breakthroughs and Business Growth: The doulas talk about how the retreat has helped them gain clarity in their businesses, make important decisions, and set actionable goals. From strategy sessions to spontaneous discussions, every moment is filled with growth opportunities.
• Personal Transformation: Beyond business breakthroughs, many doulas experienced deep personal growth. Some share stories of overcoming doubts, finding new motivation, and making peace with decisions they needed to make.
• Support Beyond the Retreat: The doulas discuss how My Doula Village extends beyond the retreat, providing ongoing support through virtual meetings, the Facebook group, and a network of over 100 doulas.
• A Life-Changing Community: Each guest shares why My Doula Village is an invaluable part of their lives, from having a network that understands the doula lifestyle to forming genuine friendships that last.

Memorable Quotes:

• "There’s nothing like being in a room full of people who understand the unique work we do. It’s a sisterhood."
• "The energy here is amazing—it feels like sleepover camp with your best friends, but for doulas!"
• "Being surrounded by other doulas who get it has given me the motivation to push forward in my business and personal life."
• "Joining My Doula Village changed my life. I wouldn’t be fully booked in my first year as a doula without this supportive community."

 

• Join My Doula Village here
• Learn about the Maine Doula Retreat here:https://douladarcy.com/doula-retreat-maine

Join the Conversation:

If you’re a doula looking for a supportive community or considering attending a retreat, this episode is for you. Share your thoughts with us and let us know what you’d love to see at future retreats by tagging The Doula Darcy on social media!

Subscribe & Leave a Review:

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more doulas looking for community and connection.

In this episode, The Doula Darcy reflects on a major turning point in her doula business journey from several years ago. As a busy postpartum doula and agency owner, she found herself struggling to expand her business without sacrificing all of her time. She shares how she overcame these challenges through strategic outsourcing—not just in her business, but in her personal life too.

Key topics discussed:

• The Reality of Scaling a Doula Business: The challenges of finding time to grow when you're a hands-on business owner, and why hiring a team isn't always the answer.
• Outsourcing Mindset Shift: How looking beyond the business and hiring help for personal tasks (house cleaning, child transportation, meal delivery) freed up time and energy.
• Investing in Tools and Software: The benefits of using software to save time on administrative tasks.
• The Cost vs. Value of Outsourcing: Why spending money on services that free up your time is often worth the investment, even if it feels like adding another expense.
• Business and Personal Life Integration: How to design a business that works seamlessly with your life and aligns with your strengths.
• Practical Tips for Doula Business Owners: Advice on outsourcing non-business tasks and making smart investments in tools and resources.
•  

This episode provides a fresh perspective on managing time, energy, and money effectively.

Resources Mentioned:

• Instagram for Doulas: 30 Pre-written social media posts

Connect with Darcy:

• Follow her on Instagram for more tips and insights.

Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow doulas who could use a fresh approach to scaling their businesses!

Are you a doula feeling stretched thin with client work? In this episode, I’m sharing how you can leverage your skills to create passive income and free up your time. Whether you want to earn an extra $500 a month or create a million-dollar business, the key is tapping into the online world with digital offerings. I provide practical ideas and strategies for building courses, products, and resources that can generate income even while you’re off-call. This episode is geared towards helping you get motivated to start earning more without working more hours!

What You'll Learn:

• How to identify your unique skills and passions that can translate into a digital product.
• The power of passive income for doulas and why it’s a game changer for sustainable growth.
• Real-life examples of doulas who’ve built successful online businesses and how you can do it too.
• The first steps to take when building your online income stream, from brainstorming to execution.

Links & Resources:

• Book a strategy session with me to map out your passive income plan:  https://douladarcy.com/doula-business-coach-book-a-call
• Join My Doula Village for support from other doulas building online businesses: https://douladarcy.com/my-doula-village
• Connect with me on Instagram and share your passive income ideas:  https://www.instagram.com/thedouladarcy/

Mastering Doula Rate Calculations and Business Mindset   In this episode of the Doula Darcy Podcast, host Darcy, a seasoned business coach and doula, discusses essential strategies for doulas to determine their rates effectively.   Darcy highlights the differences in doula business costs compared to traditional businesses, while still stressing the necessity to incorporate all expenses into doula rate calculations.   The episode focuses on the mindset shift required for doulas wishing to establish a sustainable and fulfilling long-term career.   Darcy also addresses not undercharging and underscores the significance of continuing education and self-investment, offering insights into calculating costs such as gas, travel time, website maintenance, and more.   Listeners are encouraged to reassess their rates, invest in their growth, and adopt practices to prevent burnout for long-term success as a doula. 00:46 Understanding Your Worth as a Doula 02:44 Investing in Quality Doula Training 06:00 Setting Your Rates and Business Costs 10:59 Maximizing ROI for Your Doula Business 11:29 Factoring Travel and Time into Your Rates 12:22 Comprehensive Cost Analysis for Doula Services 14:17 Investing in Your Growth and Development 16:52 Prioritizing Self-Care for Long-Term Success 18:45 Sustaining Your Doula Career Follow The Doula Darcy on Instagram  Check out The Doula Webiste Templates here   Join The Doula Marketing Group on Facebook

In this episode, Darcy sits down with Emily Wannenberg, a former midwife turned birth doula and owner of Fourth Trimester Fitness to discuss how to create a sustainable and thriving doula career. Emily shares her journey of building a successful doula business in two cities, her unique strategy of incorporating prenatal classes to attract clients, and why self-care is critical for longevity in birth work.

Emily explains how teaching classes not only supports her clients, but also acts as her main marketing tool. Listen in as Emily talks about building a solid backup doula network, why it’s essential to raise your rates confidently, and how to stay fit for the long haul in birth work. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale your business, this episode is packed with valuable advice for every doula! Key Highlights:

• How Emily structured her business to thrive in two different cities
• The power of using prenatal classes to attract more clients
• Tips on finding the right backup doula and setting boundaries
• How to confidently raise your rates and communicate your value to clients Links Mentioned:
• My Doula VIllage: https://douladarcy.com/my-doula-village 
• Fourth Trimester Fitness Method: www.4tfm.com
• Fit for Doula
• The Birthworker Retreat in Clearwater, FL in January 2025
• 4TFM Doula Training & Business Day Retreat in Atlantic Beach, Fl in March
• Follow Emily on Instagram: @4thTrimesterFitness
• Follow The Doula Darcy on Instagram: @TheDoulaDarcy

The Doula Darcy's Journey to Building a Online Doula Business Darcy, host of the Doula Darcy podcast, shares her journey from growing up in Maine, attending Ithaca College, and navigating early career disappointments in the advertising world, to becoming a postpartum doula and eventually creating a lucrative online business.   With over a decade of experience in both marketing and the doula profession, Darcy combines her skills to empower other doulas to market their services and establish fulfilling careers.   This episode covers her progression through various jobs, learning to balance her life as a mother, discovering her passion for doula work, and the development of digital products and courses that provide financial freedom and sustainability. Darcy concludes by highlighting the transformative impact of Digital Course Academy and offers a bonus for listeners interested in building their own digital course. See the details here: https://douladarcy.com/dca     00:48 A Story of Passive Income Aspirations 02:11 Darcy's Early Life and Career Beginnings 03:39 The Harsh Realities of Post-College Life 04:38 Climbing the Advertising Ladder 08:25 Dreams of Manhattan and the Reality Check 14:03 The Dot-Com Boom and Bust 18:02 Balancing Career and Motherhood 23:13 Balancing Motherhood and Work 24:31 Discovering Blogging and Xanga.com 25:46 Embracing Flexibility with Technology 27:48 The Challenges of Postpartum Life 28:47 Finding Purpose as a Postpartum Doula 30:10 Building a Doula Business 34:37 Transitioning to Digital Courses 39:25 The Impact of Digital Courses 44:13 Encouragement and Final Thoughts

In this episode, Darcy dives into one of the most important marketing principles that every doula needs to know: the Rule of Seven. If you’ve ever wondered why your website or social media posts aren’t bringing in clients, this episode is for you! She discusses why posting once or twice isn’t enough, how people need to see your message multiple times before they take action, and how to use this rule to grow your doula business. From social media strategies to community networking, The Doula Darcy covers actionable tips to help you get noticed and book more clients.

Key Takeaways:

• The Rule of Seven: People need to see your message at least seven times before they act on it.
• Consistent Marketing is Key: One post won’t do the trick—your message needs to be repeated across different channels, multiple times.
• Avoid the “No One Values Doulas” Trap: It’s not that people don’t value doulas—it’s often that they simply don’t know about you yet.
• Diversify Your Content: Don’t post the same thing repeatedly—get creative and share your services in different ways.
• Stick with a Schedule: Whether it’s a class, a workshop, or a Doula Tea, pick a time and stick with it. Consistency helps build recognition.
• SEO & Website Tips: Make sure your website is optimized for search engines and easy for potential clients to navigate.
• Action Steps: Post more frequently on social media, be visible in your community, and create opportunities for people to learn about your services at least seven times.

Resources Mentioned:

• SEO tips and website optimization (stay tuned for an upcoming episode on this topic!)
• Marketing strategies for doulas (download our free marketing checklist)

Connect with The Doula Darcy:

• Follow The Doula Darcy on Instagram @TheDoulaDarcy
• Visit our website for more resources and info www.thedouladarcy.com 
• Join our The Doula Marketing Facebook Group for more support and business tips