<![CDATA[Deb Pocica - Blog]]>Sun, 14 Dec 2025 03:23:05 -0600Weebly<![CDATA[Surviving (and Actually Thriving) the Holidays as a Doula]]>Sat, 13 Dec 2025 23:49:28 GMThttps://www.debpocica.com/blog/surviving-and-actually-thriving-the-holidays-as-a-doulaBecause burnout is not on your wish list this year.
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The holidays as a doula are… a lot.
One minute you’re baking cookies and trying to remember where you hid the good wrapping paper, and the next minute your phone buzzes with a “Hey, I think something is happening…” text from a client who is officially ignoring the calendar.
Whether you’re birth, postpartum, or a delicious blend of both, holiday season can feel like the ultimate test of your boundaries, your energy, and your ability to juggle five different calendars while pretending you’re totally fine.
Here’s the truth: Doulas deserve joy, rest, and holiday magic just as much as everyone else.
And yes—you can run a sustainable doula business and protect your brain and your bandwidth during the busiest (and most emotionally loaded) time of the year.
Let’s get into it.

Give Yourself Permission to NOT Do It All

If the holidays tend to activate your “must be all things to all people” mode, here is your gentle-but-firm nudge: You are allowed to do less.
Less marketing.
Less baking.
Less saying yes to things you don’t want to do.
Less pushing yourself to be the doula who never needs rest.
Your business will not implode if you simplify for a few weeks.
Your clients are still supported.
You still get to be human.

Create a Holiday Doula Schedule (That Actually Protects You)

This alone can change everything.
Ask yourself:
  • What days am I truly available?
  • What is absolutely off-limits?
  • Where is the built-in rest?
  • Do I need backup coverage for on-call days?
  • What’s the maximum number of overnights I can realistically handle without turning into an overcaffeinated shell of myself?
Then—this is the important part—communicate it clearly and early.
A simple message works:
“As we move into the holiday season, here is my schedule and availability so you can plan with confidence…”
You’re not being difficult. You’re being professional.

Expect—and Prepare For—Holiday Emotions

Clients are tender this time of year.
So are you.
Big feelings hit hard during the holidays: comparison, grief, anxiety, nostalgia, overwhelm, “I should be enjoying this more”… you name it.
Supporting families through that emotional landscape is meaningful work, but it can also be draining. Build in emotional buffers:
  • A post-shift decompression ritual
  • A “one text reply after 9pm” boundary
  • A script for gently redirecting unsupported expectations
  • A system for closing out the day so client energy doesn’t come home with you
Your nervous system deserves support too.
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Know That Marketing Might Slow Down—and That’s Okay

Your feeds will be full of holiday photos, not people desperately searching “how do I hire a doula on the holiday.”
Here’s what is worth doing during December:
  • Repurposing old content
  • Lighter, connection-based posts
  • A simple “I have openings in January” announcement
  • Nurturing your email list (even just once!)
  • Resting so you can hit January without burnout crawling up your spine
December doesn’t have to be a big growth month.
Sustainable businesses aren’t built on constant output—they’re built on consistency over time.

Choose One Thing That’s Just for YOU

Not your clients.
Not your family.
Not your business.
You.
A cozy night with cheesy movies.
A holiday latte in silence.
A puzzle.
An early bedtime.
A walk alone with no one needing anything.
A “do nothing and stare at the wall” afternoon.
You deserve joy—even tiny joy. Especially tiny joy.

Have a Holiday Support Plan for Your Brain

This is for my neurodivergent doulas (hi, yes, us):
  • Your executive functioning will dip. Expect it.
  • Your routines will wobble. Normalize it.
  • Your motivation will go sideways. Plan for it.
  • Your sensory load may spike. Give yourself space.
Set yourself up with little helpers:
  • A “three things only” daily list
  • A low-energy script bank for client communication
  • A prewritten social post or two
  • Alarms for the things your brain will absolutely forget
  • Treating rest as a business strategy (because it is)
Thriving looks different for every brain—and yours is worth honoring.

Remember: You’re Building a Business That Fits Your Life

Not a business that consumes your life.
Not a business powered by guilt or hustle.
Not a business built on “I should be doing more.”
The holiday season is the perfect time to practice the boundaries, pacing, and intention you want for the entire year.
You are the CEO of your energy.
You are allowed to slow down.
You are allowed to rest.
You are allowed to enjoy your holidays without burning out.
And when January comes?
You’ll step back into your business clearer, calmer, more aligned, and more ready than ever.

Deb's Closing Encouragement

If the holidays feel heavy, chaotic, or overwhelming—you’re not alone.
This season can amplify every insecurity and doubt, especially for newer doulas or those rebuilding after burnout.
But you’re not behind.
You’re not failing.
You’re not “bad at business.”
You’re a human being doing deep, emotional, essential work.
And you deserve a holiday that feels sustainable and supportive, not suffocating.
Take the rest you need.
Do the work that feels doable.
Let the rest wait.
Your business will be right here when you get back—stronger because you are stronger.
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]]><![CDATA[Coffee, Clients, and Chaos Business Collective for Birth and Baby professionals]]>Tue, 25 Nov 2025 17:21:59 GMThttps://www.debpocica.com/blog/coffee-clients-and-chaos-business-collective-for-birth-and-baby-professionals$10/month. Cancel anytime. No pressure, no guilt, no hustle-culture nonsense.
​Your first month only $1 for a limited time
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What This Collective Actually Is

his is not another overwhelming membership where you get 57 things a month you’ll never use.
This is the slow, sustainable, neuro-friendly place for birth and baby pros who want:
  • clarity in their business
  • mindset support without toxic positivity
  • doable steps instead of impossible lists
  • community without drama
  • guidance without pressure
  • business growth without burnout
  • It’s for doulas, postpartum pros, newborn care specialists, sleep coaches, childbirth educators, and anyone working with families in the perinatal world.
If you’re tired, overwhelmed, restarting, or in your “I want to do the thing but my brain won’t let me” era — welcome. You belong here.

What You Get Each Month


1. Monthly Bite-Size Training
A short, practical lesson focused on ONE business skill:
  • Pricing
  • Content
  • Boundaries
  • Client messaging
  • Mindset resets
  • Systems that don’t require perfection

2. Monthly Canva Template Pack
  •  10 Post Templates
  •  5 Hooks
  • 10 Reel Ideas
All editable, all aesthetic, all ready to post.

3. Monthly Doula/Pro Resource for YOU
This could be:
  • A checklist
  • A script
  • A workflow
  • A mini training
  • A client resource you can reuse
  • A business-building tool
  • Something you can use immediately, without rethinking your entire business.

4. A Supportive, Low-Key Facebook Community
For wins, questions, struggles, venting, and accountability.
Zero drama. Zero judgment. Zero performative hustle.

5. Business Momentum — Built Sustainably
​You're not doing this alone anymore.
This collective will give you gentle nudges, clarity, and structure — without the burnout.

Who It’s Perfect For

This group is for you if:
✔ You're a new doula or birth worker or baby professional or sleep trainer
✔ You're restarting after a break
✔ You’re neurodivergent (diagnosed or vibes-only)
✔ You’re overwhelmed by “everything everywhere all at once”
✔ You want someone to break things down simply
✔ You want accountability without shame
✔ You don’t want a $97/month membership
✔ You want community + direction + doable tools

Why Only $10/Month?

Because business support should be accessible.
And because small steps create big momentum.
And because you don’t need another giant commitment.
You need something doable and sustainable.
I want you to try to before you spend your money, so your first month is only $1
​(for a limited time)

Cancel Anytime

This isn’t a trap.
If it stops working for you, leave anytime — guilt-free.

Ready to Join Us?

Click the button below and you’ll be inside the Facebook group as soon as you request to join and I see you. (Keep in mind, we are being real here and I don't monitor FB 24/7)
Join Coffee, Clients & Chaos — $10/month ($1 for your first month)
]]><![CDATA[How to Talk About Your Doula Services Without Feeling Awkward]]>Thu, 23 Oct 2025 22:35:50 GMThttps://www.debpocica.com/blog/how-to-talk-about-your-doula-services-without-feeling-awkward
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As a new doula, you’re passionate about supporting families during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. But when it comes to talking about your services—especially in a way that leads to paying clients—you might feel awkward, self-conscious, or even pushy.
You’re not alone. Many new doulas struggle with promoting themselves, but the good news is that you don’t have to feel uncomfortable when talking about what you do. Here’s how to confidently share your work in a natural and authentic way.

Shift Your Mindset: You’re Offering a Gift

First, let’s reframe how you view “selling.” Instead of feeling like you’re asking for something, recognize that you are offering a valuable service that transforms lives. Birth is one of the most significant events in a family’s life, and your support can make it a more positive, empowering experience.
Imagine if a family who needed your help never heard about you because you were too afraid to speak up. You’re not just selling a service—you’re changing lives. That’s worth sharing.

Practice a Simple, Natural Elevator Pitch

Many doulas get stuck when someone asks, “So, what do you do?” Instead of freezing up, prepare a simple, conversational response that feels natural to you.
Here’s a formula:
“I help [who you serve] feel [emotion/benefit] during [pregnancy/birth/postpartum] by providing [your service].”
For example:
👉 “I help first-time moms feel confident and supported during labor by providing emotional and physical support as a birth doula.”
👉 “I support new parents in adjusting to life with a newborn by offering hands-on postpartum care and guidance.”
Having a clear, prepared answer makes it easier to talk about what you do without overthinking.

Make It About Them, Not You

Instead of focusing on “selling,” focus on listening when discussing your work. Ask questions like:
✅ “How are you feeling about your birth plan?”
✅ “What kind of support do you have in place for postpartum?”
✅ “Have you thought about having a doula?”
When you engage in conversations from a place of curiosity and service, people naturally become interested in how you can help them.

Share Stories Instead of Selling

People connect with stories more than sales pitches. Instead of saying, “You should hire a doula,” share an experience:
 “One of my recent clients was really anxious about labor, but after working together, she felt so much calmer and had the best birth experience she could have even when plans changed."
Stories help potential clients see the value of your work without feeling like they’re being pressured.

Keep It Casual

You don’t have to turn every conversation into a business pitch. Sometimes, simply saying, “I’m a doula, and I love supporting families during birth/postpartum,” is enough to spark interest. Let conversations flow naturally, and trust that the right people will be drawn to your work.

Deb's Final Thoughts

Talking about your doula services doesn’t have to feel awkward. When you shift your mindset, prepare a simple way to explain what you do, and focus on serving instead of selling, the conversation will feel effortless.
The more you practice, the easier it gets—and soon, talking about your work will feel as natural as doing it.
Would you like help crafting your unique elevator pitch? Drop it in the comments, and I’ll help refine it!
Want to learn more about getting your first clients without feeling salesy or awkward? My "Getting Your First Clients" class is a great starting point. You'll be able to walk out of the class feeling confident in sharing your passion, how to conduct interviews, and promoting your services in a kind and giving way. 
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]]><![CDATA[Post Without Panic: How to Create One Month of Doula Content in a Weekend]]>Mon, 20 Oct 2025 14:17:07 GMThttps://www.debpocica.com/blog/post-without-panic-how-to-create-one-month-of-doula-content-in-a-weekend
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You’ve got a passion for supporting families, not spending hours staring at a blinking cursor trying to figure out what to post next. Yet here you are — scrolling through your phone, comparing yourself to other doulas who somehow have it all together on social media, and thinking “I should be posting more.”
Breathe. You’re not behind, you’re just overwhelmed — and that’s fixable.
Let’s make content creation something that works with your doula brain, not against it. By the end of this post, you’ll have a plan to create one full month of content in a single weekend — without the panic spiral, the guilt, or the burnout.

​Step 1: Plan Like a Doula, Not a Marketing Guru

Doulas are already pros at organizing chaos. You plan around births, postpartum visits, and still manage to meal prep — so let’s apply that same energy to your content.
Start by asking three simple questions:
  1. Who am I talking to this month? (Expectant parents? New parents? Fellow doulas?)
  2. What do they need right now? (Encouragement? Education? A gentle reality check?)
  3. What do I want them to do next? (Follow you, book a consult, join your email list?)
Then choose four weekly themes — one for each week of the month. Think of these like mini focuses:
  • Week 1: “Preparing for birth with confidence”
  • Week 2: “Postpartum recovery and real talk”
  • Week 3: “Partner support tips”
  • Week 4: “Behind the scenes with your favorite doula (that’s you!)”
You don’t need 87 ideas. You just need clarity — because clarity is the best antidote to panic.

Step 2: Batch Like You Mean It

Here’s the magic part: batching.
When you batch, you stop switching gears every five minutes and start creating in focused sprints. Pour yourself some coffee (or something stronger — no judgment), and block out two half-days or three days to spend a few hours each day this weekend. Here's a sample schedule, BUT make this work for your personal brain. Take what you can use and leave the rest.
Day 1: Write everything.
Use your themes and write quick captions or outlines for:
  • 4 educational posts (one per week)
  • 4 engagement posts (questions, polls, or relatable memes)
  • 4 promotional posts (services, freebie, or gentle call-to-action)
That’s 12 posts total.
Keep each one short and human. You’re not writing an essay — you’re having a conversation.
Day 2: Create your visuals.
Hop into Canva and make simple, repeatable templates. Stick with your brand colors and fonts. Change out text and photos, not the layout — save your future self from decision fatigue.  If you aren't familiar with Canva yet, there is a free option. You can make graphics with either your pictures or stock photos directly in Canva. Watch a few starter YouTube videos to get an idea of what you can do and then just start! Done is better than perfect.
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By Sunday night, you’ll have an entire month of ready-to-go content. No panic. No perfectionism. Just done.


Step 3: Repurpose Like a Pro (Because You Deserve a Break)

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel every week. Repurpose, recycle, and reuse.
Turn one good idea into five:
  • A blog post → a carousel post → a quote graphic → a short video → an email segment.
  • A client story → a testimonial post → a “what I learned as a doula” thread.
  • A birth prep tip → a 30-second reel → a Pinterest pin → a blog blurb.
Your audience doesn’t see everything you post (thanks, algorithms), so repeating or reframing your content is not lazy — it’s smart. Think of it as sustainability for your social media sanity.

​Note: You do NOT need to be everywhere. Pick two places to focus for now. Once those are easy, then start another idea.  You can also just repost the same content every 6 months (or even every 3 months if you post regularly). New people will see it and no one will remember you posted that meme 5 months ago.
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Step 4: Give Yourself Grace (Seriously)

Here’s the truth most social media coaches forget to tell you: consistency doesn’t mean perfection.
If you post three times one week and once the next — congratulations, you’re still showing up. The goal isn’t to become a content machine. The goal is to connect with your audience and grow your doula business without losing your mind.
So if your brain says “I can’t today,” listen. Rest. You’re building a sustainable business, not running a sprint.
And if you fall off the wagon for a bit? You don’t need to apologize or start over. Just pick up where you left off — no panic necessary.

A mentor once said that she batches enough content to make it look like she posts consistently. I know that I will be "in the mood" to create content about every other month, so I can create enough content to last 8 weeks. Then if the mood hits sooner, I am ahead of the game. If it doesn't hit, then I have a few weeks without content. No big deal.

Step 5: Your Weekend Action Plan

To make it super easy, here’s your cheat sheet for “Post Without Panic Weekend”:
Friday night: Pick your 4 weekly themes.
Saturday: Write your 12 captions.
Sunday: Create your Canva templates and schedule posts.
Optional bonus: Celebrate your accomplishment with your favorite cozy drink and a deep sigh of relief. You did it — you just created a month of content in one weekend.

Note: Weekends may not be the best time for you. Choose three days during the week if the kids are at school and you have room to think without little people.  Remember, make this fit your life and your brain!

Deb's ​Final Thoughts

You don’t have to be the most polished doula on the internet. You just have to be you — the caring, real, slightly-overthinking human who helps families every day.
When you learn to plan, batch, repurpose, and give yourself grace, posting becomes another form of nurturing — for your business and your future clients.
So take that deep breath, open your notebook, and remember:
You’ve got this. You can absolutely post without panic.
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]]><![CDATA[Stepping Away from the Wine Glass to Build Bigger Wings]]>Wed, 01 Oct 2025 17:45:43 GMThttps://www.debpocica.com/blog/stepping-away-from-the-wine-glass-to-build-bigger-wings
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Sometimes growth looks like pouring another glass.
And sometimes—it looks like setting the glass down.
For me, stepping away from the wine business is not about not loving it anymore (because oh, I do). It’s not that I won’t miss the laughter around a tasting table, the clink of glasses, or watching someone’s eyes light up when they discover a new favorite bottle. I will.
But this season is about choosing where to put my time and energy.

You may be asking, "What does this have to do with doula work?"
Well, it has to do with me. How I have been dividing up my time. AND the bigger part for my readers is: How to work through a decision on to stay or to go with anything. Maybe your side hustle, maybe your 9-5 job, and maybe even doula work. 

As always, take what helps and leave the rest.

Why Leave Something You Love?

Because loving something doesn’t always mean it’s where you’re meant to stay. The wine business has been good to me. It gave me community, adventure, income, and a way to give back through charity events. It taught me sales without sleaze, confidence in my voice, and more than a few creative charcuterie board tricks.
But here’s the truth: I’m building something bigger now.
And bigger requires space.

The Cliff and the Wings

Leaving isn’t easy. Honestly, it feels like stepping off a cliff—heart pounding, a little terrified, but knowing that the only way to really fly higher is to let go of the ledge.
I’m not walking away too soon. My other business is solid. It supports my needs and then some. I’m not making this choice out of desperation—I’m making it out of intention. The timing is right. I’ve built a foundation strong enough that I can risk trading good for great.
Because every hour I free up, I can invest in my mentorship work—helping new doulas build sustainable businesses without burning out. I can show up more fully for the people who need me. I can give my best energy to creating programs, writing resources, and being the mentor I wish I’d had when I started.

More Time = More Impact

The more time I have, the more impact I can make.
The more impact I make, the more growth I create—not just for me, but for my clients and for the causes I care deeply about. The more money I make, the more I can give. It’s not just about me—it’s about multiplying good in the world.
So yes, I’m leaving behind something I loved.
But I’m also leaving with deep gratitude.
Wine helped me grow wings.
Now it’s time to fly higher.

Deb's takeaway for my readers:

Maybe you’re at a similar crossroads in your own business. Maybe you’re still clutching something that you love, but deep down you know it’s holding you back from what’s next. You don’t have to leave too soon, but you also don’t have to stay too long. Growth is messy, emotional, and sometimes terrifying—but it’s always worth it.
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]]><![CDATA[How to Talk to an Experienced Doula Without Getting Ghosted]]>Thu, 25 Sep 2025 19:25:55 GMThttps://www.debpocica.com/blog/how-to-talk-to-an-experienced-doula-without-getting-ghostedYou’re new-ish. You’re passionate. You’re finally ready to go all in on being a doula, and you have questions--so many questions.
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And you’re not alone. I see you in the doula Facebook groups and forums, heart racing, typing things like:
  • “Can someone let me see their contract?”
  • “Tell me everything I need to know to get started.”
  • “How do I run a doula business?”
These are real, valid needs. But they’re also giant questions—the kind that overwhelm the people you’re asking for help. And that leads to a lot of frustration on both sides. Maybe you've seen it (or said it): “Why won’t experienced doulas share? Why are they gatekeeping?”
Let’s talk about it.

Gatekeeping or Burnout?

Here’s the truth: most experienced doulas aren’t trying to gatekeep. But many are juggling births, clients, families, maybe even second jobs (hi, it me), and their time and energy are limited.
When you ask a question that could be an entire workshop—or a whole course—you’re more likely to get crickets than clarity.
And that sucks. For everyone.

NOTE: I DO KNOW THERE ARE SOME VERY UNFRIENDLY DOULAS OUT THERE! BUT MOST OF THEM REALLY DO WANT TO HELP IF THEY CAN.  

I have been on both sides of this. I remember starting out 20 years ago and asking the "Tell me everything" post. I didn't get a lot of answers and didn't understand why until 10+ years later, I had new doulas calling me asking to get together for coffee to "pick my brain", when I was tired and overwhelmed. I truly wanted to help, but I could answer more direct questions much easier than ALL THE THINGS.

So What Should You Ask Instead?

If you truly want to learn from someone who’s been where you are, shift your approach. The key? Make it smaller. Make it specific. Make it easy to say yes.
Try questions like:
  • “Can I ask you one question about your first birth as a doula?”
  • “How did you get your first client?”
  • “Did you ever have a time where you thought about quitting? What helped?”
  • “If you were starting over now, what’s one thing you’d do differently?”
  • “What helped you feel more confident in the early days?”
These kinds of questions spark storytelling, not overwhelm. They show you’re genuinely interested in learning—not just copying and pasting someone’s years of hard-earned experience into your own business overnight.

Want to Go Deeper? Build Relationships First

The doulas who do share contracts, email templates, or their favorite client forms? They usually do so with people they’ve built some trust with.
  • So comment on their posts.
  • Share something that helped you.
  • Say thank you when someone gives advice.
  • Be generous before asking for generosity.
This isn’t just good doula etiquette—it’s solid business-building.

And Let’s Be Honest…

Sometimes what we really want isn’t just info. It’s reassurance. Validation. A roadmap. A sign we’re not totally messing this up.
That doesn’t always come from a Facebook comment. It might come from investing in a mentor, a course, a small biz group, or a paid resource that puts all that “gatekept” info into a format that’s easier to digest and doesn’t require another doula to spend hours in the DMs.
(And yes, that’s why I created things like Talk Your Way to Booked, 10 Neurodivergent Doula Biz Hacks, and Getting Your First Clients (coming soon). Because you deserve support that’s built for how your brain actually works.). I also still just talk with new doulas sometimes when I have the spoons to do so.

A Couple Quick Suggestions

Instead of saying…
​❌ “Can I have your contract?”
Try: “Do you have any tips on what to include in a first-time contract—or a resource you recommend?”
❌ “Tell me everything you know.”
Try: “Can I ask you one small question about marketing that’s been on my mind?”

TL;DR Deb's Final Thoughts

If you want better answers from established doulas, ask better questions. Specific. Respectful. Curious. That’s how doors open, connections are made, and gatekeeping becomes guidance.
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]]><![CDATA[Journaling Isn’t Dead. It Just Moved to Your Phone.]]>Mon, 08 Sep 2025 23:31:59 GMThttps://www.debpocica.com/blog/journaling-isnt-dead-it-just-moved-to-your-phone
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How journaling helps doulas and their clients find clarity, connection, and calm (no fancy notebook required)

Let’s be real: most doulas I know aren’t sitting down at sunrise with a leather-bound journal and a cup of herbal tea. (If you are, teach me your ways.) More likely, you’re voice-noting yourself between client visits or brain-dumping into the Notes app at 2 a.m. while waiting for a birth update.
That is journaling.
And it’s more powerful than you think.

In this post, we’re diving into how journaling — in whatever form works for your brain — can help you process emotions, avoid burnout, and grow your doula business with more clarity. We’ll also talk about how encouraging your clients to journal can deepen their birth and postpartum experience. And yes, I’ve got some free prompts you can use or share.
Because whether it’s handwritten, half-typed, or whispered into a phone mic, your words matter. Let’s get them out of your head and into the world.

Journaling for Doulas: Brain Dump, Business Clarity, and Burnout Prevention

Journaling doesn’t have to be fancy. You don’t need a leather-bound book or a quiet cabin in the woods. For most doulas, journaling can look like scribbling in a notebook between client visits, voice notes on your phone, or answering a single reflection prompt before bed.
What matters is the release — and the clarity.
Here’s why it’s especially powerful for doulas:
  • It clears the noise. Your brain is holding a lot — client details, birth stories, to-do lists, what you forgot to eat, and that one thing you said in the consultation that you’re now overthinking. Journaling gives that mental clutter a place to go.
  • It prevents emotional buildup. Doulas hold space for heavy moments. Journaling helps you process those moments privately, especially when they don’t need to be shared with anyone else. This is emotional hygiene.
  • It tracks your growth. It’s easy to forget how far you’ve come. Skimming old entries from your early client experiences can remind you that yes — you are growing. You do know what you’re doing.
  • It helps with business decisions. Feeling overwhelmed by pricing decisions, marketing blocks, or client boundary stuff? Write it out. Sometimes, the answers are already inside you — they just need space to land.
  • It’s neurodivergent-friendly. If your brain is bouncing between tabs, journaling can act as a grounding anchor — a place to put the ideas before they disappear. Bonus: You can adapt it to your style. Bullet points? Audio? Doodles? No wrong answers here.

Sample Prompts for Doulas

  • What’s on my mind right now?
    (Free-write the swirling thoughts so they don’t take up space in your brain.)
  • What went well this week in my doula work?
    ​    (Celebrate even the small wins.)
  • Would you like more prompts? Join my email list for prompts a few times a month.
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Journaling for Your Clients: Birth, Postpartum, and Beyond

You don’t have to be a therapist to recommend journaling — you just have to be a compassionate guide.
Encouraging your clients to journal gives them:
  • A safe outlet during intense emotional times.
  • A record of their pregnancy and birth story they can look back on later (or even share with their child).
  • Clarity in decision-making — like writing pros/cons lists before choosing providers or birth options.
  • A tool for healing if their birth or postpartum experience includes unexpected outcomes.
  • Empowerment — when they read their own words and realize, “Wow, I am doing this.”
You can offer prompts like:
  • “What am I feeling most confident about today?”
  • “What questions do I want to ask my provider?”
  • “What surprised me this week?”
  • “What do I want to remember about today?”
Even a quick check-in sentence a day can have a powerful ripple effect.

Deb's warning: Journaling does not replace the importance of seeing a therapist!

Doula Biz Hack: Use Journaling in Your Client Care

  • Add a journaling prompt to your client welcome packet.
  • Include a mini postpartum journal as part of your gift bag.
  • Offer a “reflect & release” worksheet after the birth.
  • Suggest daily journaling as a grounding tool for anxious clients.
These small additions can set you apart and deepen the trust your clients feel.

Deb's ​Final Thought

Whether you're scribbling on a Post-It or writing full pages in a beautiful notebook, journaling is a tool that meets you where you are. It doesn’t judge typos, overthinking, or spelling mistakes.

It just says: “I’m here. Let it out.”
And sometimes, that’s exactly what you — and your clients — need most.

Watch for my journaling prompt e-book coming soon!
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]]><![CDATA[Should You Work a Vendor Fair as a New Doula? The Real Pros and Cons]]>Tue, 26 Aug 2025 18:56:10 GMThttps://www.debpocica.com/blog/should-you-work-a-vendor-fair-as-a-new-doula-the-real-pros-and-cons
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​If you’ve been in the doula world for more than five minutes, you’ve probably seen other doulas posting about their vendor booths — complete with pretty banners, matching tablecloths, and bowls of candy. Maybe you’ve been tempted to sign up for one yourself. But before you spend your hard-earned dollars, let’s talk about what vendor fairs really do for a new doula business. Spoiler: most of the time, they’re marketing opportunities, not instant client-generators.

The Pros of Vendor Fairs

1. Visibility in Your Community
Vendor fairs put you face-to-face with dozens — sometimes hundreds — of people. Even if no one books you on the spot, you’re planting seeds for future inquiries.
2. Networking with Other Vendors
You might meet lactation consultants, prenatal yoga teachers, photographers, or other birth pros who can become referral partners. Also, don't forget about people that are not in the birth industry at all, but are networkers. Small businesses with a community following are also very important. Those connections can be worth more than a single client.
3. Practice Talking About Your Work
Having to explain what you do over and over helps you refine your elevator pitch. By the end of the day, you’ll have a smooth, confident way to talk about your services.

The Cons of Vendor Fairs

1. They Can Be Expensive — Especially Birth Fairs
Specialized birth and baby fairs often come with high booth fees. For a new doula on a tight budget, that’s a big chunk of your marketing funds. And if you don’t get any bookings, it can sting.
2. Flashy Booths Draw More Traffic
Agencies and more established businesses often have large, eye-catching displays. A simpler, lower-budget booth can still be effective — but you’ll need to work harder to draw people in.
3. Low Conversion Rates
Most attendees are browsing, not buying. You may leave with a list of emails, but actual bookings from vendor fairs are rare — especially for birth services, which require trust and a longer decision process.

A Better Option for New Doulas? Small, Local Events

For many new doulas, small family-focused community events are a smarter investment. They’re usually cheaper, more relaxed, and let you connect with people in a setting where you can have real conversations — without competing with big, flashy setups.
Think:
  • Local library parenting events
  • School or church family fairs
  • Farmer’s markets with a community booth section
You’ll spend less, have more authentic interactions, and build trust right where you live and work.

Deb's Final Thoughts

Vendor fairs can be fun and help with visibility, but they’re rarely the quickest path to new clients — especially if your budget is tight. If you do them, go in with the mindset that it’s a marketing opportunity, not an instant ROI (return on investment-meaning you will get new clients directly from the event). And don’t overlook the smaller, local events that can give you just as much — if not more — genuine connection for less money unless you have a large marketing budget to do larger events.
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]]><![CDATA[Coworking for Doulas: Get It Done, Together]]>Mon, 25 Aug 2025 15:06:56 GMThttps://www.debpocica.com/blog/coworking-for-doulas-get-it-done-together
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Working for yourself as a doula can feel lonely — and let’s be honest, distracting. There’s always laundry to fold, a client text to answer, or a million “shoulds” pulling at your brain. If you’re neurodivergent, it can feel even harder to stay on task when everything competes for your attention.
That’s why I’m starting something simple, affordable, and supportive:

Monthly Coworking on Zoom — just $5 a month.

Here’s how it works: once a month, we hop on Zoom together. We’ll chat for a few minutes, set our goals for the session, and then… we get to work. Microphones off and cameras on or off — your choice.
This is basically body doubling for doulas: when you know someone else is working alongside you, it’s suddenly so much easier to focus. Whether you use the time to write social posts, catch up on client notes, or finally tackle that project you’ve been avoiding, you’ll leave knowing you actually moved forward.
And at the end of each coworking session, we’ll take 15 minutes for an Ask Me Anything. Bring your questions about marketing, mindset, or the behind-the-scenes of running a doula business, and I’ll be there to support you.

One hour of coworking + 15 minutes of coaching. Once a month. Five bucks. Done.

Join us, and let’s build businesses that feel sustainable — without doing it all alone.

Link to register
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]]><![CDATA[Pricing Your Doula Services (Without Spiraling About It)]]>Tue, 19 Aug 2025 18:10:03 GMThttps://www.debpocica.com/blog/pricing-your-doula-services-without-spiraling-about-it
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So you’ve finished your doula training, picked your business name, made your social pages… and now you’re staring at your blank “Pricing” section wondering:
“How much is too much? What if people say no? Who do I think I am charging for this work anyway?”

Take a breath, friend. You’re not alone.
Let’s talk about pricing your services in a way that’s ethical, sustainable, and honors your energy, your skills, and your bills.
​ Take a deep breath. You’re not alone — and you’re not bad at business.
Let’s break down how to set pricing that supports both your clients and you — emotionally, energetically, and financially.

Why Pricing Feels So Hard (Especially for You)

If you’re like many of the doulas I mentor, pricing brings up a LOT of mental noise.
​Cue the spiral:
  • “I don’t want to be too expensive.”
  • “No one will pay me that much.”
  • “What if I scare away clients?”
  • “Other doulas charge less, maybe I should too…”
If those thoughts sound familiar, it’s not because you’re bad at business. It’s because you’re likely navigating money mindset blocks and impostor syndrome while trying to create a sustainable income in a caring profession. That’s a lot to hold.
But here’s the truth: undercharging doesn’t make you more accessible — it just makes it not sustainable..

How to Start Building Your Pricing (Without Guessing or Googling Random Numbers)

Right now, I see doulas charging between $1000-$2500 a birth or $30-$60 an hour for postpartum.  This is just an estimate and prices are all over the board. Some of it depends on how long you have been a doula (even new doulas can charge) and where you live. You are worth it.
Forget the idea of “how little can I get by on?”
You’re not building a bare-minimum hustle. You’re building a sustainable business.

Let’s walk through a simple framework that helps you set prices that make sense:

1. Start With Your Reality
Ask yourself:
  • What monthly income would help me feel steady and supported?
  • How many clients or hours can I take on per month without burning out?
  • What price per client or hour creates that foundation?
Example 1 - Start out goal
 Let’s say you need $1,500 a month and can support 2 births comfortably. That means each birth client needs to bring in at least $750 for you to break even.

Example 2 – Building Goal (Birth Doula)
You need $3,000/month and want no more than 2 birth clients/month.
$3,000 ÷ 2 = $1,500 per client — a sustainable, market-aligned rate.

​Example 3 – Postpartum Doula
You need $2,400/month and plan to work about 15 hours/week (or ~60 hours/month).
$2,400 ÷ 60 hours = $40/hour minimum to meet your goal.
That’s the floor, not the ceiling. If your local average is $45–$50/hour? Great — you’re in the right ballpark.

Example 4 - Single Parent Goal for Postpartum Doula
You need $5,000 a month and plan to work 40 hours a week (or 160 hours/month).
$5,000 ÷ 160 =$31.25 to meet your goal.

Keep in mind:
  • You’ll want to add a little cushion to account for taxes, business expenses, and cancellations.
  • Charging $45–$50/hour for postpartum or $1200 for births not only aligns with the average in some areas — it also helps you plan for breaks, sick days, and slow seasons.
  • Do you want to take vacations, time off for family events, holidays, or sick days? Add in more cushion.


2. Add Time and Value
Supporting a birth is not just 12 hours at the hospital.
It’s prenatal visits, texts at 11pm, on-call time, postpartum support, emotional labor, and more.
Once you outline what’s included in each package (and the energy it takes), it becomes easier to say, “Yeah, this is worth more than I thought.” I usually average about 40-50 hours per labor client.

3. Compare for Context, Not Confidence
​Look at what others in your area are charging, but don’t let it shake your confidence.
If your pricing is wildly lower, ask why. If it’s wildly higher, ask why. Use it as information, not judgment.
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What If You’re Just Starting and Feel Weird Charging “That Much”?

Offer a few sliding scale or scholarship spots — on purpose, not by accident.
Here’s the difference:
  • Sliding scale with boundaries: “I offer one reduced-rate spot per quarter. Please reach out to see if it’s available.”
  • Codependent panic discounting: “I’ll just lower my rate because they seemed unsure.”
Spoiler: One of these keeps you in business. The other keeps you burned out.

Here's my story on pricing when I started. I would give my price and then in the exact same breath, before anyone could respond, I would say, "But if that's too much, I can offer a discount!"  Please don't be like me there!

Want to Be Accessible? Stay in Business.

The best way to support birthing people in your community long term is to make your business sustainable. That means charging in a way that covers your life — without guilt.
You deserve to do this work without living in scarcity.

Deb's ​Final Thoughts (For the Doubt Gremlins)

  • Your pricing is not about your worth.
  • It’s not about how many births you’ve attended.
  • It’s not about being the cheapest doula in town.
  • It’s about building a business that honors your energy and supports your life — so you can keep showing up for your clients fully and without resentment.
  • You can adjust as you grow. But you can start now.
You’ve got this.
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