Instagram Tips for Doulas Who Don’t Want to Dance on Reels

​Let’s be real: You became a doula because you love supporting birthing people—not because you wanted to learn choreography for Instagram. Good news: You don’t have to dance, point at floating text bubbles, or follow trends to make Instagram work for you. You can build trust, attract clients, and share your story in a way that feels authentic and aligned. Here’s how.

Focus on Connection, Not Performance

Instagram is just a tool for connection. It's not about popularity—it's about visibility to the right people. Use it to show your heart, your values, and the experience clients can expect from you.

Content That Works Without Dancing

You don’t need to be flashy. Try these post ideas:
1. Behind-the-Scenes Moments:  Share a peek at your doula bag, prepping for a birth, reading a new book, or creating a birth plan.
2. Gentle Affirmations:  Post one-line affirmations in your brand colors:
“You are not alone.”
“Birth is your story.”
“You were made for this.”
3. Client Love (With Permission):  Share a quote from a testimonial or thank-you message.
4. FAQs:  Create a carousel post answering a common question you get, like:
“What’s the difference between a doula and a midwife?
5. Doula Wisdom:  Drop short, powerful pieces of advice. These perform well and establish you as an expert.

Video Ideas That Don’t Require Your Face (or Dancing)

If you want to post Reels but hate being on camera:

• Record a timelapse of packing your doula bag
• Film your hands writing affirmations or prepping tea
• Share a slideshow with soft music and birth quotes
• Use voiceover narration instead of talking directly to the camera

Video Ideas That Don't Require You to Talk (but shows your face)

Use B-Roll!  While it's not required, people love to see your face.

What is B-Roll?  B-Roll is just you doing something active. Then you will add sound and text over the video.  It's easiest to add text when you leave some blank space beside or above you.  You don't even have to look at the camera/phone.

• Walking to your car with your doula bag or things you might bring to an appointment or class
• Typing on the computer
• Drinking coffee or your drink of choice
• Answering your phone and pretending to talk with a client
• Writing affirmations or information for a client
• Just walking across the screen
• You can also google B-Roll or ask CHATgpt for suggestions

Instagram Strategy for the Soft-Spoken Doula

• Post 2-3x per week, even if it’s simple
  
• Use hashtags intentionally (think: #ChicagoDoula, #BirthSupport)
  
• Engage with local birth workers in comments and DMs
  
• Use Stories to share your day or post text-based updates—it’s lower pressure
  

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Final Words

You don’t have to entertain to make an impact.
Let your presence, wisdom, and care shine through your content. That’s what people are looking for—someone who feels like home.

Homework:  Pick one idea from this list and post it on Instagram this week—no trends, no pressure, just your beautiful, grounded self.  Join my Facebook Group to get more tips to get your business thriving!