Doulas: Build Relationships to Build Your Business
If you want to elevate your doula business, the single most effective way to do that is to build relationships with other people in the birth industry.
Professionals network with other professionals.
We don’t mean schmoozing with your colleagues at the local doula association meetings (although we always encourage getting connected with your doula community!) We’re talking about other professionals who serve pregnant and new parents. Your doula business will benefit most from working with medical professionals like:
Obstetricians
Midwives
Labor & Delivery Nurses
Anesthesiologists
Family Doctors
Pediatricians
You can also gain excellent referrals and bulk up your resource list by getting to know:
Chiropractors
Massage Therapists
Maternity Boutique Staff
Start with respect.
The first and most important way to build and maintain relationships with medical professionals is to treat them with respect. They are medical experts. They are the ones who are qualified to give medical advice. Contradicting and undermining the medical professionals you work with will not benefit you or your clients. Your attitude towards the medical care providers you work with will show. Communicate your respect for OBGYNs, Doctors, Nurses, and other medical professionals on your website, in your blog posts, when talking with others both professionally and personally, and when working for your clients.
Show Kindness and Appreciation
To further develop positive relationships with other birth professionals, show them kindness and appreciation.
Express your gratitude.
When working with medical professionals thank them for all that they do. It’s great to point out specific things that you like about them. Utilize those amazing communication skills and your ability to speak to where others are coming from.
Thank you cards, treats and other offerings and gifts are always welcome!
New to a hospital or birthing facility? Stopping by with a bag of bagels and cream cheese could earn you a private tour of the unit. Feeling social? Order cupcakes from a local bakery and pop into your favorite OBGYN’s office.
We like to bring treats for the labor & delivery nurses when we arrive to support a birthing client. Fruit and veggie trays are easy to grab on the run. Include some business cards and a handwritten note of appreciation.
Provide lunch for an Obstetrician’s office and take the opportunity to tell them about what makes you and your doula business the best choice for their patients.
Build Your Business by Building Relationships
Building relationships with medical care providers is akin to building a new friendship. You can’t just drop off a box of cookies and expect to have a new BFF. Relationships take time and many positive interactions. Trust takes time.
When medical care providers trust you and know that you will be a cohesive member of their patient’s team, they will return that respect. It’s a wonderful feeling when a client tells you they mentioned your name to their doctor and their doctor told them you were a great choice! Or even better, potential clients tell you their OBGYN referred them to you!
Elevating the Role of Doulas Everywhere
When we work cooperatively with medical professionals, we elevate the role of a doula and increase our collective professionalism. When we are a part of the team, we can better support our clients.
