Virtual Doula: A How To Guide
Coronavirus brought about a lot of unexpected changes for everyone and one of the biggest adjustments doulas have had to make was how to be present and available for clients even if they weren’t able to provide support in person. Virtual support was already around before COVID, but the term “Virtual Doula” became mainstream and EVERYONE had to get comfortable with it real quick. And even though hospitals are easing restrictions and families are feeling more comfortable with in-person care, we have a feeling Virtual Doulas are here to stay!
The biggest question we’ve heard going around the doula world is “How do you provide compassionate care while truly meeting people’s needs if you aren’t able to be there physically?” SO much of doula support focuses on the physical: the comfort measures at a birth, the light meal preparation at a postpartum visit, taking over feeds in the middle of the night. But doula work is about so much more and we want to share some tips that will help you streamline your virtual work and help your clients find value in ALL that you do.
Where To Begin
Before you begin offering virtual services it is important to establish expectations and protocols.
How long will your visits be?
Will they be scheduled or on-call? (We recommend having at least a few scheduled meeting times to establish consistency).
What platform will you use for your virtual visits?
Piece together your packages in a way that makes sense for you while also still providing your clients lots of value!
Setting The Stage
Before your first virtual visit, do a trial run with your chosen communication method. Check your WiFi strength, your headphones, and your video platform. Be mindful of the lighting, background noise, etc. Try to set yourself up in a calming environment with little distractions - this will benefit both you and your clients!
Send your clients any documents or resources you’ll want to go over 48-72 hours prior to your scheduled meeting so they have time to review (example: a birth plan template or postpartum planning worksheet).
Confirm your meeting via text or email a few hours before - this is especially helpful for postpartum families!
Everything Is NORMAL
Treat the virtual visits like you’re there in person! Start off your meetings as you would if you were in their home:
Check in with them, ask how they’re feeling, talk about their care goals, etc.
Listen well and stay grounded.
If all they want to do is talk, that’s ok.
There doesn’t have to be an agenda if they don’t want one. If they are agenda oriented, let them know what you’ll be covering. It may be helpful to have a plan on what to cover so you can direct the call if they aren’t sure what they need. For more guidance with this, we recommend you check out our Doula’s Guide to Prenatal Visits - it’s packed full of resources for you!
Get Physical Without Getting Physical
Video calls have made life as a virtual doula so much easier! With Zoom or FaceTime you can provide helpful demonstrations just like you would if you were in their home.
It’s helpful if you have a kit of supplies on hand to demonstrate anything that your clients may need help with via video. If you’re able, you can even pre-record some videos to send them or to have on hand to watch together via screen share.
Birth Kit Ideas
Visuals to demonstrate comfort measure positions.
Cloth pelvis & uterus (a partially blown up balloon is a great way to demonstrate contractions!)
Birth Ball so you can demonstrate some positions via video
A long sheet or Rebozo
Postpartum Kit Ideas
Baby doll
Swaddle
Sitz Baths supplies
Baby Care kit (with bulb syringe, etc.)
Breast model
Bottle
Always Follow Up
Make notes of any resources they need during your visit and if you don’t have information on hand during the call, send it to them later via email. Give them a time frame to expect the email (ex: I’ll send these to you by the end of the day). For more help with what to do before or after your visit, grab our FREE Prenatal & Interview Checklists.
Possible birth resources to send:
Hospital Packing List
Sample Birth Plan (make sure they send you a copy of their final one so you can have it on hand when they go into labor)
Information on virtual childbirth classes
Helpful self-care resources for pregnancy (nutrition, movement, affirmations, etc.)
Recordings of meditations or affirmations they can listen to
When to Call Your Doula info. Make sure they know how to contact you when they go into labor!
Possible postpartum resources to send:
Breastfeeding 101 guide
Breastfeeding positions
Youtube videos on how to use their brand of breast pump
Tips for nursery organization
You can find many of the above resources in our Doula’s Guide to Prenatal Visits along with other customizable resources, in our shop.
Go The Extra Mile
Offer to drop off a care package (include the cost in your package price). If they’re up for it you can go on a gentle, socially distanced walk. If not, you can leave the care package at their door and wave from the window! Some things to include in your care package
Aromatherapy blends
Postpartum recovery kit (sits bath, teas, nipple cream)
A lovingly prepared nutritious meal
You can also include grocery shopping in your package offerings. Have them pick a day, they send you a list of what you need and any preferences for the grocery store to visit. They can Venmo you funds prior to shopping or you can provide a receipt after you’ve shopped. Drop the groceries off at their door. This ensures that they always have nutritious food on hand!
The most important thing is to be yourself! Your clients hired you for your warmth, expertise, and guidance and none of that changes even with virtual support. If you don’t believe in and value the incredible virtual support you offer, then neither will your clients. Be confident in what you have to give them. Be excited to support them in this profound way. You’ve got this!
If you’re looking for more ways to maximize virtual doula support, below are some amazing resources.
Virtual Postpartum Support Guide - by Kathrin Auger
Podcast with Ann Gauer on Virtual Postpartum Doulas
When Birth Doulas Must Provide Labor Support at a Distance by Connie Sultana