Episodes

  • World Doula Week - What's a Doula to Do?

    World Doula Week - What's a Doula to Do?
    Mar 22 2026

    It's World Doula Week! But what the heck does that even mean and what are we supposed to be doing?

    Doula Darcy breaks it down for you in this episode and shares 5 actionable things you can do to piggyback off of World Doula Week and spread awareness about your own doula business.

    ✨ Connect with Darcy on Instagram : @thedouladarcy / thedouladarcy

    Join My Doula Village for deeper trainings on things like this and so much more!

    About The Doula Darcy: Doula Business Coach & Marketing Strategist

    Since 2010, Darcy has built a thriving postpartum doula business (now doula agency) in New Hampshire. With her team of postpartum doulas handling the day-to-day in person clients, Darcy spends her time and energy helping other doulas grow & scale their businesses with a focus on sustainability and not burning themselves out. Prior to having her own 3 children and becoming doula, Darcy worked for 10 years in the advertising and marketing world. She was able to replace her corporate income quicker than most new doulas because of her previous career & expertise. Darcy now uses this experience to help other doulas build their own thriving practices. Learn more at www.thedouladarcy.com

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    12 mins
  • Doula Marketing on Instagram: Simple Strategies That Actually Work to Reach Local Clients with Molly Cahill

    Doula Marketing on Instagram: Simple Strategies That Actually Work to Reach Local Clients with Molly Cahill
    Mar 16 2026
    If you're a doula wondering what to post on Instagram to get more clients, this podcast episode is for you. Today I'm talking with Instagram expert Molly Cahill all about how doulas can use Instagram to grow a local business, attract more of the right clients, and stop overthinking social media. We cover what actually works on Instagram right now, why you do not need to go viral, and how to create content that helps potential clients get to know, like, and trust you before they ever reach out. We also talk about one of the biggest mindset shifts doulas need around Instagram: your goal is not to become famous online. Your goal is to become the go-to doula in your local area. Inside this conversation, you'll learn: what doulas should post on Instagramhow to use Instagram to get local doula clientswhy Instagram matters for birth workers and postpartum doulashow to use keywords and hashtags so pregnant women can find youwhy carousels, collaboration posts, and networking matterhow to make your Instagram profile easier for potential doula clients to understandwhy consistency matters more than chasing viral content If you've been asking: "What should I post as a doula on Instagram?" "How do I market my doula business on social media?" "How can I get doula clients from Instagram?" …this episode will give you practical ideas you can start using right away. This video is for the doula who wants more client inquiries, better visibility, and a simpler Instagram strategy, make sure you subscribe for more training on doula marketing, doula business growth, and how to build a sustainable doula business. ✨ Connect with Molly on Instagram : @mollyacahill / mollyacahill ✨ Connect with Darcy on Instagram : @thedouladarcy / thedouladarcy Join My Doula Village for deeper trainings on Instagram and so much more! About The Doula Darcy: Doula Business Coach & Marketing Strategist Since 2010, Darcy has built a thriving postpartum doula business (now doula agency) in New Hampshire. With her team of postpartum doulas handling the day-to-day in person clients, Darcy spends her time and energy helping other doulas grow & scale their businesses with a focus on sustainability and not burning themselves out. Prior to having her own 3 children and becoming doula, Darcy worked for 10 years in the advertising and marketing world. She was able to replace her corporate income quicker than most new doulas because of her previous career & expertise. Darcy now uses this experience to help other doulas build their own thriving practices. Learn more at www.thedouladarcy.com
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    41 mins
  • From Burned-Out Teacher to Online Childbirth Educator: A Doula Business Story with Lizzie Bollinger

    From Burned-Out Teacher to Online Childbirth Educator: A Doula Business Story with Lizzie Bollinger
    Mar 2 2026

    If you've ever thought about adding passive income to your doula business but felt overwhelmed by building a course from scratch this episode is for you.

    Today I'm joined by Lizzie Bolliger (aka Fierce Lizzie), founder of Unmedicated Academy, to talk about what it really takes to build an online offer as a birth worker.

    We cover:

    • How Lizzie went from high school math teacher to full-time online childbirth educator

    • The truth about "passive income" (and why marketing never stops)

    • Why most doulas never finish the digital course they start

    • The burnout that comes from only trading hours for dollars

    • And a done-for-you way to add childbirth education to your business

    Lizzie now works about 15 hours a week, homeschools her 3 kids, earns what she used to as a full-time teacher, and helps doulas license her comprehensive childbirth curriculum instead of building their own from scratch.

    If you're craving a hybrid doula business model, one that gives you more freedom, flexibility, and income, this conversation will open your eyes to what's possible.

    👉 Grab Lizzie's free curriculum licensing guide here.



    Join My Doula Village to get access to Lizzie & Darcy's deeper dive on this subject:
    https://douladarcy.com/my-doula-village-4

    Register for Darcy's upcoming free masterclass on Building a Hybrid Doula Business Model here:

    https://douladarcy.com/masterclass
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    33 mins
  • The Power of In-Person Events for Doulas - Retreats, Summits, and Putting Yourself in the Room with Doula Darcy & Jodi Congdon

    The Power of In-Person Events for Doulas - Retreats, Summits, and Putting Yourself in the Room with Doula Darcy & Jodi Congdon
    Feb 21 2026
    The Power of In-Person Events for Doulas - Retreats, Summits, and Putting Yourself in the Room with Doula Darcy & Jodi Congdon We're trying something new and doing a joint podcast episode of The Doula Darcy Podcast and The Birth Boss Podcast today! In this episode, Darcy & Jodi discuss why in-person events are a powerful catalyst for business growth, mindset shifts, and community in the doula world. They share their first experiences attending doula conferences (including DONA International and CAPPA) and describe the motivation, connection, and expanded vision that comes from being face-to-face with others who share the same passion and/or who are achieving at a higher level. They talk about investing in yourself as an investment in your business, how even "bad" events offer valuable lessons, and why hosting events can be a core part of building a sustainable business. The conversation includes how they created the Birth Worker Retreat in Clearwater, Florida after realizing doulas needed marketing and business-focused gatherings, how the retreat evolved over the years, and the impact they've seen in returning attendees' progress. They also highlight the value of honest feedback from peers, built-in free time for deeper conversations (including "hot tub networking"), and the importance of doulas hosting local in-person meetups. The Birthworker Retreat - January 2027 in Clearwater, FL https://douladarcy.com/the-birthworker-retreat The hosts share upcoming events: a Maine retreat for members of My Doula Village: https://douladarcy.com/doula-retreat-maine The Birth Boss CEO Summit (April 10–12 in Boston) featuring boardroom-style strategy: https://www.hiptoheart.com/birth-boss-ceo-summit They close by encouraging listeners to attend events, create the event they wish existed, and recognize that the doula market isn't saturated, there are more families needing care than available doulas. 02:51 Why In-Person Events Matter for Your Business 03:50 First Doula Conferences & That 'Rocket on My Back' Feeling 05:46 Get in the Room: Bigger Vision, Better Mentors, Faster Growth 09:03 The Investment Question: Paying to Attend (and Why It's Worth It) 12:57 Events Aren't Profitable? Why Retreats & Summits Still Win 14:24 Designing Events That Fit You (Retreat vs Summit) + Community Care 16:40 No 'Wasted' Events: Learning from Flops, People, and Perspective 18:54 Perfectionism, Risk, and Lessons from Free Solo Climber Alex Honnold 26:27 Birth Worker Retreat Origin Story: 'Why Doesn't Doula World Have This?' 27:04 How the Retreat Evolved: Refining the Vibe, Location, and Experience 29:11 Why People Rebook Before They Leave: Proof the Retreat Works 29:39 Tracking Year-to-Year Growth (and the Tears That Come With It) 30:20 Success Stories: Launching New Offers & Leveling Up Fast 31:33 Real Feedback, Focus-Group Energy & "Hot Tub Networking" 33:43 Bringing Family Along: Modeling Work + Vacation for Your Kids 35:12 Career Paths Aren't Linear: Skills Transfer & Kids Seeing You Differently 39:36 What's Next: Upcoming Retreats, Masterminds & the CEO Summit 44:33 Upscale Experiences, Energetics & the Karma of Giving Value 50:59 There's Room for Everyone: Mature vs. "Saturated" Doula Markets 52:59 Final Takeaway: Events Move the Needle + Links in the Show Notes
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    54 mins
  • Are We Putting Our Prices on our Websites?

    Are We Putting Our Prices on our Websites?
    Feb 6 2026

    Curious about pricing strategies for doulas? It's your business, your decision!

    Explore why some doulas showcase prices online while others don't, and what might work best for you.

    Register for the free webinar that Darcy mentioned on How to Get Doula Clients here:

    https://douladarcy.com/webinar

    RESOURCES MENTIONED 📥 FREE Doula Client-Getting Cheat Sheet → https://douladarcy.com/how-to-start-g... 📸 Follow Darcy on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedouladarcy/ About The Doula Darcy: Doula Business Coach & Marketing Strategist Since 2010, Darcy has built a thriving postpartum doula business (now doula agency) in New Hampshire. With her team of postpartum doulas handling the day-to-day in person clients, Darcy spends her time and energy helping other doulas grow & scale their businesses with a focus on sustainability and not burning themselves out. Prior to having her own 3 children and becoming doula, Darcy worked for 10 years in the advertising and marketing world. She was able to replace her corporate income quicker than most new doulas because of her previous career & expertise. Darcy now uses this experience to help other doulas build their own thriving practices.

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    13 mins
  • "Must Be Nice" - A Mindset Shift That Changed Everything

    "Must Be Nice" - A Mindset Shift That Changed Everything
    Jan 19 2026

    In this episode, I'm coming to you from sunny Clearwater, Florida a few days ahead of The Birthworker Retreat. I share the behind-the-scenes of how I intentionally designed this event (and my life!) to match my personal needs and seasonal rhythms. From walks on the beach and hotel massages to the mindset shifts that took me from burnt-out martyr to thriving doula business owner, I walk you through how this lifestyle didn't happen by accident. It happened by methodical design.

    I'm breaking down how you, too, can start aligning your business with the life you truly want, starting with small, sacred decisions.

    What You'll Learn:

    • Why I intentionally arrive early to events I host (and how it changes everything)

    • How I turned my desire for winter sunshine into a business opportunity

    • The key mindset shift that helped me move from martyrdom to empowerment

    • Tiny ways to care for yourself as a business owner and mom

    • How every "yes" is also a "no" - and how to choose wisely

    • Encouragement to stop resenting others and start building what you want

    Links Mentioned:

    • Birth Worker Retreat www.TheBirthworkerRetreat.com

    • My Instagram (for behind-the-scenes content!)
      https://www.instagram.com/thedouladarcy/





      About The Doula Darcy:

      Doula Business Coach & Marketing Strategist

      Since 2010, Darcy has built a thriving postpartum doula business (now doula agency) in New Hampshire.

      With her team of postpartum doulas handling the day-to-day in person clients, Darcy spends her time and energy helping other doulas grow & scale their businesses with a focus on sustainability and not burning themselves out.

      Prior to having her own 3 children and becoming doula, Darcy worked for 10 years in the advertising and marketing world. She was able to replace her corporate income quicker than most new doulas because of her previous career & expertise. Darcy now uses this experience to help other doulas build their own thriving practices.

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    22 mins
  • You're Fully Booked… So Why Aren't You Making Enough Money?

    You're Fully Booked… So Why Aren't You Making Enough Money?
    Jan 12 2026
    There comes a moment in many doula businesses when everything is technically "working"… You're getting clients. You're good at what you do. You're busy, maybe sometimes too busy. And yet, the income still isn't where it needs to be. In this episode, I'm talking about the very real (and very common) moment when doulas hit an income ceiling and what to do when you realize that trading hours for dollars simply isn't sustainable long-term. I share my own story of reaching this point a few years into my postpartum doula business: juggling multiple families in a day, racing across town, coming home exhausted to my own kids, and realizing that no matter how hard I worked, there were only so many hours available. And the numbers just weren't adding up. If you've ever thought: "I can't raise my rates any higher…" "I love this work, but I need to make more money" "I don't want to burn out or quit, but something has to change" This episode is for you. In this episode, we cover: Why so many doulas hit an income ceiling 2–3 years into their business The emotional reality of loving the work but needing more financial stability When (and how) to raise your rates - even if you're newer than other doulas in your area How to increase your income without adding more in-person hours Smart ways to enhance your doula packages with add-ons and virtual services How to create downsell offers for families who can't hire you as their full-service doula Why digital products and virtual sessions can be a game-changer The role agencies and passive income streams can play in breaking the income ceiling How to build a doula business that supports your family, your future, and your longevity in this work I also talk about the importance of thinking like a "grown-up" business owner so that you are setting rates that allow you to save for taxes, retirement, your kids' activities, and your future - not just scrape by. There is a way to work fewer hours, help more families, and earn more money. And it doesn't require sacrificing your health, your family, or your love for this work. Ready to take the next step? If you're feeling stuck at this income ceiling and want support figuring out your unique doula "sweet spot", I'd love to help. Join My Doula Village for ongoing support, real conversations, and strategy Or explore 1:1 coaching with me to design a business model and marketing plan that actually fits your life This is the work I love most, to help doulas stay in this profession for the long haul, without burnout, resentment, or financial stress. 💛 Thanks for listening! And I hope this episode gave you at least one nugget you can take with you. About The Doula Darcy: Darcy Sauers, aka The Doula Darcy, is a certified postpartum doula, marketing expert, and doula business coach who helps doulas & sleep consultants build sustainable, profitable businesses they love. Through her signature membership, My Doula Village, one-on-one coaching and a top-ranked doula podcast, Darcy empowers doulas to step confidently into their role as business owners, without burning out or giving up their calling. 👉 Learn more at: www.thedouladarcy.com join The Doula Village: www.MyDoulaVillage.com 📲 Follow along on Instagram: @TheDoulaDarcy
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    18 mins
  • There Are No Doula Police (So Stop Asking for Permission)

    There Are No Doula Police (So Stop Asking for Permission)
    Jan 7 2026

    If you're a people pleaser (and if you're a doula… chances are high), this episode is for you.

    In this conversation, Darcy unpacks the quiet but powerful connection between the work doulas do for their clients — teaching them to advocate for themselves, ask questions, and trust their gut — and the places we don't do that in our own lives and businesses.

    From birth rooms to living rooms, doulas are incredible at reminding parents they don't need permission to make decisions that feel right for them. But when it comes to our businesses? Our pricing? Our packages? Our boundaries? We often find ourselves waiting for approval that never comes.

    In this episode, Darcy challenges you to notice where you're asking for permission, hedging, or saying yes out of obligation and invites you to start running your doula business in a way that actually feeds your soul, your family, and your life.

    In this episode, you'll hear about:

    • The surprising parallel between birth advocacy and business decision-making

    • Where doulas unknowingly ask for permission instead of trusting themselves

    • How people pleasing shows up in packages, boundaries, and marketing

    • A powerful reminder that you can always change course

    If you've been playing small, waiting, or holding back because you're worried about what others will think, this episode is your reminder that you don't need permission to build a business that works for you.

    About: The Doula Darcy Darcy Sauers, aka The Doula Darcy, is a certified postpartum doula, marketing expert, and doula business coach who helps doulas & sleep consultants build sustainable, profitable businesses they love. Through her signature membership, My Doula Village, one-on-one coaching and this top-ranked doula podcast, Darcy empowers doulas to step confidently into their role as business owners, without burning out or giving up their calling. 👉 Learn more at: www.thedouladarcy.com Join My Doula Village: www.MyDoulaVillage.com 📲 Follow along on Instagram: @TheDoulaDarcy

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    10 mins