Monday, June 3, 2013

Interesting ways to get clients.

Almost everywhere I go - I end up talking about birth. It just comes naturally to me. I usually have my 8 month old with me and people ask about her birth and then I ask about or if they have children. And it just spirals into me telling them about being a doula. It has become who I am.

The other day a guy came to my door trying to sell me some pest care for the outside of our house. I had Iris on my hip. He seemed nice. He told me his wife is 9 weeks pregnant. He showed me the ultrasound photo on his phone. He was so cute and excited about his first baby! So I gave him my business card. I told him how wonderful doulas are. I told him the advantages of having a doula. I told him how doulas are different from partners. 

I didn't buy the pest service. He never called me. But he still might! Heh! A girl can hope. 

I have had to put doula-ing on the back burner since I gave birth to my fourth child. But If I can find a client here or there, yay! They are always welcome!

My first three clients were all through my craft group. One was the son of a member' s partner. The other two were actual members of my craft group. My fourth was from my playgroup. I have another potential client I met last week through playgroup also. 

Another thing I want to do is go leave my business cards around the town. At the Y, at coffee shops, at play places and maybe the grocery store. I have been kind of shy about it. Doulas cannot be shy! I need to advertise. 

So far I advertise in my playgroup where there are LOADS of pregnant women. And on doulamatch, of course. 

If you are a doula - what interesting ways have you gotten clients? Was it a positive? I'd love to read your comment. 

Thursday, May 9, 2013

What is support?

(this is my version of something written in my toLabor training manual.)

Support is unconditional. It is listening, not talking.
Support is offering advice.
Support is offering a gentle touch.
Support is offering a hug.
Support is offering a tissue.
Support is caring.

Support is helping you discover your feelings.....not to make your feelings go away.
Support is helping you identify your options....not telling you which options not to choose.
Support is discussing steps with you....not taking steps for you.
Support is helping you discover your own strength.
Support is not leaving you vulnerable.
Support is helping you discover you can help yourself.

Support is helping you learn to choose.
Support is not making decisions for you.
Support is helping you reach your goals.
Support gives no judgements.
Support understands how you are feeling.
Support is there for you.