Doula Jobs Near Me: How to find a doula job with an agency or launch you own doula business (Updated October 2025).

Whether you want to turn doula work into your full-time career or land a contract doula job with an agency, this post is your starting map. Over decades in birth work, I’ve seen doulas flourish and stall — it often comes down to strategy, clarity, and the guts to try. In what follows, I walk you through what doula jobs really look like (both birth and postpartum), how to decide between agency vs solo work, and steps to launch or grow your path. No fluff, just what you need.

Over my 30 years in the birth world, I have met a LOT of new doulas. Many thrive, going on to have successful doula businesses for decades or expanding their skill set to also serve families as midwives, lactation consultants, doula trainers, therapists, and more. Others, however, have struggled to grow their business and make it a sustainable career.

Whatever your career path or age, it’s never too late to consider making doula care your full-time job. I’ve even seen grandmothers inspired by the birth of a grandchild decide to enter the birth and postpartum care field. What will your next step in working as a doula be?

If you’re not sure that having your own full-time doula business is the right step for you, don’t despair! You can absolutely work full-time as a doula contractor with a doula agency! Be sure to check out my list of featured doula agencies below, now accepting applications for new and seasoned doulas. Let’s make sure that the next family in your area who types “doula near me” into Google can find you!

What does a doula do? Doula Job Descriptions:

Birth Doula Job Description

As a birth doula, your services provide physical, emotional, and informational support to expectant parents before, during, and after giving birth. Your role is to ensure the birthing person feels empowered, informed, and supported in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

Key responsibilities include:

• Prenatal Support: Meet with clients during pregnancy for emotional and informational support, and to create a birth plan.
• Labor and Delivery Support: Provide non-medical support during labor, including pain management techniques (e.g., breathing exercises, massage, and labor positions), emotional support, and advocacy for their wishes.
• Partner Support: Help partners or family members feel involved and confident in their supportive roles.
• Postpartum Assistance: Provide skilled care in the first days postpartum to support postpartum healing and breastfeeding. Offer emotional support as families adjust to their new roles.

The job of the birth doula is not to perform medical tasks or make clinical decisions. Instead, they collaborate with medical staff to ensure a positive birthing experience that honors the family’s wishes.

Postpartum Doula Job Description

A postpartum doula provides compassionate, non-medical support to families during the transitional period after the arrival of a newborn. You have the privilege of helping parents experience a smooth adjustment to life with a new baby.

Key responsibilities include:

• Emotional Support: Encourage and guide new parents as they navigate postpartum challenges, including baby blues or postpartum anxiety.
• Newborn Care: Educate families on infant care such as feeding, diapering, swaddling, sleep tips, and soothing techniques.
• Parent Support: Help new families gain confidence in their new roles as parents. Address concerns and answer questions about baby care and postpartum recovery.
• Household Assistance: Provide light housekeeping tasks such as preparing baby bottles, washing baby laundry, or healthy meal and snack prep.
• Breastfeeding Support: Assist with breastfeeding techniques or provide information on feeding alternatives if needed.
• Sibling and Family Integration: Support older siblings in the adjustment to life with a newborn baby and changing family dynamics.

Are you ready to make doula work your job?

If you are considering becoming a doula or a brand new doula, you may be wondering if your job can actually be as a full-time doula? What kind of doula jobs are available? Wondering if there is even room for more new birth or postpartum doulas to thrive in your community? Or perhaps you’ve been doing doula work part-time or on the side for years and you’re wondering if you should take the leap to make doula work your full-time employment.

So you love birth and babies. You’d LOVE to imagine yourself doing birth or postpartum work full-time, but aren’t sure if that is a wise move for your bank account. While there are definitely factors you should consider before taking the leap into being a full-time doula as your job, if you are willing to do the work to build your doula business, the answer is definitely YES!

I still remember the very first full-time doula I ever met, way back in 2000. I was pretty much blown away that she had actually made doula work her full-time job. She had doula business cards, a welcome packet, a professional doula logo, and even a website. I had already been attending births for almost a decade, but always as a volunteer while working full-time. I was flabbergasted – families would actually PAY for me to attend their births?  Remember, DONA was founded in 1992 – the same year as I discovered birth work. We’ve come a long way!

Here are my top 9 steps to make a successful transition into full-time doula work, along with some helpful resources to start your doula business.

9 steps to make being a doula your full-time job

1. Make a doula business plan.

If you have been self-employed before, hopefully, you already know the importance of a business plan. It takes time to build up a successful doula practice, and finding those first 5-10 clients can be a challenge. Set yourself up for success with clear market research, plans for doula marketing and outreach, budgets, and a realistic timeline. Be sure to include gradual business growth in your plans, starting out with one or two clients per month and growing from there.

2. Invest in your doula practice.

When you decide to be a full-time doula, it requires a big investment of both time and money. Creating strong marketing materials, including a doula logo, doula business cards, and a high-quality doula website, is one of the best moves you can make as a new doula. You might decide to take your profits from the first few births to pay for these business costs. In most cases, however, it will end up taking you way longer to find those clients.

I’ve seen countless doula clients build thriving doula businesses using their websites as the foundation for growth. For example, a client who is a seasoned doula just moved across the country. We took her original site and rebuilt it for her new location and niche. Within just a few weeks, she is now the top-ranked doula in search results in her new location AND showing up in AI overviews for questions about doula care in her new region. Worth the investment? Absolutely!

Remember, you do not have to start your doula business with a custom doula website with all the bells and whistles – keep it simple, and let your website grow as you go. It is always better to start with something that you can feel proud of & that will transform visitors to clients, than a DIY doula website that doesn’t attract new clients.

3. Know what doula salaries are in your region.

In North America, a birth doula fee can range from $400 – $4000+ per client, depending on the city, level of experience, skillset, and level of services included. Be sure to do your research on the norms for doula salaries in your community, including what new doulas charge compared to more seasoned doulas. When estimating your income potential as a doula, be sure to base this on real local rates. Here’s why you should list your doula fees on your website.

4. Define your niche & what makes you unique as a doula.

Are you in an area with a strong doula community? If so, there is likely already a good public awareness of the benefits of doula care, but also lots more competition. It will take time to build a name for yourself! A great way to do this is to have a defined niche for your doula business and be clear on the characteristics that set you apart as a practitioner.

If you are one of the very few doulas in your region, it will likely be harder to sell the idea of doula care, but you will also have lots of room for creative marketing and collaboration in the community.

5. Be honest about your limits as a doula.

It’s easy to imagine doing 5 births/month, but consider the reality of actually holding five families in your care. Juggling their needs while being continuously on call is not for the faint of heart. You have to balance the needs of your own family, your personal needs for sleep and downtime, and any other work obligations as you consider the lifestyle of a full-time doula. Doula burn-out is real…

Consider self-care practices you may want to include in your doula business budget, such as regular massages to care for your back after the hard work of labor support. Also, be sure to book vacation time every year. You’ll find a few tips here on taking a doula vacation!

6. Understand what doula work will require of you.

Doula care is not for everyone. It can seem really romantic and exciting from the outside, all precious newborns and glowing parents. However, the erratic long hours, the stress of self-employment, and difficult births can really take their toll. I encourage you to identify a few professional doulas in your community and ask for their advice on being a full-time doula. Unfortunately, doula jobs have a high burnout rate, and it is important to understand the full reality of what it means to serve as a doula.  It will also require, for many of you, regular doses of chocolate.

7. Take the leap to becoming a full-time doula as soon as you are able.

Balancing a part-time or full-time job in addition to supporting families as a doula is not an easy feat. You have to either be self-employed with flexible hours or have the world’s most understanding employer to make it work. In my early years of doula care, I was blessed to have a job I loved that allowed me to come and go as I pleased to attend births. Even in this scenario, however, when your energy is divided between jobs, things just don’t tend to flow as well. Your doula business will be stronger and grow faster once you take the leap to make doula work your full-time job. If that’s too much, consider a freelance job on the side that you can do on your own time.

8. Invest in business support as a new doula.

While some doula trainings include business skills for doulas (I’ve included a few great options below!), many unfortunately do not. And while birth doula training is a rich & meaningful learning experience, many new doulas emerge ready to begin their new career with only minimal business skills. The reality is that in order to practice as a doula, you have to find paying clients as a doula!

• Sharon Muza DONA Birth Doula Trainer
• Doula Trainings International (Birth, Postpartum & Full Spectrum Doula Training)
• Apprenticeship for Perinatal Professionals with Dr. Britta Bushnell (Support for the growth of your business in a heart-centered & values-aligned way & personal development and growth as a birth professional).
• My Doula Village is a membership community for doulas that gives you affordable access to a doula business coach & marketing expert (The Doula Darcy) AND a supportive community of other doulas. Or, work 1:1 with Darcy as your doula business coach. Save 10% with coupon code SJWEBSITE10.
• Postpartum Doula Business Mentoring with Jen Chandlee of Luminous Postpartum

9. Have a great doula website!

Ok, I’m biased. But if you want to really grow your doula practice, you need folks to land on your website and feel motivated to take the next step! A strong online presence can make the difference between a doula practice that is doing “ok” and one that is thriving.

Worried about the investment? Remember it only takes a few new clients to cover your costs.  Reach out today to learn more about all my options for doula website design and support.

Making the Choice: Your Own Doula Business or Working with a Doula Agency?

Choosing between working with a doula agency or operating your own business depends on your personal preference, your professional goals, how you want to invest your time, and the stage of your career. For me, the choice was clear – I simply loved having my own business.

That said, back when I was a practicing doula, there was no such thing as an agency, so running my own doula and childbirth education business was the only option. When I began to expand my business and needed help, I started adding childbirth educators on a contract basis. This enabled me to grow my class offerings without spending every waking minute away from my family. The women who taught classes with my company loved teaching and didn’t want to have to market the classes themselves – a win-win!

Here’s a breakdown of the considerations for each option:

Benefits of Working with a Doula Agency

1. Steady Flow of Clients
   Doula agencies are responsible for marketing and bringing in new families. You provide the care! This allows for a more consistent balance of work hours without the stress of finding new clients every month.
2. Administrative Support
   Doula agencies manage all the mundane and sometimes tricky administrative work that is essential. Doula contracts, payments, etc. are all taken care of so you can focus on providing great care.
3. Networking and Community
   Working with an agency will mean you are part of a larger group of doulas, building new friendships, collaboration, and even mentorship opportunities.
4. Lower Startup Costs
   The agency website does it all for you – you can have an instant doula business and be self-employed full-time as a birth or postpartum doula contractor without having to invest in a logo, marketing, website, etc…
5. Work-Life Balance
   When your doula job is through a doula agency, you have back-up support for emergencies or sickness, reducing stress on you – and your family.

Benefits of Having Your Own Doula Business

1. Autonomy
   If you want full control over how you run your business, market your services, and care for families, having your own doula business might be a better choice for you.
2. Earning Potential
   When you work with an agency, you are working on fixed rates that they decide on, and they keep a % of your earnings in exchange for the support you receive as a contractor. When you have your own doula business, you set your own doula fees and keep 100% of your earnings (minus business expenses, of course!).
3. Personal Branding
   Running your own doula business allows you to craft your own unique brand as a practitioner based on your values, expertise, and preferences. Some doulas I work with want to show up as evidence-based and non-judgmental, others want a website that showcases them as advocates, and others want to set a compassionate, gentle tone.
4. Growth Opportunities
   Owning your business gives you the potential to expand by adding services, hiring other doulas, and becoming an agency, or creating online courses, etc…

How to get a job as a doula with an agency

Don’t want to manage your own independent business as a doula? You don’t have to! You can work full-time as a doula with an agency – doing the work that you love without any of the stress of finding clients!

Some doulas start by working with an agency to build their skills and gain a strong foundation of experience before they transition to running their own doula business. This can be a great way to explore both worlds.

Others are highly seasoned doulas who simply want to focus on families without being overwhelmed by the administration & marketing required to manage their own doula business or agency.

When applying for a job with your local doula agency, here are a few tips to help you stand out.

1. Show your “why” as a doula

Doula agencies look for doulas who are in it for more than the schedule flexibility or birth-room high. Share what drives you — maybe it’s advocacy, calm presence, or supporting new parents after your own experiences. Keep it real and personal.

2. Highlight reliability over perfection.

Agency owners want someone who shows up, answers texts, and follows through. If you’ve been a solo doula, talk about how you handled being on call, managing shifts, or covering for others. Dependability beats having every credential under the sun. Remember, they are balancing the needs of a lot of families and doulas. Make it easy to work with you!

3. Speak their language.

Read the agency’s website and social media feeds. Notice how they describe their clients and philosophy. Match that tone in your cover letter and interview. If they emphasize inclusive care or trauma-informed support, reflect that in your examples.

4. Bring collaboration energy.

Agencies thrive on teamwork. Show that you play well with others — nurses, lactation consultants, and other doulas. Mention a time you shared care or supported a colleague through burnout or scheduling chaos.

Current USA agency doula job listings for new & experienced doulas. Apply today!

I have listed below some of my fantastic web design clients, which include doula agencies across the USA. Looking for full-time or part-time contract work as a birth or postpartum doula? Find your dream doula position below with doula agencies that are hiring!

CONNECTED DOULAS

At Connected Doulas, we’re more than just a doula collective—we’re a supportive community built around compassion, connection, and empowerment. We believe in a connection-centered approach, not only when caring for families but also in how we treat our team. Whether you’re a Birth, Postpartum, or Full Spectrum Doula, we value the unique expertise you bring.

Our matching process is thoughtful and connection-centered, ensuring doulas and clients are matched based on shared values and needs to create a meaningful and trusting relationship. We strive to cultivate an inclusive, empowering environment where doulas can grow and thrive.

If you’re a compassionate, skilled doula who believes in the power of community and connection, we’d love to get to know you more. Here, you’ll find more than just a job—you’ll find a space that supports your growth and well-being. Join us in creating meaningful, empowering relationships with clients and your fellow birthworkers.

SEEKING: Valid training from a reputable doula organization with the goal of completing certification. Prefer that the candidate has some relevant experience. 

SERVICE AREAS: Greater Philadelphia Region: Philadelphia County, Montgomery County, Delaware County, Chester County, Bucks County, Berks County, Wilmington, DE, Camden County, NJ.

ABOUT US: We have been in business as an agency for 2.5 years and have a team of 45 doulas.

WEBSITE: https://connecteddoulas.com/

APPLY: Email us at info@connecteddoulas.com

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EUGENE BIRTH AND FAMILY

Eugene Birth & Family Doula Agency arose from the careers of 2 independent doulas who saw a need for a better community and better support for doulas, as well as a commitment to excellence in doula service for families.  We intentionally foster community, support, and excellence in all we do.  We aim to connect each family with the right doula for them, and our model reflects that aim – we don’t assign doulas; we match them. 

Our doulas consistently talk about how much they appreciate our transparency and support.  We are a doula-and-family-focused agency providing birth and postpartum doulas, and we are currently looking for more postpartum doulas.

SEEKING: Doulas who have completed an Oregon State-approved Traditional Health Worker (THW) birth doula training. We provide support with certification paperwork and insurance credentialing as needed.

SERVICE AREAS: Eugene/Springfield and Lane County, Lebanon, Albany, Corvallis, Creswell, Cottage Grove, Roseburg, Leaburg & Vida in Oregon.

ABOUT US: Established in 2021, our team consists of 16 doulas, including owner Laura.

WEBSITE: https://eugenebirthfamily.com/

APPLY: Contact us at eugenebirthfamily@gmail.com.

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MAMMA AND BEBIS

We are a group of fun, loving, and experienced baby lovers who are passionate about offering peer guidance and support for new families entering parenthood for the first time, or adding additional babes to their crew. We offer birth and postpartum doula care, and we will soon be adding perinatal behavioral mental health coaching for parents as well. We’ll grab you a coffee, and you can cozy into new parenthood with us.

SEEKING: Certified Birth Doulas, Certified Postpartum Doulas

SERVICE AREAS: MA, TX, RI, CT, NJ, NY, VA, FL

ABOUT US: Six years in business with a team of 40 doulas.

WEBSITE: https://mammaandbebis.com

APPLY: Kate Wallace, mammaandbebis@gmail.com

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MICHIGAN FAMILY DOULAS

Michigan Family Doulas (MFD) specializes in birth, postpartum, and newborn care, providing families with compassionate, evidence-based support. MFD is looking for practitioners who are certified birth and postpartum doulas, newborn care specialists, and infant feeding specialists. We currently have doulas working anywhere from 50 hours a week to part-time during the summer months, so we can accommodate whatever schedule you need for your lifestyle.

We value professionals who are insured, CPR-trained, and committed to ongoing education and certification through top doula training organizations. Our agency emphasizes non-judgmental, personalized care that bridges gaps left by traditional Western medicine. MFD’s culture is built on the principles of empathy, support, and empowerment. We aim to affirm and normalize the experiences of new parents, helping them feel confident and capable on their parenting journey-whether it’s baby #1 or #7! This supportive approach is our “doula magic,” and reflects the profound impact our care has on families.

Michigan Family Doulas offers full birth support, day and nighttime postpartum support, and even 24/7 live-in postpartum support. Our team also has professional IBCLC lactation support, placenta encapsulation, nutrition, and meal planning. We also offer a plethora of in-person and virtual classes to clients by our doulas, giving doulas even more opportunities to build their careers!

SEEKING: We are looking for certified birth or postpartum doulas or individuals who are working towards completing a certification. Haven’t started the process yet, not to worry, Jodi Graves is a Postpartum & Infant Care Doula Trainer with the world-renowned organization, ProDoula. She is ready to help you get started!

SERVICE AREAS: Serving new families in Metro Detroit, including Ann Arbor, West Bloomfield, Brighton, Grosse Pointe, Rochester Hills, Farmington Hills, Birmingham, South Lyon, Auburn Hills, Novi, Royal Oak, Livonia, Franklin, Fenton, Howell, Chelsea, Dexter, Northville, Canton, White Lake, and Plymouth and beyond! We even serve Northern Michigan whenever called! 

ABOUT US: Founded in 2017 by Jodi Graves and growing every year since! Jodi has been a doula in Michigan since 1999. Our team consists of our fearless leader, Jodi Graves, 1 client service manager/doula concierge, 1 executive admin, and 45+ amazing infant care specialists, birth and postpartum doulas!

WEBSITE: https://michiganfamilydoulas.com/join-our-team/

Or reach out anytime to info@michiganfamilydoulas.com or 734-834-6751

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WELL SUPPORTED FAMILY

Well Supported Family offers in-home postpartum care for newborns, specializing in overnight shifts to help new parents rest and recharge. Their skilled and compassionate team provides personalized support tailored to each family’s unique needs. They are seeking Newborn Care Specialists, Postpartum Doulas, RNs, LPNs, and anyone who loves babies and is eager to seek out training in this field. Team members will assist with feeding, diaper changes, and all aspects of newborn care throughout their shift. They excel at creating calming environments, implementing safe sleep practices, and working on sleep shaping/sleep conditioning to encourage longer sleep stretches between feedings.

Team members for Well Supported Family are independent contractors; they can work 1 shift a week or provide live-in 24/7 coverage to families. They have the freedom to choose the types of positions and families that are a good fit for them!

SEEKING: We look for a well-rounded individual, but a Postpartum Doula or Newborn Care Specialist training from a leading organization is required

SERVICE AREAS: Well Supported Family has teams in 14 states but offers support nationwide! We are happy to talk to team members living anywhere in the continental USA.

ABOUT US: Established in 2016, as of 2024 we have over 120 team members but are bringing on new people every month!

WEBSITE: https://wellsupportedfamily.com

APPLY: https://wellsupportedfamily.com/apply/.  We have a matching process based on team member and client needs/requests.

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HEART TONES BIRTH SERVICES

Heart Tones Birth Services, founded in 2015, is a trusted doula agency serving families in Salt Lake City and beyond. Specializing in birth doula support and daytime and overnight postpartum care, we are dedicated to empowering families through every stage of their birthing journey. We are proud to have been named Salt Lake City’s Best Doula 4 years in a row, and are passionate about supporting all birthing people and families. At Heart Tones Birth Services, we believe in helping parents find their strength and voice during one of life’s most transformative moments. Whether you’re preparing for birth or navigating the postpartum period, Heart Tones is with you every step of the way.

SEEKING: Doula training from a recognized organization. Certification as a birth and/or PP doula is a huge plus. Infant CPR/First Aid Certified.

SERVICE AREAS: Salt Lake City & Park City, Utah.

ABOUT US: Founded in 2015, Heart Tones Birth Services has evolved from a solo practice into a thriving, award-winning agency with a carefully selected team. We offer Birth Doula, Daytime and Overnight Postpartum Doula Care, and Sleep Coaching.

WEBSITE: https://hearttonesbirth.com/utah-doula-jobs/

APPLY: https://hearttonesbirth.com/utah-doula-jobs/#apply

CONTACT: Beth Hardy, beth@hearttonesbirth.com 

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METROPOLITAN DOULAS

Metropolitan Doulas is a dynamic team of postpartum doulas serving the Washington, DC metro area. Clients value our service for professional, non-judgmental care, available day or night. In nearly a decade, we have served over a thousand families with a unique focus on the postpartum period. Our team of independent contractors brings diverse experiences, training, and expertise to support each other through work that can be rewarding but challenging. Our competitive pay recognizes both experience and continuing education, allowing you to focus on the care work while we handle the red tape.

SEEKING: Our doulas have a wide range of experience. We contract with newly trained doulas, offering support as they build their new careers, and with doulas with decades of experience. Having a strong team with diverse personal and work experiences, identities, and goals makes our agency stronger.

SERVICE AREAS: Washington, DC metro area, including Northern Virginia and Maryland suburbs

ABOUT US: Established in 2015, we have a team of 25 doulas and two office staff.

WEBSITE: https://metropolitandoulas.com/

APPLY: https://airtable.com/app2K0nQaIlvTrsNs/shrqrdFg9AU6bOs3y

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QUEEN CITY DOULAS

At Queen City Doulas, we’re dedicated to empowering new families with the support, education, and care they need to thrive in the early days of parenthood. Our agency philosophy is built on compassion, inclusivity, and a personalized approach, recognizing that each family’s journey is unique. We foster a collaborative and supportive culture among our doulas, who are encouraged to bring their authentic selves to their work while honoring the values and traditions of the families they serve.

We are looking for empathetic, skilled practitioners who are passionate about maternal and infant wellness and who are committed to continuous learning and personal growth. Ideal candidates are team-oriented and aligned with our agency’s mission to provide nonjudgmental, family-centered support. Join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of families in Charlotte and beyond, as we guide them through one of life’s most transformative moments with care and confidence.

SEEKING: Nursing Licenses, Certified Postpartum Doulas, and Newborn Care Specialists

SERVICE AREAS: Charlotte, NC, and surrounding areas

ABOUT US: Founded in 2022 with a team of 30 doulas.

WEBSITE: https://queencitydoulas.com/charlotte-doula-jobs/

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There are, of course, many fantastic doula agencies out there to choose from, along with online job listing sites such as Indeed and ZipRecruiter. Whatever your choice, be sure to research the agency you are signing up to work with to be sure they are a fit for your philosophy of care and what they can offer you as a contract team member.

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What will the right doula job be for you?

Finding the right doula job is all about discovering what works best for you. Whether you’re excited about running your own doula business, prefer the stability of working with an agency, or want to blend the two, there’s a path that fits your style and goals.

Being a doula is as much about your own journey as it is about supporting others, so take your time and explore what feels right. Stay open to learning, connect with your community, and make self-care a priority. You have chosen a career that is meaningful and fulfilling, and one that can transform over the years to fit your needs and dreams.

As The Website Doula, I’m here to support you with web design, seo & marketing when you’re ready to launch your own doula business or transform your solo practice into a doula agency. Book your free discovery call!