What to Expect as a New Doula Taking Clients
Stepping into your role as a new doula is exciting—and let’s be honest—a little nerve-wracking. You’ve done your training, you’re passionate about supporting birthing families, and now… it’s time to actually start.
If you’re feeling a bit unsure about how to prepare for those first few client interactions, especially your prenatal visits, you’re not alone. I promise.
In fact, nearly every new doula I’ve mentored or connected with has asked some version of, “What do I do at a prenatal visit?” It’s a valid question—and one I had myself when I was first starting out.
Doula work is beautiful, but it often comes with a DIY spirit. Many new doulas are left to piece things together on their own after training. That’s exactly why I want to break this down and help take the guesswork out of your early client experiences.
Building Confidence Starts with Connection
Prenatal visits are where you lay the foundation for trust, education, and support.
This is your chance to get to know your client beyond intake forms—what they’re nervous about, what kind of birth they envision, how they want to feel during labor, and what kind of support they value most.
Some doulas offer one visit, others offer three or more. There’s no perfect number—it depends on your style, your package, and your client’s needs.
But regardless of how many visits you plan, your job during them is the same: build connection, share information, and help your client feel empowered and prepared.
You Don’t Have to “Wing It”
I’ll admit—when I first started out, I didn’t have a clear plan for my visits. I thought I could just follow the conversation. That sort of worked, until it didn’t.
I’d find myself scrambling to remember what I wanted to cover or missing important topics because I was too nervous to guide the flow.
The truth is, having a flexible structure helps you feel confident and helps your client feel like they’re in good hands.
I recommend creating a loose outline for each visit. Include key discussion points (like birth preferences, comfort measures, postpartum planning), sprinkle in some hands-on practice, and leave time for personal connection.
Your structure might look something like this:
Warm welcome & check-in
Review client questions or concerns
Dive into key education topics (birth plan, common interventions, labor positions, etc.)
Practice or demo (like the rebozo, counter pressure, or breathing)
Wrap-up & what to expect next
Keep it casual, conversational, and rooted in relationship—but don’t be afraid to lead.
Professionalism Is Your Secret Sauce
One of the best pieces of advice I can give to new doulas is this: treat your doula work like the professional service it is—even if you're just getting started.
That doesn’t mean being stiff or overly formal. It means setting clear expectations, being consistent, and communicating reliably.
Consider using simple tools like:
Client intake forms
Email templates for appointment reminders or follow-ups
A prenatal visit checklist so nothing falls through the cracks
A shared folder with handouts or resources
The care you bring to your work behind the scenes is just as important as the warmth and presence you bring to each client visit.
Give Yourself Permission to Learn
No matter how much you prepare, your first few clients are going to stretch you. That’s part of the process!
Every family is different, and every visit will teach you something new.
You’re not expected to be perfect—you’re expected to be present, prepared, and open. The more you show up, the more confident you’ll become.
With time, you’ll develop your own rhythm and flow, and those early nerves will be replaced with genuine ease.
And someday, not too far from now, a new doula will come to you asking what to do at their first prenatal visit—and you’ll have plenty of wisdom to share.
Final Thoughts
Starting out as a doula can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be lonely.
Find your people, ask questions, and invest in tools that make your job easier.
If you're looking for templates, mentorship, or support navigating Medi-Cal billing, trainings, and client care, The Village Doula Collective is here for you.
And here’s something I highly recommend: seek out opportunities to shadow more experienced doulas whenever possible.
Watching how other doulas navigate prenatal visits, births, or postpartum support in real time is one of the best ways to build your confidence and skills.
That’s why The Village Doula Collective offers hands-on mentorship for new doulas—including opportunities to shadow client visits, attend births (when appropriate), and receive guidance every step of the way.
You don’t have to figure this all out alone. We’re here to support you as you grow into the doula you’re meant to be.
You’ve got this. The work you’re stepping into is powerful, necessary, and full of purpose.
