Week 2
Who You're For & Not For
Feedback Session
Because the recording didn't work properly for this feedback session, we have a summary below & the video below that
Quick recap
This feedback session focused on doulas sharing their experiences with identifying their ideal clients and establishing boundaries. Participants discussed how they determined who they were "for" and "not for" in their doula practice, with several members sharing specific examples of clients they had to decline. Key topics included the importance of gut feelings during initial client meetings, the value of asking specific questions to assess client readiness, and strategies for setting boundaries around availability and scope of services. Michelle shared her experience with international clients needing guidance on birth options, while Natalie discussed challenges in Bermuda's hospital-centric system. The group also explored how to handle situations where clients have already engaged services but aren't a good fit, with several members sharing their approaches to professional boundary setting.
Summary - Feedback Session Note-Taking Discussion
Bonnie conducted a feedback session, welcoming participants and discussing note-taking tools. The session appeared to be the second iteration of this feedback meeting. No specific decisions, action items, or next steps were mentioned in the provided transcript segment.
Weekend Updates & Homework Discussion
The group met for a casual check-in where participants shared personal updates about their weekends. Several members discussed family activities, including Tanith's birthday celebration, Natalie's sleep challenges with her 4-year-old, and Michelle's work with a client experiencing labor contractions. The main focus of the meeting was to discuss participants' experiences with homework related to identifying their target client demographic, though the transcript ends before anyone shared their insights on this topic.
International Birth Options Service Development
Michelle shared her realization about her ideal clients being international clients, particularly those from different countries who are navigating the complexities of birth options in Perth. She expressed interest in developing a service to help pregnant individuals understand their various options, which could be offered remotely. Bonnie agreed with this niche idea, sharing a personal experience with a couple from South America who were unfamiliar with basic birthing concepts like epidurals. Natalie discussed her unique situation as a doula in Bermuda, where hospital births are the only option, and she identified her ideal clients as those who are willing to engage with pre- and post-natal education and support rather than those who expect a passive experience.
Setting Clear Doula Boundaries
Vicki shared her experience about setting clear boundaries with potential clients, emphasizing the importance of understanding their expectations and preparedness for childbirth. She recommended asking specific questions during initial meetings to assess clients' knowledge and willingness to take an active role in their birth experience. Vicki also highlighted the value of requiring clients to complete independent childbirth education before becoming a doula client, which helped her build a strong reputation and ensure better outcomes. The discussion emphasized the need for doulas to establish clear policies and procedures while running their businesses.
Childbirth Education Client Compliance Strategy
Vicki shared her approach to ensuring clients complete required childbirth education classes by incorporating them into her doula services and clearly outlining expectations in contracts. She explained how this dual approach provides comprehensive support while ensuring clients receive specific information relevant to their circumstances. When asked about handling clients who pay but don't engage, Vicki recommended using contracts to clearly define requirements and the option of providing a backup doula if clients fail to meet these obligations. Natalie expressed interest in developing a sequence of questions to identify red flags early in the client intake process.
Client Trust and Boundary Management
The group discussed the importance of trusting instincts when working with clients, emphasizing the need to listen to gut feelings about potential clients. Natalie and Vicki shared experiences about red flags and the balance of helping women while maintaining professional boundaries. Sam and Tanith reflected on their client avatar exercises, with Sam finding the process helpful in defining her ideal client and messaging, while Tanith struggled with identifying her specific target audience due to her accommodating nature as a doula. The discussion highlighted the importance of regularly revisiting and updating one's client avatar as career goals and personal circumstances change.
Client Dynamics in Birth Coaching
Caireen shared her insights from homework exercises, realizing she doesn't want to work with couples where the father is completely dismissed during the birth process. Bonnie and Vicki discussed similar experiences, with Bonnie describing a challenging coaching session with a couple who had significant marital issues beyond the pregnancy, and Vicki highlighting the complexity of supporting partners who align more with medical recommendations than the mother's birth plans. The group agreed on the importance of identifying both ideal and non-ideal client dynamics early, particularly during meet and greet sessions where both parents are present.
Postpartum Support Service Planning
Bella and Minda discussed their plans to offer postpartum support services, with Bella focusing on nourishing meals and Minda handling on-call birth support to allow Bella time to prepare. They identified a gap in meeting women's needs, particularly regarding pressure from the medical system during childbirth. Bonnie advised using client feedback phrases in marketing to make the service feel more relatable, and addressed concerns about pricing for multicultural clients, noting that people prioritize what's important to them and will find ways to pay for valuable services.
Client Boundary Management Discussion
The group discussed experiences with breaking up with clients and setting boundaries. Michelle shared her challenging experience with two medical field clients who were unresponsive and disrespectful, leading her to end the relationship. Bonnie and Vicki also shared their experiences of saying no to potential clients, with Vicki describing a situation where a client's husband was inappropriate during an initial meeting. The discussion included details about prenatal meeting structures, with participants sharing how many meetings they typically conduct before birth (ranging from 3-5 sessions) and the importance of establishing clear communication methods with clients. The conversation ended with plans to continue the conversation in the WhatsApp group and to meet again the following morning for Session 3 focused on boundaries and burnout.