Is Doula Work Just a Side Hustle? (Spoiler: Absolutely Not.)
Let’s go ahead and address the elephant in the room:
Being a doula is sacred. It’s life-changing. It’s purpose-driven, heart-led work.
But somehow, when we talk about it in the business world, it gets shoved into the "cute side hustle" category.
Nope. Not today.
If you’ve ever been told:
“That’s such a beautiful hobby.”
“Wow, I didn’t know you could make a living doing that.”
“You’ll probably need a real job though, right?”
I need you to know something:
👀 You’re not the problem. The systems are.
The truth is, doula work (and all birthwork) can absolutely be a full-time, sustainable, six-figure career. But only if we stop treating it like a hobby—and start treating it like the purpose-driven business it is.
Let’s break down why most doulas get stuck—and what needs to change so you can build a business that actually supports your life.
The Reality: Why Most Birthworkers Are Burnt Out and Broke
Here’s the cycle most doulas get trapped in:
You get certified. You’re hyped. You’re ready. You know you were called to this work.
You tell your community. Maybe get a few clients through word of mouth.
You post on Instagram. Occasionally. When you remember. And you’re not too exhausted.
Then crickets. No consistent clients. No strategy. No system. Just vibes and prayers.
Sound familiar?
The truth is, birthwork isn’t failing you—your business model is. Most doulas were taught how to support clients through birth, postpartum, lactation…
But no one gave you a plan for how to run a profitable, scalable, soul-aligned business.
Why “Just Getting More Certs” Won’t Fix It
Listen, you do not need a 14th certification.
You do not need to redesign your website for the 3rd time.
And you certainly don’t need to hand out your business card to strangers in Target like you’re selling vacuums in 2004 (yes, this is still being taught—yes, I’m side-eyeing).
What you need is: ✨ A clear offer.
✨ A marketing system that attracts dream clients on autopilot.
✨ A streamlined client journey so people go from “who are you?” to “take my money” without you lifting a finger.
Because doula work isn’t a hobby. It’s a career. And careers have infrastructure.
The Problem Isn’t Passion—It’s the Lack of a Sustainable Strategy
Here’s what I know for sure: Birthworkers are some of the most driven, passionate, and committed professionals on the planet.
But passion doesn’t pay the bills.
And burnout comes quick when you’re trying to do everything manually, chasing leads, and stuck in the feast-or-famine client cycle.
What you need is:
Business Automation: so your contracts, invoices, and client onboarding run without you.
Marketing Systems: so you’re not glued to Instagram wondering, “what the hell do I post today?”
Lead Generation Funnels: so your dream clients find you—even while you’re taking a nap, attending a birth, or watching “Bluey” with your kids.
That’s the difference between treating this like a side hustle vs. treating it like a sustainable business.
Yes, You Can Make Real Money as a Doula
Let’s talk numbers for a second.
If you’re charging $1,200 per birth package and taking on 3 births a month, that’s $3,600/month. Not bad—but not consistent, scalable income either (especially when you have to be present for every single client).
Now imagine this:
You’ve packaged your wisdom into a $500 virtual postpartum prep course.
You sell that to 20 people a month through an automated funnel. That’s $10,000/month without attending a single birth.
Then you add in a premium birth support offer at $2,000 with only 2 clients a month.
Now you’ve got a system.
Now you’re building wealth and creating impact.
Now you’re not hustling—you’re leading.
What Makes the Difference? Systems. Strategy. Support.
This is exactly why I created The Digital Doula’s signature programs. Because birthworkers don’t need more information—they need transformation.
Inside the M.O.M.S. Blueprint, for example, we walk you through:
Messaging that magnetizes your dream clients (without having to go viral).
Offer creation that feels aligned with your calling and pays your bills.
Marketing systems that don’t require daily posting marathons.
Sales workflows that make client acquisition feel natural, not needy.
And it’s all built for birthworkers. By someone who gets it.
Not another business coach who thinks “niche” means “Instagram aesthetic.”
Let’s Be Clear: More Income = More Impact
You’re not selfish for wanting to get paid.
You’re not greedy for wanting freedom.
You’re not “selling out” by putting strategy behind your calling.
Because the more money you make, the more families you can serve, the more rest you can take, the more legacy you can build.
When your business works, you get to work your purpose—without working yourself into the ground.
And I’ll say it louder for the doulas in the back:
🚫 You do not have to trade your soul for sustainability.
🚫 You do not have to hustle harder to make more money.
🚫 You do not have to wait until you have a huge following or perfect brand photos.
So… Is Doula Work Just a Side Hustle?
Only if you treat it like one.
But if you treat it like the revolutionary, world-changing career that it is—
If you pair your passion with powerful systems—
If you commit to sustainable growth instead of survival mode—
Then doula work becomes a career that nourishes you as much as you nourish others.
It becomes a business that pays you in purpose and in profit.
It becomes a legacy.
Ready to Stop Hustling and Start Scaling?
If you’re nodding your head and thinking, “Yes, please—I need this yesterday,” then it’s time to ditch the DIY and step into your CEO era.
Let’s get you out of the side hustle cycle and into a sustainable, scalable business with a plan that actually works.
✨ Book your FREE 1-1 strategy call here
Because birthwork was never meant to be done in burnout.
It was meant to be done in overflow.
And you deserve to be fully supported in the work that supports others.
