Now That I Have Your Attention: Lets talk about the pros & cons of working for a doula agency
In previous posts and a TikTok video, I’ve touched on the how working for a doula agency doesn’t always benefit the doula, which sparked some reactions—especially from agency owners who felt targeted. My intention was never to make people feel targeted but rather to start people talking about difficult topics. I believe these conversations based on honest discussion about what it's like working with or for a doula agency are important, and to explore how the way agencies are run can greatly impact the doulas who work for them. Some agency owners may worry that conversations like these could harm their business, but in reality, these discussions help us all see what works, what doesn’t and reflect on how things can be better—for doulas, families, and agency owners alike.
Fair Pay for All: It's Not Just About the Doulas
As doulas, we work incredibly hard to provide compassionate care, support, and guidance to families during one of the most life-changing experiences they’ll ever have. Our work is personal, emotional, and deeply meaningful. Yet, it’s disheartening to see that many doulas are losing a significant portion of their earnings to organizations that don’t always offer much in return.
But it’s important to recognize that it’s not just about the doula getting paid fairly. The people behind the scenes at a good agency—the ones managing contracts, marketing, supporting doulas, and running the business—deserve to be compensated fairly too. Running a successful agency takes heart, dedication, and often long hours, and if the agency is providing real value, those efforts should be rewarded.
This brings up a key question: Are agencies charging enough to ensure both the agency owner and the doulas are paid a fair wage? If not, it's a problem that needs addressing because everyone doing the hard work, whether in front of the families or behind the scenes, deserves fair compensation.
The Good and the Bad of Doula Agencies
Working for a doula agency can be a great opportunity, but it can also be a challenging experience depending on how the agency is run.
Let’s break it down.
What Good Agencies Do Right
When you find a good doula agency, you often see the care and passion they pour into the work. These agencies are run by people who understand the profession—oftentimes because they’re doulas themselves. They value the doulas they work with and ensure that both the families and the doulas are well-supported. Here’s what you can expect from a good agency:
Fair Compensation: Good agencies make sure both the doulas and the agency owners are paid fairly, recognizing the value everyone brings to the table. This is something that should be looked at yearly, making sure that they are charging a competitive price with other local doulas. This can be tricky because you have to remember agencies are taking a portion of your wages.
Supportive Environment & Community Collaboration: These agencies provide real, ongoing support—whether it’s mentorship, administrative help, or creating a collaborative work environment. A great agency fosters team collaboration, allowing doulas to learn from each other and build a supportive community.
Administrative and Marketing Help: Good agencies take care of contracts, payments, and marketing, allowing doulas to focus on their clients.
Steady Client Flow: They often have established marketing channels, providing a steady stream of clients so doulas don’t have to worry about client acquisition.
What a “Bad” Agency Looks Like
On the other hand, some agencies see doula services as just another business offering, without putting much thought or care into supporting their doulas. Here are some red flags:
Unfair Pay: These agencies take a large cut of the fee without providing enough value in return, leaving doulas feeling underappreciated. This may include things like; covering a large geographical area with little or no compensation for travel time or kms. They may not factor in the wear and tear on your car.
Minimal Support: There may be little help beyond basic administrative work, sometimes having the responsibility of contracts and payments to the doula. It can also leave doulas to handle much of the client relationship on their own, and/or not having others to lean on for the support they need.
Lack of Marketing Efforts: Some agencies rely on their name or location to bring in clients but don’t invest in ongoing marketing to support their doulas.
Isolation: Doulas may feel like they’re on their own, without a sense of community or collaboration within the agency.
Non-Compete: Doulas being made to sign a non-compete clause in a contract are being hurt whether they know it or not. This can limit a doula in the way the interact and build relationships with not only doulas but other practioners that could offer support to their clients, some agencies/organizations only allow referrals within their own business, which could be seen by some as unethical….As a doula, if you want to simultaneously work for the agency and try growing your own business or brand you cant.
The Pros and Cons of Working with an Agency
Deciding to work for a doula agency is a personal decision, and it comes with both pros and cons.
Pros of Working for a well run Doula Agency
Steady Client Flow: Agencies often handle marketing and bring in a consistent stream of clients.
Administrative Support: They manage contracts, payments, and scheduling, freeing up doulas to focus on care.
Team Collaboration: Working with a team that provides support to their doulas, mentorship and learning opportunities.
Reduced Marketing Efforts: You don’t need to spend time or money on personal marketing.
Increased Credibility: Being part of a reputable agency can boost your credibility.
Structured Work Environment: Agencies can provide a more predictable pay structure and schedule.
Networking Opportunities: Agencies often have established relationships within their local birth community.
Cons of Working for a Doula Agency
Less Autonomy: You may have less control over client selection and working hours.
Lower Pay: Agencies take a portion of the fee, which can result in lower income for the doulas.
Potential for Conflict: If agency policies don’t align with your values, conflicts can arise. Conflicts with clients or potential clients if you are “assigned” clients vs both mutually agreeing you want to work together.
Limited Branding: You might have to operate under the agency’s brand instead of building your own. This can at times include a non-compete which can hurt a doula in many different ways, including isolation.
Inflexible Contracts: Agency contracts may limit how you operate.
Lack of Personal Connection: Some doulas feel less connected to clients who come through an agency, or feel no connection to other doulas that also work for the agency.
Internal Competition: There can be competition for clients within the agency.
Final Thoughts
Choosing whether to work for an agency, or independently is a deeply personal decision, and one that should be made based on what aligns with your values and needs. But it’s important to do your research, ask the right questions, and make sure that whatever path you choose, you’re being compensated fairly and supported in the way you deserve. There are many great agencies that you can work with…notice how I said work with vs work for? I personally believe that, if you are going to be a doula working with an agency, you should be working WITH them, as a valued member of their team. Your ideas and opinions should be heard, appreciated and valued.
And if you’re looking for community, connection, and collaboration, there are spaces like The Collaborative Doula Collective that are here for you—not to necessarily generate business, but to build a supportive, thriving doula community.
And for the individuals, agencies or organizations who have felt directly harmed from anything that I may have said or done please know that it has not been with malice. Everything I say and do is because I am a passionate person who always speaks her mind. And I feel very strongly that these difficult conversations are in fact conversations that need to be had. Not all agencies and organizations are the same, and if you feel good about the way you run your business you are probably not a part of the problem but the facts remain the same, there are many doulas and agencies out there that could benefit from changing the ways they do things.
Why The Collaborative Doula Collective is Different
As a doula myself and the Founder of The Collaborative Doula Collective, I want to make it clear that what we are doing with the Collective is not the same as a traditional doula agency—whether local or not. While some of our values or ways of thinking may overlap with agencies, the focus of the Collective is entirely different.
The Collaborative Doula Collective is about building a community, not just generating business for doulas. We’ve created a space where doulas from all backgrounds—whether brand new or seasoned professionals—can come together to support and uplift one another. It’s not about what training you’ve taken, where you’re geographically located, or your personal views. It’s about creating a safe space where we can discuss the challenges we face in the community and work together to make meaningful changes.
In the Collective, we have conversations about the things we wish we could change, and we try to bring those changes into existence through our collective strength. We share experiences, offer mentorship, and provide a space for real, honest conversations. Referrals do come in, and we love that, but generating business for doulas isn’t our primary focus.
Our goal is to build a supportive, inclusive community that values collaboration over competition. And that’s something I’ve always felt was missing in the doula and birth world—a true sense of unity, regardless of training, background, or geography.
Amy Silva Founder of The Collaborative Doula Collective