Doula Programs: Appreciate the Doulas!

In the volunteer community-based doula program that I headed for over eight years, we developed an annual Doula Appreciation event each December, prior to the holidays. The idea was to “nurture the nurturers.” This can be a little-to-no-cost event. As a nonprofit, we were able to get local caterers to donate services each year and put out a lovely spread of sweet and savory treats. Hang some Christmas lights. Add Candlelight. Offer some decent wine (use wine glasses, not plastic cups).

For entertainment, we played music and brought in enough massage therapists for each doula to receive a half-hour chair massage or foot massage. One year, we had a therapist present a half-hour session on self care. Another year, we were able to get a small gift bag of self care items for each doula to take home. It’s all about making the doulas feel special for a change. A little goes a long way here, but the bottom line is make sure your volunteer doulas feel appreciated for their efforts.

We never did this but I wish I had thought of it: How about having former clients come in and something nice for the doulas? Bake a cake? Tell a story about how their doula helped them? (Video record this for promotional and fundraising purposes.) Give the clients the opportunity to give back.

The Doula Programs blog provides a forum for doula program visionaries and implementers to consider common challenges, ask questions, and learn from each other. Patty Brennan is the author of The Doula Business Guide: Creating a Successful MotherBaby Business.

Posted by Patty Brennan on December 9, 2010 • Filed under Doula Programs
Comments (0)

Comments