Unlock a New Income Stream with Group Doula Sessions
As a doula, your primary goal is to provide personalized care and support to each client—but what if you could expand that support and reach more families without compromising the quality of care? Group doula sessions offer a fantastic opportunity to serve multiple families at once, create a strong community of support, and, most importantly, increase your income. In 2025, group sessions are an efficient, scalable, and impactful way to grow your doula business. Here's how to get started!
What Are Group Doula Sessions?
Group doula sessions combine the personalized support of a doula with the power of group learning and interaction. Instead of offering one-on-one care for every client or family, you bring together multiple clients who are seeking support in a shared area—such as prenatal education, postpartum support, or birth planning. These sessions can be held in person or virtually, depending on your preference and the needs of your clients.
Here are a few types of group doula sessions you can consider offering:
Prenatal Education Classes: Teach expectant parents about childbirth preparation, stages of labor, breathing techniques, and more. These sessions can be broken into multiple sessions, covering different topics each time.
Postpartum Support Groups: Offer a space where new parents can come together to share their experiences, learn about newborn care, discuss breastfeeding challenges, and receive emotional support.
Birth Planning Workshops: Help clients create their birth plans in a collaborative environment, discussing options, preferences, and understanding hospital protocols.
Group sessions allow your clients to connect with one another, learn in a supportive environment, and receive personalized guidance, all at a more affordable price point than individual doula services.
Why You Should Consider Offering Group Doula Sessions
1. Additional Revenue Stream
Group sessions allow you to work with multiple clients at once, which means you can charge a group rate instead of a one-on-one rate. You’ll generate more income per session, without increasing your workload significantly.
2. More Efficient Use of Your Time
As a busy doula, time is your most valuable resource. Group sessions allow you to serve more families in less time by combining several clients into one session. This frees up your time to focus on other aspects of your business or personal life, while still helping more families prepare for their birth and postpartum journeys.
3. Expand Your Reach
Instead of being limited by the number of clients you can work with individually, group sessions give you the opportunity to help more people at once. Group sessions are especially great for doulas who are looking to expand their business without overextending themselves.
4. Build a Sense of Community
One of the greatest benefits of group sessions is the opportunity to create a sense of community among your clients. Expecting families can share experiences, ask questions, and bond over the common goal of preparing for birth or navigating the postpartum period. This fosters a sense of connection and support that goes beyond what can be achieved in individual sessions.
How to Set Up Group Doula Sessions in Your Business
1. Define Your Offerings
Decide what types of group sessions you want to offer. Some ideas include:
Prenatal education (childbirth classes, breastfeeding, postpartum care)
Postpartum support groups
Birth plan creation workshops
Once you've chosen your topics, determine how many sessions you'll offer and whether they will be single events or part of a series. For example, you might offer a weekly prenatal class series or a monthly postpartum support group.
2. Set Your Pricing
Pricing is key to ensuring your group sessions are accessible but still profitable. Consider offering a flat rate for the group or pricing per participant. For example, if you're teaching a class for 10 expectant parents, you can price the session at $50 per person, making $500 in one class. Offering discounts for multiple-session packages or early sign-ups can also incentivize clients to commit to your group offerings.
3. Plan Your Schedule
Group sessions need to be scheduled at convenient times. Evening or weekend sessions are ideal for working parents, while virtual sessions can offer flexibility. Decide on your frequency—will these sessions be weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly? Make sure your schedule doesn’t overwhelm you, and that you’re still able to offer high-quality service.
Marketing Your Group Doula Sessions
Now that you’ve set up your group sessions, it’s time to let the world know! Here are a few marketing tips to help you attract clients:
1. Social Media
Instagram, Facebook, and other social platforms are great for promoting your group sessions. Post sneak peeks of your classes, behind-the-scenes videos, and testimonials from past clients to show the value of your group sessions. Share content that educates and informs, and be sure to let followers know when the next group session is opening for enrollment.
2. Email Marketing
If you have an email list, make sure to notify your audience about upcoming group sessions. You can offer early-bird pricing or exclusive bonuses to encourage people to sign up.
3. Referrals and Partnerships
Consider collaborating with other birth professionals in your community to cross-promote your group sessions. Prenatal yoga instructors, chiropractors, or lactation consultants can refer clients to your sessions, and you can do the same for them.
Creating a Comfortable, Supportive Environment
One of the keys to success with group sessions is ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and supported. Here’s how:
1. Set the Tone:
For in-person sessions, create a welcoming and relaxing environment with comfortable seating, soft lighting, and maybe even some calming music. For virtual sessions, use a platform that’s easy to navigate, like Zoom or Google Meet.
2. Facilitate Group Interaction:
Encourage group participation by asking questions, creating discussion prompts, and providing opportunities for clients to share their experiences. Be mindful of the group dynamic—ensure that everyone has a chance to speak and that no one person dominates the conversation.
3. Provide Follow-Up Support
After each session, send out follow-up emails with key takeaways, additional resources, and any answers to questions that were raised during the group session. This helps your clients feel valued and supported even after the session ends.
Potential Challenges and How to Overcome Them
While group sessions are a fantastic way to expand your doula business, there are a few challenges to consider:
1. Group Dynamics
With multiple personalities, group sessions can sometimes feel like a balancing act. Be prepared to manage different needs and expectations. Set clear guidelines for respectful communication and ensure that everyone feels heard.
2. Technology Issues (for Virtual Sessions)
If you’re hosting virtual sessions, always have a backup plan in case of technical difficulties. Test your platform beforehand, and have a clear communication strategy in place in case someone has trouble joining the session.
How Group Doula Sessions Benefit Your Business in the Long Run
Group sessions not only offer immediate income but also build long-term benefits for your business. They allow you to create a strong sense of community among your clients, generate repeat business through follow-up sessions, and position yourself as a knowledgeable and caring expert in your field. Plus, you’ll be able to serve more clients while maintaining the balance in your life and business.
Group doula sessions are a fantastic way to grow your business and make a positive impact on more families. By offering group prenatal classes, postpartum support, or birth planning workshops, you can diversify your income and create a supportive environment that benefits both you and your clients. Ready to get started? The time to expand your business and reach more families is now!
