Balancing Work and Personal Life as a Doula

As doulas, we’re called to support families during one of life’s most transformative experiences. Our work is deeply rewarding, but it can also be all-consuming if we’re not careful. Today, we’re diving into the Wellness Waterway of our Seven Rivers approach to explore how creating and maintaining boundaries can help you achieve a healthy balance between your doula work and personal life.

The Importance of Boundaries in Doula Work

Before we dive into strategies, let’s consider why boundaries are crucial in doula work:

1. Prevent Burnout: Clear boundaries help you avoid overextending yourself.
2. Maintain Quality of Care: When you’re well-rested and balanced, you provide better support to your clients.
3. Sustain Your Practice: Boundaries ensure you can continue your work long-term without sacrificing your wellbeing.
4. Model Healthy Behavior: By setting boundaries, you demonstrate self-care to your clients.
5. Preserve Personal Relationships: Boundaries help you maintain connections with family and friends outside of work.

Navigating the Waters of Boundary Setting

1. Define Your Non-Negotiables

• Identify Core Personal Time: Determine times that are sacred for you, like family dinners or weekend mornings.
• Set Clear Work Hours: Establish when you’re available for calls, texts, and emails.
• Honor Your Self-Care: Schedule regular time for activities that recharge you.

2. Communicate Boundaries Clearly

• Client Contracts: Include your boundaries in your service agreements.
• Welcome Packet: Create a document outlining your availability and communication preferences.
• Reinforce Regularly: Gently remind clients of your boundaries as needed.

3. Create a Sustainable On-Call Structure

• Define On-Call Periods: Clearly communicate when your on-call time begins and ends for each client.
• Implement a Backup System: Partner with other doulas to provide coverage during off times.
• Use Technology Wisely: Utilize scheduling apps to manage your on-call calendar efficiently.

4. Establish Communication Guidelines

• Set Response Time Expectations: Let clients know typical response times for non-urgent matters.
• Use a Professional Phone Number: Consider a separate work phone or a service like Google Voice.
• Implement Office Hours: Designate specific times for returning calls and messages.

5. Create Physical Boundaries

• Designate a Workspace: If possible, have a dedicated area for doula work in your home.
• Dress for Work: Change clothes when you start and end your workday, even at home.
• Establish Travel Limits: Decide on a geographical area you’re willing to serve.

6. Maintain Financial Boundaries

• Stick to Your Fees: Avoid undervaluing your services or overextending with too many pro-bono cases.
• Require Deposits: Implement a deposit system to secure client commitments.
• Use Contracts: Always use clear, written agreements for your services.

7. Nurture Personal Relationships

• Schedule Regular Date Nights: Whether with a partner, friends, or yourself.
• Communicate with Loved Ones: Keep your family informed about your work schedule.
• Create Rituals: Develop routines that help you transition between work and personal time.

Overcoming Common Boundary Challenges

1. Guilt: Remember, boundaries allow you to provide sustainable, high-quality care.
2. Fear of Losing Clients: Clients who respect your boundaries are more likely to be ideal long-term clients.
3. The Urge to Be Always Available: Recognize that being constantly available isn’t sustainable or necessary.
4. Difficulty Saying No: Practice saying no graciously but firmly.

Implementing Boundaries: A Step-by-Step Approach

1. Reflect: Identify areas where you need stronger boundaries.
2. Plan: Develop specific, actionable boundaries.
3. Communicate: Clearly express your boundaries to clients and loved ones.
4. Implement: Put your boundaries into practice consistently.
5. Evaluate: Regularly assess how your boundaries are working and adjust as needed.

The Ripple Effect of Healthy Boundaries

When you establish and maintain healthy boundaries, the benefits extend far beyond you:

• Your clients receive support from a doula who’s energized and fully present.
• Your loved ones enjoy quality time with you, supporting your work-life balance.
• You contribute to a culture of wellness within the birth work community.
• You set an example of sustainable practice for other doulas.

Remember, setting boundaries isn’t about limiting your care—it’s about ensuring you can continue to provide exceptional support to families for years to come.

Navigating Difficult Conversations

Sometimes, enforcing boundaries can lead to challenging conversations. Here are some tips:

• Use “I” Statements: For example, “I am not available for non-emergency calls after 9 PM.”
• Offer Alternatives: If you can’t meet a request, suggest other options when possible.
• Stay Calm and Professional: Even if a client becomes upset, maintain your composure.
• Reinforce the Benefits: Explain how your boundaries contribute to better care for them.

Technology as a Boundary-Setting Tool

Leverage technology to help maintain your boundaries:

• Scheduling Software: Use tools like Calendly to manage appointment bookings within your defined hours.
• Auto-Responders: Set up email auto-responders to manage expectations about response times.
• Do Not Disturb Settings: Utilize your phone’s DND features during off-hours.
• Time Tracking Apps: Use apps to ensure you’re not overworking and to justify your boundaries with data.

Creating and maintaining boundaries is an essential skill in navigating the Wellness Waterway of your doula journey. By setting clear limits, you ensure that your river of support for families continues to flow strong and steady, nourished by the tributaries of your own well-being and personal life.

Are you struggling to establish or maintain boundaries in your doula practice? At Seven Rivers Doula Resources, we understand the unique challenges of balancing doula work with personal life. Book a consultation with us to explore how we can help you navigate the Wellness Waterway and all other aspects of your doula business, creating a practice that’s both fulfilling and sustainable.