You’re Fully Booked… So Why Aren’t You Making Enough Money?
Release Date: 01/12/2026
“Must Be Nice” - A Mindset Shift That Changed Everything
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In this episode, I'm coming to you from sunny Clearwater, Florida a few days ahead of The Birthworker Retreat. I share the behind-the-scenes of how I intentionally designed this event (and my life!) to match my personal needs and seasonal rhythms. From walks on the beach and hotel massages to the mindset shifts that took me from burnt-out martyr to thriving doula business owner, I walk you through how this lifestyle didn’t happen by accident. It happened by methodical design. I’m breaking down how you, too, can start aligning your business with the life you truly want, starting with small,...
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You’re Fully Booked… So Why Aren’t You Making Enough Money?
The Doula Darcy Podcast
There comes a moment in many doula businesses when everything is technically “working”… You’re getting clients. You’re good at what you do. You’re busy, maybe sometimes too busy. And yet, the income still isn’t where it needs to be. In this episode, I’m talking about the very real (and very common) moment when doulas hit an income ceiling and what to do when you realize that trading hours for dollars simply isn’t sustainable long-term. I share my own story of reaching this point a few years into my postpartum doula business: juggling multiple families in a day, racing...
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Doula Finances 101: How to Pay Yourself, Save for Taxes & Retire Right
The Doula Darcy Podcast
Welcome to a real talk episode with Doula Darcy, recorded during that deliciously confusing week between Christmas and New Year's. In this solo episode, Darcy shares a side of her that you may not have seen much before: her passion for personal finance and how it ties directly into doula sustainability and self-care. If you're ready to step into 2026 with more financial clarity, less stress, and a business that supports your life, not drains it, this episode is your guide. In this episode, you'll learn: Why paying yourself well is the ultimate form of self-care How to calculate...
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The Doula Darcy Podcast
In this episode, The Doula Darcy shares three simple year-end money moves she makes every December that reliably increase revenue in the next year. These steps take less than an hour each, but they compound in a powerful way. Most doulas try to “hustle harder,” but earning more starts with strengthening what’s already working. Darcy breaks down how to raise your rates confidently, reduce your taxable income, and increase referrals through gratitude and intentional follow-up. In this episode you’ll learn: Why scrolling your photos from January can transform how you feel about the year...
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The Doula Darcy Podcast
I share the behind-the-scenes of hosting my doula agency’s biggest holiday party yet on today's episode. Hear all about how I strategically planned it to be both meaningful and a tax write-off! You’ll hear how I: Used smart tax strategies (like the Augusta Rule!) to host a chef-catered dinner at home Created special moments for my team, including custom holiday cards Involved my teen boys in the prep, teaching them what mom really does Pivoted on gifts and ended up offering heartfelt bonuses instead Whether you’re an agency owner or a solo doula, this episode is packed with...
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The Doula Darcy Podcast
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The Real Work Behind a Successful Online Doula Business
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This week I share how I’m restructuring my business this winter to better support my family and my energy, without the mom guilt. I talk about: Why I’m temporarily closing my membership, My Doula Village The real reason I’m not building a big team (and why you don’t have to either) What bro marketers get wrong, and what actually works How entrepreneurship is really a journey of self-discovery The power of getting in rooms (IRL or virtual) with people doing what you want to do Whether you're building an online business, offering in-person services, or just dreaming of doing...
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The Doula Darcy Podcast
Someone asked Darcy on Instagram how doulas can be incorporating CEO days their doula business. Darcy, who prefers the term 'Island days' over 'CEO days,' shares her personal strategies for maintaining a balance between work and relaxation. She shares the importance of taking time to work ON your business rather than just IN it. Whether through designated weekly hours, full days off, or attending business retreats, Darcy emphasizes the value of stepping out of your routine to spark creativity and achieve business growth. What is a CEO Day? Introducing Island Days The...
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Claim the Life you Want and Build the Business to Match it with Amber Lilyestrom
The Doula Darcy Podcast
Want to meet the Business Coach Behind the The Doula Business Coach? What happens when your business coach becomes one of your strongest cheerleaders and biggest expanders? In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain and inviting you into a very personal (and often hilarious) conversation with my business coach of three years, the incredible Amber Lilyestrom. Amber isn’t just a business coach & brand strategist. She’s a poet, a mom, and a professional crazy cat lady (yes, we explain). She’s also the reason I’ve taken my doula coaching business to the next level....
info_outlineThere comes a moment in many doula businesses when everything is technically “working”…
You’re getting clients.
You’re good at what you do.
You’re busy, maybe sometimes too busy.
And yet, the income still isn’t where it needs to be.
In this episode, I’m talking about the very real (and very common) moment when doulas hit an income ceiling and what to do when you realize that trading hours for dollars simply isn’t sustainable long-term.
I share my own story of reaching this point a few years into my postpartum doula business: juggling multiple families in a day, racing across town, coming home exhausted to my own kids, and realizing that no matter how hard I worked, there were only so many hours available. And the numbers just weren’t adding up.
If you’ve ever thought:
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“I can’t raise my rates any higher…”
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“I love this work, but I need to make more money”
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“I don’t want to burn out or quit, but something has to change”
This episode is for you.
In this episode, we cover:
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Why so many doulas hit an income ceiling 2–3 years into their business
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The emotional reality of loving the work but needing more financial stability
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When (and how) to raise your rates - even if you’re newer than other doulas in your area
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How to increase your income without adding more in-person hours
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Smart ways to enhance your doula packages with add-ons and virtual services
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How to create downsell offers for families who can’t hire you as their full-service doula
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Why digital products and virtual sessions can be a game-changer
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The role agencies and passive income streams can play in breaking the income ceiling
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How to build a doula business that supports your family, your future, and your longevity in this work
I also talk about the importance of thinking like a "grown-up" business owner so that you are setting rates that allow you to save for taxes, retirement, your kids’ activities, and your future - not just scrape by.
There is a way to work fewer hours, help more families, and earn more money. And it doesn’t require sacrificing your health, your family, or your love for this work.
Ready to take the next step?
If you’re feeling stuck at this income ceiling and want support figuring out your unique doula “sweet spot”, I’d love to help.
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Join My Doula Village for ongoing support, real conversations, and strategy
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Or explore 1:1 coaching with me to design a business model and marketing plan that actually fits your life
This is the work I love most, to help doulas stay in this profession for the long haul, without burnout, resentment, or financial stress.
💛 Thanks for listening! And I hope this episode gave you at least one nugget you can take with you.