All About Backup Doulas

As a doula, there is a certain level of unpredictability that comes with the job. No matter how well you organize and space your clients, there is always the potential for an early or late delivery to completely overhaul your calendar. In order to ensure that these changes don’t leave another client high and dry, many doulas use a system of backups to provide additional coverage. There are a number of ways this can work, depending on each doula’s model and client preference, but below is an introduction to this important part of doula work. 

When to Use a Backup Doula 

Backup doulas are important in a range of scenarios. Most commonly, they are used when two births happen at the same time and the primary doula cannot attend both. Doulas generally schedule clients with some buffer to avoid this, but early or late labors make it impossible to avoid entirely. A backup doula would be sent to the second person to go into labor. 

If an early or late labor interferes with a doula’s vacation, sick time, or any other time they are unavailable, a backup doula would also be called in. Doulas are generally “on call” for some period surrounding an estimated due date, but may travel or take off before and after that timeframe. 

One other common use of backup doulas is for relief during a very long labor. Doulas may state in their contracts that after a certain number of hours, someone else comes in to give them time to rest. 

Finding a Backup Doula 

Backup doulas can come from a number of places within your network. Many people simply know other doulas in their community and are able to form relationships that lead to backup arrangements. This can often be reciprocal, with each person filling in for the other as needed. If you do not have personal connections, any local Facebook groups or birth worker organizations are a great place to find doulas willing to serve as a backup.

One of the perks of working at a doula agency can be built-in doulas who serve as backups, with the coordination done by the agency owner. Some people may feel more secure with others from the same organization being available. 

Regardless of where you find a backup doula, it’s important to make sure you choose someone whose values and methods align with yours so that each client is getting an experience similar to what you would provide. 

Designating a Backup

For doulas who do not work in an agency, backup doulas are usually designated early on during a client’s onboarding. Some contracts will state who the backup doula is while others simply confirm that there will be one. At some point in the third trimester, a client should be given the full contact information for their backup doula in case you are unreachable.

The backup doula should always be given as much information as possible about their potential client and access to any records. This allows them to be prepared for a call at any moment and enter confidently, as if they had planned to be there all along. 

Backup Doula Payment 

Just like there is a contract with each client, it is important to have a contract with each backup doula. This may outline when they would be called in, how they will ensure they are available, what services they provide, as well as payment terms. 

Each backup doula may require a certain payment structure. Most will request some payment even if they are not called in, as they have the time blocked off from other clients. When they are called in, they may be given a flat rate, a percentage of the client’s payment, or hourly rates. 

The Importance of Backup Doulas 

Ensuring coverage for all of your clients is a critical piece of doula care. Even if you do not have clients that share a timeframe, vacation planned, or any other reason to assume you will be unavailable, you should have a backup in place. Illness or other unforeseen circumstances may call for their help and the best thing you can do for your clients is ensure someone who shares your values and knowledge is there for them. 

With Birthbase, all client information is easily shared with backup doulas, meaning you can feel confident in your coverage without extensive additional work to keep them up to date.