Solo doula, or doula agency: What’s the difference:
Joyce and I decided to persue Birth Plus out of two primary desires: First, to give families a pool of trained Doulas to choose from who are being actively mentored, and provide a framework for matching families with a doula who best fits their needs. Second, to provide Doulas with the support network they’re looking for, with built-in back-up, opportunities for continued education, and ongoing mentorship. As Birth Plus has begun to blossom, we’ve discovered how vital both of theses passions are, and we want this approach to be as clear for you as it is for us.
Here’s a breakdown of the key differences, and why many families choose an agency model.
1. Continuity of Care
Solo Doula: A solo doula typically manages her own calendar. If she is sick, at another birth, or otherwise unavailable, backup may be necessary, and it may be someone totally unfamiliar.
Agency Doula: With an agency, you have the peace of mind that your care will never pause. If your primary doula is unavailable, another trusted team member, whom you’ve met, can step in seamlessly. This creates a continuum of care that supports your family through every stage—pregnancy, birth, and postpartum—without gaps.
2. Collaborative Approach
Solo Doula: Many solo doulas work independently, drawing on their own training and experiences. Some may build informal networks for support, but the approach is often individual.
Agency Doula: Within an agency, doulas work as a collaborative team. We lean on one another’s expertise, share resources, and engage in peer learning. That means your doula isn’t just one person—you’re receiving the benefit of a whole team’s knowledge, grounded in evidence-based practices. I mention this because many Birth Plus families originally sought the services of Joyce or myself, and there’s a standard of evidence they’re looking for. Birth Plus Doulas share high standards for learning.
3. Reliability & Professional Standards
Solo Doula: Each solo doula sets her own policies.. Experiences can vary depending on her personal business style.
Agency Doula: An agency ensures consistent standards of care across the team. From contracts to communication, everything is designed to be smooth, reliable, and family-centered.
4. Scope of Support
Solo Doula: A solo doula may specialize in one stage of the journey—often teaching, birth, or postpartum, depending on her training.
Agency Doula: Agencies often offer a wider range of services: education, birth doulas, postpartum doulas, and lactation support, plus provide access to and discounts on additional options like birth photography, postpartum meal services, in-home massage and more. This allows your care to evolve with your family’s needs, all within the same trusted team.
5. The Family Experience
At the heart of it, both solo doulas and agency doulas are passionate about supporting families. The difference lies in structure and support system. With an agency, families often feel more secure knowing that:
Care is evidence-based and consistent across providers.
A team approach means more resources, perspectives, and skills.
There is always a safety net—continuity of care even if your primary doula is unavailable.
Hiring a doula is about more than just support during labor—it’s about feeling confident, cared for, and prepared every step of the way. Whether you choose a solo doula or an agency, you are taking a beautiful step toward a more empowered birth and postpartum experience.
For families who value reliability, collaborative expertise, and seamless care, a doula agency provides unique benefits that extend far beyond one-on-one support.
