5 Best Doula Business Software Options for 2025 | Automate Your Workflow
Doula business software is changing the way birth professionals manage their practices.
Are you among the 76% of doulas spending more time on paperwork than supporting families? The right software can save you up to 5 hours weekly on business management.
This guide explores doula business software and Client Relation Management System (CRM) tools for 2024, showing how these digital assistants can transform your practice and let you focus on nurturing families through their birth journeys.
But before we dive into specific options, let’s understand what doula business software is and why it’s becoming essential for modern birth workers.
Full disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I may receive a small commission. Rest assured, I only suggest software that I use, have used, or can recommend!
What is Doula Business Software, and Why Do You Need It?
Doula business software propels passionate birth workers into thriving entrepreneurs, revolutionizing client care and practice management.
It’s a tailored system that seamlessly blends birth support and business operations, empowering doulas to stay organized and maintain a professional edge.
With automated workflows and reminders, doulas can manage every client touchpoint efficiently, resulting in smoother, more impressive service.
The impact on client care and business growth is significant:
- More time for marketing and networking
- Potential to double client base within a year
- Significant revenue increases
- Increased capacity for self-care
Even those adamant that “old school” is the best school often become converts, seeing their bookings increase and expanding into new areas like online childbirth education classes.
Why Invest in Digital Automation?
From a business perspective, investing in doula-specific software is a no-brainer. It’s not just about making life easier. It’s about professionalizing your practice, scaling your operations, and positioning yourself for serious growth.
Bottom line? If you’re a doula still running your business like it’s 1999, it’s time for an upgrade.
Doula business software isn’t just a tool – it’s a force that can take you from a stressed-out solopreneur to a confident CEO of your thriving birth support empire.
Ready to take your doula practice to the next-level? Let’s explore the top doula business software options on the market.
Top Doula Business Software Options for 2024
A few key platforms have risen to the top as we look at the best doula business software. These tools have proven themselves useful for many doulas and their practices.
Let’s dive into some of the top options, starting with Dubsado, a comprehensive solution that’s gained significant traction in the birth work community.
Dubsado for Doulas
The ultimate CRM for doulapreneurs. Effortlessly manage clients, automate workflows, and focus on supporting expectant families while an all-in-one platform handles administrative tasks. Try it risk-free on 3 projects before committing!
HoneyBook for Doulas
HoneyBook is client management software that helps doulas manage client onboarding, scheduling, document management, invoicing, and communication in one centralized platform. Get 50% off for one year of HoneyBook. 7-day free trial. No credit card required.
Doulado for Doulas
Doulado is an all-in-one customer relationships management (CRM) software for doulas. It allows you to send and receive paperwork, collaborate with other doulas, take better client notes, send invoices, collect payments, and build trust with your clients.
Bonsai for Doulas
Bonsai streamlines the business side of doula work, offering customizable contracts, time tracking, and invoicing tools. With its user-friendly interface and automated features, Bonsai empowers doula agencies and teams to manage their practices efficiently.
Notion for Doulas
Notion is an all-in-one workspace that empowers doulas to organize client information, birth plans, and schedules in one centralized platform. With customizable templates and collaborative features, Notion streamlines your doula practice, allowing you to focus more on supporting expectant families and less on administrative tasks.
1. Dubsado: Your All-in-One Business Management Solution
Best for doulas who want it all – easy to use, packed with features, and totally customizable
Dubsado has emerged as a powerhouse in the doula business software arena, offering a comprehensive suite of tools designed to streamline practice management.
At its core, Dubsado provides robust client management and workflow automation capabilities that can revolutionize how you run your doula business.
Best Dubsado Features:
Dusado is a great Client Relation Management System (CRM) for doulas because of the following features:
- Customizable Forms: Create tailored intake forms, contracts, and proposals with your branding.
- Automated Workflows: Streamline client journey from lead capture to onboarding with custom automations.
- Invoicing and Payments: Manage invoices, payment plans, and online payments effortlessly.
- Secure Client Portal: Offer paperless forms, contracts, and invoicing in one secure location.
- Scheduling: Built-in scheduler for client bookings directly from your website. Integrations: Connect with popular tools like Quickbooks, Zapier, Stripe, and more for a customized system.
Dubsado Pros
Dubsado Cons
Dubsado Pricing
Dubsado operates on a tiered subscription model, with pricing based on the features you need.
While it’s not the cheapest option available, many doulas find the investment worthwhile, given the platform’s extensive capabilities.
Dubsado is well-suited for doulas who are looking to scale their practices. However, its complexity may overwhelm those just starting out or preferring more straightforward solutions.
Its suitability for your doula business will depend on your specific needs, tech-savviness, and growth plans.
Ultimately, Dubsado offers a powerful set of tools that, when leveraged effectively, can significantly streamline operations and support practice growth.
Ready to Try Dubsado?
Discover why doulas love Dubsado through their unique trial. With unlimited time, the ability to book 3 clients, and no credit card required, you can fully explore how this software can transform your practice. Experience Dubsado’s features at your own pace, risk-free, and see the difference for yourself.
2. HoneyBook: Streamlined Client Management for Birth Professionals
Best for doulas looking for a user-friendly, all-in-one business management platform
HoneyBook has emerged as a popular choice among doulas and other birth professionals. HoneyBook is one of the leading clientflow platforms for independent professionals. It provides the tools to manage inquiries, legal contracts, scheduling, payments, and everything it takes to serve clients as a self-run business.
Let’s dive into what makes HoneyBook stand out in doula business software.
At its core, HoneyBook provides a user-friendly interface that many doulas find intuitive and easy to navigate.
Best HoneyBook Features:
- Client Management: Organize client information, communications, and project details in one centralized platform.
- Integrated Communication and Payments: Handle client interactions and process payments seamlessly within the same system.
- Customizable Forms: Create branded proposals, contracts, and invoices tailored to your doula practice.
- Doula-Specific Templates: Save time with pre-made templates for inquiries, birth plans, and postpartum care agreements.
- Automated Workflows: Streamline your process with task reminders and automated follow-ups.
- Client Portal: Offer a professional interface for clients to view and approve documents.
- Scheduling Tool: Enable clients to book appointments directly through your personalized link.
- Mobile App: Manage your doula business on the go with iOS and Android apps.
- Integrations: Connect with tools like QuickBooks, Google Calendar, and Zapier for enhanced functionality.
HoneyBook Pros
HoneyBook Cons
HoneyBook Pricing
HoneyBook’s pricing structure is designed to be accessible for solo practitioners and small teams, making it an attractive option for doulas just starting out or those with a focused practice.
They offer a straightforward subscription model, often with promotional rates for new users.
While HoneyBook may offer less depth of customization than some more complex platforms, its focus on user-friendliness and core functionality makes it a solid choice for many doulas.
It strikes a balance between features and ease of use that can be particularly appealing to streamline your practice without getting bogged down in complex systems.
Ultimately, HoneyBook shines as a solution for doulas who prioritize simplicity and efficiency in their business management tools.
Its combination of essential features, doula-specific templates, and an attractive client interface make it a strong contender in the doula software market.
Ready to Try HoneyBook?
Jump in with a free 7-day trial – no credit card needed. See firsthand how HoneyBook can elevate your business. Impressed? Take advantage of our exclusive offer: 50% off your first year’s subscription. Revolutionize your practice today with HoneyBook’s powerful tools at an unbeatable price.
3. Doulado: Tailor-Made Software for Doulas
Best for beginners or doulas seeking a specialized, industry-specific solution
Doulado stands out in the doula business software market as a platform designed with birth professionals in mind.
Its features are tailored to the unique workflows and needs of doulas, offering a comprehensive suite of tools that cover the entire spectrum of doula care. From taking detailed client notes to sending contracts and invoices, Doulado provides everything a doula needs, including secure client portals for seamless communication and document sharing.
This all-in-one approach ensures that doulas can manage every aspect of their practice efficiently and professionally.
Best Key Features of Doulado:
- Built Specifically for Doulas: Designed from the ground up to meet the unique needs of birth professionals
- Client Management System: Helps doulas earn more and manage their practice efficiently
- HIPAA-compliant plan: Enables working with insurance and organizations
- Professional Client Portals: Builds trust with secure messaging and document sharing
- Team Management: Ideal for creating and managing doula agencies
- Custom Tagging: Organize notes flexibly to suit your doula workflow
- Contracts and Invoicing: Send professional documents tailored for doula services
- Intuitive Design: Easy-to-use interface that understands doula-specific needs
Product Pros
Product Cons
Doulado Pricing
Doulado’s pricing structure is competitive, recognizing the needs of solo practitioners and small doula collectives. They offer a unique and flexible pricing model designed to accommodate doulas at all stages:
- Sliding Scale Pricing: Pay what you think is fair for your practice
- Unlimited Features: All features included, no extra costs for upgrades
- Flat Rate: Set a sustainable price for your business no hidden fees
- 14-Day Free Trial: Unlimited access to all features before committing
- Transparent Pricing: No complicated pricing tiers
This innovative approach allows doulas to choose a price that fits their budget while still accessing all of Doulado’s features. The 14-day free trial provides ample time to explore the software fully before making a financial commitment.
Ultimately, Doulado represents a focused, specialized option in the doula software market. Its strength lies in its deep understanding of doula workflows and needs, making it attractive for birth professionals who prioritize birth-specific features over broader business management tools.
Ready to Try Doulado?
Experience the power of doula-specific software with Doulado’s 14-day free trial. Sign up today to explore all features without commitment and discover how this tailored solution can streamline your practice and help you focus on what matters most – supporting birthing families.
4. Bonsai: Powerful Software Perfect for Doula Agencies & Teams
Best for doula agencies or teams seeking streamlined project management, finance, and collaboration tools
Bonsai is a versatile business management tool that’s gained popularity among doula agencies and teams. While it’s not specifically designed for birth professionals, it offers a powerful set of features that can significantly benefit growing doula practices.
Bonsai is ideal for doula agencies expanding their team and services. If you manage multiple doulas, manage various client packages, and want to streamline your financial operations, Bonsai could be a game-changer for your agency.
Best Key Features of Bonsai
- Customizable Contracts and Invoicing: Create professional contracts and invoices tailored for various doula services
- Time Tracking and Billing: Accurately log hours and automate billing for easy client and team management
- Expense and Financial Management: Monitor business expenses, accept online payments, and get financial insights
- Client and Project Management: Organize client information, communications, and different aspects of doula care in one place
- Team Collaboration Tools: Assign tasks, share documents, and manage multiple doulas efficiently
- Automated Reminders and Follow-ups: Improve cash flow and client communication with smart automation
- Client Portal and Mobile App: Provide a professional client interface and manage your business on-the-go
- Tax Preparation and Integration Capabilities: Simplify year-end finances and connect with other tools like Google Calendar
Bonsai Pros
Bonsai Cons
Bonsai is a solid choice for doula agencies looking to level up their business operations. While it may not cater specifically to the birthing world, its robust financial and team management tools can provide a strong foundation for a growing doula practice.
In the end, choosing Bonsai means prioritizing strong business management over birth-specific features. This trade-off is well worth it for many growing doula agencies, as it allows them to focus on providing excellent care while keeping their business running smoothly behind the scenes.
Ready to Try Bonsai?
Start your free trial of Bonsai today and experience how streamlined financial management and professional tools can transform your practice. Join thousands of freelancers who’ve simplified their business operations – your clients (and your stress levels) will thank you!
5. Notion: The Flexible, Do-It-All Workspace
Best for tech-savvy doulas who prefer a flexible, DIY approach to organizing their business
Notion is different from other doula software like Dubsado or HoneyBook. It’s not made just for managing clients or sending invoices. Instead, it’s super flexible, making it useful for doulas who like to organize things their way.
So what is Notion? It’s like a big digital workspace where you can do lots of different things. You can take notes like in Evernote, make lists like in Trello, organize information like in a spreadsheet, create a client portal, and keep track of dates like in Google Calendar, all in one place.
For doulas, this means you can set up Notion to work exactly how you want it to. You can make it fit how you like to do your job and run your business without being limited to what other doula software thinks you need.
Best Key Features of Notion for Doulas
- Client Database: Create a custom database to track all your clients, their due dates, and important details.
- Resource Library: Build a searchable collection of birth education materials, postpartum care tips, and breastfeeding resources.
- Appointment Scheduler: Use the calendar feature to manage appointments and track upcoming births.
- Income Tracker: Set up a simple system to log your earnings and expenses.
- Task Management: Create to-do lists for each client or your business tasks.
- Meeting Notes: Take detailed notes during client meetings and link them directly to the client’s profile.
- Document Storage: Keep all your contracts, forms, and business documents organized.
- Customizable Dashboard: Create a homepage that shows your upcoming births, tasks, and important information at a glance.
- Shared Workspaces: Easily share specific information with clients or collaborate with other birth professionals.
These features can help doulas stay organized, save time, and provide better client care, all within one flexible platform.
Notion Pros
Notion Cons
Notion Pricing
Notion offers a range of pricing options to fit different needs. Its free plan is great for beginners, and it provides basic features at no cost.
The Plus plan unlocks more storage and features for $10 per user each month, making it a popular choice for growing businesses.
Larger teams or doula agencies might prefer the business plan, which includes advanced tools and costs $15 per user monthly.
Most doulas find the Plus plan at $10 a month works well, but you can always start free and upgrade as your business grows. It’s a flexible system that adapts to your changing needs.
Notion offers doulas a highly flexible, all-in-one workspace that can be customized to fit their unique practice needs.
While it has a steeper learning curve than some doula-specific software, its versatility and affordable pricing make it a powerful tool for organizing client information, creating resource libraries, and managing your entire birth support business in one place.
Ready to Try Notion?
Experience the power of customizable client management, birth plan templates, and a centralized resource library – all in one place. Discover how you can organize your entire birth support business with ease. Your perfectly tailored workspace is just a click away!
The Impact of Doula Business Software on Your Practice
As we’ve explored, doula business software offers numerous benefits that can transform your practice:
- Automation of routine tasks and paperwork reduction
- Enhanced client communication and engagement
- Simplified birth plan creation and management
- Improved scheduling and reduced booking errors
- Streamlined invoicing and payment collection
- Valuable business insights through analytics
These features create a more efficient, professional, client-focused doula practice. By leveraging the right software, you can spend less time on administrative tasks and more time doing what you love – supporting families through their birth journeys.
Conclusion
Choosing the right doula business software is like having a skilled assistant by your side, handling the nitty-gritty so you can focus on what truly matters – supporting families through one of life’s most profound experiences.
Whether you’re drawn to Dubsado’s comprehensive features, HoneyBook’s user-friendly interface, Notion’s flexibility, Bonsai’s financial management tools, or Doulado’s birth-specific design, there’s a solution out there that’s perfect for your unique needs.
Remember, the best software is the one you’ll actually use consistently. Don’t wait to streamline your business and provide even better care to your clients. Many of these platforms offer free trials, so why not test one out today? Your future self (and your clients) will thank you!
Want to dive deeper into building a thriving doula business? Check out these helpful articles:
- How to Start a Doula Business: The Ultimate Doulapreneur Roadmap
- 29 Strategies to Catapult Your Doula Business Marketing & Growth in 2024
- Build a Powerful Personal Brand as a Doula (and be above average)
Have questions or want to share your experience with doula business software? Leave a comment below – I’d love to hear from you!
