Burnout Isn’t Your Fault: 7 Gentle Tips for Doulas (and Caregivers) to Come Back to Themselves

Hello Fellow Doulas,

Believe me when I say, You can love your work and still lose yourself in it. You can be deeply devoted to your clients, believe in the sacredness of your role, and still find yourself crying in your car, skipping meals, or wondering when is the last time you washed your hair.

That’s not failure. That’s burnout. And it’s more common than anyone wants to admit—especially in the caregiving world.

As a postpartum doula who spent years overgiving, overworking, and under-resting (hello, since when is sleeping on a hard floor in session acceptable for a doula?), I want to tell you this: Your compassion is not the problem. The system that tells you to give until you disappear is. You can still be apart of a mommas village, as one villager, not the whole village. please repeat after me, I am not the whole village. You just can’t be.

In this post, I’m sharing what I wish someone had told me sooner—seven gentle, tangible tips to help you navigate burnout (or prevent it altogether), so you can continue doing the sacred work you love without losing yourself in the process.

1. Redefine “Success” in Your Practice

Most doulas enter this work because we care deeply. But without realizing it, many of us begin to equate overgiving with being good at our job.

The result? We tie our worth to how selfless we are.

Let this be your reminder:

✨ Your value is not measured by how exhausted you are.

✨ You can be effective and have boundaries.

✨ You can be a phenomenal doula and still say, “I don’t work weekends.”

Redefining success might mean setting a cap on how many clients you take, or creating offerings (like virtual support or downloadable guides) that don’t rely on your physical energy 24/7. Sustainability is success.

2. Create a Daily Ritual Just for You (Not a Client)

Burnout thrives when we lose connection with ourselves.

Before you check your phone, open your inbox, or text a client—come home to your body. This doesn’t need to be elaborate. It could be:

• 2 minutes of deep breathing

• A cup of red date tea in silence

• Journaling one question: How do I feel today, really?

• Standing barefoot in the grass or hugging your partner

This is about mothering yourself before you mother the world. and I will add to this, if you are sensing you are disconnected with yourself, look at your connections in your own home. Is there peace? Are you communicating with your partner? How is your connection with God? This is all connected to your own healing!

3. Meal Prep… For Yourself

Doulas are famous for making nourishing postpartum meals. We make alllllll the warm broths, ginger tea, congee, healing stews.

But what about your meals?

• Keep a nourishing soup frozen in cubes (just for you)

• Stock your pantry with protein-rich snacks and herbal teas

• Bring food to client visits—for you, not just them

Being well-fed changes everything: mood, clarity, patience. Your body is the tool that carries this work. Feed her. The off months are the time I try to meal prep all the things I will need for the upcoming busier months. This healing time is so needed and those nourishing foods always seem to taste even better with all that love in them.

4. Don’t Wait Until You “Break” to Rest

We often wait until we’re crying in the bathroom or get an injury to rest. But rest should be part of the rhythm, not the emergency.

• Schedule 1 day off per week, no exceptions

• Block recovery time after each client

• Create a “no response” window for texts and emails

And here’s the bold truth:

Your clients will still respect you. More so, in fact. Clear boundaries are a form of leadership. Lead with love!

5. Let Yourself Be Held

Healers need healing. Doulas need doulas.

This could look like:

• A monthly massage or acupuncture treatment

• Therapy or coaching from someone who understands burnout

• A peer support circle where you don’t have to be “on”

Burnout happens when you carry too much for too long, alone. You’re allowed to receive.

6. Create Income Streams That Don’t Drain You

Not every dollar needs to come from in-person support.

Burnout often comes from physical exhaustion—especially when your income depends solely on showing up in person, day after day.

Start asking:

• What offerings can I digitize?

• Can I create a guide, class, or mentorship?

• How can I build soft income that supports me between client work?

Business growth that honors your body is not only possible—it’s essential.

Want help building this? My Heal. Nourish. Cocoon. doula coaching sessions walks doulas through sustainable, soulful business creation.

7. Forgive Yourself If You’re Already Burnt Out

If you’re already deep in burnout, this one’s for you:

• You are not weak.

• You didn’t fail.

• You are allowed to rebuild gently.

Start by stepping back. Say no. Turn down work if you can. Let your nervous system soften.

This is your cocoon phase. I am in it too :)

You don’t have to rush out of it. Let it change you. Let it teach you. Then, when you’re ready, reemerge differently - rested, rooted, and whole. Burnout doesn’t mean you’re in the wrong field. It just means you need a new rhythm. One with warm meals, boundaries, community, and compassion for yourself.

You can love your work and still rest.

You can be deeply devoted and still have edges.

You can be a doula and still be human.

If this spoke to your heart, you’re not alone.

And if you’re ready to come back to yourself—to build a doula practice that sustains your spirit as much as it supports others—I’d love to walk that path with you.

🌿 Learn more about my 1:1 mentorship for doulas right here.

✨ Or start with something small: make a nourishing meal just for you today.

You deserve to heal, too.

Megan Limon, Your Doula and Coach