The number of total doula appointments peaked in October 2024, reflecting a push to increase in-person interactions after a period of hybrid (Zoom-based) care. During that time, the team redefined what counted as a client visit, emphasizing in-person engagement and revisiting standards for appointment classification. This led to a temporary spike as doulas prioritized face-to-face support. However, in early 2025, the numbers declined due to staffing transitions—several doulas left, and the onboarding of new staff took time. This gap in personnel affected scheduling capacity, and fewer clients were matched during that period. As a result, appointment numbers dipped until new doulas were trained and fully integrated.

Strong referral pipelines and staffing capacity are central to maintaining appointment volume. Clinic partners and community organizations play a crucial role in informing potential clients about the availability of doula services. Internal scheduling teams and intake staff ensure clients are matched in a timely manner and that appointments are coordinated efficiently. When partnerships are active and communication is clear—both within SisterWeb and with external collaborators—doula appointments tend to be more consistent. Reiterating referral processes and clarifying service availability with partners also helps avoid missed opportunities for client engagement.

Community outreach and consistent communication with referral partners have been effective strategies for boosting appointment numbers. When doulas are visible at events or when intake staff reconnect with clinics to remind them of referral options, the volume of client connections increases. Internally, structured scheduling tools like Zoom schedulers and shared calendars help ensure appointments are recorded, confirmed, and attended. Clear messaging to clients about the importance of each appointment, especially early in their pregnancy journey, helps improve follow-through and reduces no-shows.

To stabilize and grow the total number of appointments, SisterWeb can continue strengthening communication with community partners and clinics to ensure a steady stream of referrals. Investing in robust onboarding and support for new doulas will also help reduce service disruptions during staff transitions. Internally, refining systems to schedule, track, and follow up on appointments will help maintain consistency. Finally, continued community outreach—both in-person and digital—can raise awareness and build stronger relationships with potential clients and referral sources.