The number of doulas working full time at SisterWeb has declined significantly, from 14 in early 2022 to just 4 by the first half of 2025. This drop reflects a combination of budget limitations, organizational restructuring, and shifts in staffing models. Between 2022 and 2023, the loss of internal departments like Workforce Development and Operations impacted hiring and scheduling capacity. Many doulas transitioned to part-time work due to burnout, competing responsibilities, or uncertainty around long-term funding. Sustaining full-time doula roles remains challenging in a landscape where pay equity, benefits, and predictable schedules are still being built.

Internal coordination between HR, Finance, and Program teams is essential to manage workload, benefits, and retention. External partners—including public health agencies, funders, and workforce development programs—could help strengthen compensation and support pathways into full-time roles. Partnerships with doula collectives and peer-led training initiatives may also assist in building a pipeline of full-time-ready staff.

Programs that have successfully retained full-time doulas often offer competitive salaries, consistent caseloads, and protected time for rest and supervision. Models such as Commonsense Childbirth and SisterSong emphasize doula sustainability through mental health support, access to continuing education, and structured shift work. SisterWeb’s past success with stable contracts (e.g., with Birthland) shows that predictability and wraparound support are crucial for maintaining full-time staffing.

To stabilize and grow the full-time doula workforce, SisterWeb can prioritize securing multi-year funding to offer sustainable salaries and benefits. Strengthening scheduling systems and developing a more predictable caseload model will also support retention. Investing in professional development, peer mentorship, and wellness supports can reduce burnout and encourage longevity. Collaborating with funders and workforce partners to make full-time doula work a viable, supported career path is key to reversing this trend.