How a Cup of Tea Helped Me Build My Doula Reputation (and So Much More)

When I was a brand-new doula, I knew I needed to find a way to get myself in front of pregnant people - but I didn’t want to do it in a pushy or salesy way. I wanted to create something genuinely valuable, something that would bring people together and allow them to connect, socialise and make friendships during such a special time in their lives.

Honestly, I had no idea just how far one small idea would take me.

A Little High Street, a Tea Shop, and a Big Idea

I live near a lovely little local high street — the kind with a butcher, a baker (sadly no candlestick maker), but a great mix of independent businesses and coffee shops.

Back then, there was a wonderful tea shop called &Tea, known for its loose-leaf teas from around the world and gorgeous giftware. I’d got friendly with David, the owner (because I like to talk to everybody and I’m a nosey bugger) and one day I nervously asked if he’d mind me reserving the small separate seating area at the back for a regular meet-up for pregnant people.

Well, he was delighted - more people drinking tea sounded good to him!

My friend Martin suggested calling the meet-up “One Bump or Two” — a cheeky nod to both the name of the tea shop and the old-fashioned question, “One lump or two?” when offering sugar. He was actually joking but I loved it and One Bump or Two was born.

I put some flyers up locally and one in the window of &Tea… and the first “One Bump or Two” meet-up was scheduled. I was petrified.

The First Meet-Up (and an Accidental Guest!)

The first week, just one pregnant lady came. I was a bit mortified, I was worried she be disappointed but she was lovely, and soon we were chatting away happily over a brew. I was able to put my doula listening skills firmly to the test.

Mid-conversation, I noticed another pregnant woman standing in the shop. I jumped up, waved enthusiastically, and invited her over… only to find out she had no idea about the meet-up and was just browsing for a gift! Luckily, she was delighted to join us -  and as a bonus, she then told her pregnancy yoga class about it.

At the next meet-up, she brought three pregnant friends from the class with her. And so it began…

From a Handful to a Community

Word of mouth and a few more flyers helped the group grow quickly. I decided to move from monthly to twice-monthly meet-ups, and to make it more accessible, I added an evening session for those working during the day.

For the evening group, I found the perfect venue - a dessert café - open late, serving the best cheesecakes ever. It was a hit and we regularly filled the place. They were also over the moon, as Monday evenings weren’t a busy time for them. It was a clear win-win situation.

At this stage, I was super happy, thinking I had created a nice little social group that helped me meet local pregnant people - my ideal clients. But it turned into so much more.

Creating a Space That Outgrew Me

As the group grew, many of those pregnant people had their babies and wanted to keep coming. We sometimes had partners join too, which was a lovely bonus.

To make it easier to share dates and times, I started a Facebook group, thinking it would just be a simple event hub.

What happened next blew me away...

The group exploded. More and more people joined - friends added friends, who added their friends as they became pregnant. Conversations flourished: people shared recommendations, asked questions, arranged their own meet-ups and playdates.

At its peak, the group had over 5,000 members.

Building Connections (and My Business)

What I hadn’t fully realised at the start was how effective this little community would be to build my reputation as a doula. I wasn’t actively promoting myself - in fact, back then, I felt awkward about anything that felt like “selling.” I didn’t have my business hat firmly on like I do now.

But I was present. I was consistent. I created a space that people valued.

I met other local birth workers through the group, too. A couple of independent midwives came to a coffee morning one day - they later admitted they’d come to “scope me out.” We became friends, and over the years I received a number of referrals through them.

Without even trying to “market” myself, my doula business grew organically, and my name became known and trusted locally.

A Little Bravery Can Go a Long Way

Looking back, starting “One Bump or Two” was one of the best things I did as a new doula. I didn’t have a master plan - just a spark of an idea and the willingness to try something.

Sometimes, that’s all it takes.

Pregnant people are often craving connection and community, and as doulas, we’re in a unique position to offer that. You don’t need to have it all figured out from the start. Just one person turning up for a cuppa is enough.

Just take a step. Create something with heart. Be brave and passionate — and see where it takes you.

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