Doulas of the Roundtable: Recent Episodes
Doulas of the Roundtable
Doulas of the Roundtable, A modern twist on an ancient concept. A place where all voices are equal, knowledge is shared and hard topics are talked about.
Every doula experiences it. The ups and downs of client inquiries and bookings are a normal part of running a doula business. Some months are full, while others feel uncomfortably quiet. There is often a natural ebb and flow of doula work, and it is important to stay grounded when things slow down.
What can you do during slower seasons to remain productive and focused? You may start by reflecting on your current marketing strategy and identifying what is working and what needs improvement. Or maybe it's time to refresh your website and social media to reconnect with your community. There are many powerful steps you can take to strengthen your business and support long-term growth.
If you have ever felt anxious during a quiet stretch, this conversation is for you. Tune in to learn how to make the most of the downtime and come back stronger.
As doulas, when it comes to communication, what we say and how it’s heard are not always the same. Words shape how clients feel, respond, and make decisions. Asking questions that begin with "why" can unintentionally sound like judgment, even when your intent is neutral or supportive. Doulas often believe that it’s our job to make sure clients are making informed choices. In truth, our responsibility is to our clients, not for them. It is not our role or responsibility to decide what a client wants or needs to know. But doulas often offer information without asking what the client wants to know or inquiring in a non-judgmental way how they came to a decision, especially surrounding topics like induction or elective cesareans. This episode unpacks the critical difference between what we mean and how our words are interpreted. If you want to strengthen your communication, reduce misunderstandings, and support clients with more clarity and compassion.
Telemetry monitoring during labor is becoming more common in hospital birth settings. Yet many doulas may not be familiar with how it works or how it differs from traditional continuous electronic fetal monitoring. In this episode, we explore telemetry monitoring, how it functions, and the potential benefits it offers for mobility and comfort for laboring clients. We also discuss hospital policies, common limitations, and how to support clients in understanding their options when telemetry is available or when it is not. As doulas, having a working knowledge of telemetry can help us better advocate for client preferences, support informed decision-making, and provide more effective physical and emotional support during labor. Join us for a practical and informative conversation to help you feel more confident navigating this type of monitoring in your birth support work.
Low amniotic fluid, or oligohydramnios, is a topic doulas are likely to encounter in our work with clients, especially during the third trimester. Doulas and clients often question what low fluid levels mean, how they are diagnosed, and the clinical considerations involved. It is important for doulas to understand risks associated with low amniotic fluid, potential causes, and the treatment options care providers may offer. We also discuss how this diagnosis can influence birth plans and what doulas should keep in mind when supporting clients through these decisions. Tune in for an in-depth conversation designed to strengthen your knowledge and help you better support clients navigating this complicated situation.
We’re talking about business evolution: how growth, learning, and new services shape the future of your brand. Your doula business won’t look the same in a year or two as it did on day one. But that’s a good thing!
Your marketing should reflect every step forward, from your first client to expanding your services. Updating your website, social media, and printed materials is essential as your business evolves. A brand refresh, whether that’s a new logo, a change in business name, updated colors, or a shift in messaging, is also likely as you grow.
Tune in for real-world insight on aligning your image with your current position so potential clients see the full value of all you have to offer.
Many birth workers assume teaching childbirth education is just for labor doulas. Yet postpartum doulas can benefit just as much from teaching childbirth and newborn-related classes. Offering newborn care education can be a game-changer for postpartum doulas looking to grow their client base.
Teaching a newborn care class allows you to connect with expecting families before their baby arrives, demonstrate your expertise, and build trust early on. You’ll help potential clients understand what postpartum doula support looks like and why it’s so valuable in those early weeks.
In this episode, we explore the importance of an informative and engaging class that encourages families to seek continued support. Tune in to discover how education can be a strategic and impactful way to build your postpartum doula business.
The power of listening is one of the most valuable skills a doula can have.
Listening involves more than just hearing words—it’s about creating space where clients feel genuinely seen, heard, and understood. It is how deep, intentional trust is built, and it strengthens the doula-client relationship.
When clients feel safe to unmask and share openly, real connections form, which allows us to create a judgment-free space, allowing clients to express their fears, preferences, and emotions without shame. This trust becomes the foundation for meaningful support throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
In this episode, we discuss practical ways to refine your listening skills, avoid common pitfalls, and ensure clients feel validated and supported. Tune in to learn how the power of listening can transform your doula practice and deepen your impact.
Client reviews shape your doula business. But how do you request them, use them effectively, and respond to negative feedback professionally? Doula work is deeply personal. Families invite us into one of the most intimate times of their lives, trusting us to provide support. Because of this, building and maintaining an emotional connection is essential. Clients need to feel safe, seen, and supported—and that trust often translates into the reviews they leave. One common challenge doulas face is finding the best ways to ask for reviews. Once you have the reviews, you need to determine where to showcase them to build trust and attract clients. Also, don't forget to turn this positive feedback into a powerful marketing tool to grow your business. But what if you get a bad review? Don’t panic! Instead, take control, manage your reputation, and respond professionally and confidently. Join us to learn how to use client reviews to strengthen relationships, build trust, and grow a thriving doula business!
Providing postpartum support in a hospital setting comes with unique challenges and important considerations. Unlike postpartum care in the client's home, hospital-based postpartum care requires doulas to navigate medical staff interactions, hospital policies, and the ever-changing needs of new parents in those crucial first hours and days. There are some important things doulas need to keep in mind when supporting families in the hospital. From understanding the hospital environment and advocating for client comfort to managing expectations and setting boundaries, we discuss how to provide meaningful support while respecting the clinical setting. Join us as we share practical insights on how to offer effective, compassionate in-hospital postpartum care—ensuring families feel supported, informed, and confident as they transition into parenthood.
CRMs and automation tools are fantastic for streamlining your doula business—but full automation can’t replace connection. But the goal isn’t to automate everything but to find the balance between being efficient and being effective.
Efficiency can save you time, but effectiveness is about creating impact—and your potential clients will remember how you made them feel. The goal is to use automation tools to simplify your systems without losing the personal touches that make your business unique. From automated workflows to personalized follow-ups, we discuss how to blend technology with heart.
The key is balance: Be efficient with your processes but effective with your relationships. Tune in to learn how to save time without sacrificing what sets your doula business apart—you.
Families welcoming a baby through IVF—whether carrying on their own or working with a surrogate—often face unique fears, anxieties, and uncertainties. As doulas, how can we best support them through this deeply personal and emotional journey? In this episode, we dive into the complexities of working with families who have experienced fertility challenges, exploring the concerns they often carry and how we can provide compassionate, informed support. From addressing emotional highs and lows to navigating birth preferences and postpartum expectations, we discuss what doulas need to know to create a reassuring and empowering experience for these families. Join us as we explore the nuances of IVF, surrogacy, and the essential role doulas play in offering guidance, understanding, and unwavering support.
There are many ways of supporting labor clients as a doula. Doulas provide continuous support during labor. But what happens when a doula steps away while their client is still in labor? There is a lot of nuance to the decision-making process behind leaving a birth temporarily and returning later. Sometimes, stepping away might be appropriate, allowing the doula to balance the client's needs with their own. This can be especially true during an induction of labor, where the process may take days. However, some challenges may present themselves when a doula isn’t at the bedside, from the potential gaps in hands-on comfort measures to the lack of immediate informational support. Join us as we share our insights on navigating these situations with professionalism and care, ensuring the client feels supported and empowered, even during temporary absences. This is a must-listen for doulas looking to handle these complex situations with grace and clarity!
Illness is an inevitable part of life, but how do you handle it as a birthworker?
No doubt navigating sickness in the doula world comes with challenges. How do you balance your commitment to clients while prioritizing health and safety? Are you willing to work with clients who are sick, and if so, how can you implement universal precautions to protect yourself and others? It’s equally important to plan for when you’re unwell—whether that means leaning on a trusted backup or stepping away to recover.
Clear contract policies to address illness ensure everyone is on the same page when unexpected situations arise. Join us as we discuss these critical considerations and share valuable insights to help you stay prepared, professional, and protected in your birth work practice.
Season 6 has been one for the books! With over 270,000 downloads to date, we are grateful for your support and participation.
As we close out the year, we’re taking a moment to celebrate this milestone. Thank you for being part of our journey. We also want to invite you to help shape Season 7 by sending us your topic suggestions. Reach out to us on any of our socials with your suggestions. If you've attended a tough birth, worked with a challenging postpartum client or have encountered a topic you'd like to learn more about, drop us your suggestion!
As we look ahead to 2025, we’re focused on setting you up for success in your doula business. The key takeaway? To get the clients, you have to talk to anyone who reaches out to learn more about you and your business! Answering the phone is at the top of the list—because connection starts with that first conversation. Second on that list is being responsive and following up!
Join us for inspiration and actionable advice to kick off the new year with confidence. Here’s to an even more successful 2025—together!
Doula business myths lurk around every corner.
Do you think you need to be a successful solo doula before starting a doula agency? Believe certification doesn’t matter? Are you wondering if AI can truly capture your authentic business voice? In this episode, we’re tackling some of the biggest myths in the doula industry with none other than ProDoula CEO, business consultant, and author of The Matriarch Rules, Randy Patterson.
We break down misconceptions, such as: You can't make money as a doula. You can't be a doula if you haven't had children. Independent doulas can not compete with doula agencies. They can't access insurance or third-party reimbursement. Certification isn't important or necessary. Doula agencies should wait for clients before building their team, and independent doulas can't provide comprehensive services.
If you’re navigating your path in the doula business world, this episode is packed with insights to help you grow your confidence and business success. Don’t miss this myth-busting conversation!
Understanding breastfeeding challenges is crucial for providing effective support to new parents.
Nipple soreness, cracked or bleeding nipples, and engorgement are common challenges. Inverted nipples and delayed milk production also cause difficulties. Cluster feeding and growth spurts add to the stress. Together, these issues can make the early weeks of breastfeeding overwhelming.
Understanding why these issues happen, how they can impact the breastfeeding journey, and, most importantly, what you can do to help is an essential part of your support. In this episode, we cover practical tips and real talk about when it’s time to call an IBCLC or another breastfeeding expert.
Join us as we discuss ways to help you navigate these early hurdles and support families with confidence and care.
Decision fatigue surrounding pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period can have a profound impact on expecting and new parents. The mental load of constant decision-making can be exhausting. Doulas play a crucial role in easing the burden of decision fatigue. We provide clients with the tools and resources to make informed and confident choices. This includes breaking down complex information into digestible, easy-to-understand pieces and offering evidence-based options tailored to each client’s unique values and preferences. Doulas can also help streamline the decision-making process by prioritizing what’s most important and guiding clients through each step with reassurance and clarity. These strategies empower clients and help them feel clear-headed and more in control during a time that can feel overwhelming. At the same time, doulas may unintentionally contribute to decision fatigue by overwhelming clients with too much information. Whether you’re a new or seasoned doula, this episode will provide insights on navigating these challenges to create a more supportive and balanced experience for your clients. Tune in and learn how to strike the perfect balance, helping families make informed, confident decisions without feeling overwhelmed.
Virtual doula services emerged very quickly due to the pandemic in 2020. Necessity dictated that families who wanted the support of a doula when hospitals limited visitors receive that support virtually. Now, four years later, some doulas are still trying to build a business solely on virtual support.
Doula support, whether in person or virtually, is beneficial. Virtual support is not optimal. In season one, Episode 18, we discussed virtual support months before COVID hit. Yet today, many of the same drawbacks exist for doulas providing virtual support in 2024.
Join us as we revisit virtual support following the events of the COVID-19 pandemic, what we learned, and the drawbacks that can exist for doulas, clients, and providers.
Disappointing experiences can arise for both doulas and clients. As doulas, we must recognize how our biases may influence our perception. Furthermore, discussing these experiences with clients can affect how they interpret their birth and postpartum experiences. Therefore, we must process our feelings and biases separately from the doula-client relationship.
Clients often feel disappointed when their birth expectations aren’t met. Sometimes, labor feels different than imagined. Even if a birth goes to plan, disappointment can still occur. The postpartum period may also bring unexpected challenges for new parents, leaving them with unmet expectations.
Join us as we explore navigating disappointing experiences for doulas and clients.
The use of Cytotec, or misoprostol, in obstetrics has a complex history. Initially created to treat gastric ulcers, Cytotec also plays a critical role in reproductive health. It has been used for medical abortions, cervical ripening, and labor induction.
In this episode, we explore Cytotec's journey from its original purpose to its controversial use in childbirth. We’ll break down its benefits and potential risks. Learn more about the off-label use of medications in healthcare and how this is a widely accepted practice. Whether you're a birth worker or just curious, this episode offers key insights into Cytotec’s role in modern obstetrics.
Neurodiversity can present many unique challenges for doulas. There is no doubt that doula work demands that we be highly social and often requires deep emotional connection and physical touch.
From managing sensory sensitivities and navigating overstimulation to finding balance in high-energy environments, neurodiversity can impact the doula-client relationship and the birth experience in many potential ways.
Sensory sensitivities may make it difficult to handle long labors in noisy, crowded hospital settings or cope with the smells and sounds that accompany birth. Overstimulation can be another challenge, as doulas may struggle to manage the emotional intensity of birth or feel overwhelmed in environments where multiple people are present.
Join us to explore strategies for navigating these obstacles, managing energy, and leveraging neurodivergent strengths to thrive in your doula practice.
There are many doula pathways regarding the structure and type of doula business that one may wish to pursue.
Some individuals may begin with a solo business model, while others may jump into the world of doula agency owners right from the start. No one doula pathway will work best for everyone.
Regardless of the pathway that one chooses, there is often a point at which one questions whether to continue with the current structure or consider pursuing one of the other options. One of the most common questions among doulas is, "Is it time?" Is it time to transition into something more? Is now the time to downsize and streamline so that you can focus on the work that fuels your passion?
Join us as we explore the doula pathways that doulas may consider as they launch and grow their businesses.
Creating meaningful connections with your prospective clients—is a vital skill for any successful doula.
Building trust and a personal connection is essential for securing clients and providing the best support throughout their journey. Many practical strategies can be utilized to connect on a deeper level, from the first consultation to ongoing care.
Communicating with empathy creates a welcoming atmosphere. It also allows you to establish yourself as a trusted partner in your clients' birth or postpartum experiences. When meeting in a client's home, you can use context clues to initiate conversations that build rapport and trust, allowing you to understand better and support their unique needs. Things such as décor, family photos, and personal items all open pathways to genuine connection.
Join us as we explore how to create genuine connections that enhance the client experience and leave them feeling well-supported.
Universal precautions are essential to maintaining a safe and hygienic environment for both your clients and yourself. It is important for labor and postpartum doulas to understand them and how to apply them to their work.
Universal precautions for doulas include proper hand hygiene. This involves handwashing before and after client interactions, especially when touching bodily fluids. We should also understand how to use personal protective equipment. This includes knowing when and how to use gloves and masks while providing labor support. We should also know how to safely navigate exposure to bodily fluids, including amniotic fluid, blood, and other secretions. Postpartum doulas also need to know safe practices for assisting with postpartum recovery, including handling lochia and other postpartum secretions.
Join us as we explore universal precautions and discuss how to apply them to our work as doulas.
Doula availability is a topic that can cause some anxiety. Being on-call 24/7 is a significant challenge, and adapting to this lifestyle requires careful planning and boundary-setting.
Your phone is an essential lifeline to both your family and your clients. Feeling overwhelmed by the need to be available at a moment's notice is common, but there are effective ways to leverage technology to help you manage this demand. From smart scheduling apps to automated responses, we'll discuss tools that can help you set and maintain healthy boundaries.
We also explore the availability needs of labor doulas versus postpartum doulas, recognizing that each role demands a unique approach. Whether you're navigating the intense on-call nature of labor support or finding a balance in postpartum care, this episode offers practical advice and strategies to help you thrive in your doula practice.
Tune in to gain insights, tips, and support to manage your availability effectively while maintaining your well-being and providing exceptional care to your clients.
Managing money is an essential skill for doulas, yet many need time, patience, and effort to develop this skill. Doulas must practice setting aside money for taxes to avoid being caught off guard during tax season. When that tax bill hits, it can hit hard.
The unpredictable nature of birth work also requires budgeting your income. Without a budget and knowing where your money goes, it's hard to make doula work sustainable.
Join us as we share our approach to keeping finances in check, aiming for peace of mind and financial stability. Whether you're just starting out or have been a doula for years, this episode offers valuable insights on managing your money more effectively.
Navigating the challenges of working with independent contractors as an agency owner is no small feat. Your agency's reputation, especially your own, hinges on contractors doing their jobs well. Many owners feel compelled to control contractor performance to ensure the work meets their high standards.
However, regulations for independent contractors clearly state that contractors must have control over how they perform their roles. If an agency owner restricts this, it can blur the lines into an employer/employee relationship. Misclassification, as determined by the state or IRS, can lead to fines, back taxes, and potential business loss.
Join us as we delve into the intricacies of utilizing contractors for agency work, exploring best practices, legal considerations, and strategies for success.
In this episode, we discuss recent events that have come to our attention and give our thoughts and feedback.
A recent case that has gained national traction involves the passing of a mother and baby. What can we do as doulas if we are in a situation where we don't see a provider meeting the standards of care? Speaking up can be difficult, yet helping clients advocate for themselves is an essential part of our role.
Some doulas have recently learned that their malpractice insurance will no longer cover homebirth. Coverage that was previously available has now been walked back. Doulas are understandably asking why and where to find coverage. On the heels of the recent homebirth tragedy in our extended community, we discuss some of the reasons why insurance companies are changing coverage.
Join us as we discuss these recent events and share our thoughts and feelings on these and other important topics in our work.
As a doula, navigating unexpected situations will become a part of our work. Perhaps a client who has a premature baby. Or those whose labors begin and progress too quickly to get to their chosen birth location. Thinking on our feet and embracing the unexpected will inevitably become a part of our work.
When navigating these unexpected situations, judgment calls need to be made. However, it is important always to consider safety. Yet, these situations don't often give the time to think through the situation completely. The location and the situation will play a big role in the resources available.
Join us as we discuss some unexpected situations and how we navigated them with our clients.
For many birth workers, where they enter this work is not the same place where they wind up. For example, some may enter this work providing labor support. Yet they may find once they have their own children, that postpartum work is a better fit. Others may enter into the field via postpartum support. Then, life leads them into childbirth or newborn care education.
Unlike many other professions, birth work allows the individual to step deeper into the work by providing other related services. Or, it can allow one to step back from birth work entirely and re-enter at a later date. All with minimal barriers to the work.
Join us as we discuss the path we've taken and the many options that allow individuals to support growing families.
As doulas, it's not uncommon to encounter individuals with a fear of birth. This fear can be rooted in many sources. First, the way in which TV represents birth. Second, the stories our friends and family share; and third, an individual's lived experiences.
The media often portrays birth as a dramatic process. The water breaks and the camera cuts to immediate transition-style contractions. Birth in the media is often presented in an unrealistic and dramatic light. We rarely see a birth that has little to no drama and is a straightforward process.
Well-meaning family and friends often share the traumatic aspects of their own personal experiences. Or they share the traumatic experiences of others that they know. It can often be difficult for the pregnant person to find examples of physiologic birth that goes well.
As birth professionals, it is essential for us to become informed on the sources of fear surrounding the labor and birth process. Join us as we discuss these sources of fear and the support that we can offer our clients to help reduce fear and instill strength.
Doula mistakes come in all shapes and sizes. We're human, so it's understandable that mistakes will happen. Some mistakes will be unavoidable and only discovered through trial and error. Others can be avoided.
Common mistakes include a lack of effective communication, such as being slow or failing to follow up on inquiries or client communications. For labor doulas, there can be a sharp learning curve in incorporating the on-call life into daily life. This includes making sure that we are available to our clients via our preferred communication methods. From a phone that dies to forgetting that we put our phone on silent, these doula mistakes can cause a breakdown in trust between a potential or actual client and the doula.
Whether you are a labor or postpartum doula, the potential for mistakes is real. Join us as we discuss common mistakes and how they can be avoided or remedied.
One of the most common questions we hear is, "How do we navigate the question of how many clients we have supported when we first start out?"
The question "How many births have you attended?" Or "How many families have you supported postpartum?" is not uncommon. Certain personality types are more inclined to ask these types of questions. For them, the answer will be part of their decision-making process.
Yet, for some, the actual number will matter far less than the actual answer provided.
Honesty is always the best policy, so being truthful with the number is essential. However, the additional information you can provide regarding how many hours of training, other certifications, and life experience you bring to the table can also be conveyed to those who inquire.
Join us as we explore the many ways you can confidently answer this question.
Supporting single parents through pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period looks different than supporting those who are partnered. How we approach labor or postpartum support with an unpartnered parent will look different.
Many factors will be different when planning for labor. For example, will they get to their birth location? Or who will make medical decisions about the laboring person's care if no other family support is available and the pregnant person is not able to make a decision? For most, creating a medical directive isn't on the list of preparations for labor.
Support during the postpartum period is equally important. Will the client have friends or family to help in the early days or weeks after birth? Is there a plan for when this support will start to dwindle naturally? As postpartum doulas, it's easy to assume that overnight support may be more necessary for single clients. But for many, there are often other times of the day when they find they struggle more.
Helping clients identify these areas of struggle and plan for how to address them is an important part of our role. It is important to be aware of our biases when approaching these conversations.
Join us as we discuss how to approach these conversations with unpartnered clients.
As birth professionals, providing evidence-based information to our clients is essential. However, it's not uncommon to wonder where to find quality research. Knowing how to read and interpret the evidence is also a skill that takes time and discernment.
The first step is understanding the types of studies that exist. From randomized controlled trials to cohort studies to cross-sectional studies, knowing what type of study to look for is essential.
The next step is to look at the entire study, not just the abstract. It's important to read and understand the full text. It is also important to look for any disclosures surrounding conflicts of interest. A conflict of interest could result in bias within the study.
Join us as we look at the many factors that go into finding and providing evidence-based information to our clients.
According to the American Cancer Society, vulvar cancer accounts for 6% of all cancers of the female reproductive organs. Over 1600 individuals will die from vulvar cancer per year.
Cancers of the uterus, cervix, and ovaries are far more well-known, identified, and diagnosed. Yet, cancer of the vulva is a diagnosis that is often hard to obtain.
Often, the symptoms can be mistakenly attributed to other skin conditions or yeast and bacterial growth. As a result, many individuals may experience a delay in diagnosis and treatment. This can often result in a delay of treatment for literally years. As with any cancer early detection and treatment leads to improved outcomes.
Join us as we discuss one person's journey through vulvar cancer to bring awareness and identify the resources and support that doulas can provide.
Advanced maternal age is defined as a pregnant individual who is 35 years of age or older at the estimated due date or date of delivery. Pregnancy at or beyond this age is considered a risk factor for adverse outcomes in the birthing person and baby.
When one is considered "advanced" in age, it is common for closer monitoring to be recommended during pregnancy. Induction of labor or elective cesarean birth are both considered appropriate options for managing labor and birth.
For the pregnant person, being labeled and frequently reminded of their "advanced" age can lead to many challenging emotions. Some individuals may desire to assert boundaries surrounding discussions about their age. Instead, they may prefer to focus on their actual risks vs the perceived or statistical risk.
Join us as we discuss the many complexities of supporting clients of "advanced" age during pregnancy.
Combination feeding is one of many approaches families choose when feeding their baby. It may be the plan from the start. Or, clients may find themselves settling into combination feeding due to postpartum challenges.
Some parents may feel that taking on 100% of the responsibility for infant feeding is an overwhelming task. For these individuals, sharing the task of infant feeding can help them show up as the best version of themselves. Our role is to help them identify their goals, and help them build a plan to get there.
Some may desire to give their baby breast milk exclusively. For these parents helping them build a plan that incorporates pumping will be essential. The parent who desires to use formula in addition to feeding at the breast will have a plan that looks much different.
Join us as we explore the practical and emotional sides of combination feeding.
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders impact 15-21% of pregnant and postpartum individuals, according to the National Institute of Health.
As birth professionals, it is likely that you will encounter a client who experiences a mood or anxiety disorder during pregnancy or after birth. We must be able to identify the signs and symptoms of those who may be struggling. For many, their labor or postpartum doula may be the first person they see and speak to about what they are experiencing long before their postpartum follow-up visit with their provider.
Join us as we discuss the various ways pregnant and postpartum individuals experience perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, as well as the statistics surrounding PMADS.
It's been a busy, amazing year of growth, learning, and success. Here we are again at the end of another amazing season.
Looking back over the past year, it's always fun to see our most popular episodes and share our favorites.
As always, your love and passion for the topics we talk about are seen, heard, and felt so very much. We appreciate the interaction and feedback you have been giving us on our social media platforms, and if you haven't found us yet, check us out on TikTok.
We look forward to another great season of chatting about the topics we love most!
When it comes to your website, there are a few website essentials that you should be sure to include. There are also common traps that you should avoid.
Your website is the virtual storefront of your business. Often, it will be the first impression that a prospective client will encounter. As a result, you must make an excellent first impression. This first impression goes far beyond the aesthetic of your website. The content of your website's pages is critical to encouraging someone to reach out and learn more.
It's not uncommon for individuals to struggle with writing content for their website. It's not unusual to try and reach out to resources like ChatGPT to have the content created externally. However, these types of platforms often sound like AI, and they do not represent the voice of your business.
Join us along with our special guest and business consultant, Randy Patterson, as we discuss the essential pages for your website, how to represent your brand's voice, and how to speak to your potential clients in a way that helps them understand how your services will benefit them.
Choosing between virtual or in-person training is one of the first choices often made when considering the many pathways to becoming a doula. Both formats offer pros and cons to learners. Which format may work best for you will depend on many factors.
Do you thrive in more independent learning? Or do you thrive in a classroom setting?
Do you learn best by listening or by doing?
There are many other considerations, such as neurodiversity and the inclusion of different learning styles to accommodate all learners.
The choice between virtual vs in-person training is unique. Utilizing both formats will enable some to feel confident and ready to take their skills to the next level.
Join us as we discuss the many nuances of virtual vs in-person training.
The methods of support provided during the third stage of labor are many. How the third stage progresses will determine the type of support appropriate for each client.
Assistance with bonding, the initiation of breastfeeding, and supporting a client through a perineal tear are all ways in which a client may need the support of their doula. It is also essential for the doula to be aware of complications that may arise during the third stage to best help a client experiencing one.
Complications such as postpartum hemorrhage, placenta accreta, or the need for other post-birth interventions may arise without warning. Knowing how to support the client and their partner or other support person is integral to the doula's role.
Join us as we explore the many ways to support clients through the third stage of labor.
Understanding birth-related trauma is an essential skill for all individuals who work in the perinatal field.
The fundamental definition of trauma is:
a deeply distressing or disturbing experience.
When working with birthing or newly postpartum families, we may encounter clients who will identify their experience as traumatic. It is never our role to define or redefine the language a client uses when sharing their experience. Sitting with someone in their trauma and supporting them through it is a learned skill. However, a lack of knowledge is not an excuse for a lack of sympathy or support.
Join us as we discuss how to support families through birth-related trauma by referencing Evidence and Guidelines for Trauma-Informed Doula Care by Elizabeth Mosley as well as discussing the nuances of supporting clients who have experienced trauma.
The expectations vs the realities of doula work can be vast. Many people consider entering this work, thinking it will be sunshine and rainbows. Experiencing birth and cuddling babies is often high on these lists.
One of the very first stark realities that most doulas face is the fact that they are starting a business. It's easy to focus on just working with families who want or need your help. While doing so, many fail to consider that they are becoming a self-employed business owner. As a doula, you are selling a service, but at the same time, you are also selling yourself as a provider of that service.
Communication is another reality of doula work. Dependability and responsiveness in communication are essential when working with pregnant or newly parenting families. Clients need to know that we are there when they need us. This starts from the very first touch. Whether it's a quick response to an email or simply picking up the phone when it rings, the response or lack thereof can send an obvious message.
Join us as we discuss the expectations and realities of doula work.
Childbirth education is a way for pregnant individuals to learn about the process of birth and what options may exist. It does this through expelling fear and increasing knowledge. In addition, it teaches pregnant people how to advocate for their wishes.
However, the role of the doula and the role of the childbirth educator seem very similar but the approach to providing information is actually quite different. The sequence of support for doulas is emotions first, feelings second, what do they need or want to know, then what do they want to do.
Childbirth educators start with information first. What do their learners want or need to know or what do they already know. Then how do they feel about the options/information presented. Finally, what are they going to do with the information they have learned. What decisions will the make about their preferences with the information they have learned?
Come join us as we discuss the process and value of childbirth education and how we can form connection and community as educators.
For many, the pushing phase of labor is an exciting yet scary part of the labor process. Many individuals have concerns or fears surrounding the pushing phase of labor. From tearing to their infant's safety, a doula is needed for emotional and physical support.
Supporting a client through this phase begins during pregnancy. Here, we can help clients explore how they would like to push and what positions they may prefer to give birth in. This is a process of discussion and discovery for the client. Many may not be aware of the multitude of options and positions that exist when it comes to this stage of labor.
There are many options, from passive descent to coached pushing to standing, squatting, side-lying, or semi-sitting. It is also important to remember that preferences before pushing begins may change once the pushing process begins.
Join us as we discuss the nuances of supporting clients through the second stage of labor.
We often see questions among doulas about agency interviews. There are a lot of specific questions about what to expect and what questions to ask the agency.
Each agency will have specific questions that they feel are important to ask. So, what you may encounter will vary from agency to agency. However, some questions will overlap between businesses.
It is common for agencies to want to know what training you have taken. If you haven't yet taken a training, they may point you in the direction of the training they prefer or may have the most need for to utilize you best. Presenting your authentic self in agency interviews is also important. Many agency owners deeply believe in how this prospective doula "feels." It's okay to feel nervous but coming to the table with your authentic self is important for both sides.
When looking to join an agency, asking the agency what services are most in demand is a great way to assess if they offer what you want to provide. It will also help you determine what additional education you may want to pursue to offer more through the agency. Another important question often surrounds compensation. How much will you be paid for the services you provide?
Join us as we discuss both sides of the agency interview and what that may look like.
There are many benefits to adding placenta services as a part of the services you offer. While there is a benefit to the clients who utilize this service, there are also benefits to those who offer it.
Processing the placenta for encapsulation in the client's home brings a wealth of benefits to the client in addition to safety. It also allows the encapsulator to sit down with the client and check on how they are recovering from birth. In addition, they can also check in on the newborn and how they are transitioning to life outside the uterus.
Offering encapsulation as a labor doula allows you to continue your support into the postpartum period. It also allows for those who are also postpartum doulas to introduce the benefits of this type of support to the client. It gives the opportunity to affirm the client in how they are caring for their baby. Encourages them to ask questions and for you to provide necessary or requested resources.
Join is as we discuss the many benefits to clients and birth professionals of placenta services.
Learning how to initiate and lead conversations between prospective clients and clients is an essential skill in doula work. Yet at times, doulas often feel unsure about what to ask or how to keep the client conversations going.
Beyond the core questions of due date, location of delivery, and basic contact information, what other information a doula feels is important to learn will vary from individual to individual.
When thinking of potential client conversations, consider asking questions that allow you to create an organic flow that helps the prospective client visualize what it would be like to have your support. These conversations cultivate a connection, build trust and mutual respect, and facilitate bonding.
Join us as we explore the considerations for what to ask and how to keep the conversations rolling.
There are many facets to consider when supporting a client through active labor. This stage of labor is often an opportunity to become more physically active and present in client support. However, it is also important to remember to alternate periods of activity with rest during active labor.
When supporting clients through this stage of labor, it is essential to remember to match the mood of the room. As the client becomes more internally focused, conversation and excitement will fade. It is common for conversations to move from sentences to one-word replies.
When providing support during this stage, it's also helpful to consider the senses of the laboring person. Sights, sounds, and smells that may have been comforting initially may become a distraction. The type of touch that feels good will often change as well.
It is also important to remember that what works or doesn't work in terms of comfort can change throughout labor. So revisiting positions or comfort measures that didn't work previously may bring comfort later.
Join us as we discuss the many options for supporting a client through active labor.
A common inquiry in many online doula communities is where to find free samples to give to clients.
While it's likely true that most people love a freebie, are they actually free? Many individuals don't consider the cost of their time in requesting, processing, storing, and handing out freebies.
Additionally, many companies that give out products for freebies are multimillion-dollar companies with marketing budgets to promote their product. But the birth professionals are not compensated for their time, recommendation, and efforts.
When considering giving out freebies to clients, it's also essential to consider the message that may be sent. Could handing out a sample of lactation tea send the message that it is necessary in order to breastfeed successfully? Or does giving out samples of nipple balm set the expectation that it is necessary?
Join us as we discuss the pros and possible cons of handing out freebies to clients.
As birth professionals, education surrounding the perinatal period is an ongoing process. While it is impossible to learn everything about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, countless opportunities are available to expand your knowledge base.
But how do you decide which topics to choose?
When thinking about continuing education, think out of the box. Postpartum doulas may benefit from a culinary course to assist with meal prep or to offer postpartum meal planning. Labor doulas may benefit from childbirth education training to deepen their knowledge of pregnancy and birth.
Also, consider continuous education that will expand your global knowledge. Courses about trauma-informed care, and working with people who are differently abled, neurodiverse, or a part of the LGBTQIA+ communities may benefit you based on the demographic you serve.
Join us as we discuss the various options and considerations for continuous education.
Undoubtedly, social media plays a big role in our lives and how we communicate with the world. Social media platforms have become a big part of marketing products and services. Learning how to navigate social media as a business owner creates unique challenges. One of the challenges is creating and maintaining social media boundaries.
As business owners, birth workers must determine how little or how much of their business and lives are shared on social media. On platforms such as Facebook, you can create groups and post to only those groups. This allows friends and family to see the post while preventing clients from seeing it.
Some individuals may create separate accounts for personal vs. business use. Others may choose to add clients and colleagues to their personal profiles. Ask yourself if you mind potential clients or the clients you currently serve seeing what you post on your personal profile.
From Facebook to Instagram to Tiktok, deciding how and with whom you would like to share your content is an important decision.
Join us as we discuss the social media boundaries you may want to consider for your business.
When we think about the value of doula work, we must consider two perspectives—the perspective of the doula and the client's perspective.
Before a doula can successfully market their services, they must understand their value to potential clients. While the hallmark of doula work is providing support, the doula must sell their service before client support can begin. Many doulas struggle to communicate the monetary value of their services. There is a tendency for doulas to undervalue their services. Many are encouraged to provide services for free either from training organizations or other doulas in their community.
Many doulas set the value of doula work based on their socioeconomic status. It's scary for doulas to price services at a rate they can't afford. Others set the value of their services based on how capable they feel of providing client support. When a doula doesn't know how to sell their services, they often want to give them away.
Join us as we discuss how doulas can value themselves to help prospective clients understand the value that the doula can bring to their birth or parenting experience.
Supporting early labor is a necessary skill for labor doulas. Yet many doulas may not know how to approach early labor from a mindset of patience vs the instinct to try to move labor along.
Early labor can be a time of anxiety and doubt for expecting families. Contractions may come and go, and they often wonder, "Is this labor?" They often look to their doulas for support and advice.
The tincture of time is one of the most useful tools for supporting clients through early labor. Yet many doulas recommend activities such as walking, sex, nipple stimulation and may other approaches that risk physically exhausting the client long before active labor begins.
We recommend a different approach to our clients. Our approach focuses on rest, relaxation and distraction. The reality is that early labor is a 'diagnosis' made in retrospect.
Contractions don't always mean labor. Uterine irritability, dehydration, Braxton-Hicks contractions or even prodromal labor may trigger contractions.
Join us as we discuss how we help clients navigate the complexities, excitement and frustrations of early labor.
One of the more challenging aspects of becoming a doula is navigating doula fees and payments.
One of the most common decisions is how to take payment for the services you will provide. There is a tendency for doulas to want to avoid credit card processing fees. They often do this by using peer-to-peer payment options such as Paypal, Venmo or platforms such as Cashapp. Using these payment systems as an individual vs. as a business and with the related processing fees to you is a common but dangerous practice.
Using a personal account for business transactions can result in the account being closed and the funds lost.
In addition to how you will be paid, you must decide the structure for the payments you will receive. Many doulas do this by charging a retainer fee due at contract signing. Then a determination will need to be made about when the remaining balance will be paid.
Another key point surrounding doula fees and payments is to clearly understand how you allocate your fees. First, consider what percentage will go towards taxes. Second, what percentage will you keep in the business to pay for operational expenses? In addition, you will need to determine what your budget is for things such as marketing, continuing education, and costs such as your phone line and website.
Join us as we discuss the many considerations surrounding doula fees and payments.
Transitional labor is the third phase of the first stage of labor. It is also considered the most challenging phase of labor, especially for those giving birth without pain medication.
During the transition phase of labor, contractions occur every 1-2 minutes and last approximately 60-90 seconds. The cervix dilates from 8-10 centimeters. This is the phase of labor where many laboring individuals want to quit. They may express an inability to go on. Or may question their desire to avoid pain medication.
This is often the phase of labor where a client may express, "I don't want to do this anymore. I want to go home. I can't do this. Please make it stop."
Physical signs of transition may include shaking, sweating, and feelings of anxiety or panic. As the baby moves lower into the pelvis, some individuals may experience burping or passing gas, rectal pressure, or the urge to bear down. These signs are often present in those who have received pain medication.
Join us as we discuss how to support clients through transitional labor and how why this phase of labor can present a challenge to birthing individuals.
Professionalism has many definitions, and how one exhibits doula professionalism in their doula work will vary.
We believe that professionalism means that we embody integrity and accountability, responsibly conduct ourselves, and always present the best versions of ourselves in our work.
This means we have solid systems to navigate prospective clients through our hiring process efficiently. From the first contact to signing the contract, individuals seeking our care are learning about what it is like to experience our support. Their interactions will shape their desire for our ongoing support and determine if they feel safe in our presence.
Boundaries are also an essential part of professionalism. Boundaries around our time and when we work. This may mean scheduled time off. Or a weekly schedule that gives us time off to focus on family. Boundaries around contracts and money are also essential.
Other aspects of professionalism include phone/video call etiquette and our appearance. Join us as we discuss why doula professionalism is important and how to define what that means to you.
The poverty mindset is common in doula work.
According to Alan Weiss:
"A poverty mentality is one that influences behaviors consistent with beliefs that money shouldn't be spent, opportunities are limited, any risk at all is dangerous, any success is temporary and non-replicable, and generally remaining in the back of the pack is safest."
Many individuals come to birth work believing their work opportunities are limited. The reality is that birth work offers upward mobility or the ability to move up in socioeconomic status. Creating diversity in birth work allows birth workers to move themselves and their families out of poverty.
When coupled with codependence, or the need to be needed, along with the historical message that birth workers should self-sacrifice in terms of money and physical efforts, it's no wonder the burnout rate amongst birth workers is so high.
The reality is that most birth workers need to make money to make their work sustainable mentally, physically, and financially.
Yet the poverty mindset often holds birth workers back from long-term success whether it is the resistance to invest money into ongoing training and education. Or the unwillingness to take risks that could lead to growth. The poverty mindset is a powerful motivator for limiting beliefs restricting growth and success.
Join us as we explore the poverty mindset, how to identify it, and how to overcome it.
As doulas supporting client decisions plays a key role in our care.
While there are many approaches to this side of our work, there are also many potential barriers. One of the most prominent barriers is the bias that birth workers bring into their work while supporting client decisions. We see this when doulas say, "I support my client in making informed decisions." Or, "As long as my client is making an informed decision, I support whatever they choose."
The reality for most individuals is that decisions are not primarily made on what 'best evidence' or research says. Many individuals will instead make decisions based on what their intuition tells them or based on the opinions of those they trust. Those individuals often include family, friends, providers, and even their doula.
As doulas, we have a powerful influence on our client's decision-making process. This is why doulas must be free from their own biases and able to provide nonjudgmental support.
Join us as we explore the approaches and pitfalls of supporting client decisions.
When it comes to the ins and outs of how a doula agency works, many myths exist.
The truth is, there are many perks to working with a doula agency. For many, the team approach creates a desirable environment where birth workers can find support. Others love being able to focus on the client-facing work and leave the client acquisition process to someone else. Not good at marketing? The agency does that for you. Worried about collecting and tracking client payments? The agency has that covered. Credit card fees, the agency takes care of those too.
One of the biggest myths we see surrounding working with an agency is that the agency takes a cut of the doula's fee.
The fact is, the agency contracts with the client at a set fee. Then the agency contracts with the independent contractor at a set fee to provide the service. The agency does not take a cut or a percentage of the independent contractor's fee. The independent contractor agrees to the fee they will be paid. After the related business expenses are accounted for, agency owners are paid less than the independent contractors for providing the service.
Join us as we discuss this and other common doula agency myths!
As doulas, we often give so much of ourselves as we help families navigate labor and the postpartum period. Yet self-care as a doula is often something that falls along the wayside.
We often work with clients at their most vulnerable during one of life's biggest transitions. While our work with one client ends, we often step in to support the next client through similar ups and downs. While this never-ending cycle can leave us feeling energized and empowered, it can also leave doulas feeling emotionally and physically spent.
Doula self-care can come in many different forms. While massage and bodywork are common suggestions, music therapy, art therapy, and even rage rooms can be great ways to implement self-care.
Join us as we explore the importance of self-care and the many options that exist for birth workers today.
Prelabor rupture of membranes or PROM is defined as the spontaneous rupture of the amniotic sac without contractions for an hour or more after the 37th week of pregnancy. Premature prelabor rupture of membranes or PPROM, is the spontaneous rupture of membranes without contraction for an hour or more before the 37th week of pregnancy.
PROM is experienced by approximately 8% of pregnant individuals. Less than 1% of pregnant individuals will experience PPROM
Doulas often blame PROM on a baby in a "bad" position. Leading each other to believe that labor will not begin if the baby's position is not "corrected." However, data demonstrate that 95% of individuals who experience PROM will go into labor on their own within 72 hours.
What doulas do not discuss is the hormonal triggers for PROM. At term, the fetal membranes and the pregnant person's body release prostaglandins. These prostaglandins break down the cells of the amniotic sac, leading to the rupture of membranes. They also break down the cellular matrix of the cervix, which leads to effacement and dilation.
Join us as we take a deep dive into the statistics and science surrounding the prelabor rupture of the membranes.
Stripping membranes or membrane sweep is a common intervention performed in the final weeks of pregnancy. While this may seem like a simple intervention, it is important for clients to understand what they may experience.
Stripping of the amniotic membranes stimulates the production of oxytocin and prostaglandins. This intervention serves two purposes. The first is to try to hasten the ripening of the cervix. The second is to try and stimulate the onset of labor.
While this procedure may be uncomfortable or painful when performed, the goal is to stimulate cervical change and contractions in the time that follows. As a result, pregnant individuals often experience spotting, bleeding, and contractions.
The contractions experienced after sweeping the membranes can last just a few hours or, for others, days.
Join us as we discuss the process of stripping membranes and how we can support clients through the experience that follows.
Once again, we have come to the end of another fantastic season. We are honored to share yet another year with you, talking about the work we love. We can feel the love and passion that you have for the topics that we talk about. Your feedback and the number of listeners we have show us every day how much you value Doulas of the Roundtable.
This past year has brought us many interesting and exciting conversations. We look back at our favorite episodes from Season Four along with your most consumed episodes. Catch a sneak peek into Season 5 as we talk about kicking off a new season and a new year with our 100th episode!
We look forward to the new year and kicking off our 100th episode with a splash!
Few birth workers enter the profession thinking that they are starting a business. However, many soon realize that understanding business means finding business resources tailored specifically to our unique work. A wise person once said, "Do not take advice from someone who isn't where you want to be in your business." That person is our good friend and business mentor, Randy Patterson.
Randy is the founder and CEO of ProDoula, a successful doula agency owner and business mentor to countless doulas and doula agencies.
In this episode, we take a deep dive into the resources available to doulas and other birth workers to help guide them on their path to success. As agency owners, these are tools that we have invested in and utilize regularly.
Join us as we discuss the resources that we have found to be immensely helpful to doulas and birth workers.
In the doula community, there is often a line of demarcation between "new" doulas and "seasoned doulas." Yet no clear line exists that determines when one is no longer considered new. So the question is, when does one become an experienced doula, and how is that experience defined?
Could it be that a well-rounded doula can enter this work right from the start?
The simple fact is that someone just beginning their doula journey can support a client just as effectively as a doula with years of experience. Doulas often focus on the number of births to define new vs. experienced. Yet, for expectant families, connection with the doula often tips the scales in favor of one doula vs another.
In this episode, we challenge the notion of new vs. seasoned doulas. Join us as we discuss why the concept of a "well-rounded doula" is far more important than the number of years of experience or clients served.
One of the most common questions amongst labor doulas surrounds due dates.
Should I take two clients due on the same date? What is the optimal spacing between clients? Is it better to take clients due further apart or closer together?
The truth is, there's no straightforward answer to these common questions. Experience tells us that EDD is just a number on a calendar and that clients may deliver weeks before or after their given date.
One thing is for certain, working with a backup doula is essential.
Join us as we discuss the many factors to consider surrounding the due date dilemma.
Becoming a doula means that you are starting a business. Many doulas overlook this first step. Or this information is not a big part of their doula training.
Understanding the ins and outs of starting a business is important. Creating a legal business structure, setting up business accounts for banking, taking payments, and offering services are critical first steps. These steps not only protect your business but can protect your personal assets as well.
Running a business means that you need to manage many aspects of your doula business daily. Working with clients is a part of what you will do as you work in your business. But it won't be the largest part of what you do, at least in the beginning. Doulas who want to make a living at this work will need to tend to their business just as diligently as they tend to their clients.
Join us as we discuss the basics of running a doula business.
Doulas new to labor support have a common question; "How will I Know when it's time to go?"
Doula clients often have a version of the same question; "How will we know when to go?"
The answers to these questions may seem relatively simple, but in practice, the answer can be pretty complex.
Factors that doulas may consider include: what are the frequency and duration of contractions, how the client copes with the contractions, would the client benefit from the reassurance that moving to their birth location can offer.
Helping clients distinguish between practice labor and progressive labor is a big part of the labor doula's role.
Join us as we discuss the many factors to consider when helping clients decide when it's time to go!
On the surface, the difference between a doula consult vs. a doula interview seems virtually nonexistent. However, the intentions behind each can be vastly different. Depending on where a doula trains, an interview may be where a doula decides if they want to work with a particular family. Or an interview is a place where a doula "teases" what they have to offer. But reserves providing information and genuinely engaging in offering a deeper level of information and support until hired.
A consultation is where a family can meet with a doula to gather information and advice. It's an opportunity for the doula to create a vision of what it looks like to receive their support. A doula consult is where the doula paints a picture of what it looks like, feels like, and what the experience of working with you as a doula will be like.
An interview is a space to gather information, typically via a list of questions someone wants to ask. This is great for the family searching for a doula. But it doesn't often allow space for the doula to discover what the family wants and needs in an engaging manner. It doesn't allow the doula to demonstrate how they can meet that need. When the doula has a list of questions to decide if they are a good match for this family, it can quickly make the interaction impersonal.
Join us as we discuss the nuances of the doula consult vs. the doula interview.
As doulas and humans, it is inherent that we bring bias into our work. Yet, at the same time, providing non-biased, non-judgmental support is a hallmark of the support we provide to the families we work with.
The first step to setting aside our bias is identifying the types of bias we are subject to.
The three basic types of bias that doulas face are:
Implicit bias
Explicit bias
Confirmation bias
There are biases that we hold based on our lived experiences. They influence our subconscious thoughts, attitudes, and stereotypes. These biases are identified as implicit bias. Explicit biases are biases that come from our views about a person, thing, or group.
Then we have confirmation bias. Confirmation bias leads us to interpret, search for, and remember information in a way that supports our prior beliefs or values.
Join us as we explore the common types of doula bias and discuss how they can influence the important work we do with clients.
Supporting precipitous labor is a skill that, for many doulas, is learned in real-time.
Precipitous labor is labor that ends 3-5 hours after the onset of labor. On average, 1 in 3 of every 100 birthing people will experience precipitous labor.
While certain factors can make a pregnant person more likely to experience precipitous labor, the exact cause is unknown. As doulas, we often wonder what the "secret sauce" is. What is it that will cause some people to experience this type of labor.
While the idea of rapid labor may sound great to clients, this type of labor does present some challenges. The body is doing the same amount of work to give birth. Only it's happening in a vastly condensed amount of time. This means that for most, the pace and intensity of the labor are likely more than anticipated.
Those who experience precipitous labor often relate that this type of labor is like going from 0-100 in .02 seconds. The expected build-up of contractions from early labor to active labor to transition just doesn't happen.
Providing support in this type of situation can be challenging for those who support clients during labor. Helping clients cope in real-time is a process that is fast-paced and requires thinking on your toes. After the birth, it often takes clients some time to process that the birth is over. Even with the baby in their arms.
Come join us as we discuss the ins and outs of supporting precipitous labor.
As a birth worker, networking and developing a community referral list are important to your work.
Those new to the field often wonder how to begin. Another common question is what services should be included on a referral list.
No matter the approach, who you add to your referral list is a task that requires careful consideration.
Do the business's beliefs and values align with your own? In the digital age, a fumble on the part of one business can reflect badly on your own.
For example, if your business is LGBTQIA+ friendly, referring to another business, no matter how skilled they may be, who does not share these values can cause a negative image of your business.
Will the business you refer to offer reciprocity in referring back to you?
Come join us as we discuss the many variables to consider when developing your community referral list.
Partner support during the postpartum period is one topic we don't see discussed often.
Yet, for the partner, having a baby and learning to parent is an equally transformative experience. Partners experience the birth in a different way than the birthing person. They can experience worry, feelings of helplessness, and even experience vicarious trauma.
Partners will typically self-sacrifice to support the birthing person. This is often where the need for more focused support can begin. Sacrificing their own needs to support the birthing person. Setting their need for rest and nourishment aside.
As postpartum doulas coming into this dynamic requires assessment skills. What does this partner need most at this point? Where are they struggling? Where are they excelling, and how can we validate and encourage them?
Come join us as we discuss the many considerations in how to support partners during the postpartum period.
As doulas consider expanding into other birth-related services, birth photography is often a common consideration. It seems like the perfect mesh, doula skills paired with photography skills equals the perfect match.
But can a doula be both at the same time?
While it seems like a simple answer, there are many factors that doulas often fail to consider. Will doula support or photography take priority when a client needs hands-on support?
What happens if doula support is needed simultaneously as the one "perfect shot" a client wants presents itself?
Join us as we take a deep dive into the ins and outs of providing birth photography and labor support.
What do you wish you knew before becoming a doula?
This is a question that we see frequently from those considering birth work or those who have just entered the field. Working with growing families is the part of the work that most have at least a loose idea about. But it's the practicalities that many often fail to consider.
Living the on-call life. Pacing yourself when supporting families. What self-care actually looks like. These are just a few things that come immediately to mind as experienced birth workers.
Then there are other things that many may not consider. Running a business. For those who are just getting started, client management is also often overlooked. But when you get busy, systems are essential to keep track of clients, what they need, what services they've hired you to provide, and what their preferences and needs are.
Come join us as we discuss what we wish we'd known before becoming doulas!
As a birth worker, your personal mental health is just as important as your physical health. The very nature of our role often places us in stressful situations that can cause or exacerbate our own mental health issues.
Anxiety, depression, and other conditions can all factor into our ability to care not only for our clients. These conditions can also heavily influence our ability to care for ourselves as well. However, there are strategies to help birth workers combat compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma.
From therapy to medication to processing with a trusted colleague, there are many ways to help birth workers cope.
Come join us as we discuss mental health for birth workers, strategies to cope, and our own personal journies.
As a birth worker working with repeat clients is always an exciting and humbling experience.
For many, the repeat client is like working with an old friend. Someone you've developed trust, a deep bond with, and a healthy mutual respect for. Yet at the same time we as birth workers have to be careful not to make assumptions about what the client will need in this birth or postpartum experience based on previous experiences.
There are also many questions that birth workers have when it comes to working with repeat clients. For example, we often hear the following:
"How much do I charge a repeat client if my prices have increased since their last birth/baby?"
"How many prenatal visits should I do with a repeat labor client?"
"What topics should I cover during a pre-birth visit with a repeat client?"
"How will what this client needs from me change as a postpartum doula with an older sibling in the home?"
Come join us as we discuss the ins and outs of working with repeat clients.
Providing daytime postpartum care often comes with helping families find a routine. A routine that works best for them. However, navigating postpartum overnight care can be a much more challenging type of care.
Some doulas struggle with setting boundaries for how frequently or how long they will work overnight postpartum shifts. Others will experience challenges in feeling like they need to "do something, or "do more" during overnights shifts.
It's not uncommon for postpartum doulas to experience unsafe sleep situations or for families to use unsafe practices when caring for their newborns. It is important for doulas to give careful thought and consideration to how to handle these situations long before they wind up in the situation.
Come join us as we discuss the ins and outs and important considerations for navigating postpartum overnights.
One skill set that many doulas express a lack of confidence in is supporting clients with an epidural.
Many doula workshops overemphasize how to support an unmedicated birth. As a result, doulas may feel uncertain and often unprepared to support the client who has chosen an epidural.
Supporting the client with an epidural is multi-faceted. Many clients and even doulas may assume that a doula's job is done once an epidural is in place. The reality is, that the doula's job has just begun.
Physical support is still necessary when supporting epidurals. Frequent position changes help the baby navigate the changing diameters of the pelvis.
The necessity for emotional support can also increase as clients process their feelings surrounding receiving the epidural. Some may feel only relief. Others may feel guilt or regret. Feelings of failure can also be common.
Come join us as we discuss the ins and outs of supporting our clients who have chosen to receive an epidural.
Newborn soothing can sometimes seem like a mysterious, magical, art, especially to new parents.
The phone rings, it's a new parent who needs help. Sometimes they need more sleep. Others need help with learning how to settle or soothe their newborns. They are feeling panicked, helpless, desperate, and oftentimes as if they are not doing it right. Some also express that they feel as if their baby doesn't like them.
For some, the frantic urgency to try and calm their baby perpetuates the cycle. For others, they cycle through the newborn claiming techniques they know too quickly. As a result, no one technique is given enough time to work. This sense of urgency and desperation often leads families to utilize unsafe practices such as unsafe sleep habits.
As birth professionals, we benefit families by showing them what is possible. Knowing that their baby can be calmed and soothed gives them hope. We give them the skills to recreate a calm and happy newborn when we are not there.
Come join us as we explore the many tools in our toolkit for newborn soothing.
Navigating family challenges surrounding our clients and their support systems can be challenging for many doulas.
The relationships between our clients and their support systems are nuanced and built over time. As with all relationships, there is often a deep history that we as doulas are not privy to. Helping clients navigate the challenges that family and friends can present is often a huge part of our role.
Giving birth and becoming a parent are emotionally charged transitions. At the same time, it is also an extremely vulnerable state, both emotionally and physically. The people our clients choose to have around them during birth can impact how they view themselves. As a result, those who are present can also result in a client feeling guarded or inhibited.
New parents are faced with judgment and are given unsolicited advice on a daily basis. The pressures to "do it right" are immense. This advice is often well-intentioned, yet family or social pressures can undermine a parent's self-confidence.
Come join us as we discuss how to navigate family challenges that our clients are often faced with in pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period.
While there are many reasons for dilation during labor to take time or pause, one reason is often overlooked—cervical scar tissue.
Cervical scar tissue can come from many sources. Biopsies, cryosurgery, LEEP procedures, to name a few. For some, the scar tissue caused by these procedures may pose no problem at all during labor. But for others, cervical scar tissue can impact the progression of dilation.
While doulas are not clinical care providers, some will choose to explore a clients GYN history a bit to see if there is a history of such procedures. Others may decide not to ask but instead remain mindful and watchful for signs of possible scar tissue during labor.
Join us as we discuss the possible impacts of cervical scar tissue on labor, how we navigate conversations surrounding it with clients, and how to navigate discussions surrounding cervical scar tissue in labor.
As doulas, it's easy to let the what-ifs that surround our lives take control. Unlike many other professions, a doula's entire life can center around our work. Being a doula may become a bit of a lived identity if you will.
For some, the philosophies of doula work will apply to everyone they encounter. Non-judgmental support, reflective listening, the desire to help in any way possible. For others, the role of a doula is an intentional mindset that they step into or out of as they go to work or transition back to at-home life.
Come join us as we discuss the many facets of doula work as a lived identity.
When it comes to advocacy, there is more than one definition. Ask a handful of doulas what it means to advocate for a client and you’re like to get a handful of answers.
We believe that it is not our place to speak for our clients. This belief can ruffle some doula feathers. While we can achieve the same goals, we tend to define advocate and advocacy a bit differently.
We believe that as doulas, we amplify our client's voices. Speaking for them removes their voice. It assumes that they haven't changed their mind. Speaking for the client can actually remove their power and silence their voices.
Come join us as we discuss the many facets of doulas as advocates.
Teaching childbirth education classes is one way to support pregnant individuals and their families. It is also a great way to enter birth work. Especially when labor or postpartum doula work just isn't something that you can make work for your current circumstances.
Adding childbirth education when you're already an established doula or birth worker is also a great way to expand your knowledge, services and add to your revenue stream.
Those considering becoming a childbirth educator or doula may ask, "Which avenue should I pursue first?" The good news is there is no one right answer.
Becoming a childbirth educator before you become a doula will help you become familiar with the terminology and process of birth before you enter a labor room. Adding childbirth education as an established doula will build your confidence. It will also help you gain a deeper understanding of the pregnancy and birth process. Either way, it's a win/win situation.
For many, childbirth education may be your first exposure to potential clients who will continue to invest in the other services you offer. It is appealing to many expectant families to have their childbirth educator also serve them as their labor or postpartum doula. Continuity of care through multiple services also serves to create a deeper bond between the educator/doula and the client.
Come join us as we discuss the many perks of becoming a childbirth educator or adding childbirth education to the services you offer!
There is no doubt that for clients, back labor can present a major challenge. Some experience intermittent pain, while for others it will be continuous. As doulas, it can feel intimidating and frustrating when presented with the challenge of supporting a client with back labor.
There are many approaches available for doulas to help our clients cope with back labor. Yet the cause of back labor is often misunderstood. Come join us as we explore the causes of back labor, and our favorite techniques to help clients cope during labor.
Teaching childbirth education classes is one way to support pregnant individuals and their families. It is also a great way to enter birth work. Especially when labor or postpartum doula work just isn't something that you can make work for your current circumstances.
Adding childbirth education when you're already an established doula or birth worker is also a great way to expand your services and add to your revenue stream.
Those considering becoming a childbirth educator or doula may ask, "Which avenue should I pursue first?" The good news is there is no one right answer.
Becoming a childbirth educator before you become a doula will help you become familiar with the terminology and process of birth before you enter a labor room. Adding childbirth education as an established doula will build your confidence. It will also help you gain a deeper understanding of the pregnancy and birth process. Either way, it's a win/win situation.
For many, childbirth education may be your first exposure to potential clients who will continue to invest in the other services you offer. It is appealing to many expectant families to have their childbirth educator also serve them as their labor or postpartum doula. Continuity of care through multiple services also serves to create a deeper bond between the educator/doula and the client.
Come join us as we discuss the many perks of becoming a childbirth educator or adding childbirth education to the services you offer!
We often hear doulas ask "When should I stop working with clients postpartum?
While some doula training organizations seem to limit the work of a postpartum doula to a few weeks or the first few months, we have a different approach.
Long-term postpartum care is a highly beneficial service to both doulas and families. It has many benefits, but at the same time, there are also drawbacks. Mostly for the doula.
Come join us as we discuss the reality of providing long-term postpartum care, boundary setting, and how we approach long-term postpartum care with our clients.
When we look into what the future might hold for doula work in the next 5-10 years, one topic keeps turning up again & again. Doula licensure. But what is it & what does it mean for doulas? Some doulas are very pro licensure. Others are against licensure due to what they feel are the imposition of restrictions that they think are too limiting. There's no doubt there is much discussion to be hand on both sides of this coin. Join us as we discuss the ins and outs of what licensing for doulas might look like.
As the year comes to a close there are many important tasks to complete in order to close out the current year and anticipate and plan for how to proceed into the new year. As doulas, it's important to review every aspect of our business with a critical eye.
It's critical to take a look at systems, processes, website, marketing and so much more.
Come join us as we discuss our end-of-year business review for our doula agency and discuss our favorite podcast episodes for 2021.
If there is one thing that 2021 has taught us it is that this has been the year of the doula. Navigating through 2021, doulas still feel the impact of visitor restrictions. Doula agencies are experiencing more demand for services than ever. The demand for independent contractors to provide doula services is at the highest demand ever. Special guest Randy Patterson joins us to discuss the exponential growth that many doulas are experiencing in 2021. We also discuss why 2022 is going to exceed expectations!
November is National Adoption Month and so we continue the second part of our Supporting Adoption series. In this episode, we take a look at how to support adoptive parents who will welcome a new baby to their family in the days or weeks after birth. As doulas, it is important to understand that there may be different psychology at play for adoptive parents. Come join us as we take a look at the ins and outs of supporting adoptive parents!
When you mention adoption, for most individuals it brings to mind a solution. A solution for infants and children who are in need of homes and loving families. Yet what rarely comes to mind is the psychological and physical impact of adoption on adoptees. Adoption, specifically the separation of an infant or child from their biological mother creates what is called the primal wound. Come join us as we take a deep dive into the trauma of adoption on adoptees as our guest Isaac, and Angela share their stories.
Like most topics we discuss, there is a lot of nuance surrounding how to support adoption. There are many choices that are available to the birthing parent. Will the adoptive parents be present for the birth? During the immediate postpartum period will they want to hold and/or feed the baby? Do they desire no contact with the baby?
Come join us as we take a deep dive into the ins and outs of supporting birth parents through pregnancy, labor and birth."
A question we see often in doula forums is about sliding scales. How do you determine the low & high end of the scale? How do you make sure that those who can afford to pay, are honest about their ability to pay? Many doulas underestimate the amount of time involved in setting up a sliding scale. Then there is the maintenance & moving prospective clients through the application & verification process. There is much more than this to consider. Come join us as we discuss the ins & outs of sliding scales.
As birth workers, one of the most common concerns families face is the health and well-being of their babies. Understanding SIDS is a topic of great importance to doulas & parents alike. SIDS is the sudden death of an infant under one year of age. The death is unexpected and has no known cause. Come join us as we discuss the difference between SIDS and SUIDS and learn how to discuss how to reduce risk with families via the Safe to Sleep practices.
The term Rainbow Baby is to define a pregnancy that happens after a miscarriage or infant loss. All too often the communities that supporting clients after loss comes with many variables and nuances. It is critical that doulas prepare themselves to support a client through, or following loss well before the opportunity actually arises. Come join us as we discuss how to support clients who are walking through the Rainbow Experience through pregnancy and postpartum.
When an individual sets out to become a doula the focus is often on workshops, birth bags, postpartum gadgets, and supplies that clients may need. However, many individuals often leave out the most essential tool that a doula will ever have. The backup doula. Come join us as we discuss important considerations for choosing a backup doula and explore why the backup doula is so essential.
One question we see asked often in doula discussion groups is which organization an individual should pick to train and certify with. For some people making this choice is simple, while for others they need more information. In this episode, we discuss how to find an organization that feels right for you & how they can support you through your doula career. We also discuss the things you may want to consider when making a choice & give you some food for thought on things you might not have considered before.
After the whirlwind of labor and delivery has passed, parents find themselves sinking into the routine of taking care of their baby. Now imagine there are two or more newborns to navigate. This is where you as a postpartum doula can provide invaluable support. Supporting multiples is more than just being a second set of hands, although that part is important too! In this episode, we talk about what it’s like to be a doula for more than one baby and how this changes the family's needs that you are supporting.
Understanding the nuances of multiple births is critical to providing support to families expecting more than one baby. There are many factors that influence the management of a multiple pregnancy. In addition, the birth of multiples is also typically different than that of a single baby. As doulas, we help clients to know what to expect. We also help them to prepare for a birth that may be different than they expected. Come join us as we explore the ins and outs of support for the birth of multiples.
Let's talk about doula burnout. The average length of a doula's career is about 3-5 years. One of the most common reasons that doulas abandon their passion is because of burnout. It is important that doulas protect that passion from the start. We need people who have passion and drive to be in this field for the long term. Doula burnout, fueled by poor boundaries taught as part of doula training. Or burnout fueled by a lack of support or a way to effectively process the things we bear witness to as doulas. Systems that are not sustainable and fail to create a structure for longevity. Come join us as we explore the causes and remedies for doula burnout.
The internal workings of the birthing body are often a mystery to both clients and doulas alike. Often the numbers and percentages surrounding cervical dilation and effacement are thought of as hard and fast. While dilation is often the one measurement that receives the most focus, it is not the only factor to be considered. There are 4 ways that the cervix will change in the weeks leading up to and during labor as well. Come join us as we explore the many aspects of cervical change during pregnancy, labor, and birth.
As birth professionals, it is not uncommon to experience self-doubt as we begin working with clients. It is prevalent for birth professionals to feel the weight of imposter syndrome when working with clients we perceive as more educated—for example, doctors, nurses, or lawyers. As individuals, we all have insecurities and self-doubt. Come join us as we talk about imposter syndrome and how to navigate the many challenges it presents and approaches to stepping beyond self-doubt and fear.
When it comes to supporting clients, there is no doubt that it can take a physical toll on our bodies. From hip squeezes to counterpressure the impact that these common comfort measures can take on our bodies can be extreme. It is essential that we find ways to adapt the care we give while providing support so that we can reduce the physical toll that it will take on our bodies. Come join us as we explore the physical demands of birth and postpartum work and identify ways to help doulas mitigate the impacts.
Society often looks down upon teen pregnancy. There can be a lot of shame & judgment involved. For many teens, the doula can be viewed as just another adult who is trying to direct their birth experience. The key to supporting teens is to meet them where they are at. In this episode, we discuss how to approach supporting teen pregnancy, from how to conduct prenatal meetings, navigating parenteral or guardian involvement, to help our teen clients plan for their birth, and letting them lead the process.
Among pregnant individuals, preeclampsia will affect approximately 5-8% of pregnancies. Among Black pregnant individuals that risk is 3x greater. As doulas, it is inevitable that we will encounter clients who develop preeclampsia. Both during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. Come join us as we explore what to expect and how to support labor and postpartum clients through their experiences with preeclampsia and postpartum preeclampsia.
Many doulas are curious about the types of doula partnership structures that exist. From life as a solo doula to life as an agency owner. To the life of an independent doula and an independent contractor working for an agency. We explore the many options that exist today for structuring a doula business.
Many doulas come to birth work after having their own birth experience. When it comes to serving clients, the question that typically arises is, "To share or not to share?" The truth is, it depends on the situation, and the client. It also heavily depends on the doula. Come join us as we discuss the many considerations, options, and alternatives to sharing our own birth experiences!
April is Cesarean Awareness Month! We often hear discussions about supporting a client through a cesarean birth. Yet we don't often hear about how to support our clients after a cesarean birth. In this episode, we discuss the many ways that labor and postpartum doulas can support their clients who give birth via cesarean.
One of the most common questions in doula forums is, "What's in your doula bag?" What isn't as readily talked about is our individual psychology. Those psychological & ideological things we carry in our mental doula bag. Our life experiences. Implicit & explicit biases. Work ethic. It is essential to learn how to peel back & get comfortable with the uncomfortable feelings that may arise when working with families. Come join us as we discuss the many complexities that exist when unpacking your doula baggage.
When it comes to the options for how a family can approach feeding their baby, the options feel infinite. Regardless of their approach, decision fatigue is a very real experience for many families. While the choice for how to feed the baby is often made before the baby arrives. The real-time process of infant feeding begins at birth. A time where the birthing parent is often tired, sore, and otherwise experiencing the after-effects of the birth process. Come join us as we discuss the many considerations for infant feeding and how we can best support clients through the challenges they may face.
As a labor or postpartum doula, one common conversation that can often be overlooked is a discussion surrounding the options available for immediate postpartum care. Specifically, the options surrounding immediate newborn care. Come join us we discuss the options that birthing families may want to consider as a part of their immediate newborn care plan.
A client’s desire to want to learn more about their doula is a natural part of the getting to know your process. However, as a birth professional, you may feel that some topics are off-limits. In this episode, we discuss how to navigate these oftentimes controversial topics. Come join us as we discuss how to set your own conversational boundaries with clients.
Prodromal labor is one of the most misunderstood aspects of normal, physiologic labor.
Far too often prodromal labor is defined as an abnormal process. Something that needs to be fixed and is best avoided.
Come join us as we dive into what prodromal labor is. What it means, and how to support clients through the process.
It’s not uncommon to hear those involved in birth work say that change is needed when it comes to the practice of obstetrics. While this is true, very few doulas are taught how change tends to happen. In this episode, we discuss the catalysts of obstetrical change and the influences that drive them.
Twenty-twenty has been a year, yet here were are at the end of Season Two! Join us as we reflect back on this past year’s episodes, talk about your favorites, our favorites, and give some teasers to our upcoming Season Three!
As birth professionals, it is important to understand the impact of language during birth and the subtext that often results. In this episode, we unpack one doula’s birth and the impact of language on their experience. With special guest, Randy Patterson.
Some clients hire a postpartum doula before their baby is born. Others seek postpartum support once their baby has arrived. Regardless of when you are hired, an important step to supporting postpartum families is to understand their preferences and help them explore their options. In this episode, we explore the different approaches that a postpartum doula may utilize to help their clients feel empowered and educated.
A common question in the doula community is, “Can I doula part-time?” For some, they are looking to transition into doula work from a full-time job. For others, they simply want to support families during their free time while working in another field. In this episode, we discuss the many approaches to part-time doula work and the various paths that doulas may take
Supporting clients who are planning to have a vaginal birth after a previous cesarean can be a rewarding and challenging experience. Developing an understanding of your client’s previous birth experience is a vital first step to providing compassionate and non-judgmental support. Come join us as we discuss the various facets of supporting clients through vagina birth after cesarean.
When working with postpartum families, the choices they may make about the care and keeping of their baby and their families can be a challenge for postpartum doulas. As postpartum doulas, our role is to help families identify their available options, without judgment. In this episode, we discuss some of the common challenges postpartum doulas may encounter and provide information for ways to navigate these often difficult situations.
As the number of COVID-19 cases begin to decline in certain areas, hospitals are revisiting their visitor policies. While many have re-opened their doors to doulas, the landscape of requirements for the doulas has also shifted. Come join us as we take a look at the shifting requirements placed upon doulas to support their clients through birth at the bedsite.
Let's talk about free doula services. Providing free or low-cost doula services. For many years the discussion centered on doulas with financial privilege serving birthing families for free and low cost and how that impacts other doulas. More recently an awareness that this conversation must also include serving at-risk communities, including the BIOPIC communities through funded programs. In this episode, we take a look at both sides of this "Free Doula" conversation.
As birth professionals, we are aware of the power of language. This is especially true when it comes to the language used surrounding birth planning vs birth preferences. A birth plan can often be viewed as a pass or fail endeavor. While creating a list of birth preferences can open the door to communication and flexibility. Join us as we discuss the nuances of the language surrounding how we help a client identify and express their desires for how their births may unfold.
Here's Part Two of developing your doula voice. This episode we discuss ways to work around the fears and concerns and share some tips on what helped us feel more comfortable and confident in our work. Join us as we talk more about developing your doula voice.
As you navigate your doula career, you begin to develop your doula voice. This development often requires you to identify and confront the fears and concerns surrounding birth work.
In this two-part series, we start by identifying some of the fears and concerns, and then in part two, we will be giving advice on how to overcome these fears which will allow you to grow your own authentic doula voice.
Empathy and compassion are two of the foundational elements of birth work. Both can have a positive and negative impact on birth workers and their clients. In this episode, we discuss the difference between empathy and compassion and the potential benefits and drawbacks of each.
COVID-19 UPDATE: Birthworkers, how are you holding up during this pandemic? Is your business at a standstill? Are you struggling to find clients? Or is your business booming? Come join us as we discuss how to make money and network during the pandemic to keep your business relevant in your community.
As doula trainers, we see people from all walks of life interested in becoming a doula. Over time a pattern seemed to emerge. Come join us as we discuss the most common reasons many individuals come to doula work and the pros and cons of these reasons.
If you hang around doulas long enough and you'll hear it. Those two words that seem so innocent and inviting, doula sisters (or doula sisterhood). But take a closer look and you're likely to find that the notion of the doula sisterhood has a darker meaning and intent. How can you have a sisterhood when there are doulas who are excluded? Come join us as we break down the idea of "sisterhood" and discuss it's existence in our community.
In this episode, Eva and Angela along with their guest, Kelly Rutan, talk about postpartum support. We discuss the role a postpartum doula plays in a family's life. Kelly helps us take a closer look into what some postpartum families are dealing with and the different ways a doula's support can help. Join us and our special guest as we tackle this important topic.
In this episode, Eva and Angela tackle the topic of certification. We talk about things like is it important, does it matter, do client care, does our industry care.
As doula trainers, we are passionate about helping new doulas thrive in their birth work, so it was only a matter of time before we tackled this topic. Join us!
Since the start of this podcast, we have wanted to do an episode on Male Doulas. There seems to be a bit of stigma and judgment surrounding male doulas and their role in birth work. Join us as we sit down with Kelly Carrington, a male doula, and discuss this topic. Male doulas may be in the minority but they have a place in this work and it is our hope to see more of them feel welcome to enter this field.
In this episode, we discuss informed consent & decisions and what a doula's role is in their client's journey through it. We tackle questions like how can we help & when is the right time to offer that help? Is informed consent & decisions more important to you or your client? How do you provide the information they want without bringing in judgment and bias?
Join us as we discuss this important topic.
In honor of Cesarean Awareness Month, we discuss the ways to support clients through cesarean birth. We sit down with Christi Banks to discuss all the different ways we can support our clients through planned, unplanned, and emergent cesarean births. We still have a place on the birth team and there is still support to be had.
It's World Doula Week 2020!
Join us in our discussion of how we plan to celebrate World Doula Week while we navigate unchartered territory that is COVID-19.
In the rapidly evolving landscape that is life in March of 2020 with the COVID-19 pandemic as our reality, doulas across the globe are facing many hard choices. Come join us in this special episode as we discuss navigating our home and business lives amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Supporting Loss: Join us as we welcome guest Annie Willems to discuss the tender topic of supporting clients through loss. In this episode, we discuss supporting families through expected and unexpected loss. As doulas it is important to identify our biases and triggers well before we are called to support our clients through the loss of their baby. Trigger warning: Due to the sensitive nature of this episode, it may be difficult to listen to. Make sure you take care of yourself and step away if needed.
Black maternal health is a hot and important topic in the birth community today. Join us and our guest, Samantha Griffin, as we discuss serving black clients, epigenetics, allostatic load and how it's entirely possible that doula care may not result in the outcomes that are hoped for.
We sit down with Aisha Fanning to discuss how to navigate parenting and doula work.
The question of how one navigates their own children and their responsibilities of doula work is one of the questions that gets asked quite a bit. We asked Aisha to be on so that we could shed a bit of light on it can be done.
In this episode, we focus on two questions, "When will I make money?" and "How soon can I leave my other job?"
We dive into both of these questions and peel back what it looks like to make money from our passion.
Welcome to Season 2!
We kick the new season off with talking about shadowing and mentorship. When you are first starting out it's very easy to want to watch someone else do the work for jumping in yourself or have someone there to help guide you as you get hands-on.
In the doula world that can be a little tricky and not always the best for the client. In this episode, we discuss the pros and cons of shadowing and mentorships and some of the alternatives that exist.
As we come to the end of 2019, we also come to the end of Season 1! In this episode, we look back on the episodes we have recorded, the impact we have seen, and then we shift our focus to Season 2 and 2020.
In this episode, we talk about writing birth stories and giving gifts. Why doulas do this, how it helps or hurts, and is it necessary to our success with our clients. It's a topic that comes up now and again and we wanted to chat about why doulas do this.
In this episode we discuss inductions. How our support can look, the feelings around inductions, and how to navigate medical professionals as well.
In this episode, we talk about Virtual Doulas. Someone who provides emotional and education doula support but are not physically present. We explore how virtual doulas fit into the doula world and the impact they have with clients.
As doulas, our role is to support. We support physically, emotionally, and educationally. Sometimes it can be tough to determine if the pain your client is feeling is emotional or physical. In this episode, we talk that through. We discuss the importance of keeping track of both of these types of pains and how to navigate them.
Doula Philosophies. What does that mean? Do you have one? Do you allow them to dictate which clients you support?
In this episode, we talk about some of the philosophies that we know doulas subscribe to and the reasons why. We try to unpack the reasons why doulas support some clients vs. others.
In this episode we explore the partner's perspective with one of our own Tucson Doulas' clients. Join us as Jo Jo shares what he thought a doula was. What lead Jo Jo and his partner to hire a doula. How they found a doula to interview local to them. If you have ever wondered how to reach partners and help them see the value of hiring a doula for support through pregnancy and birth, this is the episode for you!
Interventions. We all know about them and we all have clients that use them everyday. In this episode, we explore the pros and cons of intervention use. We talk about why our clients get them, how one doesn't always lead to the other, and how we, as doulas, sometimes allow our biases to cloud the support we provide.
Business structures! Do you become an agency, an independent contractor, or do you strike out on your own and go solo?
In this episode, we weigh the pros and cons of all of those options.
This is a Doula Byte do you do not want to miss!
CAN SOMEONE WHO LACKS EMPOWERMENT IN THEIR OWN LIFE EMPOWER ANOTHER?
We recognize that birth as an individual's sacred moment. An experience that lasts and lifetime. A powerful experience where there are no do-overs. It's a story that they will tell again and again. Yet when a birth worker is carrying trauma from their own experience they can't effectively help another have an empowering experience of their own. If you are dealing with your own past experience, you can't be fully present for the client that you are serving.
THERE IS A TENDENCY AMONG BIRTH WORKERS TO NOT OWN OUR POWER AND KNOW OUR WORTH, AND ULTIMATELY WE LEAD LIVES THAT WE DON'T INTEND TO LEAD.
There are two things that the majority of birth workers have in common: We want to contribute to the empowerment of women/birthing people. We want to leave birth better than we found it.
In this special episode we had an opportunity to sit down with ProDoula's CEO Randy Patterson and discuss what we were taught and how we use that in our careers. How can we grow from the knowledge we were given and improve upon it?
We were very excited to sit down with her and have this discussion. We hope you enjoy it too!
Insurance for clients, insurance for doulas. We talk about it all in this episode. Can clients use insurance to cover the cost for doula services? Will it ever be a widely accepted?
How about insurance for you as a doula? What ae the pros and cons of having insurance as a birth worker?
In this episode we discuss doulas attending unassisted births. We talk about the pros and cons for both the client and the doula.
In this episode we discuss creating professional and personal boundaries. We discuss social media practices and pitfalls, reaching out to other doulas for help, and the importance of creating these boundaries for yourself.
Do you provide non judgmental support?
In this episode Angela and Eva sit down with Kristyn Blocher to discuss the ways that doulas can provide true non judgmental support. We look at the language we use, the actions we take, and the biases we bring into our client's lives and how we can provide better support.
In this episode Eva and Angela talk to Lacey Bauer about doing this work without having children of our own. How that impacts us, do we do anything to compensate, and how our clients and colleagues feel about it.
In Episode 6, Angela and Eva dive into the reality that is being on call for our clients. There can be a lot of ups and downs with being on call as well as different things to navigate. We give some tips and tricks to help, but mostly we discuss the truths of being on call.
In this episode Angela and Eva sit down with Mona White-Ortega to discuss grandparents and other support persons in the birth rooms. Mona teaches a Grandparents class that helps grandparents navigate the birth room and helping their child through the birthing process.
In this episode Angela and I sit down with Lacey Bauer and discuss all things Infant Feeding. How do we support our clients with breast feeding, bottle feeding, pumping, the physical and emotional stresses, as well as the joys, and so much more? Sit down with us and let's have a conversation!
Self-Confidence is the feeling of trust in one's abilities, qualities, and judgment. It can hold you back as well as propel you forward, and it is up to you on what you allow it to do. You are the only one who is in control of it. In this week’s episode, we talk about self-confidence as a doula. How self-confidence can holds us back and how to overcome that. It’s not about having all the answers, it’s not about attending every kind of birth scenario, and it’s not about knowing all the things that have to do with birth, babies, and families.
Let’s talk about placenta encapsulation! There’s no denying we love the placenta in all its glory. It’s a magnificent organ that facilitates a wonderous process of supporting life. Yet the fascination and power of this organ can lead some who encapsulate placentas into a false sense of security when it comes to the potential dangers of the encapsulation process. In this episode we discuss common attitudes towards the placenta and the hidden dangers that can exist in such a belief system. Does where the placenta is encapsulated really matter? What are the safety concerns that families considering encapsulation should consider? We sit down with Kristyn Blocher for a placenta chat. Take a listen and share your thoughts on our FaceBook page.
Welcome to Episode One!! In this very first episode Angela and I sit down and talk about the differences between how we viewed this work when we first came to it. With a difference of 18 years experience we look at what has changed and what needs to change. We also, discuss how this topic can potentially be controversial. We have seen that there seems to be a divide in the doula community with doulas that have been doing this work for a long time vs the those who are new to this work.
When thinking about entering birth work, there are many different paths to consider. In this doula byte we discuss the many paths available to supporting growing families, and the considerations that an individual may take when choosing the path that is right for them.
In the birth community there seems to be two sides when it comes to the idea of competition and collaboration. Some believe that collaboration should always trump competition. And others believe that competition is healthy and pushes us to do better. In this Doula Byte we discuss the idea of collaboration over competition and share our ideas, beliefs, and viewpoints on this divided topic.
Welcome to our Doula Byte Session.
These mini sessions are snippets of discussions we have behind the scenes. We wanted to give you some insight into the conversations that we have that may or may not result in a full episode, but are a important, controversial or funny none the less.
This is the first episode in this mini series and our topic is Birth Bags. There's a lot of discussion amongst doulas about what to pack in their birth bags. We explore why doulas feel the need to carry a birth bag, common items that are carried and explore the idea that clients should be encouraged to build their own bag.
In Episode 0, we explore who we are, why we created this podcast, and a bit of information on our launch episode which will be released on March 22nd 2019! Grab a seat and let us explain why we are so excited to bring this podcast to you!
Welcome to Doulas of the Round Table!
We are so glad you are here and we look forward to having you along for the journey. Our podcast was born through a series of late-night talks between two doulas on opposite ends of the experience spectrum. Through a series of discussions while searching for the perfect title for our podcast “Doulas of the Round Table” was born. A play on the Arthurian “knights of the round table concept”. A place where each seat at the table has an equal voice. This is a place for open discussions on the topics that impact us as birth workers. A place where all opinions are equal, knowledge is shared and hard topics are talked about. Our late night chat sessions helped us to discover that we came into this field from two totally different perspectives. As a result, many interesting, inspiring and hard conversations were born. Conversations that we wanted to share and engage in with a larger audience. We are so glad you are here. When you’re ready, pull up your chair and let’s get started!