Doulas of the Roundtable

    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.