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Episode 61: Understanding Cervical Change
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. Numbers that will definitively determine the exact measurement of the cervix. However, there is some variation among providers, and this data serves more like a close approximation. 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. The four aspects of cervical change are: Consistency…
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Episode 60: Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome – doubting one’s abilities and feeling like a fraud. 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. Individuals who have always been high achievers may find it hard to accept accolades or admiration for their skills because it’s always been a part of who they are. When viewed as exceptional they may have a hard time accepting what they consider normal. Some birth professionals may…
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Episode 59: Physical Demands of Doula Work
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 our care. While providing labor support so that we can reduce the physical toll that it will take on our bodies. One of the best ways to begin to adapt our physical support is to be mindful of our body mechanics. For example, finding ways to create leverage using our body weight vs muscles. Postpartum doulas can also experience the physical…
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Episode 58: Supporting Teen Pregnancy
When it comes to supporting teens through pregnancy and birth, there is a lot of nuances involved. Society often looks down upon teen pregnancy, and much shame and judgment can be directed their way. For many teens, the doula can be viewed as just another adult who is trying to direct their life. Or their birth experience. The key to supporting teens is to meet them where they are at. You also need to build a relationship based on genuine connection to provide effective support. In this episode, we discuss how to approach supporting teen pregnancy. From how to conduct prenatal meetings. How to navigate the involvement of other adults,…
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Episode 57: Preeclampsia Awareness
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. As a result, knowing how to support clients through this experience is an essential skill for doulas to develop. Both during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. Preeclampsia during pregnancy is most well known, postpartum preeclampsia also poses a risk to those who have recently given birth. While not as common as preeclampsia during pregnancy, postpartum preeclampsia affects approximately 600 postpartum individuals a year in the US. The onset of postpartum preeclampsia is most common in the 48…
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Episode 56: Doula Partnership Model
When it comes to labor doula work, working on your own can be a rewarding yet trying experience. Many doulas are curious about the types of doula partnership structures that exist. For some doulas sharing the day-to-day running of a doula business and client care will be the best answer. For others having a shared call model where they share call with another doula but maintain separate businesses will be the best fit. In this episode, we discuss the considerations that many doulas face. Exploring the options that exist as they begin to decide on or rethink their business structure. From life as a solo doula to life as an…
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Episode 55: Sharing Our Own Experiences
Many doulas come to birth work after having their own personal experience with pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. For some, it is a powerful experience. For others, the experience is traumatic. Some may feel that pregnancy and birth are simply a means to an end. Having a baby. When it comes to serving clients, the question that typically arises is, “To share or not to share?” As with most things when working with growing families there isn’t one simple answer. The truth is, it depends on the situation, and the client. It also heavily depends on the doula. Is the doula aware of their bias? Do they actively work…
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Episode 54: Nuance of Post Cesarean Support
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. For labor doulas, post cesarean support can begin in the recovery room. As labor doulas, we may tidy up the labor room as the client and their partner are in the operating room. This can have a positive psychological impact on the client when they return to the room. Eliminating the visual noise of the room. At times we may find ourselves opening up a discussion about the labor and cesarean experience. This creates an opportunity for the…
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Episode 53: Unpacking Your Doula Baggage
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 and ideological things we carry in our mental doula bag. Our life experiences. Implicit and explicit biases. Work ethic. It is essential to learn how to peel back and get comfortable with the uncomfortable feelings that may arise when working with families. The first place to start is to identify your “shoulds.” When you think about birth, parenting, or infant feeding for yourself, what are your “shoulds?” Next is to examine if your “shoulds” can be tucked away. Can you prevent them from…
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Episode 52: Infant Feeding Fatigue
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. In addition, there is so much pressure to make the “right” decision. 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. As doulas discussion surrounding infant feeding can be most effective for the client when it begins during pregnancy. Allowing opportunity for…
