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Episode 161: Low Amniotic Fluid
Low amniotic fluid, or oligohydramnios, is a topic doulas will likely 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.
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Episode 160: Doula Business Evolution
We’re talking about business evolution: how growth, learning, and new services shape the future of your business 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…
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Episode 158: The Power of Listening
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. This 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…
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Episode 155: Doula Business Automation
CRMs and automation tools are fantastic for streamlining your doula business—but full doula business 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…
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Episode 153: Stay or Go – Supporting Labor
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…
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Episode 149: Breastfeeding Challenges
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 for new and even experienced parents. Understanding why these breastfeeding challenges happen, how they can impact the breastfeeding journey, and, most importantly, what you can do to help is an essential part of your support. Understanding when it’s time to call an IBCLC or another breastfeeding expert is equally important. Join us as we discuss ways to help…
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Episode 148: Decision Fatigue
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…
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Episode 142: Doula Connections
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 better understand and support their unique needs. Things such as décor,…
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Episode 140: Doula Availability
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…
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Episode 138: Working With Independent Contractors
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,…
