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Episode 67: The Rainbow Experience
October is Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month. Trigger warning: This episode discusses pregnancy & infant loss. The term Rainbow Baby is to define a pregnancy that happens after a miscarriage or infant loss. It signifies the hope or rainbow that comes after the storm or loss of a child. All too often the communities that surround families who have experienced loss seem to forget or overlook the experience this family has weathered before. Using the term rainbow baby often helps families to remember, identify and acknowledge what came before. The loss of a child. By using this language it gives the family an opportunity to disclose more about their…
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Episode 66: The Backup Doula
When an individual sets out to become a doula, the focus is often on workshops, birth bags, or the “things” that the doula or client may need. However, many individuals often leave out the most essential tool that a doula will ever have. The backup doula. While the thought of having or being a backup doula seems simple, in fact, the process from either side is actually quite complex. We often see individuals who express a willingness to be a backup for other doulas, especially when they may not be able to commit to taking on clients of their own fully. Or perhaps, who have difficulty finding their own clients.…
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Episode 65: Choosing A Doula Training
One of the most common questions we see in doula forum is “Which doula training should I choose?” When it comes to choosing a doula training, there are a lot of factors to consider. Some are more important than others. It’s important to consider the community and the birth climate that you will practice in as a doula. Yet for many, cost will be a primary consideration. From workshop registration fees, to certification packets, required reading books, membership fees, to recertification fees the costs for becoming a doula can add up fast depending on the organization you choose. Other factors to consider may be scope of practice, and code of…
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Episode 62: Doula Burnout
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. One of the reasons…
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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 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…
