-
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…
-
Episode 157: Client Reviews
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…
-
Episode 156: In-Hospital Postpartum Doula Support
Providing in-hospital postpartum doula support 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 providing in-hospital postpartum doula support. 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,…
-
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…
-
Episode 154: Doula Support for IVF and Surrogacy
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…
-
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…
-
Episode 152: Navigating Illness and Birthwork
Illness is an inevitable part of life, but how do you handle it as a birthworker? There’s no doubt that 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…
-
Episode 151: Season 6 Wrap Up
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…
-
Episode 150: Doula Business Myths
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…
-
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…
