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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 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…
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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…
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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…
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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 147: Virtual Doulas 2024
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…
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Episode 146: Disappointing Experiences
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.
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Episode 145: Cytotec in Obstetrics
The use of Cytotec, or misoprostol, in obstetrics has a complex history. Initially created to treat gastric ulcers, Cytotec has come to play a critical role in reproductive health. It has been used for medical abortions, cervical ripening, and labor induction. In this episode, we explore this drug’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.
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Episode 144: Neurodiversity & Doula Work
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…
