-
Episode 64: Postpartum Support of Multiples
Let’s talk about the postpartum support of multiples. Providing postpartum support to two or more babies can pose a bit of a challenge to any doula. But what does it actually look like to provide support to multiples? When it comes to supporting multiples after birth, there are many variables. These variables can direct the course of your care and there are many things that the doula will have to juggle. One variable is when the babies will come home. Just because the babies are born at the same time, does not mean that they will always come home at the same time. Gestational age, health complications and the need…
-
Episode 63: Supporting Multiple Births
Understanding the nuances of multiple births is critical to providing support to families expecting more than one baby. There are many factors that influence the management of a pregnancy with multiples. In addition, the birth of multiples is also typically different than that of a single baby. As doulas, we help clients to know what to expect. We also help them to prepare for a birth that may be different than they expected. Some clients may need to deliver at a hospital with an accessible NICU. Others may deliver in one hospital and the babies are transferred to another shortly after birth. This is most common when the babies require…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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,…
You May Also Like
Episode 30: Male Doulas
Episode 16: Doula Philosophies
Episode 7: Childless Doulas
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
