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Episode 176: Revisited – What I Wish I Knew
Enjoy one of our most popular episodes to date. What do you wish you knew before becoming a doula? This is a question that we see frequently from those considering birth work or those who have just entered the field. Working with growing families is the part of the work that most have at least a loose idea about. But when I think about what I wish I knew it’s the practicalities that many often fail to consider. Living the on-call life. Pacing yourself when supporting families. What self-care actually looks like. These are just a few things that come immediately to mind as experienced birth workers. Then there are…
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Episode 175: Anticipating Client Needs
When it comes to anticipating client needs, many doulas feel pressure to bring a large bag of tools to each birth or postpartum shift. This pressure often leads to checklists and expectations. As a result, doulas may focus on doing instead of connection. This shift can weaken the attunement and emotional connection that shape strong doula support. True anticipation of client needs does not come from tools. Instead, it grows from presence and awareness. Doulas can watch body language, listen to tone, and notice small shifts in comfort. These skills help clients feel seen and supported rather than managed. Rigid expectations can also create stress for doulas. When the goal…
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Episode 174: Informed Consent with Hillary, The Pregnancy Nurse
Informed consent is one of the most essential and often misunderstood aspects of pregnancy and birth care. To help unpack this important topic, we are joined by Hillary, better known as The Pregnancy Nurse®. Hillary brings nearly two decades of experience as a labor and delivery nurse and has been supporting families in clinical settings since 1997. She has guided thousands of birthing parents in person and reached millions more online through her evidence-based education and compassionate approach. Her mission is to help families feel informed, empowered, and confident as they prepare for birth. Together, we explore what informed consent truly means in practice, how doulas can help clients understand…
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Episode 173: Supporting Family & Friends
Supporting family and friends as a doula can be both rewarding and complex. The personal connection you share makes it easy to overstep boundaries, give unsolicited advice, or slip out of your professional role. Maintaining the balance between being a loved one and being a doula requires awareness, restraint, and compassion. It means stepping back from the more intimate role you usually play and intentionally working within the doula’s scope of practice. In this episode, we talk about how to navigate these blurred lines while honouring the unique journey of the people closest to us. Just as we do with our clients, we must offer care, support, and guidance without…
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Episode 172: Coming Full Circle: Eva’s Journey
Doula work often takes us on unexpected paths, and Eva’s journey is a perfect example of how growth and change can come full circle. Eva began her career as an independent contractor, supporting families through labor and postpartum. Over time, she became a doula trainer, sharing her knowledge and experience with others entering the profession. Eventually, she joined Angela as a business partner at Tucson Doulas, helping to grow and shape the agency into what it is today. Now, after years of leadership and teaching, Eva has stepped back from training and agency ownership to return to her roots as an independent contractor with Tucson Doulas. Health and life circumstances…
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Episode 171: Philanthropy & Doula Work
Philanthropy & doula work are deeply connected. When your business is financially sustainable, you gain the freedom to give back in meaningful ways. Charging your worth does more than cover your expenses. It creates space to support your community through acts both big and small. Whether organizing diaper drives, quietly helping families in need, or donating resources to local organizations, a thriving business gives you the ability to make a lasting impact. Philanthropy & doula work should not come at the expense of your livelihood. By valuing your services and setting fair rates, you create stability for yourself while opening the door to generosity. Join us as we explore how…
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Episode 170: Navigating Partner Differences
It is common for partners to have different opinions about pregnancy, birth, or parenting. These differences can create tension, especially when decisions need to be made. As doulas, we play a vital role in navigating these situations with professionalism and care. It is important that we equip ourselves with strategies to support both individuals without taking sides. We can more effectively help them communicate by asking questions that invite open communication and help uncover the underlying values or fears behind each perspective. Understanding where each person is coming from creates space for empathy and problem-solving. Guiding partners toward common ground, by encouraging collaboration, and fostering mutual respect is critical. By…
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Episode 169: Meal Planning and Meal Prep Services
Meal planning and preparation services can enhance the doula support options you provide to clients. However, doulas must consider regulations, logistics, and business implications before jumping in. Understanding the difference between meal planning and meal preparation is essential. Each service offers unique benefits for families. It is critical to understand the local cottage food laws and regulations in your community. These rules directly affect how and where meals can be prepared. It is also important to weigh the pros and cons of preparing meals in a client’s home versus preparing them in your own when legality is not a factor in this decision. Tax implications, such as transaction privilege tax,…
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Episode 168: Office Space for a Doula Business: Is It Worth It?
A dedicated office space for a doula business can bring professionalism, visibility, and a central hub for meetings and classes. It can also come with significant costs and added responsibilities. Understanding the pros and cons is essential before making the investment. Calculating the potential return on investment provides a clear picture of whether it is a worthwhile investment. It is important to weigh costs such as rent, utilities, insurance, and furnishings. Compare them to potential income, client convenience, and growth opportunities. Carefully exploring these factors can reveal if an office space for your doula business will truly support long-term goals. It may also show if your resources are better used…
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Episode 167: Working With Influencers
Working with clients who hold status, whether they are medical providers, influencers, politicians, or public figures, can present unique opportunities and challenges for doulas. Supporting high-visibility clients while maintaining the same standards of care, boundaries, and intent you offer every other family may not come as easily as you think. While there are potential benefits of these connections, there can also be stumbling blocks. It can be tempting to hope for public praise or referrals from influencers, but doulas must not bank on that exposure or let it influence their role. Confidentiality is non-negotiable, and these clients deserve the same privacy, respect, and space to be vulnerable without fear of…
