The Positive Impact of An Organized Doula Business with Alison Nevalga

Jan 19

00:04
Welcome to doula Tips and Tips. This podcast is a place where we answer one question about doula work, both to support you and to help you support your clients. I'm Kaylee Harrod. I've been supporting families in this perinatal space since my oldest was born, 12, nearly 13 years ago.

00:23
I am a birth and postpartum doula childbirth educator, La Leche League leader, and a doula coach. I love guiding and supporting doulas as they work out their doula business. It is a tremendous joy to be trusted in this way.

00:36
Thank you for joining us on this journey. Welcome back to doula Tips and Tips. I am introducing one last repeat episode, again one of the most listened to episodes in our history of the podcast. Allison is one of the first people who signed up for the doula coaching program.

00:57
She and her amazing little one, Paloma, were both in all of our coaching calls. I want to share this repeat of her interview from last summer because I think the leaps and bounds that she had in her business through the coaching program are significant.

01:17
I'd love for you to hear her experience and also get to know kind of her side of how business stuff is going in her life. As a reminder, we are enrolling right now for the January group. There are a couple spots left.

01:32
I would love to have you if you are ready to make the investment in doula coaching. If you'd like to book a call with me, reach out on Instagram at heradoula or use the link in the show notes to go ahead and book that call and let's set up a time to chat about coaching and just get you on the road to success in your business.

01:52
All right, stay tuned to hear Allison. Hello, welcome back to doula Tips and Tips. I am joined by another one of my doula coaching students. I'm so excited to introduce you to her. Allison, Nivalga is on with me today.

02:09
She is a full spectrum doula and I'm going to hand it over to you Allison to tell us like how you got started in this work and why you love it. Hi. Well, thank you so much for having me on. This is like the first time I'm doing a podcast.

02:22
I'm just a little nervous. It'll be great. Okay. Well, I guess I started my whole journey actually just being pregnant and I was like, oh crap, like what do I do? And I felt like the first thing I Googled something ridiculous.

02:40
I Googled like, oh, I'm pregnant now what? I love that. I don't have background with my family as far as them talking about their birthing experiences and I don't have like a, like, birth stories that have been passed down.

03:01
So I guess like the more recent part of my family is very heavily medicalized. So I really had no indication of like what I should be thinking of or doing. And I wasn't one of those people that were like, oh my gosh, I dream of being pregnant and having like, it was like, oh crap, I'm pro, oh my God.

03:22
Like, and I was, I was a lot older and I was thinking, oh maybe it's not in the cards for me and we weren't trying. So when I say it was a surprise, it was like, what am I doing? But then as I further done research, and I actually love podcasts, I was listening to some pregnancy podcasts and someone suggested to watch the business of being born.

03:49
And that kind of like, I was like, I love that. Yeah, it kind of like changed the trajectory of my research. Yes. So and how my perspective of birth should be. And I kind of was thinking, well, we've people have been giving birth since the beginning of time.

04:10
So maybe this is something that maybe I should not fear. And then I guess I learned through other, like I've seen other like moms use doulas through like my social media. And I went on doula match and I, as a person of color, I'm like, I'm Filipino.

04:32
I really wanted to find another woman of color to help me. So that's kind of guided my research and I found someone in my area and, you know, money was tight. So actually she was, I was a part of her papers as far as certification.

04:52
Yeah, certification. So she was very affordable. Yeah. And, but turns out, out she is a fantastic Gula. And I remember being just in the space with her and it was so peaceful. I didn't, I didn't know how I needed to envision what birth should be like.

05:13
Like I, I wasn't around other like, super crunchy people. Well, now I'm pretty crunchy myself, but I say crunchy because you know, there's some things that I still believe in. But I, my birth thing was I, I literally when I birthed my baby, the first thing out of me and my husband, The first thing we said, this is the best day ever.

05:43
This is better than the wedding. Like this is, it was that much. That was such a natural high and that it was like eight hours. I did 90% of it in the water and then I squatted the baby out and then I pushed like maybe two times.

06:00
And then Ed always, my husband always says that the baby just fell out of me. Yeah. So I was like, and um, and I was like, and I was really quiet. They told me, well, first of all, they said a weird name.

06:16
They said a weird thing. Like the nurse is like, you're a very efficient birther. And I was like, what does that even mean? But, just get straight to the point. You progressed every hour. I was like, okay.

06:29
I didn't, you know, at first I didn't understand everything. Right. But it was the help of my dual and her calm energy. And she was able to just keep me moving. And it was a really powerful energy as well that I felt really not only supported, but like understood.

06:52
I didn't have to like explain a lot to her. So that was really, and culturally that's important because when you're navigating as a woman of color, when you're navigating white spaces, it's a lot of the times we're on pins and needles and we don't wanna say something that's gonna trigger someone to perceive us in a certain way.

07:16
So for me to just feel like I can like breathe and just say how I'm feeling was really nice, you know? And that's hard to like say that out loud. Yeah, but it's true. It's necessary. It's true. And whenever I'm around circles of friends that are women of color, like it goes without saying.

07:40
And it's... And it's a nice space to be in. So when I've had a wonderful birth and I just was I just was so inspired by her her calm energy and her knowledge. Her name is Darian and she is amazing. Anyways, After after that, I just felt like I was just became really into birth and like I think a lot of journeys happen that way they become kind of like quote unquote birth nerds.

08:13
I felt like my postpartum period I just kept thinking about like, wow, I really messed up in my life, but I did that right. You know, I just, I like I felt like so much I made wrong decisions, but I just, I took an informed path towards my pregnancy and birth journey and part of that was picking the doula and and having a doula during my birth.

08:43
So my daughter's name is Kaya. And in my native tongue of Tagalog, which is Filipino, Kaya means ability. And then Kayako means I can. So that's the name of my practice, I can doula or a kaya koudoula.

09:04
And it's named after her because just that whole journey in itself was just such an inspiration for me. And I was certified with doula training international. And I'm a full spectrum doula. And I practice in the DMV area, but more specifically in Northern Virginia.

09:25
I do prenatal birth and postpartum support. But I really love the birth part. Yeah. It's a lot of work in the beginning. But it's such a high and what an honor to be a part of somebody's journey. Yeah.

09:42
Yeah. I also have two kids. And a husband. Right. Another kid. You have given birth again since that beautiful journey. Yes. And I was actually doula -ing while I was pregnant. That was interesting. Because I really, I remember I went to one of my clients postpartum visits.

10:07
And I was very pregnant. And I was lactating when I was holding the baby. Oh my god. And the husband's there. And I was like, this is so crazy. You're like, I need some breast pads if you have any spares.

10:22
I just stuffed my bra with tissue. I was like, are you fine? And I'm like, and it's like I'm wearing a white shirt. And you see two circles. Oh, no. I'm just like, oh, I'm just so happy to hold your baby.

10:37
I love it. I love that. That's amazing. You're like, my body is responding to your kids. Yeah, it's like a physiological response to holding this newborn. Like, oh, you had the baby. Let's feed it. Right, exactly.

10:54
Oh my gosh. So I knew I was like, OK, I guess I can breastfeed the second one. Like, I already have milk. Don't worry. Right. Oh my gosh, that's amazing. So the timeline wise. How old is your oldest?

11:11
My oldest is four. OK. And so how old was she when you started doing doula work? I was like one and a half to two. I started the whole. I started or she's like two. I started my schooling. And yeah, yeah.

11:32
And yeah. And after I really enjoyed. my experience doing the training, but after it was over, there are, there, there's help, but I really felt like I needed support in my area. And so, yeah, that's what I was going to talk more about why it was like how it came about actually, it kind of coincides just for my certification.

12:04
I posted on a doula page, a doula group that I was like, I need to audit a class for my certification. And during the time, there wasn't a lot of in -person classes because of COVID. And then thankfully you posted, but I was like, I got busy, but then I went back to the post and I was like, oh my gosh, do you have any classes?

12:32
And I was pregnant while I took your class and I was auditing, but then I realized realizing I was like taking notes for myself. Like there were so many things that I was like, that's a good idea. Like, oh yeah.

12:47
So I, I really enjoyed your class and like, I for sure, like as a doula, always reference your class as a childbirth class that they should take because it's convenient, but also like how you structure your classes and you're respectful of time.

13:07
Like my birth, I had a terrible birth class experience where it just went an hour and a half over and she made it about herself. And but yeah, like you, you gave us like the important information, take home information, things that you can review and answer all the questions.

13:24
And I, I, for someone that, I mean, I feel like if you're taking an in -person class, you're busy already because you can't, you know, so like being, being respectful of that and then also being clear.

13:37
Thank you. It was just like a really good like learning experience for me. And so when you introduced me to the doula mentoring program, I was like, well, I like learning from her. And I really, and I really wanted to elevate my business because I felt it was very stagnant.

13:56
Like I didn't know how to take it to the next level. And for everyone, life happens. So yes, but I felt like having being a part of a cohort and then see learning from their journeys. But like having the ability to directly ask very specific questions to you was very helpful for me because a lot of the times I'm like researching like.

14:24
I don't want to be like the person in the group that keeps asking questions. So I always search questions. So I'm not overdoing it. And if I can't find the question, I'm just like, Oh God, I don't know what to do.

14:37
But being able to like, but how about this and what's that? And that, that, that became really invaluable for me. I'm so glad. So I would love for listeners. I already know this about you, but listeners to hear like, what were the biggest takeaways for you like over this last, I mean, it's kind of the first quarter of the, of this year.

14:59
How has your business grown and changed? And I do not take all the credit for that. You are doing awesome things in your business. So I don't mean to say that it's only because of this program, but I'm super excited about the changes that I've heard about from you.

15:15
So yeah. Well, big, big issue for me was like, and I think we don't talk about it enough because we always talk about getting clients, but organizing because sometimes people have a knack to connect.

15:30
But the whole organization thing is really key because I know as like a person who hired the a doula, I want to make sure that they have their stuff together and they feel like, I, like, I want to feel like they're competent.

15:46
And so I want my clients to feel like, well, she has her stuff together. Yeah. She's answering my questions. She's answering my emails. Like she's in, you know, like all of that. So what really helped me is you just like literally gave us templates and tools.

16:03
And I, I was able to make it my own that works for my business. And it's like kind of giving us like a skeleton type of template to just work from and just add it onto that. And that's really been valuable for me and, uh, you, I like the fact that you don't have everything written down because I'm a visual learner.

16:28
And so for you to have videos, yeah, of exactly like, this is what I do. And this is when I go over it. Like, I, I learned when someone's talking to me, you know, and like seeing them, not even just on, you know, so I was able to take notes quickly for that.

16:48
And I know I was watching your videos like 20 minutes before. A prenatal meeting. Right. Just to make sure that I got everything covered. Yeah, I love that. Yeah, that puts me had. And also that another thing that is different from the actually the training that I went to is your information is lifetime.

17:13
So if I, if I can't get to it now, which has been the issue because it's as a mom, you already know, it's like, Yeah. And I'm not on mom to a toddler and a baby. It's like, it's really hard to get to anything.

17:27
Um, but, but that gave me peace of mind to know that I'm not on a time clock, you know, and I, I know that for the rest of my class, my cohort, they felt the same way because, you know, they're busy too.

17:41
So, um, I think that's like adhering to the needs of like, uh, a modern day doula. Yeah. Because we hit, we're not just doing, we're like juggling 60 million different hats. So, right. Totally. Well, and some of it, like, I mean, I remember you in one of the first weeks of the, of the group, you were like, okay, four people want to hire me.

18:07
You're like, I've never had this many people before. How do I keep them straight? You know, when I had like kind of like, um, a windfall of clients, I was like, yes, but then I was like, oh God, you know, like, uh, organization thing is why it was so important.

18:27
And, um, I think that when, when you have it like an organized business, yeah, that's a really positive reflection. And they remember that, you know, because, uh, at least I do because I know when I feel ignored or I don't feel taken care of.

18:46
Um, so I, I know that as a client. So I, having that organizational piece is really key. Yeah. And, and we should not ignore that as doulas because a lot of the times I feel like, and I've heard from my whole, my family, they're like, oh, you're doula.

19:02
You're like this tree hugger granola eating. I'm like, I am like so not like that. You know, like I'm like the thriving business. Relax. Right. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Well, and I feel like some of it too is like when my dream in this, this like, like doula coaching is to be able to have people at different points, which you experienced between the three, the three of you who were in that first cohort, right?

19:29
And part of that is like, if this tool is only available to you for two months or for six weeks while you're in the program, and you're not yet at the point of needing to use it, then you lack the like the ability to sort of like put it into practice and ask questions about it, right?

19:47
Yeah. Which is part of that lifetime access is I want you to be able to be like, okay, now I need that tool. And so I can go back to it and start using it, where another doula might not need it for another six months, you know, and then they're going to start to employ that same thing.

20:02
And they can come back and be like, okay, Allison, you know, like how did you use that spreadsheet? Because I'm starting to use it and I know you used it sooner than I did, right? So that that's part, I mean, I'm the same way as you that I'm like, oh, I'm going to lose access.

20:15
I have to cram all of this in. Yeah, yeah, or like try to like. green shot or something. You're like, do these download? Yes. Yes. So one of the things that I have been asking, so I asked Dominique and Nakea, what is a kind of takeaway that you would give to newer doulas?

20:37
Like what's a tip that you have that you either wish you knew or you're glad that you knew? OK. I knew this. Like I already knew it. And I knew I wanted to do it. And I'm glad I did it because it's helping me.

20:53
Is just like, just put yourself out there to other doulas. Because I kind of like initially felt embarrassed to tell my doula that I wanted to be doula, you know, because I didn't want to be like, oh, well, I'm the doula.

21:07
You know, I don't know. Yeah, you're not the doula. You're the client. You're the client or something like that. But she actually was so happy that I inspired her. And I didn't think that she would have that reaction.

21:18
I don't know why I would. Yeah, she actually allowed me to come to her prenatal meetings. And then she asked me to I've shadowed her before. And that was in the way beginning of my journey. And that's such a gift you can give doulas.

21:34
Like, I mean, that kind of access, seeing her, how she was able to talk to her clients and just like that in person shadowing was just so invaluable. And then eventually, once I got certified, she was asking me to back up for her.

21:47
And I was like, who would I know? You know what I mean? Like, this is amazing. Like, I so I was so happy about that. And then, yeah, I remember just seeing other doulas comment on like other mom spaces.

22:03
I just messaged some of the doulas and I was like, hi, I'm a new doula. Yeah, I would love to connect. I need to know more doulas in my area. And I met. I did that for a doula. And then I took her out to eat because I just really.

22:20
wanted to like have a community near me, you know, and now we're like, now she backs up for me. And then she's like, now we're, we're very cool. And I'm glad that she is in my, like my circle. So yeah.

22:34
Yeah. Yeah. Now that's excellent advice. I think sometimes we also, it's tricky to be like, are you my competition? Am I your competition? And I'm like, that's not really helpful in this space. Yeah.

22:49
No. You know, I mean, I mean, I realize like we live in a unique area and that DC is saturated with people having babies. So even though we have tons of doulas, there are plenty of clients to go around.

23:02
Definitely. You know, but I'm like, this work can be so incredibly isolating. We need to know each other because it also is not work. Like you mentioned with your family, right? Being like, oh, you hug trees.

23:14
Like people don't aren't super familiar with it. So there isn't a lot of community outside of the space. you know, so I love that. Yeah. Is there anything else that you would like to share with listeners about who you are as a doula or your work?

23:28
Oh gosh. I serve all clients and I think a big part of like, I guess the feedback that I get from my clients is that I serve first and foremost the person giving birth, but I also serve the whole family.

23:47
So they thought like everyone was seen and everyone was kind of given the support that they needed to feel like they were a part of the team. And sometimes, especially for if it's your first time, it's it and you can suggest like, hey, maybe you can be doing this, you can be doing this and that and that's been helpful.

24:13
So I just want people to know that I love this work and that I love birth and that like, I just feel so honored to be a part of such a transformative time in their life and I take this work really seriously.

24:38
And this is not just like a job for me, it's a passion. And that space that I'm allowed in is so sacred. I mean, yeah, you know, some especially now, given the times, there's only a limited amount of people.

24:54
So for them to be like, okay, my mom's not going to be in there, but you're going to be in there. Like, I take that so seriously, like I don't take that for granted. And that that I'm not just a supportive person, but I'm an advocate and I'm knowledgeable.

25:11
And that thing will always feel empowered after giving birth with me, they won't yeah, I will always allow them to, I will always give them access to evidence -based information. So they feel like they're making the right decisions for their family.

25:29
And that like beyond that, I'm there for you, you know? Like I have clients who text me like, I need this. And I'm gonna be like, hold on, let me, I have a resource list. You know, I got, you know. And I, and some of my, and my, my dual is still in my life.

25:48
She just attended my daughter's birthday party and she was my doula for my second birth and I had a home birth that time. And so she'll be there for the next birthday party. It's just, it's just like the type of work that is very personal and that, that I want people to know that just like, it's an honor and that.

26:11
Yeah. Yeah. I love that. It's funny to me because I'm like other contract jobs you don't end by being like the new auntie of the family. Yeah, yeah. But do low work you totally do. Totally. Yeah. They're like you are with us now forever.

26:32
I've heard that. Like, I'll go to family parties and they're like, um, you saw Alison before you saw her. You know, your grandmother. And I was like, don't say that. Right. Yeah, I have one client that always says you're still on a short list of people who've seen me naked.

26:53
I'm like, I love this. Yeah. Like I'm happy to be honored to be on that list. Her husband's always like, what? It's so true though. Yeah. Yeah. And it is, I think it is, I mean, like what you said, sacred is totally the right word, right?

27:13
Of just like being allowed in this beautiful, vulnerable space and being trusted there. Right. Yeah. That is truly an honor. And, and I love that that is how you approach it, you know, so. Yeah. Well, thank you so much for taking time to talk to me and my listeners getting to hear from you.

27:34
I will make sure that all of Alison's contact information is in the show notes so people can connect with Alison if they would like to. Alison, I appreciate you. You already know that I think you're an awesome doula.

27:48
So thank you so much for taking the time and tell your little ones hi for me. I will. And thank you so much for having me and I for any like, not even, I wasn't even that of a newer doula. I was, I've had a lot of clients under my belt, but I felt like I was.

28:03
I still needed guidance. So if you feel like you need direction, like I would totally suggest your listeners to really give your, a chance at your doula mentoring program. because that it's like access to, you know, like a master doula and then a big part of, I mean, there has never been a time I've come to you and you're like, I don't know.

28:30
Or like, or not try to figure out. Right. And like I will search it for you. Right. I know. And so like just having that access and then also like having the kinship and now I know more doulas because they're part of my call heart.

28:49
Yeah. That's been really valuable. So I hope that they consider your program. And it was at first I was like, I don't know if I could afford it. Yeah. But you were able to like break down the payments and then that helped immensely.

29:05
But also like you, if you want to like that, if you really value your business, you have to invest in yourself. And that's part of it is like that program. So yeah. I so appreciate you and your kind words.

29:19
All right, well, until the next show, I wish everyone well informed doula experiences. All right, thank you. Yep. Thanks for joining us for this episode of the doula Tips and Tits podcast. If you learned something today or had an aha moment, we'd love for you to share that on Instagram and tag us at heradoula so we can celebrate alongside you.

29:46
If you found this podcast helpful, we would so appreciate you taking a second to leave a rating and a review on your favorite podcast app. That helps other doulas find us as we do this work together. This podcast is intended as educational and entertainment.

30:02
It is not medical advice or business advice. Please consult your own medical or legal team for your own needs around your health and your business. We'll see you again soon.

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Episode 3 of 5 throwback episodes! Today we are throwing it back to Alison Nivalga. She was the first person to sign up for my doula coaching program. She has had leaps in her doula business and part of the success has come through her organization skills. This week she is going to let us in on her organizing secrets. Reminder we are enrolling right now for our January group!

Quote from the show:

“I serve all clients and I think a big part of like, I guess the feedback that I get from my clients is that I serve first and foremost the person giving birth, but I also serve the whole family. So they thought like everyone was seen and everyone was kind of given the support that they needed to feel like they were a part of the team. And sometimes, especially for if it's your first time, it's it and you can suggest like, hey, maybe you can be doing this, you can be doing this and that and that's been helpful. So I just want people to know that I love this work and that I love birth and that like, I just feel so honored to be a part of such a transformative time in their life and I take this work really seriously. And this is not just like a job for me, it's a passion. And that space that I'm allowed in is so sacred.”

SIGN UP for our January coaching group:

I would love to have you if you are ready to make the investment in doula coaching. If you'd like to book a call with me, reach out on Instagram at heradoula or use the link in the show notes to go ahead and book that call and let's set up a time to chat about coaching and just get you on the road to success in your business.

CONNECT with Kaely on TikTok or Instagram

https://www.tiktok.com/@doulacoach

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If you like this episode, don't forget to share it to your Instagram stories and tag me @harroddoula

Kaely Daily is produced by Kaely Harrod of Harrod Doula Services

It is sponsored by The Birth Prep Blueprint Childbirth Class

Music by Madirfan: Hidden Place on Pixabay