Being a doula comes with trials and errors. Today we are diving into some tips I learned at the beginning of my doula career. Stay tuned for the next couple of episodes because we will be discussing 10 tips I learned in my first 10 births.

This is a sister episode to the one before, so if you haven’t listened to that yet, go give it a listen! We will be discussing the boundaries that come with the privilege of owning your own business. Setting boundaries, especially for those who are people pleasers, can be difficult. We will be diving into tips and tricks for setting boundaries not only with clients but with yourself.

As doulas, we're no strangers to the transformative power of birth, and now it's time to channel that same strength and wisdom into building our own businesses. Being your own boss as a doula opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to shape your practice, serve your clients authentically, and chart your own professional course.

Food is something that can be easily overlooked when looking at preparing for a birth. Taking care of you while also taking care of your clients is important and part of that is making sure you are sustaining yourself for the sometimes long, long labors you are in. This week we are talking about what to eat as a doula to make sure you’re in top shape to help your clients and their babies.

Together, we'll explore the different experiences for both baby and birthing person with early latching. Whether you're a seasoned doula seeking to refine your approach or a new doula eager to learn the ropes, this episode is packed with insights and strategies to help you guide your clients toward successful early latching.

Placenta delivery is not the same for everyone. Some are at higher risks than others and also the location of delivery plays a big part as well. Therefore, it is important to ask your client what they want for their ideal placenta delivery before the birth happens.

No questions are stupid questions. You should have a safe space to know nothing and literally ask anything! Doula trainings do not leave you an absolute expert. There is still a steep learning curve. I would love to be your guide, your coach and your safe place to ask silly or otherwise embarrassing questions!

What are your doula business dreams? What should your doula business look like? How does your doula business make you feel? What are you afraid of in business? These are questions I love to dig into with my coaching doulas. I love to dig into what you’re hoping to build and then HELP you make a plan to build it. Give you a roadmap. But best of all encourage you and remind you of what you’re capable of!

As doulas we need to know how to navigate the line between education, up to date evidence, and policies of the local hospitals and birth centers. Especially when we’re teaching our clients about evidence-based practices like eating during labor that may not be the current policy at their birthing location. Today’s hot topic is eating during labor!

Did you know that delaying the first bath for at least 24 hours after birth can help regulate the baby's body temperature, blood sugar, and even reduce the risk of infection? It also allows for the baby to bond with their parent(s) through skin-to-skin contact, which can promote lactation and overall healthy attachment. This is our new hot topic for our mini series

Delayed Cord Clamping. Letting the cord turn white. Letting the cord stop pulsing. What is the difference between these? Great question, I’d love to answer that for you! As a new doula it can be intimidating to feel like you need an answer for everything. If you haven’t already listened to the episode on whether or not you should already know everything that’s linked below. We’re going to launch into a small series on topics that come up frequently that I have a little spiel on. Today is cords and the clamping of the cords.

Visibility is vital to your business. As doulas we sometimes shy away from talking about our work because we feel like we’re being salesy or sounding desperate. You know what, big brands WANT you to see their stuff literally everywhere. You know that ad for Safelight?? The one that my children sing every time they see a cracked window?? They love that we all know that so well. That we immediately think of them. You want that in your business. You want someone to say “I’m pregnant!” and their friend immediately say “oh my gosh, I am going to send you the name of the BEST doula!”

Doula Consultations are an art form. You have to learn them! You have to practice them! They are not a natural thing that some of us are good at and others are not. Doulas need to show up with a game plan of what they want to know/learn and what they want to share. That takes intentionality and planning!

As a doula, your consultations are your first opportunity to connect with potential clients and establish trust. The better you are at these initial meetings, the more likely you are to build a strong client base and have a successful doula practice.

In the world of birth work, imposter syndrome can be a common feeling among doulas. However, it is important to recognize and overcome this feeling in order to build strong networking connections with other providers. In this episode, we will explore how one doula overcame imposter syndrome and confidently networked with other birth professionals and providers.

There are various ways in which massage can aid in the recovery and well-being of a freshly postpartum person! Including, but not limited to, reducing stress and anxiety, promoting relaxation, easing muscle tension, improving sleep, and boosting milk production. By incorporating postpartum massage into their postpartum care plan, your clients can experience a smoother transition into parenthood and a faster recovery from pregnancy and childbirth.

Doulas should be aware of the multiple ways in which a person can use their placenta after giving birth. From encapsulation to tinctures, there are various options available to those interested in utilizing the potential benefits of this organ. Understanding the different methods and their potential benefits and contraindications can help doulas better support their clients in making informed decisions about their postpartum care.

Doulas play a crucial role in helping expectant parents have a healthy and positive pregnancy experience. One way they can do this is by educating their clients on the benefits of prenatal yoga. Not only can it help with physical discomforts commonly associated with pregnancy, but it can also improve mental and emotional well-being. In this podcast episode, we'll explore why doulas should consider recommending prenatal yoga to their clients and how it can enhance the overall pregnancy journey.

Because doulas are usually in a position of teaching new skills, babywearing is so frequently part of that! Babywearing educators can be valuable partners for doulas, as they can provide in-depth knowledge on the practice of babywearing and its many benefits and safety factors. In this podcast episode, we will explore what doulas should know about the benefits of babywearing educators and how they can work together to support families.

As part of a doula toolkit, understanding the benefits of prenatal massage can be a valuable addition. Prenatal massage has been shown to alleviate a range of pregnancy-related discomforts, including back pain, swelling, and anxiety. It can also improve sleep, boost mood, and promote overall well-being for both the mother and baby. In this podcast episode, we will explore the benefits of prenatal massage in depth, and hear about when/why to refer your clients!