In this reflection episode of 2 Dope Black Doulas, we’re getting real about the lessons we wish we knew when we first started birth work. From learning how to say no, to setting boundaries, charging our worth, and preventing burnout—this conversation is honest, affirming, and rooted in growth.

We talk about: • Why you don’t have to say yes to every client • The power of presence over perfection • Burnout, rest, and sustainability in birth work • Money, boundaries, and protecting your joy

✨ Whether you’re a brand-new doula, years into the work, or simply feeling called to birth work, this episode is a reminder that growth is part of the journey—and you’re allowed to evolve.

📘 Episode Companion Workbook Available We created a guided reflection workbook, What We’d Tell Our Younger Doula Selves, to help you go deeper into the themes from this episode. The workbook is available for $12 and includes journal prompts and reflection pages focused on boundaries, burnout prevention, sustainability, and self-trust. Download it by clicking on this link https://dopeblackdoulas.gumroad.com/l/ujkcoj.

💸 Subscriber Discount Subscribe to 2 Dope Black Doulas on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, DM us a screenshot of your follow, and we’ll send you a discount code to purchase the workbook for $9.

📲 Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Youtube @2DopeBlackDoulas, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share this episode with a doula who needs to hear it.

#2DopeBlackDoulas #DoulaLife #BirthWorkIsSacred #BlackBirthWorkers #ReflectionEpisode

Thinking about becoming a doula but not sure where to start? In this episode, we’re breaking down the path to birth work—what doulas actually do, the different training and certification options, how to start building your practice, and why Black doulas are needed now more than ever.

We talk about:

• What it really means to be a doula
  

• Training and certification options (and whether you need them)
  

• Business basics: contracts, marketing, and charging your worth
  

• Why representation in birth work matters for our communities
  

✨ If you’ve ever felt called to support birthing people, this one’s for you.

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

• National Black Doulas Association: https://www.blackdoulas.org
  

• Birthing Advocacy Doula Trainings: https://www.badoulatrainings.org
  

• Ancient Song Doula Services: https://www.ancientsongdoulaservices.com
  

• DONA International: https://www.dona.org

In this episode of 2 Dope Black Doulas, your three favorite doulas Brittany, Danielle, and special guest Iman dive into the practice, purpose, and power of belly binding. Rooted in global postpartum traditions, belly binding is more than just a trend, it's a form of sacred bodywork and healing.

Together, we break down:

🔸 What belly binding actually is (and what it’s not)

🔸 The cultural history and ancestral roots of binding practices

🔸 Physical + emotional benefits for postpartum healing

🔸 When, how, and who should offer belly binding

Whether you're a new parent, a fellow birth worker, or just curious about traditional postpartum care, this episode is full of gems that reconnect us to rest, recovery, and ritual.

💜 Because healing is sacred, and our ancestors already gave us the blueprint.

In this episode of 2 Dope Black Doulas, we’re breaking down the truths, myths, and emotional weight behind C-sections, VBACs (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean), and the unpredictable turns birth can take. Whether your baby comes through your belly or your birth canal, your story deserves honor, support, and choice.

We talk about:

• Why C-sections happen and how to prepare for them

• The real deal on VBACs and how to advocate for one

• Reframing birth plan changes as powerful pivots

• The doula’s role in every kind of birth journey

✨ Remember: your power isn’t in the plan—it’s in the knowing, choosing, and being held through it all.

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

• ICAN – International Cesarean Awareness Network: https://www.ican-online.org

• Evidence Based Birth – VBAC Info: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/category/vbac/

In this episode we explore the importance of rest in the postpartum period, especially for Black women. We explore how rest is revolutionary and ways that Black women can plan their postpartum period similar to how they plan the birth of their baby.

In honor of Black Maternal Health Week, we’re diving into the systemic disparities, lived experiences, and powerful advocacy shaping the landscape of Black maternal health. This episode features raw conversations exploring the impact of racism in healthcare, the importance of culturally competent care, and the beauty of community-led solutions. Whether you're a parent, provider, or ally, this episode will leave you informed, inspired, and ready to push for change.

Black History Month continues into Women's History month as we continue to celebrate black nurse midwives with our special guest certified nurse midwife, doula and childbirth educator Venus Standard. Our conversation this episode focuses on Venus' experience working with Vice President Kamala Harris in educating the world about doulas and the benefits of having a doula. We also talk about Venus' new initiative and Venus' push to get equitable pay for doulas in North Carolina.

On this episode we round out our celebration of Black History Month by having a discussion with certified nurse midwife, doula and childbirth educator Venus Standard. Our conversations focus on the experience as a black certified nurse midwife, the LEADoula program and why black doulas are so important.

In this episode we honor Black History Month by discussing the dismantling of affirmative action, DEI and how this plays a part in healthcare. We discuss ways to combat this to still ensure your voice is heard and you receive the care you deserve.