Episode Description

In this episode, Jessica sits down with Anna Rodney, the powerhouse behind Chicago Family Doulas and Birth & Baby University, for a deeply insightful conversation about what it takes to build a mission-driven birth business, support hundreds of families, and raise three daughters - all at the same time.

From a transformative first birth experience to launching one of the largest doula agencies in the country, Anna shares how her personal journey sparked a career shift, the business lessons learned through rapid growth, and the importance of childbirth education, not just for families - but for doulas too.

This is a must-listen for anyone navigating the world of birth work, motherhood, or values-driven entrepreneurship.

Main Topics Covered

• How Anna’s first birth experience inspired her career pivot
• The story behind founding Chicago Family Doulas
• Why she launched Birth & Baby University to fill a critical gap
• The myths about doula care - and what doulas actually do
• How education empowers both families and professionals
• Growing a business that serves 300+ doulas and countless families
• The personal cost of growth - and how Anna structured her business to support motherhood and freedom
• What new parents really need to know before birth
• The power of postpartum support and when families need it most
• Why doulas don’t replace education - and education doesn’t replace support

Resources Mentioned

• Chicago Family Doulas
• Birth & Baby University
• Bump to Baby Event (Chicago – October 18)
• Contact: [email protected]
  
  

Connect with Anna Rodney

• Website: chicagofamilydoulas.com
• Website: birthandbabyuniversity.com
• Instagram, Facebook, TikTok: @chicagofamilydoulas
  | @birthandbabyuniversity
• For professionals: Birth & Baby University
  
  

This episode is sponsored by Collabs Creative - a digital marketing company supporting makers, creatives, and small business owners with all things digital and design.

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