Doula That!
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Doula That! episodes

  • The Leadership Edition- Calling Up, Calling Out
    • Doula referrals in a Facebook group. 0:00
    • Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss common issues on social media related to birth work and leadership.
    • Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss a post in a Facebook group for doulas of color where a request for referrals for a "high profile or celebrity burning person" was made in the middle of the day on February 6.
    • The original poster asked a doula to tag a colleague in central New Jersey, but the doula tagged an agency owner instead, leading to confusion and negative commentary in the thread.
    • Professionalism and authenticity in the birth worker community. 3:26
    • Ravae Sinclair and Emily were discussing a client in a public thread when Emily tagged blindsided, a doula, in the comment.
    • Blindsided replied to the comment, stating that it's not an issue of respect but authenticity, and her doula work is professional and discreet.
    • Ravae Sinclair emphasizes authenticity in doula work and referrals.
    • Ravae Sinclair shares her reaction to a negative exchange between two leaders in the birth worker community on social media, finding it sad and throwing her off during a positive moment.
    • Denise comments on the impact of such interactions on the people watching, highlighting the importance of professionalism and leadership in the community.
    • Using social media responsibly and avoiding negativity. 9:43
    • Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss the negative consequences of using social media to direct passive aggression towards someone, rather than having a private conversation.
    • Ravae Sinclair expresses frustration with a public conversation between two colleagues, feeling it was unnecessary and unpleasant.
    • Sinclair suggests that difficult conversations should be handled in private or with a small supportive group, rather than in a public space.
    • Social media etiquette and backstabbing. 14:22
    • Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss the negative impact of social media on black maternal health disparities, including the potential for passive aggression and hostility when tagging someone in a post.
    • The speakers emphasize the importance of being mindful of the potential consequences of tagging someone in a social media post, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like race and reproductive health.
    • Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss the concept of "karma" and how it relates to a person who has been mistreated, with Ravae expressing her belief that the person will ultimately ruin their own opportunities through their actions.
    • Ravae shares her observations of the person's behavior, including their tendency to backstab and lack of loyalty, and how it has affected their relationships and opportunities.
    • Ravae Sinclair expresses frustration with a recent incident in which someone was publicly criticized and believes it's a symptom of a larger problem in the birth worker space of not holding each other accountable for our actions.
    • Denise Bolds agrees that there is a lack of accountability in the space and notes that it's important to call people in and hold them responsible for their behavior, but also recognizes that it's not always easy to know how to do this in a constructive way.
    • Trust and accountability in the doula community. 23:11
    • Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss the importance of accountability in the birth work industry, with a focus on trustworthiness and reliability.
    • They share examples of unethical behavior, such as a doula who took money for childbirth education but didn't provide the class, and a midwife who stole money from black birth workers.
    • Denise Bolds discusses a Black doula who falsely claimed to have helped New York State doulas get their Medicaid certification, and how this has caused mistrust among birth workers in their community.
    • The speakers call out the doula, who is not certified as a childbirth educator, for falsifying information and harming their community, but no one else seems to be taking action.
    • Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss the importance of holding leaders accountable for their actions and setting standards for how we want to operate with one another.
    • They emphasize the need to elevate and call out bad behavior, rather than ignoring it or being passive about it.

    How to find us:

    Ravae

    Sinclair: @birthconnections and @natlbirthpostpartumpros

    Childbirth classes: www.birth-connections.com/services

    Denise

    Bolds: @BoldDoula and @blackwomendovbac

    -------------------------------------------------

    Website: www.doulathatpodcast.com

    Facebook: Doula That podcast

     IG:@doulathatpodcast. YouTube: Doula That! podcast

    Platforms: Apple, Spotify, Stitcher & Google

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    34 min
  • The Katt Is Out The Bag- It's the Year of Reveal

    ·      Katt Williams' comedy special and 2024's revealing themes. 0:00

    o  Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss Katt Williams' comedy special, which they find refreshing and relevant to current events.

    o  They emphasize the importance of owning up to one's actions and being held accountable for hurting or stealing from others.

    ·      Monique's career and race in the entertainment industry. 3:00

    o  Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss Mo’Nique's experience as a Black woman in the entertainment industry, with Denise expressing support for her truth-telling and Ravae acknowledging the challenges of parenting and forgiveness for Black women.

    o  Denise and Ravae analyze Mo’Nique's situation, highlighting the double standards faced by Black women in the industry and the lack of forgiveness for their choices.

    o  Mo’Nique discusses the challenges of being a Black woman in the entertainment industry, including the pressure to be perfect and the lack of collaboration between Black women in the same profession.

    o  Mo’Nique shares her personal experience of being mistreated by Oprah Winfrey, highlighting the need for Black women to work together and not see each other as competition.

    ·      Black maternal health disparities and corruption in the medical industry. 7:27

    o  Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss how gossip and misinformation can spread quickly in their community, leading to schisms and conflicts.

    o  Both women prioritize truth and evidence in their interactions, seeking to collaborate and serve families in a more effective and compassionate manner.

    o  Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss the financial gain from Black maternal health disparities, with Bolds noting that eradicating the issue would result in a billion-dollar loss for various industries.

    o  Bolds also mentions that there are towns built around prisons in upstate New York, highlighting the economic benefits of incarceration.

    o  Denise Bolds shares a story of a client who was induced by a doctor despite wanting a spontaneous vaginal birth, highlighting the need for doulas to advocate for their clients' choices.

    o  Bolds offers a certified training program for doulas to learn how to negotiate and advocate in instances of inductions, emphasizing the importance of empowering Black women to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

    ·      Bait and switch tactics in obstetrics. 14:52

    o  Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss a doctor's unethical behavior towards a client, including bait-and-switch tactics and prioritizing financial gain over patient care.

    o  Denise Bolds, a doula, helps the client navigate the situation by reminding her of her birth preferences and encouraging her to trust her body, ultimately leading to a successful and empowering birth experience.

    o  Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss a client's experience with a Black OB who tried to bait and switch her, highlighting the importance of awareness and precautions when choosing a provider.

    o  The doulas emphasize the value of having a supportive team during childbirth, particularly in navigating unexpected scenarios and ensuring a positive experience.

    o  Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss how the pandemic has changed the birth arena, with some positive and negative impacts.

    o  They highlight the power dynamics between hospitals and birth workers, with hospitals controlling and regulating birth, while birth workers are seen as a nuisance.

    ·      Doula work during the pandemic and its impact on the profession. 22:38

    o  Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss the impact of the pandemic on the healthcare industry, including a shortage of physicians and nurses, and an increased demand for doulas and postpartum care specialists.

    o  The pandemic has revealed the need for more mental health support for healthcare workers, who are experiencing burnout and leaving the profession due to the intense and caustic environment in labor and delivery departments.

    o  Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss the impact of the pandemic on the doula profession, with Ravae highlighting the importance of doulas in the birth space and Denise expressing her protectiveness over the title of doula.

    o  Both Ravae and Denise share their experiences with celebrities attempting to take on doula roles without proper training or experience, with Denise emphasizing the physical and emotional demands of the job.

    ·      Doula work during the pandemic. 27:32

    o  Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss the impact of the pandemic on the doula industry, highlighting the need for doulas to acknowledge and address the changes in the field.

    o  They emphasize the importance of doulas being aware of the trends and needs in the community, and providing relief and support to clients through their work.

    o  Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss the importance of collaboration and having hard conversations in leadership, particularly in the context of Black History Month.

    o  They emphasize the need to move forward unbothered and have heart conversations to understand the differences between millennial and pandemic train doulas.

    How to find us:

    Ravae

    Sinclair: @birthconnections and @natlbirthpostpartumpros

    Childbirth classes: www.birth-connections.com/services

    Denise

    Bolds: @BoldDoula and @blackwomendovbac

    -------------------------------------------------

    Website: www.doulathatpodcast.com

    Facebook: Doula That podcast

     IG:@doulathatpodcast. YouTube: Doula That! podcast

    Platforms: Apple, Spotify, Stitcher & Google

    ------------------------------


    36 min
  • The Lifestyle of Being a Doula & Virtual Doula Support

    Balancing doula work with family life as a single mom. 0:00

    • Aspiring doula struggles with balancing work and family as a single mom to young children.
    • Challenges of being a single parent and doula. 2:09
    • Single parents face significant stress, and adding on-call responsibilities may not improve quality of life.
    • Plan ahead for childcare during nighttime calls as a doula.
    • Doula work, business tips, and bartering. 5:21
    • Ravae Sinclair suggests creating a business that supports birthing and postpartum families, such as meal prep or childbirth education, to help balance work and family life.
    • Denise Bolds adds that there is a growing market for nutrition and meal prep services, and that skills in yoga, fitness, or art therapy can also be applied to the parenting space.
    • Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss the option of bartering as a way for doulas to receive payment for their services, with Denise sharing her experience of not having much experience with bartering in New York City.
    • Both Ravae and Denise agree that paying doula services off in installments is a more common practice in their area.
    • Contracts and exchanges in birth doula work. 10:53
    • Ravae Sinclair emphasizes the importance of written contracts for exchanging services, especially when it comes to rural families trading goods or services.
    • Ravae Sinclair discusses challenges with upfront payments for birth and postpartum work, including the risk of non-refundable contracts and PayPal refunds.
    • Birth work excellence and virtual doula support. 13:49
    • Ravae emphasizes the importance of providing value to clients immediately after contract signing.
    • Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss the importance of responsiveness in client communication, particularly when it comes to exchanging deposits and manifesting energy.
    • Ravae emphasizes the need to be proactive and set up the next steps for clients, such as sending an email with links and a welcome packet, to ensure a smooth onboarding process.
    • Ravae Sinclair discusses virtual doula support reducing C-sections by 60%, with a higher impact on black women.
    • Virtual doula work and its challenges. 19:52
    • Denise Bolds highlights the importance of assessment skills in virtual doula work, using her experience as a social worker to provide valuable insights.
    • Virtual doula work has become more prevalent since the pandemic, with successful businesses emerging globally, despite initial skepticism.
    • Ravae Sinclair discusses the challenges of virtual doula work, including disruptions from technology and lack of continuity in support.
    • Sinclair highlights the importance of being able to see and observe the birthing person and their support system in virtual doula work.
    • Virtual doula work and pricing. 24:30
    • Ravae Sinclair emphasizes the importance of experience and anticipation in virtual birth support, using her own expertise to help families prepare and navigate the process.
    • Sinclair navigates tech challenges and preps partners for physical aspects of birth, while also maintaining a consistent and connected presence for families.
    • Ravae Sinclair discusses the challenges of virtual doula work, including relying on others for physical comfort measures and communication.
    • Sinclair believes virtual doula support should not be priced the same as in-person support due to the differences in workload and responsibilities.
    • Virtual doula work and pricing. 28:51
    • Denise Bolds emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience and assessment skills for virtual doulas, citing her own 10-year experience with over 287 births.
    • Ravae Sinclair disagrees, arguing that lower prices for virtual doula services make them more accessible and affordable for clients, despite potentially doing less work.
    • Ravae Sinclair is a virtual doula who offers in-person comfort measures sessions with a local birth worker.
    • Ravae is open to working with a childbirth educator or other support person in case of a loss during birth.
    • Virtual doula support during pandemic. 33:42
    • Labor and delivery team's support is crucial for successful virtual doula support during birth.
    • Doulas may need formal training for virtual support, as it requires different skills than in-person support.
    • Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss the importance of virtual doula support during unexpected situations, such as a partner being deployed or incarcerated.
    • They emphasize the need for doulas to be skilled in virtual support and able to pivot quickly in emergency situations.
    • Virtual doula support and training. 39:29
    • Anticipation and proactive problem-solving are key doula skills.
    • Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss the importance of continuous electronic connection during childbirth, including video calls and speakerphone use.
    • They emphasize the risks of disconnection, such as missing important information and microaggressions, and the importance of advocacy and communication between care providers and clients.
    • Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss the importance of virtual support for doulas, including the need for extra phone numbers and a control center for families and home births.
    • They emphasize the value of working through insecurities and concerns, and knowing the stages of labor for virtual doulas.

    Linked article: https://www.healthcare-brew.com/stories/2023/12/06/study-virtual-doula-visits-are-just-as-effective-as-in-person-appointments

    Denise virtually doulaing in 2020 in New York City: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6Dni2D8Ru0

    ------------------------------------------------

    How to find us:

    Ravae Sinclair @birthconnections and natlbirthpostpartumpros

    Denise Bolds @BoldDoula and @blackwomendovbac

    Website: www.doulathatpodcast.com

    IG:@doulathatpodcast

    Platforms: Apple, Spotify, Stitcher & Google

    47 min
  • Evaluating Birth Work Courses, Trainings & Legal Contracts
    • Evaluating quality of doula courses. 0:00
    • Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss the importance of vetting courses for quality education in the birth and postpartum industry.
    • They share their concerns about the lack of reliable information and poor communication in some courses, highlighting the need for a trustworthy platform for continuing education.
    • Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss tips for evaluating the credibility of online doula courses, including Google searching the instructor and asking mentors or peers for recommendations.
    • They also caution against relying solely on online reviews or testimonials, as they may be biased or unreliable.
    • Evaluating birth work courses and trainers. 5:20
    • Ravae Sinclair emphasizes the importance of researching a potential birth worker's connections and reach, as well as their sensibility and experience in the field.
    • Denise Bolds agrees, highlighting the value of checking a person's social media presence and online presence to gauge their expertise and experience in the birth work space.
    • Ravae Sinclair provides a checklist for evaluating online courses, including researching the instructor, checking for contact hours, and verifying the course's organization and objectives.
    • Denise Bolds emphasizes the importance of considering the course's platforms, contact hours, and potential for leveraging credentials in building a practice.
    • Doula training and accounting for cash payments. 10:25
    • Doulas must be diligent in avoiding fraudulent trainings and certifications.
    • Ravae Sinclair advises doulas to use receipt books to account for cash payments, while Denise Bolds suggests using apps for digital receipts.
    • Contracts for birth workers with legal advice. 13:57
    • Ravae Sinclair advises doulas on contracts and their importance for business legitimacy.
    • Ravae Sinclair provides legal advice to a client, emphasizing the importance of using a licensed attorney in the client's state to review contracts to ensure compliance with state law.
    • Denise Bolds expresses surprise at the importance of having a licensed attorney review contracts, and Ravae Sinclair explains the benefits of using a lawyer who is licensed in the client's state.
    • Legal contracts for doulas and birth workers. 18:25
    • Ravae Sinclair emphasizes the importance of having a customized contract for doulas and birth workers, rather than relying on templates or DIY approaches.
    • She suggests investing in a professional contract template, even if it's a small investment, to ensure legal protection and avoid potential risks.
    • Ravae and Denise discuss the importance of self-care and goal-setting for birth workers, with a focus on the end of the year and preparing for 2024.
    • Self-care and community support for doulas. 23:01
    • Find a supportive community to replenish energy and prevent burnout in birth work.
    • Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss their podcast and upcoming plans for 2024, including inviting guests and answering questions in a live Q&A.
    • They express gratitude for their collaboration and look forward to supporting their audience in the new year.

    The New Doula Course Vetting Checklist

    1) Google Them

    2) Ask folks about them

    3) Check their social media

    4) Get the course outline and objectives

    5) Call them- talk with them, get acquainted!

    6) Get Contact hours- leverage!

    ------------------------------------------------

    How to find us:

    Ravae Sinclair @birthconnections and natlbirthpostpartumpros

    Denise Bolds @BoldDoula and @blackwomendovbac

    Website: www.doulathatpodcast.com

    IG:@doulathatpodcast

    Platforms: Apple, Spotify, Stitcher & Google

    29 min
  • End of The Year/Beginning of the Year Tips for Doulas
    • Backup doula coverage during holiday season. 0:04
    • Be ready for the end of the year with induction times, weather considerations, and illness preparation.
    • Choose a backup doula early and get their commitment in writing to ensure peace of mind during emergency situations.
    • Prepare the family for potential switch from in-person to virtual support if needed, and activate the backup doula as a last resort.
    • Ravae Sinclair advises preparing families for potential illnesses and discussing backup doula coverage during the season.
    • Denise Bolds emphasizes the importance of having a plan for inductions and clear communication with providers to avoid unwanted interventions.
    • End-of-year prep for doulas, including email management and self-care. 6:21
    • Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss end-of-year tasks, including inventory management, tax preparation, and email cleaning.
    • Organize emails by archiving older ones and creating a "23" folder for searchability.
    • Ravae Sinclair suggests using an out-of-office message to set expectations and provide a link to a birth doula service, while also including a personal touch to show professionalism.
    • Ravae and Denise Bolds discuss the benefits of taking a nap during the day, including recalibrating energy levels and feeling cozy and relaxed.
    • A viral video of a mother dancing provocatively at a party. 12:41
    • Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss a viral video of a man dancing with a woman at a formal event, with the woman's back turned and her hips gyrating in a provocative manner.
    • The hosts analyze the video, finding it enjoyable and impressive, but also noting that it could be seen as inappropriate or disrespectful due to the woman's lack of consent.
    • Ravae Sinclair observes a son's reaction to his mother's provocative dancing, finding it heartbreaking and noting the lack of attention given to his emotions.
    • Denise Bolds shares her thoughts on the situation, agreeing with Ravae's assessment and finding it sad that no one addressed the son's hurt.
    • Blending personal and professional life in birth work. 17:10
    • Denise Bolds shares her experience as a black single mom raising her son Jordan, highlighting the societal pressure on black men to become the man of the house.
    • Denise and Ravae Sinclair discuss the importance of maintaining boundaries and being a good role model for their children, with Denise emphasizing the need to be a responsible and present mother.
    • Ravae Sinclair discusses the blending of personal and professional online, highlighting the importance of maintaining a consistent brand image for businesses in the birth work industry.
    • Sinclair suggests that birth workers may need to elevate and make shifts in their online presence to provide consistency and predictability for clients, while also maintaining a personal connection.
    • Ravae Sinclair advises business owners to be mindful of their online presence, as a lack of privacy settings and personal content can repel potential customers.
    • Sinclair suggests creating separate personal and business social media accounts to maintain privacy and professionalism.
    • Social media consistency for business owners. 25:06
    • Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss the importance of maintaining a professional image on social media, with Denise sharing her approach of only posting business-related content and Ravae agreeing that she only posts minimal personal content.
    • Denise and Ravae suggest considering a separate page for personal and business content, and reflecting on how they want to show up privately versus publicly.
    • Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss the importance of consistency in social media for businesses, highlighting the "know, like, trust" factor that can impact consumer purchasing decisions.
    • Denise Bolds plans to host a Zoom reunion for families she supported in 2023, a simple yet meaningful way to celebrate the end of the year and connect with loved ones.
    • Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss end-of-year tips for business owners, including sending holiday cards, hosting parties, and writing off expenses.
    • Ravae promotes her upcoming business booster class and offers a limited-time pre-sale discount.

    ------------------------------------------------

    How to find us:

    Ravae Sinclair @birthconnections and natlbirthpostpartumpros

    Denise Bolds @BoldDoula and @blackwomendovbac

    Website: www.doulathatpodcast.com

    IG:@doulathatpodcast

    Platforms: Apple, Spotify, Stitcher & Google

    33 min
  • One Year Look Back: The Abrupt Dismissal from DONA International's Board (recorded on April 11, 2023)
    • The impact of leadership change on doula career and black maternal health. 0:09
    • Ravae Sinclair reflects on the abrupt transition out of leadership with DONA International and its impact on her doula career and the Black maternal health crisis.
    • Race and dysfunction in a doula organization. 1:30
    • Denise Bolds shares her personal experience with disappointment and betrayal after a unanimous vote to prioritize black birth workers was ignored by some board members.
    • Ravae Sinclair echoes Denise's shock and disbelief at the lack of follow-through on initiatives to uplift Black birth workers, despite unanimous support from the board.
    • Ravae Sinclair felt relieved and liberated after leaving a dysfunctional organization, realizing the importance of setting boundaries and taking care of personal relationships.
    • Denise Bolds experienced a harsh lesson on personal growth and relationships, recognizing the need to prioritize self-care and set boundaries in toxic situations.
    • Organizational dysfunction and resistance to change. 6:41
    • Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss their experiences in a dysfunctional organization, with Ravae realizing she's good at operating in dysfunction and Denise mentioning the importance of negating not just the board but also the management office.
    • DONA's leadership faced criticism for prioritizing financial interests over cultural fit and diversity.
    • Organization prioritizes white privilege over equity and change, despite harmful past actions.
    • Diversity and inclusion in a non-profit organization. 12:17
    • Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss experiences with racism and bias in DONA International, with Bolds sharing how the organization's leadership was resistant to change.
    • Ravae Sinclair emphasizes the importance of prioritizing and supporting marginalized groups within the organization.
    • Denise Bolds was motivated to continue Ravae's work as leadership due to the benefits she received from the new web page and policies.
    • Denise refused to fire Ravae despite board members' requests, leading to bullying and harassment.
    • Race, power dynamics, and betrayal in a non-profit organization. 18:12
    • Denise Bolds refused to comply with the board's request to terminate the community doula program, leading to her removal from the board.
    • Ravae Sinclair questioned the board's decision to mix the termination of the contract with Denise's role on the board, feeling it was a separate issue.
    • Ravae Sinclair expresses outrage at being removed from a board and not being paid for contract work, despite years of free labor, and accuses the organization of not valuing Black women.
    • Sinclair questions the organization's credibility in providing training and workshops on black maternal health when they cannot honor their contract with a black woman.
    • Race and leadership in a doula organization. 23:15
    • Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discussed the challenges of implementing innovative ideas in a predominantly white organization, with Denise Bolds expressing frustration at the fear and intimidation they faced.
    • The two women highlighted the importance of providing valuable member benefits, such as legal support and tech support, to enhance the lifestyle, work, and skills of paying members.
    • Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss their dismissal from the board of DONA, with Bolds criticizing the lack of member involvement and Sinclair expressing frustration with the lack of accountability.
    • Bolds and Sinclair argue that the organization is not member-led, with Bolds stating that she has yet to see what is better than her leading the group.
    • Leadership and backstabbing in a non-profit organization. 28:15
    • Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss lack of accountability and diversity in leadership positions within a group, with a focus on the election process and the selection of a new president who was not elected by members.
    • Board members secretly planned to remove Ravae & Denise, while both of them were attending meetings and planning events for DONA.
    • Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss a former leader's secret removal from power.
    • Leadership structure and accountability in a nonprofit organization. 34:09
    • Ravae Sinclair argues that the organization should have paid staff instead of relying on volunteers.
    • Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss the importance of focusing on international issues within the organization, with Ravae highlighting the need for every person in every area to be responsible for international, rather than relying on one person to handle it.
    • The board's decision to remove the international director was not about that person, but rather about the role itself and the need for more accountability and focus on international issues across the organization.
    • Leadership and accountability in an international organization. 39:49
    • Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss the stagnation of DONA International, with Bolds citing a lack of effort from the organization's president and Sinclair suggesting that there may be behind-the-scenes progress.
    • Members are frustrated with the lack of communication and explanation for the organization's dismissal of Ravae & Denise, with some still seeking a plausible explanation.
    • Leaders dismissed and replaced, no additional member benefits or accountability.
    • Personal growth and professional development after a challenging year. 44:12
    • Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair have been working on various projects since leaving their previous situation, including training doulas and starting a new organization.
    • They reflect on the intensity of the situation and the pressure they faced in DONA, but are grateful for the opportunity to continue their work and enjoy their lives.
    • Ravae Sinclair shares her experience of being a leader during the pandemic, feeling dysregulated and overwhelmed, and taking time to regain health and figure out her destiny.
    • Sinclair moved to a new city and had a chance to settle in and regain health, while also considering what she truly wants to do and what opportunities align with her passion.
    • Betrayal and loyalty in a Black women's organization. 49:41
    • Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair reflect on their past interactions and how they have grown closer over time.
    • Denise Bolds shares her concerns about the dysfunction within DONA and how it has impacted marginalized communities.
    • Ravae Sinclair shares her experience of betrayal by a fellow Black woman in the birth work community, which she found difficult to navigate due to loyalty and trust issues.
    • Sinclair emphasizes the importance of trust in the face of betrayal, particularly in a community that was supposed to be a safe space for Black women.
    • Ravae Sinclair reflects on a past partnership that ended in betrayal, acknowledging the difficulty of witnessing people try to figure out their roles in a shared space and the need to create separate spaces for growth.
    • Ravae recognizes the importance of authenticity in her work, letting go of qualities that are not unique to her and focusing on her own healing and process.
    • Race and representation in the doula industry. 57:24
    • Denise Bolds shares her experience as a Black doula and activist, highlighting the importance of representation and the challenges of being a non-trainer in a predominantly white organization.
    • Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss the value of DONA certification and the need for Black doulas to be recognized and supported in the industry.
    • Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss their experiences as Black doulas in the US, including facing discrimination and being undervalued in the industry.
    • Ravae Sinclair shares how she chose to become a board member instead of a trainer to have a bigger impact on creating change in the doula community.
    • Perinatal care and policy change. 1:01:32
    • Ravae Sinclair launches National Birth & Postpartum Professionals to unite diverse professionals in creating policy change.
    • Ravae Sinclair emphasizes the importance of community support and resources for marginalized groups.
    • Betrayal and resilience in the birth worker community. 1:05:35
    • Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss the release of Ravae's book and the gratitude Ravae feels for the support of her community, as well as the challenges and betrayals she has faced as a black doula.
    • Ravae and Denise also discuss the toxicity and harm that can exist within the birth work community, including betrayal, scamming, and hurting others.
    • Ravae Sinclair shares her personal experience with betrayal and how it led to growth and bonding with others in the birth worker community.
    • Sinclair emphasizes the importance of authenticity and support in the face of adversity, citing the saying "What the devil meant for evil, God meant for good."
    • Betrayal, resilience, and self-care in the workplace. 1:11:08
    • Denise Bolds shares her experience of being betrayed by someone she considered a friend and how she chose to focus on her own healing and growth instead of dwelling on the past.
    • Denise emphasizes the importance of women supporting and learning from each other, rather than tearing each other down, and how she has found valuable connections and learning opportunities through her doula practice.
    • Denise Bolds shares her experience of feeling beaten down by the organization she worked for, despite creating intellectual property that they benefited from.
    • Ravae Sinclair encourages Denise to embrace her strengths and build upon them, rather than hiding from the world.
    • Denise Bolds emphasizes the importance of respect and inclusivity in leadership, rejecting pettiness and self-centeredness in favor of addressing larger issues and benefiting the entire organization.
    • Ravae Sinclair shares her experience in navigating conflicts and finding ways to collaborate and grow, prioritizing member benefits, and rejecting discrimination and disrespect.
    • Leadership, identity, and impact in the doula community. 1:18:52
    • Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss their experiences in corporate America and their decision to pursue a career in doula work, with Denise highlighting her leadership and standing up for what is right, even against "nasty people and nasty things."
    • Ravae Sinclair expresses gratitude for the growth and opportunity to use her skills for good, and both women are excited about the potential impact of their work in supporting black women and doulas.
    • Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss the limitations of the DONA International, including its lack of diversity and focus on funding for white trainer initiatives.
    • Bolds and Sinclair believe that the organization's structure and priorities have led to missed opportunities for funding and impact, and they express frustration with the lack of inclusivity and representation.
    • Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss the evolution of black maternal health leaders and their flourishing since the "eruption" a year ago.
    • Postpartum care and advocacy for black mothers. 1:25:43
    • Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss the importance of empowering black women through VBAC and C section doula work, with a focus on systems change and advocacy.
    • Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair advocate for improved postpartum care for Black and Brown mothers.

    ------------------------------------------------

    How to find us:

    Ravae Sinclair @birthconnections and natlbirthpostpartumpros

    Denise Bolds @BoldDoula and @blackwomendovbac

    Website: www.doulathatpodcast.com

    IG:@doulathatpodcast

    Platforms: Apple, Spotify, Stitcher & Google

    1 hr 32 min
  • Aspiring Doula Tips & Virtual Doula Support

    ·      Balancing doula work with family life as a single mom. 0:00

    o  Aspiring doula struggles with balancing work and family responsibilities as a single mom to young children.

    ·      Challenges of being a single parent and doula. 2:09

    o  Single mom of a five-year-old faces stress as a primary caregiver and seeks support for safety net and community.

    o  Consider creating a childcare plan with a neighbor or co-op to support each other during late-night calls.

    ·      Doula work, business tips, and bartering. 5:21

    o  Ravae Sinclair suggests creating a business that supports birthing and postpartum families, such as meal prep or childbirth education, to help balance work and family life.

    o  Denise Bolds adds that there is a growing market for nutrition and meal prep services, and that skills in areas like yoga or art therapy can also be applied to parenting and family development.

    o  Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss the option of bartering as a way for doulas to receive payment for their services, but Denise notes that this is not a common practice in New York City due to the limited availability of doulas and the need for them to work independently.

    o  Both Ravae and Denise agree that paying doula services off in installments is a more common practice in their area, with families paying for services as they receive them rather than all at once.

    ·      Contracts and exchanges in birth doula work. 10:53

    o  Ravae Sinclair emphasizes the importance of written contracts for exchanging goods or services.

    o  Ravae Sinclair discusses challenges with upfront payments for birth and postpartum work, including the risk of non-refundable contracts and PayPal refunds.

    ·      Birth work excellence and virtual doula support. 13:49

    o  Start services ASAP to avoid losing potential clients.

    o  Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss the importance of promptly responding to clients and providing clear instructions for the next steps in the onboarding process.

    o  They emphasize the need to be responsive and proactive in communicating with clients, especially when it comes to exchanging deposits and initiating the onboarding process.

    o  Ravae Sinclair discusses virtual doula support reducing C-sections by 60%, with a higher impact on Black women.

    ·      Virtual doula work challenges and skills. 19:52

    o  Denise Bolds highlights the importance of assessment skills in virtual doula work, using her experience as a social worker to provide valuable insights.

    o  Virtual doula work has become more prevalent since the pandemic, with successful cases in various locations, despite initial skepticism.

    o  Ravae Sinclair discusses the challenges of virtual doula work, including disruptions from technology and lack of continuity in support.

    o  Denise Bolds emphasizes the importance of being able to see and read people's emotions and reactions in real-time, which can be difficult with virtual technology.

    o  Ravae Sinclair shares her experience as a virtual doula, navigating technical issues and preparing partners for birth while remote.

    o  Ravae emphasizes the importance of staying connected and consistent for virtual doula work, especially for inexperienced practitioners.

    Virtual Doula (part 2)

    Summary

    • Pricing for virtual doula services vs in-person support.
    • Ravae Sinclair discusses pricing for virtual doula services, acknowledging the difference in workload and value compared to in-person support.
    • Virtual doula work and pricing.
    • Denise Bolds emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience and assessment skills for virtual doulas, citing her own 10-year experience with over 287 births.
    • Ravae Sinclair disagrees, arguing that lower prices for virtual doula services make them more accessible and affordable for clients, despite potentially lower levels of work.
    • Ravae Sinclair, a virtual doula, discusses the importance of in-person comfort measures during childbirth rehearsals, even if a virtual doula is being used.
    • Ravae is open to working with a local birth worker in addition to her virtual doula services, to ensure proper assessment and comfort measures during childbirth.
    • Virtual doula support during pandemic.
    • Labor and delivery team's support is crucial for successful virtual doula support during birth.
    • Ravae Sinclair emphasizes the importance of virtual doula support and formal training for navigating technical and emotional challenges.
    • Doula support during childbirth, focusing on virtual work.
    • Doulas discuss challenges of providing virtual support during pandemic and potential catastrophic incidents.
    • Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair emphasize the importance of anticipation and being proactive as a virtual doula, helping families navigate challenging situations with ease.
    • Anticipation is key to providing valuable support, as it allows virtual doulas to prepare families for what's coming next and make informed decisions quickly.
    • Virtual doula support during the pandemic.
    • Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss the importance of continuous electronic connection during childbirth, including video calls and speakerphone use.
    • They emphasize the need for consistent electronic connection to avoid missing important information and ensure a smooth and comfortable birth experience.
    • Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss the importance of virtual support for doulas during the pandemic, including the need for extra phone numbers and a lighthouse role.
    • They emphasize the value of working through insecurities and concerns, and encouraging feedback from listeners.

    ------------------------------------------------

    How to find us:

    Ravae Sinclair @birthconnections and natlbirthpostpartumpros

    Denise Bolds @BoldDoula and @blackwomendovbac

    Website: www.doulathatpodcast.com

    IG:@doulathatpodcast

    Platforms: Apple, Spotify, Stitcher & Google

    47 min
  • Choosing The Right Doula Trainer & Protect Your Intellectual Property

    Introduction: What are you watching on TV?

    • Doula work and TV shows. 0:26
    • Denise Bolds shares her TV viewing habits, mentioning she's in a doctoral program.
    • Denise and Ravae discuss Black Cake, a Hulu series based on a book, with a focus on Black storytelling and family history.
    • Ravae and Denise discuss TV shows, including "Gilded Age" and "Queen Charlotte," and share their thoughts on the episodes they've watched.

    Doula Skills

    • Intellectual Property Protection. 5:06
    • Ravae Sinclair emphasizes the importance of registering intellectual property with the US Copyright Office.
    • Copyright protection for creative work.
    • Ravae Sinclair explains the importance of copyrighting original work to protect it from being stolen or misused.
    • Filing a copyright with the US Copyright Office can provide an automatic judgment against someone who infringes on your work, without the need for a court case.
    • Ravae Sinclair shares her experience of having her work stolen and sold by another birth worker, emphasizing the importance of respecting peers' intellectual property.
    • Ravae helps a client create a contract using a template from Ravae's website, but the client admits to piecing it together from multiple sources, including Ravae's original template that was found on Google.
    • Protecting intellectual property through copyright registration. 12:30
    • Ravae Sinclair emphasizes the importance of protecting intellectual property through copyright registration, citing her own experience with someone using her language without permission.
    • Denise Bolds agrees, noting that people often infringe on intellectual property without realizing it, and emphasizes the need to take action to protect oneself.
    • Ravae Sinclair describes feeling violated after discovering someone had used her copyrighted material without permission.
    • Denise Bolds empathizes with Sinclair's emotions, likening the experience to someone taking her own creative work without permission.
    • Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss the issue of intellectual property theft in the birth work industry, with Ravae sharing knowledge of a birth worker's website being copied by a competitor.
    • Denise Bolds mentions a birth worker who stole another woman's intellectual property, and Ravae refuses to promote the organization due to ethical concerns.

    Doula Skill

    • How to identify a quality doula trainer and community support. 18:54
    • Doula trainers must be held accountable for quality training, says Denise Bolds.
    • Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss the importance of choosing a doula trainer with hands-on experience in the birth room during COVID-19.
    • They highlight the lack of practical knowledge among some doula trainers who have not supported a birth in years and cannot provide up-to-date training.
    • Doula trainers must provide ongoing support and community connections to be effective.
    • Doula training and postpartum care during the pandemic. 20:36
    • Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss the limitations of doula trainers who are disconnected from their communities and lack knowledge of current policies and changes in the industry.
    • Doulas need trainers who are plugged in and connected to their communities to provide support and understand the new challenges of doing business during the pandemic.
    • Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds share their experiences as doulas during the pandemic, highlighting the importance of trainers having practical experience in the field.
    • They emphasize the need for trainers to understand the realities of doula work, including managing communicable diseases and supporting families during the pandemic.

    Trending in Birth Work

    ·     Okra Water. 29.03

    • Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss the trend of drinking okra water for a one-push birth, with mixed opinions.
    • Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss the use of okra water for one-push births, with Denise expressing skepticism and Ravae sharing a lighthearted trend.
    • Black midwife's struggles in Alabama. 32.24
    • Denise Bolds shares a sobering trend from an unnamed midwife in Alabama, highlighting the challenges of providing midwifery care in a harsh environment.
    • Denise Bolds shares her frustration with the resistance faced by a black midwife in Alabama, who is fighting to enhance the black birth experience despite an uphill battle.
    • Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss the challenges faced by Black people in building their own spaces, such as the Black Wall Street, and how they are often met with resistance from white people.
    • Challenges faced by black midwife in Alabama. 36.33
    • Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss the challenges faced by midwife Stephanie, including legislative obstacles and racial discrimination.
    • The two highlight the resilience of Stephanie and her supporters in the face of adversity, with Denise stating that "this is the history of this country" and Ravae adding that "they went back and pulled legislation to make it more difficult."
    • Ravae Sinclair discusses the challenges of fighting for birth center legislation and the importance of paying attention to the reasons behind the resistance.
    • Denise Bolds adds that the battle is systemic and designed to control birth, and Ravae agrees that dismantling these systems is crucial for the well-being of women and children.

    Good Birth Worker News

    • Birth work, music, and life. 42.11
    • Denise Bolds finds solace in Andre 3000's new album during a difficult week.
    • Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss Andre 3000’s new album, with Denise praising his creativity and Ravae mentioning mixed reviews.
    • The hosts applaud Andre 3000 for stepping out of his comfort zone and doing something that brings him joy, despite criticism from some fans.

    ------------------------------------------------

    How to find us:

    Ravae Sinclair @birthconnections and natlbirthpostpartumpros

    Denise Bolds @BoldDoula and @blackwomendovbac

    Website: www.doulathatpodcast.com

    IG:@doulathatpodcast

    Platforms: Apple, Spotify, Stitcher & Google

    46 min
  • Finding Doula Clients & CDC Reports Rise in Maternal Death Rates

    Introduction What are you reading?

    • Memoirs, resilience, and black women's experiences. 0:00
    • Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss books they're reading. Denise is reading "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" and "Recovering Black Storytelling and Qualitative Research."
    • Denise Bolds shares her interest in storytelling and its importance in preserving cultural heritage.
    • Ravae Sinclair shares her thoughts on Jada Pinkett Smith's memoir "Worthy," appreciating her resilience as a black woman and surviving difficult experiences.
    • Ravae found the book entertaining and thought-provoking, but lost interest in the last chapter due to its "woowoo" nature.

    Doula Skills

    • Doula match.net, member directories, and networking. 9:33
    • Ravae Sinclair highlights the importance of signing up for directories to attract clients, such as DoulaMatch.net.
    • Denise Bolds shares her advocacy for discounted membership fees for BIPOC and Indigenous doulas on Doula Match, as a result of her pandemic-related efforts.
    • Denise Bolds advocated for a flag on doula match.net to identify Black birth workers, which Kim James developed and implemented.
    • Ravae Sinclair appreciates Denise's advocacy skills.
    • Ravae Sinclair suggests using member directories and platforms like Bornbir to connect with other doulas and grow your business.
    • Bornbir offers a free directory of families looking for doulas, but requires a monthly subscription to access contact information.
    • Doula directories and lead generation strategies. 14:14
    • Parents can search for birth workers on various directories, including HelloMeela, Poppy Seed (black-owned), and Boober (focused on breastfeeding).
    • Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss directories and lead generation strategies for doulas and birth workers, including identifying providers with preferred provider lists and making deals with providers for referrals.
    • Bolds and Sinclair also discuss the importance of having business cards ready at births to receive referrals from OBs and midwives.
    • Denise Bolds suggests sending a thank-you note or small gift to front desk staff at hospitals, as they play a crucial role in connecting clients with doulas.
    • Ravae Sinclair emphasizes the importance of building relationships with complementary practice and beliefs, and getting on the list of preferred providers at hospitals to increase visibility and potential for referrals.
    • Doula business growth strategies. 20:40
    • Denise Bolds suggests including complete demographics in email footers to make it easy for others to refer businesses.
    • Ravae Sinclair agrees, emphasizing the importance of having a professional image and consistent contact information across platforms.
    • Ravae Sinclair suggests finding a platform that fits your budget and sticking with it for at least 3-4 months to get clients.
    • Ravae Sinclair suggests doulas collaborate with other professionals, such as agencies or other doulas, to build their businesses.
    • She also recommends affiliate work, where doulas refer clients to each other and receive a kickback for successful sales.
    • Certificate issues in doula training. 27:55
    • Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss issues with obtaining certificates after completing training for Black birth workers.
    • Denise Bolds shares her experience of completing a Spinning Babies training but not receiving her certificate, despite others in the same cohort receiving theirs.
    • Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss the challenge of obtaining certificates from a national organization, with Denise expressing frustration at the lack of transparency and timeliness in providing certificates.
    • Denise Bolds emphasizes the importance of offering contact hours or certificates for training and conferences, citing the growing need for quantifiable proof of doula work for Medicaid and other entities.

    Trending Issues or Topics

    • Maternity care deserts and hospital closures in the US. 34:52
    • Ravae Sinclair discusses rising infant mortality rate and challenges in maternity care.
    • Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss the closure of labor and delivery (L&D) departments in hospitals, particularly in Alabama, and the impact on families and workers.
    • The speakers question why hospitals are not making money despite charging insurance companies for deliveries and suggest alternative birthing options like homebirth midwives and birth centers.
    • Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss the closure of a hospital in Atlanta, leading to stress and fear among pregnant women and their families regarding the safety and quality of care for their birth experiences.
    • The closure of the hospital, which was also the only birth center in the city, has left families scrambling to find alternative care providers, leading to concerns about the reputation and staffing of Grady Hospital, the only other option for high-risk births in the area.
    • Doula services in NYC hospitals. 41:57
    • Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss the challenges of navigating the healthcare system in New York City, particularly for families seeking continuity of care during pregnancy and childbirth.
    • Doulas can provide a familiar face and continuity of care for families, bridging the gap between prenatal and postnatal care.
    • Ravae Sinclair highlights the importance of identifying pain points for families in the childbirth process, and how doulas can provide continuity and consistency in an otherwise fragmented experience.
    • Denise Bolds emphasizes the value of doulas in providing familiarity and enhancing the reputation of medical practices, while also serving as a problem-solver for families in need.

    Good Birth Worker News

    • Prison doula programs and addressing issues of coercion and rape in the criminal justice system. 47:48
    • Ravae Sinclair highlights the PRISM program in Pennsylvania, a prison doula program led by Gerria Coffee that provides support to birthing people in the criminal justice system.
    • Ravae praises the program's work in creating a net for those in the underbelly of society and helping women give birth outside of prison, with the goal of reconnecting and bouncing back.
    • Ravae Sinclair discusses the prevalence of sexual assault in prisons, including coercive sex and bartering for sexual favors.
    • Ravae Sinclair discusses the issue of sexual assault and births in Alabama prisons, highlighting the need for addressing the cultural factors that contribute to these problems.
    • Prison policies and baby custody. 54:14
    • Ravae Sinclair, a prison guard, was fired after an inmate asked her to take care of her baby.
    • Despite the termination, the mother eventually regained her baby, but it was placed in foster care, because the mother needed more time to get herself together.
    • Ravae Sinclair highlights need for birth worker support in prison AND within the community for new mothers or caregivers.
    • Prison doulas and support for incarcerated women. 59:40
    • Denise Bolds shares about predatory behavior by corrections officers towards incarcerated women in New York, with some officers getting women pregnant and facing consequences.
    • Doulas and support workers discuss the need for training and support in working with incarcerated individuals, including navigating lockdowns and mental health challenges.
    • Doula work in prisons and TV shows. 1:03:08
    • Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss the challenges of supporting new mothers in the criminal justice system.
    • Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss the PRISM program and its impact on the community.

    ------------------------------------------------

    How to find us:

    Ravae Sinclair @birthconnections and natlbirthpostpartumpros

    Denise Bolds @BoldDoula and @blackwomendovbac

    Website: www.doulathatpodcast.com

    IG:@doulathatpodcast

    Platforms: Apple, Spotify, Stitcher & Google

    1 hr 5 min
  • Backup Doulas, Raising Funds, Infant Loss Awareness, Oh My!

    ·      Doula skills and backup support during the holiday season. 0:08

    o  Ravae Sinclair and Denise Both share what's in their cups during a podcast episode.

    o  Doulas seek backup support during holiday season and beyond.

    ·      Doula backup and communication. 3:43

    o  Doula discusses importance of having a backup doula for support during birth.

    o  Doula shares experiences with clients and other doulas, emphasizing importance of clear communication and contracts.

    ·      Backup doulas and their importance in childbirth. 7:19

    o  Backup doula should vet clients and lawyers, develop go-twos for support.

    o  Ravae & Denise discuss strategies for finding backup doulas and reducing anxiety for clients.

    o  Offer virtual doula services if there are limited in-person matches for a family's preferences.

    o  Establish a backup doula contract with a written agreement to avoid confusion and ensure fair compensation.

    ·      Backup doulas for birth workers during pandemic. 13:43

    o  Ravae & Denise discuss importance of having a backup doula for client support and self-care.

    o  Ravae suggests adapting to pandemic by disclosing limited experience, undergirding with backup support.

    ·      Ethics in doula work and backup doulas. 16:51

    o  Denise discovers $1,000 discrepancy in payment for supporting client through prodromal labor.

    o  Denise supports client through multiple prodromal births, totaling 3-4 days.

    o  Ravae warns against overextending oneself as a doula, risking burnout and compromising quality of care.

    o  Denise highlights the importance of backup support and fair compensation for doulas, citing a specific example of a Black doula taking advantage of a less experienced doula.

    ·      Doula backup support during long labors. 22:33

    o  Denise discusses managing long labors without a backup doula, and the potential use of an honorarium for backup support.

    o  Ravae discusses her use of backup doulas for support during long labor.

    ·      Race and representation in birth work organizations. 26:07

    o  Ravae highlights the trend of white-led organizations using BIPOC faces without proper representation or credit.

    o  Ravae notices a trend of Black faces in corporate messaging and podcasting, while Denise shares their experiences as a Black person in the US, highlighting the exhaustion of constantly advocating for equity and inclusion.

    o  Denise’s podcast on Lamaze and Bradley methods was popular, but they stepped back due to lack of diversity in the organization and its teaching materials.

    o  Denise criticizes Lamaze for not doing enough for Black birth workers, including revoking certifications of some test takers.

    ·      Image usage and ownership in a nonprofit organization. 32:51

    o  Ravae Sinclair discusses her experience with DONA International, including being dismissed from the board with no explanation and her image still being used without permission.

    o  Ravae shares her experience of being the first Black president of the organization in its history, and the ongoing issue of image usage without permission.

    ·      Image rights and usage for birth workers. 35:05

    o  Ravae & Denise discuss barriers to certification for Black birth workers, with one speaker criticizing low standards for these professionals.

    o  Ravae emphasizes the importance of controlling one's image and likeness, especially when collaborating with others for business purposes.

    o  Ravae shares a personal experience of dealing with the misuse of an image by an organization, highlighting the need for agreements to manage future usage.

    ·      Race, leadership, and the future of black birth workers. 39:47

    o  Denise Bolds shares their experience of shutting down a podcast due to a falling out with a co-host, highlighting the importance of aligning with the right people.

    o  Denise and Ravae discuss trends in the birth world, including the challenge of controlling one's image and aligning with organizations that align with their values.

    ·      GoFundMe campaigns and personal finances. 42:34

    o  Ravae expresses frustration with GoFundMe campaigns for personal expenses, such as a van or moving costs, and feels that it's inappropriate to ask for money without proper justification.

    o  Denise shares their own experience with GoFundMe campaigns and acknowledges that it can be a generational difference in how people approach financial support.

    o  Denise shares their experience as a doula and how they raised money for their business by selling personal belongings and hosting a yard sale.

    o  Ravae and Denise discuss the shift towards relying more on online platforms like GoFundMe for fundraising, rather than traditional methods like hosting events or selling items.

    ·      Financial support and generational differences. 47:48

    o  Ravae recognizes increased demand for doula services due to financial uncertainty and seeks to address it through teaching a class.

    o  Ravae & Denise discuss differences in generational attitudes towards gratitude and connection in giving and receiving.

    ·      Financial management and self-improvement for birth workers. 51:18

    o  Denise Bolds shares personal experiences of financial struggles as a single mom, highlighting the need for support and resources.

    o  Ravae observes that there is a lack of posts seeking financial knowledge or support, and suggests a paradigm shift towards equal exchange.

    o  Denise shares their personal experience as a black single mom and how they overcame financial struggles through sacrifice and leverage.

    o  Denise references Alex Hammadi, a successful YouTuber and entrepreneur, as an example of how making sacrifices can lead to financial success.

    o  Successful entrepreneurs share their financial management strategies and the sacrifices they made to reach their goals.

    ·      Financial literacy and relationships with money among birth workers. 58:07

    o  Denise Bolds reflects on generational differences in approach to birth work, highlighting the need for managing expectations and different perspectives.

    o  Denise emphasizes the importance of having a positive relationship with money, cultivating it, and respecting it.

    o  Ravae Sinclair agrees and acknowledges that the question of one's relationship with money is important, but admits they still don't have a clear answer themselves.

    ·      Infant loss awareness and healing for birth workers. 1:01:41

    o  Doula overcomes loss to welcome new baby, finding hope and healing through her experience.

    o  Denise Bolds shares personal experience with miscarriage and stillbirth to emphasize importance of support for families and birth workers.

    o  Doula work involves more than just physical support, including emotional and spiritual care for families.

    __________________________

    Links to Resources:

    Birth Worker Contract Templates: www.natlbirthpostpartumpros.com/shop

    Alex Hammadi, Diary of a CEO (YouTube): @TheDiaryOfACEO

    Doula That! Podcast- [email protected] and doulathatpodcast.com

    Birth Worker Business Booster course

    Black Birth Worker Wellness Collective on Facebook

    Sweet Sleep Junebug

    ------------------------------------------------

    How to find us:

    Ravae Sinclair @birthconnections and natlbirthpostpartumpros

    Denise Bolds @BoldDoula and @blackwomendovbac

    Website: www.doulathatpodcast.com

    IG:@doulathatpodcast

    Platforms: Apple, Spotify, Stitcher & Google

    1 hr 9 min

About Doula That!

From the publisher's feed

We are experienced birth workers with diverse careers, bringing decades of expertise to the world of birth, babies, and families. Join us on this journey as we delve deep into the realms of birth,…