A question we see often in doula forums is about sliding scales. How do you determine the low & high end of the scale? How do you make sure that those who can afford to pay, are honest about their ability to pay? Many doulas underestimate the amount of time involved in setting up a sliding scale. Then there is the maintenance & moving prospective clients through the application & verification process. There is much more than this to consider. Come join us as we discuss the ins & outs of sliding scales.

As birth workers, one of the most common concerns families face is the health and well-being of their babies. Understanding SIDS is a topic of great importance to doulas & parents alike. SIDS is the sudden death of an infant under one year of age. The death is unexpected and has no known cause. Come join us as we discuss the difference between SIDS and SUIDS and learn how to discuss how to reduce risk with families via the Safe to Sleep practices.

The term Rainbow Baby is to define a pregnancy that happens after a miscarriage or infant loss. All too often the communities that supporting clients after loss comes with many variables and nuances. It is critical that doulas prepare themselves to support a client through, or following loss well before the opportunity actually arises. Come join us as we discuss how to support clients who are walking through the Rainbow Experience through pregnancy and postpartum.

When an individual sets out to become a doula the focus is often on workshops, birth bags, postpartum gadgets, and supplies that clients may need. However, many individuals often leave out the most essential tool that a doula will ever have. The backup doula. Come join us as we discuss important considerations for choosing a backup doula and explore why the backup doula is so essential.

One question we see asked often in doula discussion groups is which organization an individual should pick to train and certify with. For some people making this choice is simple, while for others they need more information. In this episode, we discuss how to find an organization that feels right for you & how they can support you through your doula career. We also discuss the things you may want to consider when making a choice & give you some food for thought on things you might not have considered before.

After the whirlwind of labor and delivery has passed, parents find themselves sinking into the routine of taking care of their baby. Now imagine there are two or more newborns to navigate. This is where you as a postpartum doula can provide invaluable support. Supporting multiples is more than just being a second set of hands, although that part is important too! In this episode, we talk about what it's like to be a doula for more than one baby and how this changes the family's needs that you are supporting.

Understanding the nuances of multiple births is critical to providing support to families expecting more than one baby. There are many factors that influence the management of a multiple pregnancy. In addition, the birth of multiples is also typically different than that of a single baby. As doulas, we help clients to know what to expect. We also help them to prepare for a birth that may be different than they expected. Come join us as we explore the ins and outs of support for the birth of multiples.

Let's talk about doula burnout. The average length of a doula's career is about 3-5 years. One of the most common reasons that doulas abandon their passion is because of burnout. It is important that doulas protect that passion from the start. We need people who have passion and drive to be in this field for the long term. Doula burnout, fueled by poor boundaries taught as part of doula training. Or burnout fueled by a lack of support or a way to effectively process the things we bear witness to as doulas. Systems that are not sustainable and fail to create a structure for longevity. Come join us as we explore the causes and remedies for doula burnout.

The internal workings of the birthing body are often a mystery to both clients and doulas alike. Often the numbers and percentages surrounding cervical dilation and effacement are thought of as hard and fast. While dilation is often the one measurement that receives the most focus, it is not the only factor to be considered. There are 4 ways that the cervix will change in the weeks leading up to and during labor as well. Come join us as we explore the many aspects of cervical change during pregnancy, labor, and birth.

As birth professionals, it is not uncommon to experience self-doubt as we begin working with clients. It is prevalent for birth professionals to feel the weight of imposter syndrome when working with clients we perceive as more educated—for example, doctors, nurses, or lawyers. As individuals, we all have insecurities and self-doubt. Come join us as we talk about imposter syndrome and how to navigate the many challenges it presents and approaches to stepping beyond self-doubt and fear.