Childbirth education is a way for pregnant individuals to learn about the process of birth and what options may exist. It does this through expelling fear and increasing knowledge. In addition, it teaches pregnant people how to advocate for their wishes.

However, the role of the doula and the role of the childbirth educator seem very similar but the approach to providing information is actually quite different. The sequence of support for doulas is emotions first, feelings second, what do they need or want to know, then what do they want to do.

Childbirth educators start with information first.  What do their learners want or need to know or what do they already know. Then how do they feel about the options/information presented. Finally, what are they going to do with the information they have learned. What decisions will the make about their preferences with the information they have learned?

Come join us as we discuss the process and value of childbirth education and how we can form connection and community as educators.

For many, the pushing phase of labor is an exciting yet scary part of the labor process. Many individuals have concerns or fears surrounding the pushing phase of labor. From tearing to their infant's safety, a doula is needed for emotional and physical support.

Supporting a client through this phase begins during pregnancy. Here, we can help clients explore how they would like to push and what positions they may prefer to give birth in. This is a process of discussion and discovery for the client. Many may not be aware of the multitude of options and positions that exist when it comes to this stage of labor.

There are many options, from passive descent to coached pushing to standing, squatting, side-lying, or semi-sitting. It is also important to remember that preferences before pushing begins may change once the pushing process begins.

Join us as we discuss the nuances of supporting clients through the second stage of labor.

We often see questions among doulas about agency interviews. There are a lot of specific questions about what to expect and what questions to ask the agency.

Each agency will have specific questions that they feel are important to ask. So, what you may encounter will vary from agency to agency. However, some questions will overlap between businesses.

It is common for agencies to want to know what training you have taken. If you haven't yet taken a training, they may point you in the direction of the training they prefer or may have the most need for to utilize you best. Presenting your authentic self in agency interviews is also important. Many agency owners deeply believe in how this prospective doula "feels." It's okay to feel nervous but coming to the table with your authentic self is important for both sides.

When looking to join an agency, asking the agency what services are most in demand is a great way to assess if they offer what you want to provide. It will also help you determine what additional education you may want to pursue to offer more through the agency. Another important question often surrounds compensation. How much will you be paid for the services you provide?

Join us as we discuss both sides of the agency interview and what that may look like.

There are many benefits to adding placenta services as a part of the services you offer. While there is a benefit to the clients who utilize this service, there are also benefits to those who offer it.

Processing the placenta for encapsulation in the client's home brings a wealth of benefits to the client in addition to safety. It also allows the encapsulator to sit down with the client and check on how they are recovering from birth. In addition, they can also check in on the newborn and how they are transitioning to life outside the uterus. 

Offering encapsulation as a labor doula allows you to continue your support into the postpartum period. It also allows for those who are also postpartum doulas to introduce the benefits of this type of support to the client. It gives the opportunity to affirm the client in how they are caring for their baby. Encourages them to ask questions and for you to provide necessary or requested resources. 

Join is as we discuss the many benefits to clients and birth professionals of placenta services.

Learning how to initiate and lead conversations between prospective clients and clients is an essential skill in doula work. Yet at times, doulas often feel unsure about what to ask or how to keep the client conversations going.

Beyond the core questions of due date, location of delivery, and basic contact information, what other information a doula feels is important to learn will vary from individual to individual.

When thinking of potential client conversations, consider asking questions that allow you to create an organic flow that helps the prospective client visualize what it would be like to have your support. These conversations cultivate a connection, build trust and mutual respect, and facilitate bonding.

Join us as we explore the considerations for what to ask and how to keep the conversations rolling.

There are many facets to consider when supporting a client through active labor. This stage of labor is often an opportunity to become more physically active and present in client support. However, it is also important to remember to alternate periods of activity with rest during active labor.

When supporting clients through this stage of labor, it is essential to remember to match the mood of the room. As the client becomes more internally focused, conversation and excitement will fade. It is common for conversations to move from sentences to one-word replies.

When providing support during this stage, it's also helpful to consider the senses of the laboring person. Sights, sounds, and smells that may have been comforting initially may become a distraction. The type of touch that feels good will often change as well.

It is also important to remember that what works or doesn't work in terms of comfort can change throughout labor. So revisiting positions or comfort measures that didn't work previously may bring comfort later.

Join us as we discuss the many options for supporting a client through active labor.

A common inquiry in many online doula communities is where to find free samples to give to clients. 

While it's likely true that most people love a freebie, are they actually free? Many individuals don't consider the cost of their time in requesting, processing, storing, and handing out freebies.

Additionally, many companies that give out products for freebies are multimillion-dollar companies with marketing budgets to promote their product. But the birth professionals are not compensated for their time, recommendation, and efforts.

When considering giving out freebies to clients, it's also essential to consider the message that may be sent. Could handing out a sample of lactation tea send the message that it is necessary in order to breastfeed successfully? Or does giving out samples of nipple balm set the expectation that it is necessary?

Join us as we discuss the pros and possible cons of handing out freebies to clients.

As birth professionals, education surrounding the perinatal period is an ongoing process. While it is impossible to learn everything about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, countless opportunities are available to expand your knowledge base.

But how do you decide which topics to choose?

When thinking about continuing education, think out of the box. Postpartum doulas may benefit from a culinary course to assist with meal prep or to offer postpartum meal planning. Labor doulas may benefit from childbirth education training to deepen their knowledge of pregnancy and birth.

Also, consider continuous education that will expand your global knowledge. Courses about trauma-informed care, and working with people who are differently abled, neurodiverse, or a part of the LGBTQIA+ communities may benefit you based on the demographic you serve.

Join us as we discuss the various options and considerations for continuous education.

Undoubtedly, social media plays a big role in our lives and how we communicate with the world. Social media platforms have become a big part of marketing products and services. Learning how to navigate social media as a business owner creates unique challenges. One of the challenges is creating and maintaining social media boundaries.

As business owners, birth workers must determine how little or how much of their business and lives are shared on social media. On platforms such as Facebook, you can create groups and post to only those groups. This allows friends and family to see the post while preventing clients from seeing it.

Some individuals may create separate accounts for personal vs. business use. Others may choose to add clients and colleagues to their personal profiles. Ask yourself if you mind potential clients or the clients you currently serve seeing what you post on your personal profile.

From Facebook to Instagram to Tiktok, deciding how and with whom you would like to share your content is an important decision.

Join us as we discuss the social media boundaries you may want to consider for your business.

When we think about the value of doula work, we must consider two perspectives—the perspective of the doula and the client's perspective.

Before a doula can successfully market their services, they must understand their value to potential clients. While the hallmark of doula work is providing support, the doula must sell their service before client support can begin. Many doulas struggle to communicate the monetary value of their services. There is a tendency for doulas to undervalue their services. Many are encouraged to provide services for free either from training organizations or other doulas in their community. 

Many doulas set the value of doula work based on their socioeconomic status. It's scary for doulas to price services at a rate they can't afford. Others set the value of their services based on how capable they feel of providing client support. When a doula doesn't know how to sell their services, they often want to give them away. 

Join us as we discuss how doulas can value themselves to help prospective clients understand the value that the doula can bring to their birth or parenting experience.