What does it take to be a birth doula, and how do you choose the right doula for you? Sarah Newling (she/her) is one of the most in demand birth doulas and prenatal yoga instructors in the Newcastle area, and has stopped by to share her answers to both those questions and more. In this interview, we cover

• Sarah's introduction to birth work
• Why she feels doula and prenatal yoga are a match made in heaven
• The difference between "head down" and "bottom up" preparation, and why one is so much easier than the other
• One of her favourite physical practices to use in labour
• What you can ask a prospective doula to see if they're the right fit for you (and how she gets a feel for if the people wanting her doula services are a good fit too)
• What systems you need in place to make the on call aspect of doula work possible and sustainable
• Is it better to meet clients where they're at, or be very selective about which births you take on?
• Why she sometimes spends her initial visit talking people out of hiring a doula
• Sarah's key tip for prospective doulas and birth workers
• What Sarah offers and where we can find her

[This episode has one or two swears right near the end.]

Sarah's website: www.yogimama.com.au

• Prenatal yoga (and postnatal yoga for prenatal clients)
• Birth doula
• Quarterly circles with Joanne Mackintosh (separate pregnancy and c-sec circles)

Anna's website: www.annacusack.com.au

• Postnatal doula services (in home and group support)
• 1:1 sessions Birth story listening sessions (specialised independent birth debriefs)
• Quarterly circles for mothers and birth parents at all stages of parenthood
• Book - "Mama, You're Not Broken: Unmasking the Unspoken Emotions of Modern Motherhood"

Instagram @sarah.yogimama and @annacusackpostpartum