🎧 Episode Overview

Ever wondered what it really takes to be a doula?

Spoiler alert: it’s not just holding hands and cooing over babies!

In this episode of Grace in the Grind, we sit down with Ayla Hartless, a birth and postpartum doula, childbirth educator, and breastfeeding coach, to dive into the realities of birth work. From navigating a largely unregulated industry to supporting families through the highs and lows of childbirth and postpartum, Ayla shares her journey and the unexpected challenges of being a doula.

We also tackle limiting beliefs, the importance of community, and how Ayla transitioned from working in a nursing home to full-time birth coaching. If you’re curious about what it means to truly support new parents or need some inspiration to pursue your passion, this episode is for you!

☕ Grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let’s get into the grace and the grind of birth work!

💡 Key Takeaways from This Episode

✅ What It Takes to Be a Doula

• The realities of working in an unregulated industry
• Why certifications aren’t always required, but heart and compassion are
• How doulas support both moms and families beyond the delivery room

✅ Overcoming Limiting Beliefs & Finding Your Calling

• How Ayla knew she wanted to work in birth support from a young age
• The fears and doubts that held her back—and how she overcame them
• Why her work in a nursing home shaped her approach to birth coaching

✅ Challenges & Burnout in the Doula World

• The emotional and physical demands of the job (52-hour births, anyone?)
• Why many doulas face compassion fatigue and burnout
• How mentorship, boundaries, and fair compensation prevent exhaustion

✅ Facing Controversy & Finding Your People

• Why the doula industry is surprisingly controversial
• How Ayla navigated criticism and rejection for her faith-based approach
• The importance of finding the right community and staying true to your values

💬 Wisdom from Ayla Hartless

"Find community. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, and pull others up alongside you. We grow best together." – Ayla Hartless
📚 Resources Mentioned

📖 Doula & Motherhood Support by Ayla:

• Born Motherhood Doula Services
• Childbirth Education & Postpartum Support

🔍 Further Learning:

• The Thompson Method for breastfeeding education
• Exploring the role of emotional intelligence in postpartum recovery

🎧 Connect with Ayla Hartless

🌍 Website: BornMotherhood.com

📸 Facebook: @BornMotherhood

🚀 Episode Takeaways

✨ Birth work is more than just labor support—it’s advocacy, education, and emotional care.

✨ Overcoming limiting beliefs is key to stepping into your calling.

✨ The right mentor and community make all the difference in your success.

✨ Doula work is rewarding, but without boundaries, burnout is real.

✨ Faith, passion, and persistence will get you further than fear ever will.

🎯 Take the Next Step!

💡 Want to support new moms or explore birth work?

Connect with Ayla Hartless to learn about doula training, childbirth education, and postpartum support.

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