In this episode, Melanie sits down with Richmond-based OB/GYN and host of the Birth With Power podcast, Dr. Nicole Calloway Rankins.

Having known each other for the past 14 years, they dive into Nicole's personal journey into medicine, what inspired her to become an OB/GYN, and the experiences that continue to shape her approach to caring for her patients today. As a physician of color practicing in a field where representation matters, Nicole also reflects on the perspectives and values she brings to her work 🌎

Together, they get right into all things birth 🌿, discussing advocacy, patient-centered care, and the impact doulas can have in the birth spaces Nicole works in. Nicole shares her thoughts on collaboration between providers and doulas and why supporting families through informed, respectful care is so important.

Part birth conversation, part catching up with an old friend, this episode offers an honest look at collaboration, representation in healthcare, and improving the birth experience for everyone involved ✨

Have a listen! 💛

Check out Nicole's podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL76Y7PBv1EpY16ta5g0HA-5ZITq-aoI0z 🎧

The ToRAISE Questions Doula podcast offers thoughtful, unfiltered conversations for doulas and birth workers who want to deepen their knowledge, elevate their practice, and uphold the integrity of birth work. Each episode features insights from experienced professionals in the field, helping you grow with intention and purpose.

Questions, feedback, show ideas, want to be a guest? We want to hear from you!

→ Email: [email protected]
→ Instagram: instagram.com/tolabor
→ Facebook: facebook.com/toLabordoulas

Interested in becoming a Doula?
Visit our website for more: https://tolabor.com/

🫶 Episode 128 features a conversation with Melanie Russell and Natalie Karasiewicz, sharing the story and vision behind the A Brighter Birth Collective.

Melanie founded the collective 18 years ago in Richmond, VA, creating a space rooted in support, education, and community for growing families. Now, with Natalie recently opening the Charleston, SC location, A Brighter Birth Collective continues to expand its reach while staying deeply grounded in its mission 👐

ABB is more than a birth collective- it’s a wellness and lifestyle community made up of women-owned businesses and practitioners supporting families from fertility through postpartum and beyond 🌈 ABB has built a model of care that is collaborative, intentional, and centered on meeting families where they are.

In this episode, Melanie and Natalie talk about the evolution of ABB, what it means to build a collective in the birth space, and how community-centered care can truly change the experience of pregnancy, postpartum and life. 

They also share what’s next- including their vision to grow A Brighter Birth Collective across the country. If you’re a birth worker, wellness provider, or someone feeling called to create something meaningful in your own community, they are actively looking to connect with people interested in bringing an ABB Collective to their city 🌿

Check it out: www.abrighterbirth.com

Tune in to hear the story, the growth, and the invitation to be part of something bigger ✨

The Educated Birth toolkit binder is a trusted resource for doulas, birth workers, and educators. Created by Cheyenne Varner, it includes 155+ pages of inclusive, illustrated education covering pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum — designed to help clients feel informed and supported. Get 10% off with code "TOLABOR" at EducatedBirth.store – Care deeply. Teach clearly.

The ToRAISE Questions Doula podcast offers thoughtful, unfiltered conversations for doulas and birth workers who want to deepen their knowledge, elevate their practice, and uphold the integrity of birth work. Each episode features insights from experienced professionals in the field, helping you grow with intention and purpose.

Questions, feedback, show ideas, want to be a guest? We want to hear from you!

→ Email: [email protected]
→ Instagram: instagram.com/tolabor
→ Facebook: facebook.com/toLabordoulas

Interested in becoming a Doula?
Visit our website for more: https://tolabor.com/

In this episode, we’re joined by Sarah Cole for a powerful conversation about one of the five essential components of our doula training: Collaboration 🤝

What does it really mean to collaborate as a doula within a maternity care system that’s often built on hierarchy? How do we support and advocate for our clients while maintaining respectful, professional relationships with providers and nurses?

Sarah and I dive into the nuance of being a bridge in the birth space — not adversarial, not passive, but grounded and clear. We talk about advocacy without opposition, navigating power dynamics in high-pressure moments, and using language that invites respect rather than resistance. 🗣️✨

Together, we unpack the nuanced role of the doula as a bridge-builder. Sarah shares her perspective on how collaboration is not about compliance, and it’s not about opposition either. Instead, it’s about cultivating respectful relationships with nurses, midwives, and OBs while remaining deeply rooted in our primary responsibility: supporting our client’s autonomy, informed decision-making using B.R.A.I.N, and emotional safety.

We explore:

• The difference between advocacy and adversarial energy
• How to support clients in high-pressure or fast-moving clinical moments
• Language tools that foster respect rather than defensiveness
• Navigating power dynamics without escalating tension
• The importance of understanding hospital culture and provider workflow
• How to prepare clients prenatally for collaborative communication
• What it looks like to “stay in your lane” while still holding strong boundaries

We also explore the internal work required of doulas: managing our own triggers, staying in our lane while holding strong boundaries, and remembering that our primary role is to protect our client’s autonomy and emotional safety. 💛

If you’ve ever wondered how to honor physiological birth and evidence-based care while working inside a medical model, this episode is for you. Collaboration isn’t about hierarchy — it’s about humanity. 🤝

The Educated Birth toolkit binder is a trusted resource for doulas, birth workers, and educators. Created by Cheyenne Varner, it includes 155+ pages of inclusive, illustrated education covering pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum — designed to help clients feel informed and supported. Get 10% off with code "TOLABOR" at EducatedBirth.store – Care deeply. Teach clearly.

The ToRAISE Questions Doula podcast offers thoughtful, unfiltered conversations for doulas and birth workers who want to deepen their knowledge, elevate their practice, and uphold the integrity of birth work. Each episode features insights from experienced professionals in the field, helping you grow with intention and purpose.

Questions, feedback, show ideas, want to be a guest? We want to hear from you!

→ Email: [email protected]
→ Instagram: instagram.com/tolabor
→ Facebook: facebook.com/toLabordoulas

Interested in becoming a Doula?
Visit our website for more: https://tolabor.com/

For many birth workers, doula work is more than a role — it’s a doorway. In this episode, we explore how working as a doula can shape, inform, and prepare someone for the path to midwifery 🌱

Through personal reflection and lived experience, this conversation with Tori Mitchell CNM, dives into the skills, lessons, and perspective gained at the bedside: holding space, building trust, navigating systems, and learning to listen deeply. 

We talk about how doula work lays a foundation for clinical growth, the challenges of shifting roles, and what it means to carry doula values forward into midwifery care. Whether you’re considering midwifery, already on the path, or simply curious about where this work can lead, this episode offers insight, honesty, and encouragement. 🎙️✨

Let’s keep raising the questions that help us grow — in birth work and beyond. 🌿

The Educated Birth toolkit binder is a trusted resource for doulas, birth workers, and educators. Created by Cheyenne Varner, it includes 155+ pages of inclusive, illustrated education covering pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum — designed to help clients feel informed and supported. Get 10% off with code "TOLABOR" at EducatedBirth.store – Care deeply. Teach clearly.

The ToRAISE Questions Doula podcast offers thoughtful, unfiltered conversations for doulas and birth workers who want to deepen their knowledge, elevate their practice, and uphold the integrity of birth work. Each episode features insights from experienced professionals in the field, helping you grow with intention and purpose.

Questions, feedback, show ideas, want to be a guest? We want to hear from you!

→ Email: [email protected]
→ Instagram: instagram.com/tolabor
→ Facebook: facebook.com/toLabordoulas

Interested in becoming a Doula?
Visit our website for more: https://tolabor.com/

💛 When Birth Plans Change: Navigating, Advocating & Processing 

Birth doesn’t always follow the plan- and when things shift, doulas are often holding so much more than labor support.

In this episode of the ToRAISE Questions Doula Podcast, Melanie Russell sits down with Birth Doula, Cece Peace to talk honestly about what it’s like when a client’s birth plan goes awry. Together, they explore how to stay grounded, advocate with clarity, and support clients through disappointment, fear, and unexpected outcomes. 

They discuss:

• Advocacy in high-pressure moments
• Emotional regulation when plans change
• Helping clients process tough births
• Caring for yourself after hard experiences

This episode is a reminder that flexibility, presence, and compassion matter just as much as preparation. Tune in and let’s keep raising the questions that strengthen our work. 🎙️✨

The Educated Birth toolkit binder is a trusted resource for doulas, birth workers, and educators. Created by Cheyenne Varner, it includes 155+ pages of inclusive, illustrated education covering pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum — designed to help clients feel informed and supported. Get 10% off with code "TOLABOR" at EducatedBirth.store – Care deeply. Teach clearly.

The ToRAISE Questions Doula podcast offers thoughtful, unfiltered conversations for doulas and birth workers who want to deepen their knowledge, elevate their practice, and uphold the integrity of birth work. Each episode features insights from experienced professionals in the field, helping you grow with intention and purpose.

Questions, feedback, show ideas, want to be a guest? We want to hear from you!

→ Email: [email protected]
→ Instagram: instagram.com/tolabor
→ Facebook: facebook.com/toLabordoulas

Interested in becoming a Doula?
Visit our website for more: https://tolabor.com/

😅 What happens when you’re called to two births at the same time—or you’ve just walked out of one birth and another client needs you? It’s one of the most stressful and tender realities of doula life… and one we don’t talk about enough.

In this episode, Melanie sits down with experienced Doula, Breastfeeding Specialist and Educator- Sarah Cole to explore how to navigate overlapping labors, backup doula support, emotional boundaries, and the unexpected timing that birth loves to bring.

We discuss:

• Signs clients may need support earlier than expected
• How to prepare families for backup support (without fear)
• Staying grounded through the stress of double call moments
• Releasing guilt + trusting the team around you
• Real stories + lessons from being pulled in two directions

Whether you’re a new doula building your systems or a seasoned birth worker refining your boundaries, this conversation offers practical wisdom, emotional validation, and the reminder that you don’t have to do this work alone.

Tune in + let’s raise the questions that strengthen our practice, our confidence, and our community. 🎙️✨

The Educated Birth toolkit binder is a trusted resource for doulas, birth workers, and educators. Created by Cheyenne Varner, it includes 155+ pages of inclusive, illustrated education covering pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum — designed to help clients feel informed and supported. Get 10% off with code "TOLABOR" at EducatedBirth.store – Care deeply. Teach clearly.

The ToRAISE Questions Doula podcast offers thoughtful, unfiltered conversations for doulas and birth workers who want to deepen their knowledge, elevate their practice, and uphold the integrity of birth work. Each episode features insights from experienced professionals in the field, helping you grow with intention and purpose.

Questions, feedback, show ideas, want to be a guest? We want to hear from you!

→ Email: [email protected]
→ Instagram: instagram.com/tolabor
→ Facebook: facebook.com/toLabordoulas

Interested in becoming a Doula?
Visit our website for more: https://tolabor.com/

🕊️ Connection, creativity, and community — plus the best food ever. Rae’s story will leave you inspired to slow down, fill your cup, and do the work you love.

Watch the full video version here: https://youtu.be/kC_J5nNxzDM

In this uplifting episode, Melanie Russell sits down with brand new Doula Rae Thweat to talk about their transformative experience at ToLABOR’s latest Combo Doula Training + Retreat in Wintergreen, VA. Rae shares what it was like to learn in an immersive, retreat-style setting—surrounded by both new and seasoned Doulas—and how the wellness activities, reflection time, and community connection deepened their understanding of what it truly means to care for others and themselves.

From the powerful moments in training, to the restorative yoga and sound baths, to (of course!) the incredible food—Rae opens up about how this experience shaped their confidence as a birth worker. They also discuss the exciting (and sometimes tricky) balance of being a parent, a stylist, a small business owner, and now, a Doula—offering a real and inspiring look at what it means to integrate birth work into an already full and creative life.

This conversation is full of heart, laughter, and a few delicious details that’ll make you want to sign up for the next retreat yourself.

The Educated Birth toolkit binder is a trusted resource for doulas, birth workers, and educators. Created by Cheyenne Varner, it includes 155+ pages of inclusive, illustrated education covering pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum — designed to help clients feel informed and supported. Get 10% off with code "TOLABOR" at EducatedBirth.store – Care deeply. Teach clearly.

The ToRAISE Questions Doula podcast offers thoughtful, unfiltered conversations for doulas and birth workers who want to deepen their knowledge, elevate their practice, and uphold the integrity of birth work. Each episode features insights from experienced professionals in the field, helping you grow with intention and purpose.

Questions, feedback, show ideas, want to be a guest? We want to hear from you!

→ Email: [email protected]
→ Instagram: instagram.com/tolabor
→ Facebook: facebook.com/toLabordoulas

Interested in becoming a Doula?
Visit our website for more: https://tolabor.com/

🌿 Melanie Russell is back with big news: ToLABOR’s brand-new Combo Doula Training + Retreat has arrived!

Watch the full video version here: https://youtu.be/kdZoxtDIT9Q

This unique approach to doula education goes beyond classroom-style learning—it’s a thoughtfully designed experience that combines evidence-based training with restorative practices like yoga, meditation, sound baths, and shared meals. The goal? To equip doulas not only with the skills and knowledge they need, but also with the space and practices that replenish their energy and nurture their own wellbeing. Because when doulas are supported and cared for, they can show up with even more strength and presence for the families they serve.

Melanie is joined by Ocean Hak-Kuhn, leading the Postpartum Doula training, and Sarah Cole, guiding the Lactation Education portion. Together, they share heartfelt stories from their own work supporting families, and offer a glimpse into the magic of this new retreat-style training at Wintergreen Resort. Listeners will feel the excitement build for a weekend that promises not just learning, but renewal, connection, and transformation.

The Educated Birth toolkit binder is a trusted resource for doulas, birth workers, and educators. Created by Cheyenne Varner, it includes 155+ pages of inclusive, illustrated education covering pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum — designed to help clients feel informed and supported. Get 10% off with code "TOLABOR" at EducatedBirth.store – Care deeply. Teach clearly.

The ToRAISE Questions Doula podcast offers thoughtful, unfiltered conversations for doulas and birth workers who want to deepen their knowledge, elevate their practice, and uphold the integrity of birth work. Each episode features insights from experienced professionals in the field, helping you grow with intention and purpose.

Questions, feedback, show ideas, want to be a guest? We want to hear from you!

→ Email: [email protected]
→ Instagram: instagram.com/tolabor
→ Facebook: facebook.com/toLabordoulas

Interested in becoming a Doula?
Visit our website for more: https://tolabor.com/

🎙️ Melanie Russell is back in the studio — and it feels so good!

Watch the full video version here: https://youtu.be/8l6T131Q4tI

After an 8 year hiatus, the ToRAISE Questions Doula podcast returns with fresh energy and a whole lot of heart. In this episode, Melanie reintroduces the pod and reflects on the many transitions that have unfolded — both within ToLABOR and in her own life — since the last recording.

She also catches listeners up on all things ToLABOR 2025, including exciting updates to the Birth Doula Training curriculum. Joining her are two new ToLABOR educators, Hunter Moore and Cheyenne Varner, who share their contributions on these additions, along with personal stories and wisdom from their work in the field.

This is a conversation about growth, change, and the ever-evolving path of doula work — and we’re so glad to have you listening.

The Educated Birth toolkit binder is a trusted resource for doulas, birth workers, and educators. Created by Cheyenne Varner, it includes 155+ pages of inclusive, illustrated education covering pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum — designed to help clients feel informed and supported. Get 10% off with code "TOLABOR" at EducatedBirth.store – Care deeply. Teach clearly.

The ToRAISE Questions Doula podcast offers thoughtful, unfiltered conversations for doulas and birth workers who want to deepen their knowledge, elevate their practice, and uphold the integrity of birth work. Each episode features insights from experienced professionals in the field, helping you grow with intention and purpose.

Questions, feedback, show ideas, want to be a guest? We want to hear from you!

→ Email: [email protected]
→ Instagram: instagram.com/tolabor
→ Facebook: facebook.com/toLabordoulas

Interested in becoming a Doula?
Visit our website for more: https://tolabor.com/

Thérèse spends time talking to Valerie Drews who is a birth doula in the Chicago area (http://www.sacred-pregnancy.com/ ),about her experience being a doula for her sister's births. Is it hard to stay in the role as doula when you are also a family member? Her sister/client, Nichole Oakapal joins the conversation to give her perspective.

The Educated Birth toolkit binder is a trusted resource for doulas, birth workers, and educators. Created by Cheyenne Varner, it includes 155+ pages of inclusive, illustrated education covering pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum — designed to help clients feel informed and supported. Get 10% off with code "TOLABOR" at EducatedBirth.store – Care deeply. Teach clearly.

The ToRAISE Questions Doula podcast offers thoughtful, unfiltered conversations for doulas and birth workers who want to deepen their knowledge, elevate their practice, and uphold the integrity of birth work. Each episode features insights from experienced professionals in the field, helping you grow with intention and purpose.

Questions, feedback, show ideas, want to be a guest? We want to hear from you!

→ Email: [email protected]
→ Instagram: instagram.com/tolabor
→ Facebook: facebook.com/toLabordoulas

Interested in becoming a Doula?
Visit our website for more: https://tolabor.com/