Doulas of the Roundtable

As doulas and humans, it is inherent that we bring bias into our work. Yet, at the same time, providing non-biased, non-judgmental support is a hallmark of the support we provide to the families we work with. The first step to setting aside our bias is identifying the types of bias we are subject to. The three basic types of bias that doulas face are: Implicit bias Explicit bias Confirmation bias There are biases that we hold based on our lived experiences. They influence our subconscious thoughts, attitudes, and stereotypes. These biases are identified as implicit bias. Explicit biases are biases that come from our views about a person, thing, or group. Then we have confirmation bias. Confirmation bias leads us to interpret, search for, and remember information in a way that supports our prior beliefs or values. Join us as we explore the common types of doula bias and discuss how they can influence the important work we do with clients.

Supporting precipitous labor is a skill that, for many doulas, is learned in real-time. Precipitous labor is labor that ends 3-5 hours after the onset of labor. On average, 1 in 3 of every 100 birthing people will experience precipitous labor. While certain factors can make a pregnant person more likely to experience precipitous labor, the exact cause is unknown. As doulas, we often wonder what the "secret sauce" is. What is it that will cause some people to experience this type of labor. While the idea of rapid labor may sound great to clients, this type of labor does present some challenges. The body is doing the same amount of work to give birth. Only it's happening in a vastly condensed amount of time. This means that for most, the pace and intensity of the labor are likely more than anticipated. Those who experience precipitous labor often relate that this type of labor is like going from 0-100 in .02 seconds. The expected build-up of contractions from early labor to active labor to transition just doesn't happen. Providing support in this type of situation can be challenging for those who support clients during labor. Helping clients cope in real-time is a process that is fast-paced and requires thinking on your toes. After the birth, it often takes clients some time to process that the birth is over. Even with the baby in their arms. Come join us as we discuss the ins and outs of supporting precipitous labor.

As a birth worker, networking and developing a community referral list are important to your work. Those new to the field often wonder how to begin. Another common question is what services should be included on a referral list. No matter the approach, who you add to your referral list is a task that requires careful consideration. Do the business's beliefs and values align with your own? In the digital age, a fumble on the part of one business can reflect badly on your own. For example, if your business is LGBTQIA+ friendly, referring to another business, no matter how skilled they may be, who does not share these values can cause a negative image of your business. Will the business you refer to offer reciprocity in referring back to you? Come join us as we discuss the many variables to consider when developing your community referral list.

Partner support during the postpartum period is one topic we don't see discussed often. Yet, for the partner, having a baby and learning to parent is an equally transformative experience. Partners experience the birth in a different way than the birthing person. They can experience worry, feelings of helplessness, and even experience vicarious trauma. Partners will typically self-sacrifice to support the birthing person. This is often where the need for more focused support can begin. Sacrificing their own needs to support the birthing person. Setting their need for rest and nourishment aside. As postpartum doulas coming into this dynamic requires assessment skills. What does this partner need most at this point? Where are they struggling? Where are they excelling, and how can we validate and encourage them? Come join us as we discuss the many considerations in how to support partners during the postpartum period.

As doulas consider expanding into other birth-related services, birth photography is often a common consideration. It seems like the perfect mesh, doula skills paired with photography skills equals the perfect match. But can a doula be both at the same time? While it seems like a simple answer, there are many factors that doulas often fail to consider. Will doula support or photography take priority when a client needs hands-on support? What happens if doula support is needed simultaneously as the one "perfect shot" a client wants presents itself? Join us as we take a deep dive into the ins and outs of providing birth photography and labor support.

What do you wish you knew before becoming a doula? This is a question that we see frequently from those considering birth work or those who have just entered the field. Working with growing families is the part of the work that most have at least a loose idea about. But it's the practicalities that many often fail to consider. Living the on-call life. Pacing yourself when supporting families. What self-care actually looks like. These are just a few things that come immediately to mind as experienced birth workers. Then there are other things that many may not consider. Running a business. For those who are just getting started, client management is also often overlooked. But when you get busy, systems are essential to keep track of clients, what they need, what services they've hired you to provide, and what their preferences and needs are. Come join us as we discuss what we wish we'd known before becoming doulas!

As a birth worker, your personal mental health is just as important as your physical health. The very nature of our role often places us in stressful situations that can cause or exacerbate our own mental health issues. Anxiety, depression, and other conditions can all factor into our ability to care not only for our clients. These conditions can also heavily influence our ability to care for ourselves as well. However, there are strategies to help birth workers combat compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma. From therapy to medication to processing with a trusted colleague, there are many ways to help birth workers cope. Come join us as we discuss mental health for birth workers, strategies to cope, and our own personal journies.

As a birth worker working with repeat clients is always an exciting and humbling experience. For many, the repeat client is like working with an old friend. Someone you've developed trust, a deep bond with, and a healthy mutual respect for. Yet at the same time we as birth workers have to be careful not to make assumptions about what the client will need in this birth or postpartum experience based on previous experiences. There are also many questions that birth workers have when it comes to working with repeat clients. For example, we often hear the following: "How much do I charge a repeat client if my prices have increased since their last birth/baby?" "How many prenatal visits should I do with a repeat labor client?" "What topics should I cover during a pre-birth visit with a repeat client?" "How will what this client needs from me change as a postpartum doula with an older sibling in the home?" Come join us as we discuss the ins and outs of working with repeat clients.

Providing daytime postpartum care often comes with helping families find a routine. A routine that works best for them. However, navigating postpartum overnight care can be a much more challenging type of care. Some doulas struggle with setting boundaries for how frequently or how long they will work overnight postpartum shifts. Others will experience challenges in feeling like they need to "do something, or "do more" during overnights shifts. It's not uncommon for postpartum doulas to experience unsafe sleep situations or for families to use unsafe practices when caring for their newborns. It is important for doulas to give careful thought and consideration to how to handle these situations long before they wind up in the situation. Come join us as we discuss the ins and outs and important considerations for navigating postpartum overnights.

One skill set that many doulas express a lack of confidence in is supporting clients with an epidural. Many doula workshops overemphasize how to support an unmedicated birth. As a result, doulas may feel uncertain and often unprepared to support the client who has chosen an epidural. Supporting the client with an epidural is multi-faceted. Many clients and even doulas may assume that a doula's job is done once an epidural is in place. The reality is, that the doula's job has just begun. Physical support is still necessary when supporting epidurals. Frequent position changes help the baby navigate the changing diameters of the pelvis. The necessity for emotional support can also increase as clients process their feelings surrounding receiving the epidural. Some may feel only relief. Others may feel guilt or regret. Feelings of failure can also be common. Come join us as we discuss the ins and outs of supporting our clients who have chosen to receive an epidural.

Newborn soothing can sometimes seem like a mysterious, magical, art, especially to new parents. The phone rings, it's a new parent who needs help. Sometimes they need more sleep. Others need help with learning how to settle or soothe their newborns. They are feeling panicked, helpless, desperate, and oftentimes as if they are not doing it right. Some also express that they feel as if their baby doesn't like them. For some, the frantic urgency to try and calm their baby perpetuates the cycle. For others, they cycle through the newborn claiming techniques they know too quickly. As a result, no one technique is given enough time to work. This sense of urgency and desperation often leads families to utilize unsafe practices such as unsafe sleep habits. As birth professionals, we benefit families by showing them what is possible. Knowing that their baby can be calmed and soothed gives them hope. We give them the skills to recreate a calm and happy newborn when we are not there. Come join us as we explore the many tools in our toolkit for newborn soothing.

Navigating family challenges surrounding our clients and their support systems can be challenging for many doulas. The relationships between our clients and their support systems are nuanced and built over time. As with all relationships, there is often a deep history that we as doulas are not privy to. Helping clients navigate the challenges that family and friends can present is often a huge part of our role. Giving birth and becoming a parent are emotionally charged transitions. At the same time, it is also an extremely vulnerable state, both emotionally and physically. The people our clients choose to have around them during birth can impact how they view themselves. As a result, those who are present can also result in a client feeling guarded or inhibited. New parents are faced with judgment and are given unsolicited advice on a daily basis. The pressures to "do it right" are immense. This advice is often well-intentioned, yet family or social pressures can undermine a parent's self-confidence. Come join us as we discuss how to navigate family challenges that our clients are often faced with in pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period.

While there are many reasons for dilation during labor to take time or pause, one reason is often overlooked—cervical scar tissue. Cervical scar tissue can come from many sources. Biopsies, cryosurgery, LEEP procedures, to name a few. For some, the scar tissue caused by these procedures may pose no problem at all during labor. But for others, cervical scar tissue can impact the progression of dilation. While doulas are not clinical care providers, some will choose to explore a clients GYN history a bit to see if there is a history of such procedures. Others may decide not to ask but instead remain mindful and watchful for signs of possible scar tissue during labor. Join us as we discuss the possible impacts of cervical scar tissue on labor, how we navigate conversations surrounding it with clients, and how to navigate discussions surrounding cervical scar tissue in labor.

As doulas, it's easy to let the what-ifs that surround our lives take control. Unlike many other professions, a doula's entire life can center around our work. Being a doula may become a bit of a lived identity if you will. For some, the philosophies of doula work will apply to everyone they encounter. Non-judgmental support, reflective listening, the desire to help in any way possible. For others, the role of a doula is an intentional mindset that they step into or out of as they go to work or transition back to at-home life. Come join us as we discuss the many facets of doula work as a lived identity.

When it comes to advocacy, there is more than one definition. Ask a handful of doulas what it means to advocate for a client and you're like to get a handful of answers. We believe that it is not our place to speak for our clients. This belief can ruffle some doula feathers. While we can achieve the same goals, we tend to define advocate and advocacy a bit differently. We believe that as doulas, we amplify our client's voices. Speaking for them removes their voice. It assumes that they haven't changed their mind. Speaking for the client can actually remove their power and silence their voices. Come join us as we discuss the many facets of doulas as advocates.

Teaching childbirth education classes is one way to support pregnant individuals and their families. It is also a great way to enter birth work. Especially when labor or postpartum doula work just isn't something that you can make work for your current circumstances. Adding childbirth education when you're already an established doula or birth worker is also a great way to expand your knowledge, services and add to your revenue stream. Those considering becoming a childbirth educator or doula may ask, "Which avenue should I pursue first?" The good news is there is no one right answer. Becoming a childbirth educator before you become a doula will help you become familiar with the terminology and process of birth before you enter a labor room. Adding childbirth education as an established doula will build your confidence. It will also help you gain a deeper understanding of the pregnancy and birth process. Either way, it's a win/win situation. For many, childbirth education may be your first exposure to potential clients who will continue to invest in the other services you offer. It is appealing to many expectant families to have their childbirth educator also serve them as their labor or postpartum doula. Continuity of care through multiple services also serves to create a deeper bond between the educator/doula and the client. Come join us as we discuss the many perks of becoming a childbirth educator or adding childbirth education to the services you offer!

There is no doubt that for clients, back labor can present a major challenge. Some experience intermittent pain, while for others it will be continuous. As doulas, it can feel intimidating and frustrating when presented with the challenge of supporting a client with back labor. There are many approaches available for doulas to help our clients cope with back labor. Yet the cause of back labor is often misunderstood. Come join us as we explore the causes of back labor, and our favorite techniques to help clients cope during labor.

We often hear doulas ask "When should I stop working with clients postpartum? While some doula training organizations seem to limit the work of a postpartum doula to a few weeks or the first few months, we have a different approach. Long-term postpartum care is a highly beneficial service to both doulas and families. It has many benefits, but at the same time, there are also drawbacks. Mostly for the doula. Come join us as we discuss the reality of providing long-term postpartum care, boundary setting, and how we approach long-term postpartum care with our clients.

When we look into what the future might hold for doula work in the next 5-10 years, one topic keeps turning up again & again. Doula licensure. But what is it & what does it mean for doulas? Some doulas are very pro licensure. Others are against licensure due to what they feel are the imposition of restrictions that they think are too limiting. There's no doubt there is much discussion to be hand on both sides of this coin. Join us as we discuss the ins and outs of what licensing for doulas might look like.

As the year comes to a close there are many important tasks to complete in order to close out the current year and anticipate and plan for how to proceed into the new year. As doulas, it's important to review every aspect of our business with a critical eye. It's critical to take a look at systems, processes, website, marketing and so much more. Come join us as we discuss our end-of-year business review for our doula agency and discuss our favorite podcast episodes for 2021.

November is National Adoption Month and so we continue the second part of our Supporting Adoption series. In this episode, we take a look at how to support adoptive parents who will welcome a new baby to their family in the days or weeks after birth. As doulas, it is important to understand that there may be different psychology at play for adoptive parents. Come join us as we take a look at the ins and outs of supporting adoptive parents!

When you mention adoption, for most individuals it brings to mind a solution. A solution for infants and children who are in need of homes and loving families. Yet what rarely comes to mind is the psychological and physical impact of adoption on adoptees. Adoption, specifically the separation of an infant or child from their biological mother creates what is called the primal wound. Come join us as we take a deep dive into the trauma of adoption on adoptees as our guest Isaac, and Angela share their stories.

Like most topics we discuss, there is a lot of nuance surrounding how to support adoption. There are many choices that are available to the birthing parent. Will the adoptive parents be present for the birth? During the immediate postpartum period will they want to hold and/or feed the baby? Do they desire no contact with the baby? Come join us as we take a deep dive into the ins and outs of supporting birth parents through pregnancy, labor and birth."

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.

When it comes to supporting clients, there is no doubt that it can take a physical toll on our bodies. From hip squeezes to counterpressure the impact that these common comfort measures can take on our bodies can be extreme. It is essential that we find ways to adapt the care we give while providing support so that we can reduce the physical toll that it will take on our bodies. Come join us as we explore the physical demands of birth and postpartum work and identify ways to help doulas mitigate the impacts.

Society often looks down upon teen pregnancy. There can be a lot of shame & judgment involved. For many teens, the doula can be viewed as just another adult who is trying to direct their birth experience. The key to supporting teens is to meet them where they are at. In this episode, we discuss how to approach supporting teen pregnancy, from how to conduct prenatal meetings, navigating parenteral or guardian involvement, to help our teen clients plan for their birth, and letting them lead the process.

Among pregnant individuals, preeclampsia will affect approximately 5-8% of pregnancies. Among Black pregnant individuals that risk is 3x greater. As doulas, it is inevitable that we will encounter clients who develop preeclampsia. Both during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. Come join us as we explore what to expect and how to support labor and postpartum clients through their experiences with preeclampsia and postpartum preeclampsia.

Many doulas are curious about the types of doula partnership structures that exist. From life as a solo doula to life as an agency owner. To the life of an independent doula and an independent contractor working for an agency. We explore the many options that exist today for structuring a doula business.

Many doulas come to birth work after having their own birth experience. When it comes to serving clients, the question that typically arises is, "To share or not to share?" The truth is, it depends on the situation, and the client. It also heavily depends on the doula. Come join us as we discuss the many considerations, options, and alternatives to sharing our own birth experiences!

April is Cesarean Awareness Month! We often hear discussions about supporting a client through a cesarean birth. Yet we don't often hear about how to support our clients after a cesarean birth. In this episode, we discuss the many ways that labor and postpartum doulas can support their clients who give birth via cesarean.

One of the most common questions in doula forums is, "What's in your doula bag?" What isn't as readily talked about is our individual psychology. Those psychological & ideological things we carry in our mental doula bag. Our life experiences. Implicit & explicit biases. Work ethic. It is essential to learn how to peel back & get comfortable with the uncomfortable feelings that may arise when working with families. Come join us as we discuss the many complexities that exist when unpacking your doula baggage.

When it comes to the options for how a family can approach feeding their baby, the options feel infinite. Regardless of their approach, decision fatigue is a very real experience for many families. While the choice for how to feed the baby is often made before the baby arrives. The real-time process of infant feeding begins at birth. A time where the birthing parent is often tired, sore, and otherwise experiencing the after-effects of the birth process. Come join us as we discuss the many considerations for infant feeding and how we can best support clients through the challenges they may face.

As a labor or postpartum doula, one common conversation that can often be overlooked is a discussion surrounding the options available for immediate postpartum care. Specifically, the options surrounding immediate newborn care. Come join us we discuss the options that birthing families may want to consider as a part of their immediate newborn care plan.

A client's desire to want to learn more about their doula is a natural part of the getting to know your process. However, as a birth professional, you may feel that some topics are off-limits. In this episode, we discuss how to navigate these oftentimes controversial topics. Come join us as we discuss how to set your own conversational boundaries with clients.

Prodromal labor is one of the most misunderstood aspects of normal, physiologic labor. Far too often prodromal labor is defined as an abnormal process. Something that needs to be fixed and is best avoided. Come join us as we dive into what prodromal labor is. What it means, and how to support clients through the process.

It's not uncommon to hear those involved in birth work say that change is needed when it comes to the practice of obstetrics. While this is true, very few doulas are taught how change tends to happen. In this episode, we discuss the catalysts of obstetrical change and the influences that drive them.

Twenty-twenty has been a year, yet here were are at the end of Season Two! Join us as we reflect back on this past year's episodes, talk about your favorites, our favorites, and give some teasers to our upcoming Season Three!

Some clients hire a postpartum doula before their baby is born. Others seek postpartum support once their baby has arrived. Regardless of when you are hired, an important step to supporting postpartum families is to understand their preferences and help them explore their options. In this episode, we explore the different approaches that a postpartum doula may utilize to help their clients feel empowered and educated.

A common question in the doula community is, "Can I doula part-time?" For some, they are looking to transition into doula work from a full-time job. For others, they simply want to support families during their free time while working in another field. In this episode, we discuss the many approaches to part-time doula work and the various paths that doulas may take

Supporting clients who are planning to have a vaginal birth after a previous cesarean can be a rewarding and challenging experience. Developing an understanding of your client's previous birth experience is a vital first step to providing compassionate and non-judgmental support. Come join us as we discuss the various facets of supporting clients through vagina birth after cesarean.

When working with postpartum families, the choices they may make about the care and keeping of their baby and their families can be a challenge for postpartum doulas. As postpartum doulas, our role is to help families identify their available options, without judgment. In this episode, we discuss some of the common challenges postpartum doulas may encounter and provide information for ways to navigate these often difficult situations.