Doulas of the Roundtable

What is selective bias, and how does it show up in our work as doulas? We all interpret and retain information in ways that align with our pre-existing beliefs, often unknowingly dismissing data that challenges our biases. From interpreting research to making decisions in birth spaces, selective bias can shape the care we provide and can influence the experiences of our clients. As doulas, we have...

Doula work can be incredibly rewarding, but it won't be the right fit for everyone. In this episode, we talk openly about why someone shouldn't become a doula. Birth work requires a specific mindset, skills, and responsibilities. Being judgmental, struggling to hold space, or expecting birth work to be all about personal fulfillment can create harm. Becoming a doula means running a doula business,...

Every doula experiences it. The ups and downs of client inquiries and bookings are a normal part of running a doula business. Some months are full, while others feel uncomfortably quiet. There is often a natural ebb and flow of doula work, and it is important to stay grounded when things slow down. What can you do during slower seasons to remain productive and focused? You may start by reflecting...

As doulas, when it comes to communication, what we say and how it's heard are not always the same. Words shape how clients feel, respond, and make decisions. Asking questions that begin with "why" can unintentionally sound like judgment, even when your intent is neutral or supportive. Doulas often believe that it's our job to make sure clients are making informed choices. In truth, our responsibil...

    Telemetry monitoring during labor is becoming more common in hospital birth settings. Yet many doulas may not be familiar with how it works or how it differs from traditional continuous electronic fetal monitoring.   In this episode, we explore telemetry monitoring, how it functions, and the potential benefits it offers for mobility and comfort for laboring clients. We also discuss hospital po...

Low amniotic fluid, or oligohydramnios, is a topic doulas are likely to encounter in our work with clients, especially during the third trimester. Doulas and clients often question what low fluid levels mean, how they are diagnosed, and the clinical considerations involved. It is important for doulas to understand risks associated with low amniotic fluid, potential causes, and the treatment option...

We're talking about business evolution: how growth, learning, and new services shape the future of your brand. Your doula business won't look the same in a year or two as it did on day one. But that's a good thing! Your marketing should reflect every step forward, from your first client to expanding your services. Updating your website, social media, and printed materials is essential as your busi...

Many birth workers assume teaching childbirth education is just for labor doulas. Yet postpartum doulas can benefit just as much from teaching childbirth and newborn-related classes. Offering newborn care education can be a game-changer for postpartum doulas looking to grow their client base. Teaching a newborn care class allows you to connect with expecting families before their baby arrives, dem...

The power of listening is one of the most valuable skills a doula can have. Listening involves more than just hearing words—it's about creating space where clients feel genuinely seen, heard, and understood. It is how deep, intentional trust is built, and it strengthens the doula-client relationship. When clients feel safe to unmask and share openly, real connections form, which allows us to creat...

Client reviews shape your doula business. But how do you request them, use them effectively, and respond to negative feedback professionally? Doula work is deeply personal. Families invite us into one of the most intimate times of their lives, trusting us to provide support. Because of this, building and maintaining an emotional connection is essential. Clients need to feel safe, seen, and support...

Providing postpartum support in a hospital setting comes with unique challenges and important considerations. Unlike postpartum care in the client's home, hospital-based postpartum care requires doulas to navigate medical staff interactions, hospital policies, and the ever-changing needs of new parents in those crucial first hours and days. There are some important things doulas need to keep in mi...

CRMs and automation tools are fantastic for streamlining your doula business—but full automation can't replace connection. But the goal isn't to automate everything but to find the balance between being efficient and being effective. Efficiency can save you time, but effectiveness is about creating impact—and your potential clients will remember how you made them feel. The goal is to use automatio...

Families welcoming a baby through IVF—whether carrying on their own or working with a surrogate—often face unique fears, anxieties, and uncertainties. As doulas, how can we best support them through this deeply personal and emotional journey? In this episode, we dive into the complexities of working with families who have experienced fertility challenges, exploring the concerns they often carry an...

There are many ways of supporting labor clients as a doula. Doulas provide continuous support during labor. But what happens when a doula steps away while their client is still in labor? There is a lot of nuance to the decision-making process behind leaving a birth temporarily and returning later. Sometimes, stepping away might be appropriate, allowing the doula to balance the client's needs with...

Illness is an inevitable part of life, but how do you handle it as a birthworker? No doubt navigating sickness in the doula world comes with challenges. How do you balance your commitment to clients while prioritizing health and safety? Are you willing to work with clients who are sick, and if so, how can you implement universal precautions to protect yourself and others? It's equally important to...

Season 6 has been one for the books! With over 270,000 downloads to date, we are grateful for your support and participation. As we close out the year, we're taking a moment to celebrate this milestone. Thank you for being part of our journey. We also want to invite you to help shape Season 7 by sending us your topic suggestions. Reach out to us on any of our socials with your suggestions. If you'...

Understanding breastfeeding challenges is crucial for providing effective support to new parents. Nipple soreness, cracked or bleeding nipples, and engorgement are common challenges. Inverted nipples and delayed milk production also cause difficulties. Cluster feeding and growth spurts add to the stress. Together, these issues can make the early weeks of breastfeeding overwhelming. Understanding w...

Decision fatigue surrounding pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period can have a profound impact on expecting and new parents. The mental load of constant decision-making can be exhausting. Doulas play a crucial role in easing the burden of decision fatigue. We provide clients with the tools and resources to make informed and confident choices. This includes breaking down complex information in...

Virtual doula services emerged very quickly due to the pandemic in 2020. Necessity dictated that families who wanted the support of a doula when hospitals limited visitors receive that support virtually. Now, four years later, some doulas are still trying to build a business solely on virtual support. Doula support, whether in person or virtually, is beneficial. Virtual support is not optimal. In...

Disappointing experiences can arise for both doulas and clients. As doulas, we must recognize how our biases may influence our perception. Furthermore, discussing these experiences with clients can affect how they interpret their birth and postpartum experiences. Therefore, we must process our feelings and biases separately from the doula-client relationship. Clients often feel disappointed when t...

The use of Cytotec, or misoprostol, in obstetrics has a complex history. Initially created to treat gastric ulcers, Cytotec also plays a critical role in reproductive health. It has been used for medical abortions, cervical ripening, and labor induction. In this episode, we explore Cytotec's journey from its original purpose to its controversial use in childbirth. We'll break down its benefits and...

Neurodiversity can present many unique challenges for doulas. There is no doubt that doula work demands that we be highly social and often requires deep emotional connection and physical touch. From managing sensory sensitivities and navigating overstimulation to finding balance in high-energy environments, neurodiversity can impact the doula-client relationship and the birth experience in many po...

There are many doula pathways regarding the structure and type of doula business that one may wish to pursue. Some individuals may begin with a solo business model, while others may jump into the world of doula agency owners right from the start. No one doula pathway will work best for everyone.  Regardless of the pathway that one chooses, there is often a point at which one questions whether to c...

Creating meaningful connections with your prospective clients—is a vital skill for any successful doula. Building trust and a personal connection is essential for securing clients and providing the best support throughout their journey. Many practical strategies can be utilized to connect on a deeper level, from the first consultation to ongoing care. Communicating with empathy creates a welcoming...

Universal precautions are essential to maintaining a safe and hygienic environment for both your clients and yourself. It is important for labor and postpartum doulas to understand them and how to apply them to their work. Universal precautions for doulas include proper hand hygiene. This involves handwashing before and after client interactions, especially when touching bodily fluids. We should a...