Doulas Of The Roundtable

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.