Doulas of the Roundtable
142 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago - ★★★★★ - 64 ratingsDoulas of the Roundtable, A modern twist on an ancient concept. A place where all voices are equal, knowledge is shared and hard topics are talked about.
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Episodes
Episode 134: Fear of Birth
April 25, 2024 17:25 - 1 hour - 51 MBAs doulas, it's not uncommon to encounter individuals with a fear of birth. This fear can be rooted in many sources. First, the way in which TV represents birth. Second, the stories our friends and family share; and third, an individual's lived experiences. The media often portrays birth as a dramatic process. The water breaks and the camera cuts to immediate transition-style contractions. Birth in the media is often presented in an unrealistic and dramatic light. We rarely see a birth tha...
Episode 133: Doula Mistakes
April 11, 2024 18:07 - 1 hour - 60.3 MBDoula mistakes come in all shapes and sizes. We're human, so it's understandable that mistakes will happen. Some mistakes will be unavoidable and only discovered through trial and error. Others can be avoided. Common mistakes include a lack of effective communication, such as being slow or failing to follow up on inquiries or client communications. For labor doulas, there can be a sharp learning curve in incorporating the on-call life into daily life. This includes making sure that we are ...
Episode 132: Doula Beginnings
March 28, 2024 20:43 - 1 hour - 50.2 MBOne of the most common questions we hear is, "How do we navigate the question of how many clients we have supported when we first start out?" The question "How many births have you attended?" Or "How many families have you supported postpartum?" is not uncommon. Certain personality types are more inclined to ask these types of questions. For them, the answer will be part of their decision-making process. Yet, for some, the actual number will matter far less than the actual answer provi...
Episode 131: Supporting Single Parents
March 14, 2024 18:28 - 44 minutes - 31.1 MBSupporting single parents through pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period looks different than supporting those who are partnered. How we approach labor or postpartum support with an unpartnered parent will look different. Many factors will be different when planning for labor. For example, will they get to their birth location? Or who will make medical decisions about the laboring person's care if no other family support is available and the pregnant person is not able to make a deci...
Episode 130: Finding the Evidence
February 29, 2024 21:08 - 42 minutes - 29.9 MBAs birth professionals, providing evidence-based information to our clients is essential. However, it's not uncommon to wonder where to find quality research. Knowing how to read and interpret the evidence is also a skill that takes time and discernment. The first step is understanding the types of studies that exist. From randomized controlled trials to cohort studies to cross-sectional studies, knowing what type of study to look for is essential. The next step is to look at the entire ...
Episode 129: Vulvar Cancer
February 15, 2024 17:40 - 59 minutes - 41 MBAccording to the American Cancer Society, vulvar cancer accounts for 6% of all cancers of the female reproductive organs. Over 1600 individuals will die from vulvar cancer per year. Cancers of the uterus, cervix, and ovaries are far more well-known, identified, and diagnosed. Yet, cancer of the vulva is a diagnosis that is often hard to obtain. Often, the symptoms can be mistakenly attributed to other skin conditions or yeast and bacterial growth. As a result, many individuals may experi...
Episode 128: Advanced Maternal Age
February 01, 2024 18:07 - 40 minutes - 28.8 MBAdvanced maternal age is defined as a pregnant individual who is 35 years of age or older at the estimated due date or date of delivery. Pregnancy at or beyond this age is considered a risk factor for adverse outcomes in the birthing person and baby. When one is considered "advanced" in age, it is common for closer monitoring to be recommended during pregnancy. Induction of labor or elective cesarean birth are both considered appropriate options for managing labor and birth. For the preg...
Episode 127: Combination Feeding
January 18, 2024 18:50 - 45 minutes - 31 MBCombination feeding is one of many approaches families choose when feeding their baby. It may be the plan from the start. Or, clients may find themselves settling into combination feeding due to postpartum challenges. Some parents may feel that taking on 100% of the responsibility for infant feeding is an overwhelming task. For these individuals, sharing the task of infant feeding can help them show up as the best version of themselves. Our role is to help them identify their goals, and he...
Episode 126: Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders
January 03, 2024 20:47 - 59 minutes - 40 MBPerinatal mood and anxiety disorders impact 15-21% of pregnant and postpartum individuals, according to the National Institute of Health. As birth professionals, it is likely that you will encounter a client who experiences a mood or anxiety disorder during pregnancy or after birth. We must be able to identify the signs and symptoms of those who may be struggling. For many, their labor or postpartum doula may be the first person they see and speak to about what they are experiencing long ...
Episode: 125 Season 5 Wrap Up
December 21, 2023 22:21 - 50 minutes - 35.7 MBIt's been a busy, amazing year of growth, learning, and success. Here we are again at the end of another amazing season. Looking back over the past year, it's always fun to see our most popular episodes and share our favorites. As always, your love and passion for the topics we talk about are seen, heard, and felt so very much. We appreciate the interaction and feedback you have been giving us on our social media platforms, and if you haven't found us yet, check us out on TikTok. We l...
Episode 124: Website Essentials
December 07, 2023 21:43 - 51 minutes - 35 MBWhen it comes to your website, there are a few website essentials that you should be sure to include. There are also common traps that you should avoid. Your website is the virtual storefront of your business. Often, it will be the first impression that a prospective client will encounter. As a result, you must make an excellent first impression. This first impression goes far beyond the aesthetic of your website. The content of your website's pages is critical to encouraging someone to re...
Episode 123: Virtual vs. In Person Trainings
November 22, 2023 20:03 - 55 minutes - 39.8 MBChoosing between virtual or in-person training is one of the first choices often made when considering the many pathways to becoming a doula. Both formats offer pros and cons to learners. Which format may work best for you will depend on many factors. Do you thrive in more independent learning? Or do you thrive in a classroom setting? Do you learn best by listening or by doing? There are many other considerations, such as neurodiversity and the inclusion of different learning styles to...
Episode 122: Supporting The Third Stage
November 10, 2023 18:38 - 50 minutes - 35.2 MBThe methods of support provided during the third stage of labor are many. How the third stage progresses will determine the type of support appropriate for each client. Assistance with bonding, the initiation of breastfeeding, and supporting a client through a perineal tear are all ways in which a client may need the support of their doula. It is also essential for the doula to be aware of complications that may arise during the third stage to best help a client experiencing one. Complic...
Episode 121: Understanding Birth Related Trauma
October 27, 2023 16:08 - 1 hour - 42.2 MBUnderstanding birth-related trauma is an essential skill for all individuals who work in the perinatal field. The fundamental definition of trauma is: a deeply distressing or disturbing experience. When working with birthing or newly postpartum families, we may encounter clients who will identify their experience as traumatic. It is never our role to define or redefine the language a client uses when sharing their experience. Sitting with someone in their trauma and supporting them thr...
Episode 120: Expectations vs Realities in Doula Work
October 12, 2023 19:03 - 1 hour - 45.5 MBThe expectations vs the realities of doula work can be vast. Many people consider entering this work, thinking it will be sunshine and rainbows. Experiencing birth and cuddling babies is often high on these lists. One of the very first stark realities that most doulas face is the fact that they are starting a business. It's easy to focus on just working with families who want or need your help. While doing so, many fail to consider that they are becoming a self-employed business owner. As ...
Episode 119: The Value of Childbirth Education
September 29, 2023 12:40 - 1 hour - 45.1 MBChildbirth education is a way for pregnant individuals to learn about the process of birth and what options may exist. It does this through expelling fear and increasing knowledge. In addition, it teaches pregnant people how to advocate for their wishes. However, the role of the doula and the role of the childbirth educator seem very similar but the approach to providing information is actually quite different. The sequence of support for doulas is emotions first, feelings second, what do ...
Episode 118: Supporting Pushing
September 11, 2023 15:53 - 52 minutes - 40.6 MBFor many, the pushing phase of labor is an exciting yet scary part of the labor process. Many individuals have concerns or fears surrounding the pushing phase of labor. From tearing to their infant's safety, a doula is needed for emotional and physical support. Supporting a client through this phase begins during pregnancy. Here, we can help clients explore how they would like to push and what positions they may prefer to give birth in. This is a process of discussion and discovery for the...
Episode 117: Agency Interviews
August 31, 2023 18:15 - 1 hour - 44.9 MBWe often see questions among doulas about agency interviews. There are a lot of specific questions about what to expect and what questions to ask the agency. Each agency will have specific questions that they feel are important to ask. So, what you may encounter will vary from agency to agency. However, some questions will overlap between businesses. It is common for agencies to want to know what training you have taken. If you haven't yet taken a training, they may point you in the dire...
Episode 116: Benefits of Placenta Services
August 17, 2023 12:44 - 47 minutes - 33.7 MBThere are many benefits to adding placenta services as a part of the services you offer. While there is a benefit to the clients who utilize this service, there are also benefits to those who offer it. Processing the placenta for encapsulation in the client's home brings a wealth of benefits to the client in addition to safety. It also allows the encapsulator to sit down with the client and check on how they are recovering from birth. In addition, they can also check in on the newborn and ...
Episode 115: Client Conversations
August 02, 2023 18:48 - 59 minutes - 42.8 MBLearning how to initiate and lead conversations between prospective clients and clients is an essential skill in doula work. Yet at times, doulas often feel unsure about what to ask or how to keep the client conversations going. Beyond the core questions of due date, location of delivery, and basic contact information, what other information a doula feels is important to learn will vary from individual to individual. When thinking of potential client conversations, consider asking questi...
Episode 114: Supporting Active Labor
July 20, 2023 13:28 - 1 hour - 46 MBThere are many facets to consider when supporting a client through active labor. This stage of labor is often an opportunity to become more physically active and present in client support. However, it is also important to remember to alternate periods of activity with rest during active labor. When supporting clients through this stage of labor, it is essential to remember to match the mood of the room. As the client becomes more internally focused, conversation and excitement will fade. I...
Episode 113: Free Samples
July 06, 2023 18:44 - 42 minutes - 30.1 MBA common inquiry in many online doula communities is where to find free samples to give to clients. While it's likely true that most people love a freebie, are they actually free? Many individuals don't consider the cost of their time in requesting, processing, storing, and handing out freebies. Additionally, many companies that give out products for freebies are multimillion-dollar companies with marketing budgets to promote their product. But the birth professionals are not compensate...
Episode 112: Continuing Education
June 22, 2023 20:19 - 35 minutes - 25 MBAs birth professionals, education surrounding the perinatal period is an ongoing process. While it is impossible to learn everything about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, countless opportunities are available to expand your knowledge base. But how do you decide which topics to choose? When thinking about continuing education, think out of the box. Postpartum doulas may benefit from a culinary course to assist with meal prep or to offer postpartum meal planning. Labor doulas may benefit...
Episode 111: Social Media Boundaries
June 08, 2023 16:28 - 54 minutes - 37.6 MBUndoubtedly, social media plays a big role in our lives and how we communicate with the world. Social media platforms have become a big part of marketing products and services. Learning how to navigate social media as a business owner creates unique challenges. One of the challenges is creating and maintaining social media boundaries. As business owners, birth workers must determine how little or how much of their business and lives are shared on social media. On platforms such as Facebook...
Episode 110: The Value of Doula Work
May 23, 2023 16:18 - 1 hour - 42.2 MBWhen we think about the value of doula work, we must consider two perspectives—the perspective of the doula and the client's perspective. Before a doula can successfully market their services, they must understand their value to potential clients. While the hallmark of doula work is providing support, the doula must sell their service before client support can begin. Many doulas struggle to communicate the monetary value of their services. There is a tendency for doulas to undervalue their...
Episode 109: Supporting Early Labor
May 11, 2023 23:04 - 48 minutes - 34.3 MBSupporting early labor is a necessary skill for labor doulas. Yet many doulas may not know how to approach early labor from a mindset of patience vs the instinct to try to move labor along. Early labor can be a time of anxiety and doubt for expecting families. Contractions may come and go, and they often wonder, "Is this labor?" They often look to their doulas for support and advice. The tincture of time is one of the most useful tools for supporting clients through early labor. Yet many...
Episode 108: Navigating Doula Fees and Payments
April 27, 2023 05:12 - 1 hour - 48.8 MBOne of the more challenging aspects of becoming a doula is navigating doula fees and payments. One of the most common decisions is how to take payment for the services you will provide. There is a tendency for doulas to want to avoid credit card processing fees. They often do this by using peer-to-peer payment options such as Paypal, Venmo or platforms such as Cashapp. Using these payment systems as an individual vs. as a business and with the related processing fees to you is a common but...
Episode 107: Supporting Transitional Labor
April 11, 2023 19:39 - 56 minutes - 38.6 MBTransitional labor is the third phase of the first stage of labor. It is also considered the most challenging phase of labor, especially for those giving birth without pain medication. During the transition phase of labor, contractions occur every 1-2 minutes and last approximately 60-90 seconds. The cervix dilates from 8-10 centimeters. This is the phase of labor where many laboring individuals want to quit. They may express an inability to go on. Or may question their desire to avoid pai...
Episode 106: Doula Professionalism
March 31, 2023 15:54 - 1 hour - 43 MBProfessionalism has many definitions, and how one exhibits doula professionalism in their doula work will vary. We believe that professionalism means that we embody integrity and accountability, responsibly conduct ourselves, and always present the best versions of ourselves in our work. This means we have solid systems to navigate prospective clients through our hiring process efficiently. From the first contact to signing the contract, individuals seeking our care are learning about wh...
Episode 105: Poverty Mindset
March 15, 2023 23:56 - 1 hour - 42.1 MBThe poverty mindset is common in doula work. According to Alan Weiss: "A poverty mentality is one that influences behaviors consistent with beliefs that money shouldn't be spent, opportunities are limited, any risk at all is dangerous, any success is temporary and non-replicable, and generally remaining in the back of the pack is safest." Many individuals come to birth work believing their work opportunities are limited. The reality is that birth work offers upward mobility or the abil...
Episode 104: Supporting Client Decisions
March 03, 2023 21:35 - 1 hour - 47.8 MBAs doulas supporting client decisions plays a key role in our care. While there are many approaches to this side of our work, there are also many potential barriers. One of the most prominent barriers is the bias that birth workers bring into their work while supporting client decisions. We see this when doulas say, "I support my client in making informed decisions." Or, "As long as my client is making an informed decision, I support whatever they choose." The reality for most individual...
Episode 103: Doula Agency Myths
February 16, 2023 20:09 - 57 minutes - 40.2 MBWhen it comes to the ins and outs of how a doula agency works, many myths exist. The truth is, there are many perks to working with a doula agency. For many, the team approach creates a desirable environment where birth workers can find support. Others love being able to focus on the client-facing work and leave the client acquisition process to someone else. Not good at marketing? The agency does that for you. Worried about collecting and tracking client payments? The agency has that cove...
Episode 102: Doula Self Care
February 02, 2023 03:29 - 56 minutes - 39.6 MBAs doulas, we often give so much of ourselves as we help families navigate labor and the postpartum period. Yet self-care as a doula is often something that falls along the wayside. We often work with clients at their most vulnerable during one of life's biggest transitions. While our work with one client ends, we often step in to support the next client through similar ups and downs. While this never-ending cycle can leave us feeling energized and empowered, it can also leave doulas feeli...
Episode 101: Prelabor Rupture of Membranes
January 19, 2023 23:00 - 55 minutes - 38.9 MBPrelabor rupture of membranes or PROM is defined as the spontaneous rupture of the amniotic sac without contractions for an hour or more after the 37th week of pregnancy. Premature prelabor rupture of membranes or PPROM, is the spontaneous rupture of membranes without contraction for an hour or more before the 37th week of pregnancy. PROM is experienced by approximately 8% of pregnant individuals. Less than 1% of pregnant individuals will experience PPROM Doulas often blame PROM on a ba...
Episode 100: Stripping Membranes
January 05, 2023 19:20 - 53 minutes - 37.7 MBStripping membranes or membrane sweep is a common intervention performed in the final weeks of pregnancy. While this may seem like a simple intervention, it is important for clients to understand what they may experience. Stripping of the amniotic membranes stimulates the production of oxytocin and prostaglandins. This intervention serves two purposes. The first is to try to hasten the ripening of the cervix. The second is to try and stimulate the onset of labor. While this procedure ma...
Episode 99: Season Four Wrap-Up
December 21, 2022 16:57 - 57 minutes - 41 MBOnce again, we have come to the end of another fantastic season. We are honored to share yet another year with you, talking about the work we love. We can feel the love and passion that you have for the topics that we talk about. Your feedback and the number of listeners we have show us every day how much you value Doulas of the Roundtable. This past year has brought us many interesting and exciting conversations. We look back at our favorite episodes from Season Four along with your most ...
Episode 98: Business Resources
November 30, 2022 23:09 - 1 hour - 48.7 MBFew birth workers enter the profession thinking that they are starting a business. However, many soon realize that understanding business means finding business resources tailored specifically to our unique work. A wise person once said, "Do not take advice from someone who isn't where you want to be in your business." That person is our good friend and business mentor, Randy Patterson. Randy is the founder and CEO of ProDoula, a successful doula agency owner and business mentor to countle...
Episode 97: The Well-Rounded Doula
November 22, 2022 21:11 - 50 minutes - 39.1 MBIn the doula community, there is often a line of demarcation between "new" doulas and "seasoned doulas." Yet no clear line exists that determines when one is no longer considered new. So the question is, when does one become an experienced doula, and how is that experience defined? Could it be that a well-rounded doula can enter this work right from the start? The simple fact is that someone just beginning their doula journey can support a client just as effectively as a doula with years...
Episode 96: The Due Date Dilemma
November 11, 2022 21:05 - 50 minutes - 36.3 MBOne of the most common questions amongst labor doulas surrounds due dates. Should I take two clients due on the same date? What is the optimal spacing between clients? Is it better to take clients due further apart or closer together? The truth is, there's no straightforward answer to these common questions. Experience tells us that EDD is just a number on a calendar and that clients may deliver weeks before or after their given date. One thing is for certain, working with a backup do...
Episode 95: Doula Business Chat
October 27, 2022 23:04 - 1 hour - 68.1 MBBecoming a doula means that you are starting a business. Many doulas overlook this first step. Or this information is not a big part of their doula training. Understanding the ins and outs of starting a business is important. Creating a legal business structure, setting up business accounts for banking, taking payments, and offering services are critical first steps. These steps not only protect your business but can protect your personal assets as well. Running a business means that y...
Episode 94: How to Know When to Go
October 14, 2022 03:34 - 52 minutes - 38 MBDoulas new to labor support have a common question; "How will I Know when it's time to go?" Doula clients often have a version of the same question; "How will we know when to go?" The answers to these questions may seem relatively simple, but in practice, the answer can be pretty complex. Factors that doulas may consider include: what are the frequency and duration of contractions, how the client copes with the contractions, would the client benefit from the reassurance that moving ...
Episode 93: Doula Consults
September 29, 2022 20:22 - 57 minutes - 41.2 MBOn the surface, the difference between a doula consult vs. a doula interview seems virtually nonexistent. However, the intentions behind each can be vastly different. Depending on where a doula trains, an interview may be where a doula decides if they want to work with a particular family. Or an interview is a place where a doula "teases" what they have to offer. But reserves providing information and genuinely engaging in offering a deeper level of information and support until hired. A ...
Episode 92: Exploring Doula Bias
September 15, 2022 18:28 - 1 hour - 45.4 MBAs 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 subco...
Episode 91: Supporting Precipitous Labor
August 31, 2022 19:28 - 57 minutes - 41.1 MBSupporting 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 labo...
Episode 90: Community Referrals
August 19, 2022 01:17 - 50 minutes - 34.9 MBAs 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 e...
Episode 89: Partner Support Postpartum
August 04, 2022 21:32 - 48 minutes - 34.1 MBPartner 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. Sa...
Episode 88: Birth Photography & Labor Support
July 21, 2022 19:52 - 50 minutes - 34.6 MBAs 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 simultane...
Episode 87: What I Wish I Knew Before Becoming A Doula
July 07, 2022 18:15 - 1 hour - 44 MBWhat 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...
Episode 86: Doulas & Personal Mental Health
June 23, 2022 18:25 - 1 hour - 47.8 MBAs 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 ...
Episode 85: Working with Repeat Clients
June 09, 2022 21:28 - 46 minutes - 32.6 MBAs 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 com...