Doulas of the Roundtable
147 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago - ★★★★★ - 65 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 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...
Episode 84: Navigating Postpartum Overnights
May 26, 2022 21:36 - 1 hour - 51.1 MBProviding 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...
Episode 83: Supporting Epidurals
May 12, 2022 18:52 - 1 hour - 46.1 MBOne 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. ...
Episode 82: Art of Newborn Soothing
April 28, 2022 19:07 - 54 minutes - 38.1 MBNewborn 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 cy...
Episode 81: Navigating Family Challenges
April 14, 2022 19:58 - 1 hour - 47.2 MBNavigating 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 th...
Episode 80: Cervical Scar Tissue
March 31, 2022 17:20 - 59 minutes - 41.5 MBWhile 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 ...
Episode 79: Doulas As A Lived Identity
March 17, 2022 18:30 - 1 hour - 43.1 MBAs 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 wo...
Episode 78: Doula Advocacy
March 04, 2022 03:01 - 1 hour - 45.5 MBWhen 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 hav...
Episode 76: Childbirth Education
February 18, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 42.7 MBTeaching 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 ...
Episode 77: Supporting Back Labor
February 18, 2022 08:47 - 1 hour - 49.3 MBThere 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 tech...
Episode 75: Long-term Postpartum Care
January 21, 2022 19:06 - 56 minutes - 43 MBWe 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,...
Episode 74: Doula Licensure
January 07, 2022 17:37 - 55 minutes - 38.4 MBWhen 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 m...
Episode 73: Season Three Wrap-Up
December 24, 2021 17:09 - 1 hour - 46.8 MBAs 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.
Episode 72: The Year of the Doula
December 10, 2021 17:28 - 58 minutes - 40.1 MBIf there is one thing that 2021 has taught us it is that this has been the year of the doula. Navigating through 2021, doulas still feel the impact of visitor restrictions. Doula agencies are experiencing more demand for services than ever. The demand for independent contractors to provide doula services is at the highest demand ever. Special guest Randy Patterson joins us to discuss the exponential growth that many doulas are experiencing in 2021. We also discuss why 2022 is going to exceed...
Episode 71: Supporting Adoption: Adoptive Parent(s)
November 26, 2021 21:36 - 49 minutes - 35 MBNovember 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!
Bonus Episode: Adoptee Trauma
November 22, 2021 16:37 - 1 hour - 66.9 MBWhen 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 sha...
Episode 70: Supporting Adoption: Birth Parent(s)
November 11, 2021 19:23 - 1 hour - 51.6 MBLike 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."
Episode 69: Sliding Scales
October 28, 2021 22:29 - 52 minutes - 36.7 MBA 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 slid...
Episode 68: Understanding SIDS
October 15, 2021 18:33 - 55 minutes - 38.9 MBAs 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.
Episode 67: The Rainbow Experience
October 01, 2021 17:53 - 1 hour - 47 MBThe 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.
Episode 66: The Backup Doula
September 17, 2021 16:12 - 1 hour - 47.1 MBWhen 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.
Episode 65: Choosing a Doula Training
September 02, 2021 12:49 - 1 hour - 49.9 MBOne 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 c...
Episode 64: Postpartum Support of Multiples
August 20, 2021 16:37 - 56 minutes - 39.5 MBAfter 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 yo...
Episode 63: Supporting Multiple Births
August 06, 2021 16:42 - 1 hour - 41.7 MBUnderstanding 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 ...
Episode 62: Doula Burn Out
July 23, 2021 17:11 - 1 hour - 56.2 MBLet'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 witne...
Episode 61: Understanding Cervical Change
July 09, 2021 17:10 - 1 hour - 43.7 MBThe 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 ...
Episode 60: Imposter Syndrome
June 25, 2021 19:26 - 1 hour - 42.8 MBAs 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.
Episode 59: Physical Demands of Doula Work
June 11, 2021 17:06 - 1 hour - 46.1 MBWhen 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 mit...
Episode 58: Supporting Teen Pregnancy
May 28, 2021 15:49 - 59 minutes - 41.4 MBSociety 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 th...
Episode 57: Preeclampsia Awareness
May 14, 2021 17:37 - 1 hour - 44.2 MBAmong 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.
Episode 56: Doula Partnership Model
April 30, 2021 16:40 - 1 hour - 44 MBMany 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.
Episode 55: Sharing Our Own Experiences
April 16, 2021 18:57 - 59 minutes - 40.5 MBMany 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!
Episode 54: Nuance of Post Cesarean Support
April 02, 2021 13:46 - 1 hour - 46.3 MBApril 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.
Episode 53: Unpacking Your Doula Baggage
March 19, 2021 20:11 - 1 hour - 48.5 MBOne 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 you...
Episode 52: Infant Feeding Fatigue
March 05, 2021 20:41 - 57 minutes - 39.7 MBWhen 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 co...
Episode 51: Immediate Newborn Care Plan
February 19, 2021 19:38 - 1 hour - 44.4 MBAs 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.
Episode 50: Conversational Boundaries
February 05, 2021 20:27 - 1 hour - 51.4 MBA 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.
Episode 49: Normalizing Prodromal Labor
January 22, 2021 16:17 - 1 hour - 46.3 MBProdromal 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.
Episode 48: Obstetric Change
January 08, 2021 18:29 - 1 hour - 47.1 MBIt’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.
Episode 47: Season Two Wrap-Up
December 24, 2020 23:15 - 46 minutes - 32.7 MBTwenty-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!
Episode 46: Unpacking the Impact of Language During Birth
December 11, 2020 03:09 - 1 hour - 58.3 MBAs birth professionals, it is important to understand the impact of language during birth and the subtext that often results. In this episode, we unpack one doula’s birth and the impact of language on their experience. With special guest, Randy Patterson.
Episode 45: Postpartum GPS
November 27, 2020 18:53 - 1 hour - 43.4 MBSome 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.
Episode 44: Part Time Doula Work
November 13, 2020 03:43 - 59 minutes - 40 MBA 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
Episode 43: Supporting VBAC
October 30, 2020 15:53 - 56 minutes - 42.5 MBSupporting 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.
Episode 42: Postpartum Doulas: Supporting Client Choice
October 16, 2020 02:57 - 59 minutes - 40.6 MBWhen 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.
Episode 41: Hospital Policies, Doulas & COVID-19
October 02, 2020 03:44 - 1 hour - 46.4 MBAs the number of COVID-19 cases begin to decline in certain areas, hospitals are revisiting their visitor policies. While many have re-opened their doors to doulas, the landscape of requirements for the doulas has also shifted. Come join us as we take a look at the shifting requirements placed upon doulas to support their clients through birth at the bedsite.