When 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 reach out and learn more. It's not uncommon for individuals to struggle with writing content for their website. It's not unusual to try and reach out to resources like ChatGPT to have the content created externally. However, these types of platforms often sound like AI, and they do not represent the voice of your business.  Join us along with our special guest and business consultant, Randy Patterson, as we discuss the essential pages for your website, how to represent your brand's voice, and how to speak to your potential clients in a way that helps them understand how your services will benefit them.

Choosing 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 accommodate all learners. The choice between virtual vs in-person training is unique. Utilizing both formats will enable some to feel confident and ready to take their skills to the next level. Join us as we discuss the many nuances of virtual vs in-person training.

The 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. Complications such as postpartum hemorrhage, placenta accreta, or the need for other post-birth interventions may arise without warning. Knowing how to support the client and their partner or other support person is integral to the doula's role. Join us as we explore the many ways to support clients through the third stage of labor.

Understanding 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 through it is a learned skill. However, a lack of knowledge is not an excuse for a lack of sympathy or support. Join us as we discuss how to support families through birth-related trauma by referencing Evidence and Guidelines for Trauma-Informed Doula Care by Elizabeth Mosley as well as discussing the nuances of supporting clients who have experienced trauma.

The 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 a doula, you are selling a service, but at the same time, you are also selling yourself as a provider of that service. Communication is another reality of doula work. Dependability and responsiveness in communication are essential when working with pregnant or newly parenting families. Clients need to know that we are there when they need us. This starts from the very first touch. Whether it's a quick response to an email or simply picking up the phone when it rings, the response or lack thereof can send an obvious message.  Join us as we discuss the expectations and realities of doula work.

Childbirth 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 they need or want to know, then what do they want to do. Childbirth educators start with information first.  What do their learners want or need to know or what do they already know. Then how do they feel about the options/information presented. Finally, what are they going to do with the information they have learned. What decisions will the make about their preferences with the information they have learned? Come join us as we discuss the process and value of childbirth education and how we can form connection and community as educators.

For 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 client. Many may not be aware of the multitude of options and positions that exist when it comes to this stage of labor. There are many options, from passive descent to coached pushing to standing, squatting, side-lying, or semi-sitting. It is also important to remember that preferences before pushing begins may change once the pushing process begins. Join us as we discuss the nuances of supporting clients through the second stage of labor.

We 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 direction of the training they prefer or may have the most need for to utilize you best. Presenting your authentic self in agency interviews is also important. Many agency owners deeply believe in how this prospective doula "feels." It's okay to feel nervous but coming to the table with your authentic self is important for both sides. When looking to join an agency, asking the agency what services are most in demand is a great way to assess if they offer what you want to provide. It will also help you determine what additional education you may want to pursue to offer more through the agency. Another important question often surrounds compensation. How much will you be paid for the services you provide? Join us as we discuss both sides of the agency interview and what that may look like.

There 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 how they are transitioning to life outside the uterus.  Offering encapsulation as a labor doula allows you to continue your support into the postpartum period. It also allows for those who are also postpartum doulas to introduce the benefits of this type of support to the client. It gives the opportunity to affirm the client in how they are caring for their baby. Encourages them to ask questions and for you to provide necessary or requested resources.  Join is as we discuss the many benefits to clients and birth professionals of placenta services.

Learning 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 questions that allow you to create an organic flow that helps the prospective client visualize what it would be like to have your support. These conversations cultivate a connection, build trust and mutual respect, and facilitate bonding. Join us as we explore the considerations for what to ask and how to keep the conversations rolling.