Doulas Of The Roundtable

Transitional 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 pain medication. This is often the phase of labor where a client may express, "I don't want to do this anymore. I want to go home. I can't do this. Please make it stop."  Physical signs of transition may include shaking, sweating, and feelings of anxiety or panic. As the baby moves lower into the pelvis, some individuals may experience burping or passing gas, rectal pressure, or the urge to bear down.  These signs are often present in those who have received pain medication.  Join us as we discuss how to support clients through

Professionalism 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 what it is like to experience our support. Their interactions will shape their desire for our ongoing support and determine if they feel safe in our presence. Boundaries are also an essential part of professionalism. Boundaries around our time and when we work. This may mean scheduled time off. Or a weekly schedule that gives us time off to focus on family. Boundaries around contracts and money are also essential. Other aspects of professionalism include phone/video call etiquette and our appearance. Join us as we discuss why do

The 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 ability to move up in socioeconomic status. Creating diversity in birth work allows birth workers to move themselves and their families out of poverty. When coupled with codependence, or the need to be needed, along with the historical message that birth workers should self-sacrifice in terms of money and physical efforts, it's no wonder the burnout rate amongst birth workers is so high. The reality is that most birth workers need to make money to make their work sustainable mentally, physically, and financially. Yet the poverty min

As 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 individuals is that decisions are not primarily made on what 'best evidence' or research says. Many individuals will instead make decisions based on what their intuition tells them or based on the opinions of those they trust. Those individuals often include family, friends, providers, and even their doula.  As doulas, we have a powerful influence on our client's decision-making process. This is why doulas must be free from their own biases and able to provide nonjudgmental support.  Join us as we explore the approaches and pitfalls of

When 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 covered. Credit card fees, the agency takes care of those too. One of the biggest myths we see surrounding working with an agency is that the agency takes a cut of the doula's fee. The fact is, the agency contracts with the client at a set fee. Then the agency contracts with the independent contractor at a set fee to provide the service. The agency does not take a cut or a percentage of the independent contractor's fee. The independent contractor agrees to the fee they will be paid. After the related business expenses are accoun

As 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 feeling emotionally and physically spent. Doula self-care can come in many different forms. While massage and bodywork are common suggestions, music therapy, art therapy, and even rage rooms can be great ways to implement self-care. Join us as we explore the importance of self-care and the many options that exist for birth workers today.

Prelabor 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 baby in a "bad" position. Leading each other to believe that labor will not begin if the baby's position is not "corrected." However, data demonstrate that 95% of individuals who experience PROM will go into labor on their own within 72 hours. What doulas do not discuss is the hormonal triggers for PROM. At term, the fetal membranes and the pregnant person's body release prostaglandins.  These prostaglandins break down the cells of the amniotic sac, leading to the rupture of membranes. They also break down the cellular matrix of

Stripping 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 may be uncomfortable or painful when performed, the goal is to stimulate cervical change and contractions in the time that follows. As a result, pregnant individuals often experience spotting, bleeding, and contractions. The contractions experienced after sweeping the membranes can last just a few hours or, for others, days.  Join us as we discuss the process of stripping membranes and how we can support clients through the experience that follows.

Once 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 consumed episodes. Catch a sneak peek into Season 5 as we talk about kicking off a new season and a new year with our 100th episode! We look forward to the new year and kicking off our 100th episode with a splash!

Few 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 countless doulas and doula agencies. In this episode, we take a deep dive into the resources available to doulas and other birth workers to help guide them on their path to success. As agency owners, these are tools that we have invested in and utilize regularly. Join us as we discuss the resources that we have found to be immensely helpful to doulas and birth workers.

In 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 of experience. Doulas often focus on the number of births to define new vs. experienced. Yet, for expectant families, connection with the doula often tips the scales in favor of one doula vs another. In this episode, we challenge the notion of new vs. seasoned doulas. Join us as we discuss why the concept of a "well-rounded doula" is far more important than the number of years of experience or clients served.

One 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 doula is essential.  Join us as we discuss the many factors to consider surrounding the due date dilemma.

Becoming 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 you need to manage many aspects of your doula business daily. Working with clients is a part of what you will do as you work in your business. But it won't be the largest part of what you do, at least in the beginning. Doulas who want to make a living at this work will need to tend to their business just as diligently as they tend to their clients. Join us as we discuss the basics of running a doula business.

Doulas 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 to their birth location can offer. Helping clients distinguish between practice labor and progressive labor is a big part of the labor doula's role.  Join us as we discuss the many factors to consider when helping clients decide when it's time to go!

On 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 consultation is where a family can meet with a doula to gather information and advice. It's an opportunity for the doula to create a vision of what it looks like to receive their support. A doula consult is where the doula paints a picture of what it looks like, feels like, and what the experience of working with you as a doula will be like. An interview is a space to gather information, typically via a list of questions someone wants to ask. This is great for the family searching for a doula. But it doesn't often allow spac

As 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 subconscious thoughts, attitudes, and stereotypes. These biases are identified as implicit bias. Explicit biases are biases that come from our views about a person, thing, or group. Then we have confirmation bias. Confirmation bias leads us to interpret, search for, and remember information in a way that supports our prior beliefs or values.  Join us as we explore the common types of doula bias and discuss how they can influence the important work we do with clients.

Supporting 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 labor. While the idea of rapid labor may sound great to clients, this type of labor does present some challenges. The body is doing the same amount of work to give birth. Only it's happening in a vastly condensed amount of time. This means that for most, the pace and intensity of the labor are likely more than anticipated. Those who experience precipitous labor often relate that this type of labor is like going from 0-100 in .02 seconds. The expected build-up of contractions from early labor to active labor to transition just does

As 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 example, if your business is LGBTQIA+ friendly, referring to another business, no matter how skilled they may be, who does not share these values can cause a negative image of your business. Will the business you refer to offer reciprocity in referring back to you?  Come join us as we discuss the many variables to consider when developing your community referral list.

Partner 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. Sacrificing their own needs to support the birthing person. Setting their need for rest and nourishment aside. As postpartum doulas coming into this dynamic requires assessment skills. What does this partner need most at this point? Where are they struggling? Where are they excelling, and how can we validate and encourage them? Come join us as we discuss the many considerations in how to support partners during the postpartum period.

As 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 simultaneously as the one "perfect shot" a client wants presents itself? Join us as we take a deep dive into the ins and outs of providing birth photography and labor support.