Doulas Of The Roundtable

Working with clients who hold status, whether they are medical providers, influencers, politicians, or public figures, can present unique opportunities and challenges for doulas. Supporting high-visibility clients while maintaining the same standards of care, boundaries, and intent you offer every other family may not come as easily as you think. While there are potential benefits of these connections, there can also be stumbling blocks. It can be tempting to hope for public praise or referrals from influencers, but doulas must not bank on that exposure or let it influence their role. Confidentiality is non-negotiable, and these clients deserve the same privacy, respect, and space to be vulnerable without fear of judgment. Join us for a candid and professional conversation about supporting clients with influence, while staying grounded in ethics, integrity, and the heart of doula work.

What is selective bias, and how does it show up in our work as doulas? We all interpret and retain information in ways that align with our pre-existing beliefs, often unknowingly dismissing data that challenges our biases. From interpreting research to making decisions in birth spaces, selective bias can shape the care we provide and can influence the experiences of our clients. As doulas, we have a responsibility to recognize and confront our own biases, especially when it comes to topics like interventions and birth preferences. Are you open to thinking critically about your own biases, considering how they affect your practice, and exploring ways to actively seek out diverse perspectives?  Join us for an honest conversation about learning and growing in our doula practice, and how embracing discomfort can lead to more effective, unbiased support for the families we serve.

Doula work can be incredibly rewarding, but it won't be the right fit for everyone. In this episode, we talk openly about why someone shouldn't become a doula. Birth work requires a specific mindset, skills, and responsibilities. Being judgmental, struggling to hold space, or expecting birth work to be all about personal fulfillment can create harm. Becoming a doula means running a doula business, and passion alone isn’t enough if you're not prepared to market, manage, and sustain a professional practice. This honest conversation takes a raw and real look at what it takes to be a doula. It is essential to preserve the integrity of the profession and support future doulas in entering the work with clarity and intention. If you or someone you know is considering becoming a doula, this is a must-listen episode.

Every doula experiences it. The ups and downs of client inquiries and bookings are a normal part of running a doula business. Some months are full, while others feel uncomfortably quiet. There is often a natural ebb and flow of doula work, and it is important to stay grounded when things slow down. What can you do during slower seasons to remain productive and focused? You may start by reflecting on your current marketing strategy and identifying what is working and what needs improvement. Or maybe it's time to refresh your website and social media to reconnect with your community. There are many powerful steps you can take to strengthen your business and support long-term growth. If you have ever felt anxious during a quiet stretch, this conversation is for you. Tune in to learn how to make the most of the downtime and come back stronger.

As doulas, when it comes to communication, what we say and how it’s heard are not always the same. Words shape how clients feel, respond, and make decisions. Asking questions that begin with "why" can unintentionally sound like judgment, even when your intent is neutral or supportive. Doulas often believe that it’s our job to make sure clients are making informed choices. In truth, our responsibility is to our clients, not for them. It is not our role or responsibility to decide what a client wants or needs to know. But doulas often offer information without asking what the client wants to know or inquiring in a non-judgmental way how they came to a decision, especially surrounding topics like induction or elective cesareans. This episode unpacks the critical difference between what we mean and how our words are interpreted. If you want to strengthen your communication, reduce misunderstandings, and support clients with more clarity and compassion.

    Telemetry monitoring during labor is becoming more common in hospital birth settings. Yet many doulas may not be familiar with how it works or how it differs from traditional continuous electronic fetal monitoring.   In this episode, we explore telemetry monitoring, how it functions, and the potential benefits it offers for mobility and comfort for laboring clients. We also discuss hospital policies, common limitations, and how to support clients in understanding their options when telemetry is available or when it is not.   As doulas, having a working knowledge of telemetry can help us better advocate for client preferences, support informed decision-making, and provide more effective physical and emotional support during labor.   Join us for a practical and informative conversation to help you feel more confident navigating this type of monitoring in your birth support work.

Low amniotic fluid, or oligohydramnios, is a topic doulas are likely to encounter in our work with clients, especially during the third trimester. Doulas and clients often question what low fluid levels mean, how they are diagnosed, and the clinical considerations involved. It is important for doulas to understand risks associated with low amniotic fluid, potential causes, and the treatment options care providers may offer. We also discuss how this diagnosis can influence birth plans and what doulas should keep in mind when supporting clients through these decisions. Tune in for an in-depth conversation designed to strengthen your knowledge and help you better support clients navigating this complicated situation.

We’re talking about business evolution: how growth, learning, and new services shape the future of your brand. Your doula business won’t look the same in a year or two as it did on day one. But that’s a good thing! Your marketing should reflect every step forward, from your first client to expanding your services. Updating your website, social media, and printed materials is essential as your business evolves. A brand refresh, whether that’s a new logo, a change in business name, updated colors, or a shift in messaging, is also likely as you grow. Tune in for real-world insight on aligning your image with your current position so potential clients see the full value of all you have to offer.

Many birth workers assume teaching childbirth education is just for labor doulas. Yet postpartum doulas can benefit just as much from teaching childbirth and newborn-related classes. Offering newborn care education can be a game-changer for postpartum doulas looking to grow their client base. Teaching a newborn care class allows you to connect with expecting families before their baby arrives, demonstrate your expertise, and build trust early on. You’ll help potential clients understand what postpartum doula support looks like and why it’s so valuable in those early weeks. In this episode, we explore the importance of an informative and engaging class that encourages families to seek continued support. Tune in to discover how education can be a strategic and impactful way to build your postpartum doula business.

The power of listening is one of the most valuable skills a doula can have. Listening involves more than just hearing words—it’s about creating space where clients feel genuinely seen, heard, and understood. It is how deep, intentional trust is built, and it strengthens the doula-client relationship. When clients feel safe to unmask and share openly, real connections form, which allows us to create a judgment-free space, allowing clients to express their fears, preferences, and emotions without shame. This trust becomes the foundation for meaningful support throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.  In this episode, we discuss practical ways to refine your listening skills, avoid common pitfalls, and ensure clients feel validated and supported. Tune in to learn how the power of listening can transform your doula practice and deepen your impact.

Client reviews shape your doula business. But how do you request them, use them effectively, and respond to negative feedback professionally? Doula work is deeply personal. Families invite us into one of the most intimate times of their lives, trusting us to provide support. Because of this, building and maintaining an emotional connection is essential. Clients need to feel safe, seen, and supported—and that trust often translates into the reviews they leave. One common challenge doulas face is finding the best ways to ask for reviews. Once you have the reviews, you need to determine where to showcase them to build trust and attract clients. Also, don't forget to turn this positive feedback into a powerful marketing tool to grow your business. But what if you get a bad review? Don’t panic! Instead, take control, manage your reputation, and respond professionally and confidently. Join us to learn how to use client reviews to strengthen relationships, build trust, and grow a thriving doula business!

Providing postpartum support in a hospital setting comes with unique challenges and important considerations. Unlike postpartum care in the client's home, hospital-based postpartum care requires doulas to navigate medical staff interactions, hospital policies, and the ever-changing needs of new parents in those crucial first hours and days. There are some important things doulas need to keep in mind when supporting families in the hospital. From understanding the hospital environment and advocating for client comfort to managing expectations and setting boundaries, we discuss how to provide meaningful support while respecting the clinical setting. Join us as we share practical insights on how to offer effective, compassionate in-hospital postpartum care—ensuring families feel supported, informed, and confident as they transition into parenthood.

CRMs and automation tools are fantastic for streamlining your doula business—but full automation can’t replace connection. But the goal isn’t to automate everything but to find the balance between being efficient and being effective. Efficiency can save you time, but effectiveness is about creating impact—and your potential clients will remember how you made them feel. The goal is to use automation tools to simplify your systems without losing the personal touches that make your business unique. From automated workflows to personalized follow-ups, we discuss how to blend technology with heart. The key is balance: Be efficient with your processes but effective with your relationships. Tune in to learn how to save time without sacrificing what sets your doula business apart—you.

Families welcoming a baby through IVF—whether carrying on their own or working with a surrogate—often face unique fears, anxieties, and uncertainties. As doulas, how can we best support them through this deeply personal and emotional journey? In this episode, we dive into the complexities of working with families who have experienced fertility challenges, exploring the concerns they often carry and how we can provide compassionate, informed support. From addressing emotional highs and lows to navigating birth preferences and postpartum expectations, we discuss what doulas need to know to create a reassuring and empowering experience for these families. Join us as we explore the nuances of IVF, surrogacy, and the essential role doulas play in offering guidance, understanding, and unwavering support.

There are many ways of supporting labor clients as a doula. Doulas provide continuous support during labor. But what happens when a doula steps away while their client is still in labor? There is a lot of nuance to the decision-making process behind leaving a birth temporarily and returning later. Sometimes, stepping away might be appropriate, allowing the doula to balance the client's needs with their own. This can be especially true during an induction of labor, where the process may take days. However, some challenges may present themselves when a doula isn’t at the bedside, from the potential gaps in hands-on comfort measures to the lack of immediate informational support. Join us as we share our insights on navigating these situations with professionalism and care, ensuring the client feels supported and empowered, even during temporary absences. This is a must-listen for doulas looking to handle these complex situations with grace and clarity!

Illness is an inevitable part of life, but how do you handle it as a birthworker? No doubt navigating sickness in the doula world comes with challenges. How do you balance your commitment to clients while prioritizing health and safety? Are you willing to work with clients who are sick, and if so, how can you implement universal precautions to protect yourself and others? It’s equally important to plan for when you’re unwell—whether that means leaning on a trusted backup or stepping away to recover. Clear contract policies to address illness ensure everyone is on the same page when unexpected situations arise. Join us as we discuss these critical considerations and share valuable insights to help you stay prepared, professional, and protected in your birth work practice.

Season 6 has been one for the books! With over 270,000 downloads to date, we are grateful for your support and participation. As we close out the year, we’re taking a moment to celebrate this milestone. Thank you for being part of our journey. We also want to invite you to help shape Season 7 by sending us your topic suggestions. Reach out to us on any of our socials with your suggestions. If you've attended a tough birth, worked with a challenging postpartum client or have encountered a topic you'd like to learn more about, drop us your suggestion!  As we look ahead to 2025, we’re focused on setting you up for success in your doula business. The key takeaway? To get the clients, you have to talk to anyone who reaches out to learn more about you and your business! Answering the phone is at the top of the list—because connection starts with that first conversation. Second on that list is being responsive and following up! Join us for inspiration and actionable advice to kick off the new year with confidence. H

Doula business myths lurk around every corner. Do you think you need to be a successful solo doula before starting a doula agency? Believe certification doesn’t matter? Are you wondering if AI can truly capture your authentic business voice? In this episode, we’re tackling some of the biggest myths in the doula industry with none other than ProDoula CEO, business consultant, and author of The Matriarch Rules, Randy Patterson. We break down misconceptions, such as: You can't make money as a doula. You can't be a doula if you haven't had children. Independent doulas can not compete with doula agencies. They can't access insurance or third-party reimbursement. Certification isn't important or necessary. Doula agencies should wait for clients before building their team, and independent doulas can't provide comprehensive services. If you’re navigating your path in the doula business world, this episode is packed with insights to help you grow your confidence and business success. Don’t miss this myth-busting conve

Understanding breastfeeding challenges is crucial for providing effective support to new parents. Nipple soreness, cracked or bleeding nipples, and engorgement are common challenges. Inverted nipples and delayed milk production also cause difficulties. Cluster feeding and growth spurts add to the stress. Together, these issues can make the early weeks of breastfeeding overwhelming. Understanding why these issues happen, how they can impact the breastfeeding journey, and, most importantly, what you can do to help is an essential part of your support. In this episode, we cover practical tips and real talk about when it’s time to call an IBCLC or another breastfeeding expert.  Join us as we discuss ways to help you navigate these early hurdles and support families with confidence and care.

Decision fatigue surrounding pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period can have a profound impact on expecting and new parents. The mental load of constant decision-making can be exhausting. Doulas play a crucial role in easing the burden of decision fatigue. We provide clients with the tools and resources to make informed and confident choices. This includes breaking down complex information into digestible, easy-to-understand pieces and offering evidence-based options tailored to each client’s unique values and preferences. Doulas can also help streamline the decision-making process by prioritizing what’s most important and guiding clients through each step with reassurance and clarity. These strategies empower clients and help them feel clear-headed and more in control during a time that can feel overwhelming. At the same time, doulas may unintentionally contribute to decision fatigue by overwhelming clients with too much information. Whether you’re a new or seasoned doula, this episode will provide insi