027: How To Be The Best Doula

It’s March! And that means World Doula Week is almost here! This is the first of several Bonus episodes just for doulas that we are releasing this month.

In today’s show we have our first mentoring call. I welcome Jeanne-Marie Paynel – a doula transitioning from being a volunteer doula in a hospital program to working as a private doula. Jeanne-Marie is no stranger to working with parents, and I have referred to her for years. She has a master’s degree in Montessori education and has her own Podcast called The Art of Parenting. She offers solid birth and parenting education with her doula packages so parents are more prepared for pregnancy and parenting.

Our discussion includes our personal experiences in the birth room and how our own triggers are reflected to us as we offer support. When we become aware of why these patterns show up – we understand what healing we have to do for ourselves. Like attracts like and if we want a certain type of family to serve, we need to radiate those qualities. I want to thank her for her vulnerability and openness to sharing her doula experiences with us.

Jeanne Marie and her many offerings, including private mentoring and Parenting School can be found at VoilaMontessori.com.

Let’s connect: Have questions or comments for this episode?

BirthEducationPodcast@gmail.com

Work with Care or Ashley: 858-251-4204

Join us on Socials:

Instagram: @BirthEducationCenter

TikTok: @BirthEducationCenter

YouTube: @BirthEducationCenter

FB: @BirthEducationCenter

LinkedIn: @CareMesser

Online Courses:

OMG I’m Pregnant

Induction 101

Mental Health 

Newborn Procedures

Epidurals Explained

Meditations/Journal

For Doulas Only - Ebook and Visualization

This show is all about PRE bonding with your baby. Yes – it is possible! And bonding has many different faces – it’s not all about rubbing your belly and talking to baby(although yes, I want you to do that too).

Today Ashley and I discuss the importance of intentionally bonding with your baby during pregnancy by fostering a nurturing family environment. Have you had conversations with your partner about establishing family traditions? Have you had open communication about parenting techniques, and creating a warm, loving, and secure home? This is where the bonding extends because you are making your baby a real person in this conversation, and creating THEIR long-term family.

Ashley and I also share personal experiences as they came up that have impacted our kids. I am far from perfect in this arena and I wish I would have thought things through a bit more. Once again, I am impressed with Ashley being so intentional as a young 25 year old mom, where I was in my 30’s and that stuff didn’t even register for me. The episode highlights the value of intentional bonding before birth and the role of envisioning a positive future for your family.

The Hypnobirthing meditation we referenced in today’s show is available on my website and is called, “Baby in Nature.”

All of our meditations have been recorded in the specific wording you need – the Motherhood collection, the Inclusive language collection, and language for multiples. The journal “Conversations With My Baby,” can be found on Amazon with this link.

Let’s connect: Have questions or comments for this episode?

BirthEducationPodcast@gmail.com

Work with Care or Ashley: 858-251-4204

Join us on Socials:

Instagram: @BirthEducationCenter

TikTok: @BirthEducationCenter

YouTube: @BirthEducationCenter

FB: @BirthEducationCenter

LinkedIn: @CareMesser

Online Courses:

OMG I’m Pregnant

Induction 101

Mental Health 

Newborn Procedures

Epidurals Explained

Meditations/Journal

For Doulas Only - Ebook and Visualization

In this show we are talking about our upcoming doula series and what sets it apart from other advanced doula trainings. These are not just doula classes. The Doula Education Series is aimed at deepening doulas' connections with families and enhancing their own self-awareness. This three-month mentored series not only focuses on business, growth and social media, but encourages doulas to focus on emotional intelligence, personal growth, and the understanding of one's value in the profession.

The journey of a doula is one of continuous learning and reflection. It's about becoming a mirror that reflects the best of what we can be, for ourselves and for the families who invite us into their sacred space. We're here to remind you that the transformative power of self-awareness, coupled with the unity of our community, can elevate the field of birth work to new heights. Our goal is to prevent doula burnout and connect on a deep level with each other so we can model it for the families that we serve.

Doulas are lifelong learners, compassionate allies, and pillars of support for the birth community. This is more than a profession; it's a calling that touches the very essence of life itself. Join us on this journey, and let's make a difference, one birth, one family, one heart at a time.

Click this link to learn more about the Doula Education Series and join us April 6th!

Let’s connect: Have questions or comments for this episode?

BirthEducationPodcast@gmail.com

Work with Care or Ashley: 858-251-4204

Join us on Socials:

Instagram: @BirthEducationCenter

TikTok: @BirthEducationCenter

YouTube: @BirthEducationCenter

FB: @BirthEducationCenter

LinkedIn: @CareMesser

Online Courses:

OMG I’m Pregnant: https://www.birtheducationcenter.com/OMG-Im-Pregnant-Course/

Induction 101: https://www.birtheducationcenter.com/Induction-101-Course/

Mental Health: https://www.birtheducationcenter.com/pregnancy-and-postpartum-mental-health/

Newborn Procedures: https://www.birtheducationcenter.com/Newborn-Procedures-Course/

Epidurals Explained: https://www.birtheducationcenter.com/epidurals-explained/

Meditations/Journal: https://www.birtheducationcenter.com/shop/

For Doulas Only: https://www.birtheducationcenter.com/shop/bundles/ebook-bundle/

In this episode of the Birth Education Center podcast, Darla Burns, postpartum doula trainer is back to talk to parents. There are so many ideas of what a postpartum doula is and what is included in their scope of practice. If breastfeeding is your long-term goal, having a postpartum doula would be one of your best ideas.

Postpartum doulas also get confused with newborn care specialists, baby nurses and nannies. Darla emphasizes one important difference between those professionals in that postpartum doulas focus on supporting parents rather than the baby in the critical fourth trimester. Darla talks about the importance of emotional support, education on newborn care, and the doula's goal to foster parent confidence and work herself out of a job. We also cover practicalities like the cost of doula services, insurance, and creative funding solutions, as well as the importance of finding a doula with the right fit, certifications, and backup plans.

You can also tune into Darla’s first episode which has a lot of relevant parent information as well. 021: How to Become a Postpartum Doula

Let’s connect: Have questions or comments for this episode?

BirthEducationPodcast@gmail.com

Work with Care or Ashley: 858-251-4204

Join us on Socials:

Instagram: @BirthEducationCenter

TikTok: @BirthEducationCenter

YouTube: @BirthEducationCenter

FB: @BirthEducationCenter

LinkedIn: @CareMesser

Online Courses:

OMG I’m Pregnant

Induction 101

Mental Health 

Newborn Procedures

Epidurals Explained

Meditations/Journal

For Doulas Only - Ebook and Visualization

Welcome back to Part 2 with our discussion on why you need a doula! Ashley and I have been interviewed hundreds of times over the years. With those experiences, we learned what we are comfortable providing as far as services and what parents are really needing. We want to help you find the level of advocacy you are looking for.

Advocacy is an important discussion, and you want to understand a few things about informed consent before having that conversation with a doula you are considering. There are also things to think about when finding a doula that aligns with your personal beliefs. The right personality fit is a must but the way a doula may run her business must also align with your expectations of what you are expecting her to provide. There is a right fit!

We talk about the various ways to search for a doula, including social media and professional networks and offer practical advice on interviewing and how to hire a doula. We cannot stress enough the need for reliability, backup support, and the value of ongoing education over certification from any particular organization. The episode will guide you with things to consider as you find a doula who can advocate for you(if you want that) and support your birth preferences.

Let’s connect: Have questions or comments for this episode?

BirthEducationPodcast@gmail.com

Work with Care or Ashley: 858-251-4204

Join us on Socials:

Instagram: @BirthEducationCenter

TikTok: @BirthEducationCenter

YouTube: @BirthEducationCenter

FB: @BirthEducationCenter

LinkedIn: @CareMesser

Online Courses:

OMG I’m Pregnant

Induction 101

Mental Health 

Newborn Procedures

Epidurals Explained

Meditations/Journal

For Doulas Only - Ebook and Visualization

Today’s show is about why you should add a doula to your birth team and how doing so can cut your risk of cesarean by almost 40%! There is a lot of hesitation sometimes when the idea of a birth doula comes up. While some of it is monetary, we also hear that you are a private person and adding a stranger just seems like a bad idea. Another perspective is that everyone in your birth room(nurses, support staff and most likely the doctor) will all be strangers. Your doula may be the only person besides your partner that you know!

From an educator perspective and knowing what we know about our hospital system – we want you to go in fully prepared with a professional doula by your side. By meeting with your doula ahead of birth, they will fully know what kind of support you want and need. Join us as we give you more to think about when it comes to hiring a doula. Listen early in pregnancy so you have more time to budget for your doula!

The “OMG! I’m Pregnant class, the birth meditations (including the Hypnobirthing meditations we use in class) are listed below for you to use or to give as a gift!

Join us next week for Part 2 of this discussion!

Let’s connect: Have questions or comments for this episode?

BirthEducationPodcast@gmail.com

Work with Care or Ashley: 858-251-4204

Join us on Socials:

Instagram: @BirthEducationCenter

TikTok: @BirthEducationCenter

YouTube: @BirthEducationCenter

FB: @BirthEducationCenter

LinkedIn: @CareMesser

Online Courses:

OMG I’m Pregnant

Induction 101

Mental Health 

Newborn Procedures

Epidurals Explained

Meditations/Journal

For Doulas Only - Ebook and Visualization

In today’s show we are talking with Tamra about her birth story and she used the Hypnobirthing techniques to take great care of herself during labor. Tamra started her birth preparation early because she realized that she didn’t want to be dependent on outside elements to “cure” her labor. Her husband Conner did an amazing job and working the techniques calmly through her labor which allowed her to fully trust the process. She also talks about her doulas and how critical they were for support.

To know more about epidurals and all that they involve, including tricks to pushing successfully with one – check out our Epidurals Explained course on our site. Understanding how medicine may or may not work with your body will give you more options and confidence with your decisions as your labor progresses.

Let’s connect: Have questions or comments for this episode?

BirthEducationPodcast@gmail.com

Work with Care or Ashley: 858-251-4204

Join us on Socials:

Instagram: @BirthEducationCenter

TikTok: @BirthEducationCenter

YouTube: @BirthEducationCenter

FB: @BirthEducationCenter

LinkedIn: @CareMesser

Online Courses:

OMG I’m Pregnant

Induction 101

Mental Health 

Newborn Procedures

Epidurals Explained

Meditations/Journal

For Doulas Only - Ebook and Visualization

Today’s show is a bit spicy! I got up close and personal with Dr. Rose Schlaff– the wizard of physical therapy and a guru of getting your groove back, especially when baby bumps and babies are in the picture! We dive into the nitty-gritty of keeping the sparks flying when you're expecting.

Rose is gonna spill the beans on how she mixes a blending of intimacy coaching with physical therapy to get your sexy back on track, body and soul. We explore knowing your body like the back of your hand, penciling in some steamy time with your boo, and how your brain wires can totally mess with your mojo.

Rose has some killer “snacks” up her sleeve! She's talking body-boosting exercises, chill-out breathing techniques, and some brainy tips to get you and your partner back in sync. Plus, she's got the lowdown on how to stay connected through pregnancy so your postpartum is on track.

As the convo wraps up, it’s a "to be continued..." because your burning questions are gonna get some airtime in a follow-up episode. I have worked with Rose for years and I know you’ll love her. Don't miss this one – and send in your questions for our next episode together.

Rose also offered a coupon for $150 off if you want to work with her! Coupon Code BIRTH.

You can find her at BeWellWithRose.com

Let’s connect: Have questions or comments for this episode?

BirthEducationPodcast@gmail.com

Work with Care or Ashley: 858-251-4204

Join us on Socials:

Instagram: @BirthEducationCenter

TikTok: @BirthEducationCenter

YouTube: @BirthEducationCenter

FB: @BirthEducationCenter

LinkedIn: @CareMesser

Online Courses:

OMG I’m Pregnant

Induction 101

Mental Health 

Newborn Procedures

Epidurals Explained

Meditations/Journal

For Doulas Only - Ebook and Visualization

I want to say this show is for doulas and childbirth educators BUT – there is also so much good information for parents in here! In this podcast episode, Darla Burns, a long time CAPPA postpartum doula trainer discusses the multifaceted role of postpartum doulas. I have been in Darla’s training and it was the best thing I could have taken as doula and childbirth educator. I use this education everyday. As a birth doula, you may have some misconceptions about what a postpartum doula does or how they compare to a newborn care specialist or even a baby nurse. Darla clears that up.

Darla explains the advantages of how taking a postpartum doula training will round out your education even if you never plan on actually doing postpartum work. As educators- this training will give you so much more insight as to help families prepare ahead of time for postpartum. And as a doula you will have more information and confidence as you are seeing families after birth and may be the main resource provider for them.

Darla covers certification, the teaching aspects of the job, the importance of setting realistic expectations, and also putting in place great boundaries for your work!  Darla has a $50 off code for anyone who wants to jump into her training this year so take advantage of that and let’s get you started! (Care50)

You can find Darla at DoulaDarla.com

Let’s connect: Have questions or comments for this episode?

BirthEducationPodcast@gmail.com

Work with Care or Ashley: 858-251-4204

Join us on Socials:

Instagram: @BirthEducationCenter

TikTok: @BirthEducationCenter

YouTube: @BirthEducationCenter

FB: @BirthEducationCenter

LinkedIn: @CareMesser

Online Courses:

OMG I’m Pregnant

Induction 101

Mental Health 

Newborn Procedures

Epidurals Explained

Meditations/Journal

For Doulas Only - Ebook and Visualization

It’s 2024! It’s time to ramp up your website for the new year and bring in those babies! In this show, we are talking with Becky DeGrossa, a business mentor and SEO strategist! Becky is here to offer help into optimizing your website for doulas and birth workers. Becky and I talk about the importance of a strategic online presence to attract clients and grow your business locally. So many doulas are looking for clients and with directed website tweaks – you may have too many clients to handle! That’s a problem we would all like!

Becky shares the effectiveness of white hat SEO strategies and also explores the evolution of website platforms, and which ones have user-friendly SEO capabilities. Becky encourages birth workers to invest in their online presence because your website can be diligently working in the background as a long-term asset. She shares tips on how to start with simple, focused actions to achieve growth. You want to be found locally – here’s how to do it!

Becky can be found at CounselingWise.com. The two products we discussed in the show were her Client Calls Forever Training and her Scorecard which is the 33 point diagnostic ranking for your current website. Not only can she build a website for you – but can get it ranking swiftly on the first page of Google!

Let’s connect: Have questions or comments for this episode?

BirthEducationPodcast@gmail.com

Work with Care or Ashley: 858-251-4204

Join us on Socials:

Instagram: @BirthEducationCenter

TikTok: @BirthEducationCenter

YouTube: @BirthEducationCenter

FB: @BirthEducationCenter

LinkedIn: @CareMesser

Online Courses:

OMG I’m Pregnant

Induction 101

Mental Health 

Newborn Procedures

Epidurals Explained

Meditations/Journal

For Doulas Only - Ebook and Visualization