The Everyday Doula Podcast

Some of you may be aware of the wildfires currently burning throughout Alberta. Our hearts are with family, friends, and all our Birth Pals affected by that AND with the first responders working hard to keep people and their homes safe! Before we get started today, we wanted to say a HUGE thank you to you, our listeners, for over 200 downloads! It means a lot to Sarah and I that you take the time to tune in with us weekly!

Today's episode is titled “Solicited Advice”! Sarah and I are going to discuss the top dos and don’ts of getting started in the world of Birth Work (in our experience and opinions). We want to highlight some of the common mistakes made by budding birth babes and what to do instead! This discussion isn’t limited to just business practices but also applies to the practical, hands-on elements of Birth Work!

A common post we see in Doula business groups goes like this “Hey all! I’m a brand new (birth/postpartum/fertility) Doula and am so excited to launch my practice! Any seasoned Doulas want to share anything I should know/do/avoid? Any advice, tips or tricks are welcome!”..... First of all, how would you respond to this post?

• Unclear or missing contracts and agreements
• Trying to market to EVERYONE
• Arriving too early
• Check your ego

Thanks for listening!
Contact us:
Website: www.thebirthworkcompany.com
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @thebirthworkco
Facebook: The Birth Work Company

In this episode, Rebekkah & Sarah chat about choosing business names, the ins and outs of registering your business name, trademarks, copyright and common mistakes new Birth workers tend to make in those areas. We also discuss...

• Our one-week post-launch name change
• Registration, why bother? Incorporate? LLC?
• Trademarks
• Nuggets of wisdom

Thanks for listening!
Contact us:
Website: www.thebirthworkcompany.com
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @thebirthworkco
Facebook: The Birth Work Company

TW - Suicide and Suicidal Ideation
It is so good to be BACK after an unexpected 6-month hiatus!
Today's episode is titled “Meconium Happens” (obviously) and we will be discussing just that; what happens in our bodies, minds and businesses when shit hits the fan. We hope to share the lessons and wisdom from these experiences. We also in true Doula form want to encourage our birth pals who have been or who are currently there!

Rabbit Illustration:
"A pregnant rabbit is hopping along in the forest when it begins to feel the first signs of labour. Naturally, it knows to find a safe, dark, warm place to labour down and waits for its body to do what it does. Suddenly the rabbit hears the familiar rustle of a fox near their chosen birthing spot. The rabbit's heart rate increases as adrenaline is pumped through its body. Their blood flow and oxygen are redirected to their limbs, contractions stop and the rabbit runs away to find another safer place to give birth."

The challenge/s you experienced. (the rustle in the bushes)

The fears and insecurities that brought up for you (Perceived danger)

How you faced the challenge. (Fight or flight response)

How did you get back to a state of peace/rest?

Are you reacting or responding?
Birth Work is Life work - How you react/respond to your everyday life will be how you react/respond in your business.

Thanks for listening!
Contact us:
Website: www.thebirthworkcompany.com
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @thebirthworkco
Facebook: The Birth Work Company

In this follow-up episode to Meconium Happens Pt.1, Rebekkah and Sarah discuss the practical tips and takeaways for Doulas looking to burnout-proof their business.
- The Importance of birth pals
- Burnout proofing your business starts with you. (SELF CARE Don’t overschedule)
- Plan Do Review (decrease overwhelm, create dopamine) TEMPLATE
- Business systems that help (Honeybook, checklists, automation)
- Letting go of the guilt/shame of taking time off/away from your business

Thanks for listening!
Contact us:
Website: www.thebirthworkcompany.com
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @thebirthworkco
Facebook: The Birth Work Company

After a busy week and a much-needed break, Sarah and I discuss the emotional labour we do as Birth Workers, how that can impact our mental health/wellness, Doula burnout, and how to set healthy boundaries and expectations with our clients and other folks we work with! Included in his conversation:

• How our training brings up our trauma
• Do you need to be emotionally “healed” or trauma free before working with clients?
• Working with clients – The unexpected load of holding space
• Signs and symptoms of burnout
• Strategies for managing emotional labour and stress – Putting your own mask on first

Thanks for listening!
Contact us:
Website: www.thebirthworkcompany.com
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @thebirthworkco
Facebook: The Birth Work Company