Best Unbiasedsupport Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 171: Philanthropy & Doula Work 53:24

Play Pause

2h ago53:24

53:24

Philanthropy and doula work are deeply connected. When your business is financially sustainable, you gain the freedom to give back in meaningful ways. Charging your worth does more than cover your expenses. It creates space to support your community through acts both big and small. Whether organizing diaper drives, quietly helping families in need,…

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Episode 170: Navigating Partner Differences 58:44

13d ago58:44

58:44

It is common for partners to have different opinions about pregnancy, birth, or parenting. These differences can create tension, especially when decisions need to be made. As doulas, we play a vital role in navigating these situations with professionalism and care. It is important that we equip ourselves with strategies to support both individuals …

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Episode 169: Meal Planning and Meal Prep Services 43:45

27d ago43:45

43:45

Meal planning and preparation services can enhance the doula support options you provide to clients. However, doulas must consider regulations, logistics, and business implications before jumping in. Understanding the difference between meal planning and meal preparation is essential. Each service offers unique benefits for families. It is critical…

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Episode 168: Office Space for Doula Business 36:58

1M ago36:58

36:58

A dedicated office space for a doula business can bring professionalism, visibility, and a central hub for meetings and classes. It can also come with significant costs and added responsibilities. Understanding the pros and cons is essential before making the investment. Calculating the potential return on investment provides a clear picture of whe…

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Episode 167: Working with Influencers 47:23

2M ago47:23

47:23

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. W…

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Episode 166: Selective Bias 58:42

2M ago58:42

58:42

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 …

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Episode 165: Don't Be A Doula If... 48:02

3M ago48:02

48:02

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…

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Episode 164: Business Ebb & Flow 52:53

3M ago52:53

52:53

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 pr…

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Episode 163: Communication – Intention vs Interpretation 1:00:18

4M ago1:00:18

1:00:18

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 …

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Episode 162: Telemetry Monitoring During Labor 51:21

4M ago51:21

51:21

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 l…

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Episode 161: Low Amniotic Fluid 1:00:49

5M ago1:00:49

1:00:49

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…

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Episode 160: Doula Business Evolution 59:40

5M ago59:40

59:40

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 medi…

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Episode 159: Newborn Care Classes 54:02

6M ago54:02

54:02

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…

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Episdoe 158: The Value of Listening 1:03:32

6M ago1:03:32

1:03:32

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 openl…

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Episdoe 157: Client Reviews 1:01:07

7M ago1:01:07

1:01:07

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 essen…

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Episode 156: In-Hospital Postpartum Doula Support 49:36

7M ago49:36

49:36

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 a…

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Episode 155: Doula Business Automation 59:36

7M ago59:36

59:36

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 ho…

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Episode 154: Doula Support for IVF and Surrogacy 59:37

8M ago59:37

59:37

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 chal…

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Episode 153: Stay or Go: Supporting Labor 54:59

8M ago54:59

54:59

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, allo…

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Episode 152: Navigating Illness and Birthwork 52:30

9M ago52:30

52:30

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 prot…

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Episode 151: Season Six Wrap Up 50:47

9M ago50:47

50:47

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…

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Episode 150: Doula Business Myths 55:35

10M ago55:35

55:35

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 ProDoul…

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Episode 149: Breastfeeding Challenges 49:57

10M ago49:57

49:57

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 we…

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Episode 148: Decision Fatigue 1:04:32

11M ago1:04:32

1:04:32

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. …

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Episode 147: Virtual Doula 2024 43:57

11M ago43:57

43:57

Virtual doula services emerged very quickly due to the pandemic in 2020. Necessity dictated that families who wanted the support of a doula when hospitals limited visitors receive that support virtually. Now, four years later, some doulas are still trying to build a business solely on virtual support. Doula support, whether in person or virtually, …

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Episode 146: Disappointing Experiences 58:07

12M ago58:07

58:07

Disappointing experiences can arise for both doulas and clients. As doulas, we must recognize how our biases may influence our perception. Furthermore, discussing these experiences with clients can affect how they interpret their birth and postpartum experiences. Therefore, we must process our feelings and biases separately from the doula-client re…

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Episode 145: Cytotec in Obstetrics 1:09:22

1y ago1:09:22

1:09:22

The use of Cytotec, or misoprostol, in obstetrics has a complex history. Initially created to treat gastric ulcers, Cytotec also plays a critical role in reproductive health. It has been used for medical abortions, cervical ripening, and labor induction. In this episode, we explore Cytotec's journey from its original purpose to its controversial us…

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Episode 144: Neurodiversity & Doula Work 1:17:14

1y ago1:17:14

1:17:14

Neurodiversity can present many unique challenges for doulas. There is no doubt that doula work demands that we be highly social and often requires deep emotional connection and physical touch. From managing sensory sensitivities and navigating overstimulation to finding balance in high-energy environments, neurodiversity can impact the doula-clien…

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Episode 143: Doula Pathways 1:01:29

1y ago1:01:29

1:01:29

There are many doula pathways regarding the structure and type of doula business that one may wish to pursue. Some individuals may begin with a solo business model, while others may jump into the world of doula agency owners right from the start. No one doula pathway will work best for everyone. Regardless of the pathway that one chooses, there is …

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Episode 142: Doula Connections 56:44

1y ago56:44

56:44

Creating meaningful connections with your prospective clients—is a vital skill for any successful doula. Building trust and a personal connection is essential for securing clients and providing the best support throughout their journey. Many practical strategies can be utilized to connect on a deeper level, from the first consultation to ongoing ca…

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Episode 141: Universal Precautions 1:01:08

1y ago1:01:08

1:01:08

Universal precautions are essential to maintaining a safe and hygienic environment for both your clients and yourself. It is important for labor and postpartum doulas to understand them and how to apply them to their work. Universal precautions for doulas include proper hand hygiene. This involves handwashing before and after client interactions, e…

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Episode 140: Doula Availability 59:59

1y ago59:59

59:59

Doula availability is a topic that can cause some anxiety. Being on-call 24/7 is a significant challenge, and adapting to this lifestyle requires careful planning and boundary-setting. Your phone is an essential lifeline to both your family and your clients. Feeling overwhelmed by the need to be available at a moment's notice is common, but there a…

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Episode 139: Managing Money 1:24:44

1y ago1:24:44

1:24:44

Managing money is an essential skill for doulas, yet many need time, patience, and effort to develop this skill. Doulas must practice setting aside money for taxes to avoid being caught off guard during tax season. When that tax bill hits, it can hit hard. The unpredictable nature of birth work also requires budgeting your income. Without a budget …

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Episode 138: Working with Independent Contractors 1:01:20

1+ y ago1:01:20

1:01:20

Navigating the challenges of working with independent contractors as an agency owner is no small feat. Your agency's reputation, especially your own, hinges on contractors doing their jobs well. Many owners feel compelled to control contractor performance to ensure the work meets their high standards. However, regulations for independent contractor…

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Episode 137: Doula Musings 1:07:27

1+ y ago1:07:27

1:07:27

In this episode, we discuss recent events that have come to our attention and give our thoughts and feedback. A recent case that has gained national traction involves the passing of a mother and baby. What can we do as doulas if we are in a situation where we don't see a provider meeting the standards of care? Speaking up can be difficult, yet help…

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Episode 136: Navigating the Unexpected 1:08:34

1+ y ago1:08:34

1:08:34

As a doula, navigating unexpected situations will become a part of our work. Perhaps a client who has a premature baby. Or those whose labors begin and progress too quickly to get to their chosen birth location. Thinking on our feet and embracing the unexpected will inevitably become a part of our work. When navigating these unexpected situations, …

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Episode 135: Transitions in Birth Work 48:41

1+ y ago48:41

48:41

For many birth workers, where they enter this work is not the same place where they wind up. For example, some may enter this work providing labor support. Yet they may find once they have their own children, that postpartum work is a better fit. Others may enter into the field via postpartum support. Then, life leads them into childbirth or newbor…

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Episode 134: Fear of Birth 1:11:04

1+ y ago1:11:04

1:11:04

As doulas, it's not uncommon to encounter individuals with a fear of birth. This fear can be rooted in many sources. First, the way in which TV represents birth. Second, the stories our friends and family share; and third, an individual's lived experiences. The media often portrays birth as a dramatic process. The water breaks and the camera cuts t…

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Episode 133: Doula Mistakes 1:24:08

1+ y ago1:24:08

1:24:08

Doula mistakes come in all shapes and sizes. We're human, so it's understandable that mistakes will happen. Some mistakes will be unavoidable and only discovered through trial and error. Others can be avoided. Common mistakes include a lack of effective communication, such as being slow or failing to follow up on inquiries or client communications.…

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Episode 132: Doula Beginnings 1:11:06

1+ y ago1:11:06

1:11:06

One of the most common questions we hear is, "How do we navigate the question of how many clients we have supported when we first start out?" The question "How many births have you attended?" Or "How many families have you supported postpartum?" is not uncommon. Certain personality types are more inclined to ask these types of questions. For them, …

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Episode 131: Supporting Single Parents 44:09

1+ y ago44:09

44:09

Supporting single parents through pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period looks different than supporting those who are partnered. How we approach labor or postpartum support with an unpartnered parent will look different. Many factors will be different when planning for labor. For example, will they get to their birth location? Or who will mak…

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Episode 130: Finding the Evidence 42:16

1+ y ago42:16

42:16

As birth professionals, providing evidence-based information to our clients is essential. However, it's not uncommon to wonder where to find quality research. Knowing how to read and interpret the evidence is also a skill that takes time and discernment. The first step is understanding the types of studies that exist. From randomized controlled tri…

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Episode 129: Vulvar Cancer 59:26

1+ y ago59:26

59:26

According to the American Cancer Society, vulvar cancer accounts for 6% of all cancers of the female reproductive organs. Over 1600 individuals will die from vulvar cancer per year. Cancers of the uterus, cervix, and ovaries are far more well-known, identified, and diagnosed. Yet, cancer of the vulva is a diagnosis that is often hard to obtain. Oft…

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Episode 128: Advanced Maternal Age 40:26

1+ y ago40:26

40:26

Advanced maternal age is defined as a pregnant individual who is 35 years of age or older at the estimated due date or date of delivery. Pregnancy at or beyond this age is considered a risk factor for adverse outcomes in the birthing person and baby. When one is considered "advanced" in age, it is common for closer monitoring to be recommended duri…

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Episode 127: Combination Feeding 45:01

1+ y ago45:01

45:01

Combination feeding is one of many approaches families choose when feeding their baby. It may be the plan from the start. Or, clients may find themselves settling into combination feeding due to postpartum challenges. Some parents may feel that taking on 100% of the responsibility for infant feeding is an overwhelming task. For these individuals, s…

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Episode 126: Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders 59:35

1+ y ago59:35

59:35

Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders impact 15-21% of pregnant and postpartum individuals, according to the National Institute of Health. As birth professionals, it is likely that you will encounter a client who experiences a mood or anxiety disorder during pregnancy or after birth. We must be able to identify the signs and symptoms of those who ma…

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Episode: 125 Season 5 Wrap Up 50:30

2y ago50:30

50:30

It's been a busy, amazing year of growth, learning, and success. Here we are again at the end of another amazing season. Looking back over the past year, it's always fun to see our most popular episodes and share our favorites. As always, your love and passion for the topics we talk about are seen, heard, and felt so very much. We appreciate the in…

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Episode 124: Website Essentials 51:24

2y ago51:24

51:24

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. T…

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Episode 123: Virtual vs. In Person Trainings 55:57

2y ago55:57

55:57

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 …

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Episode 122: Supporting The Third Stage 50:28

2y ago50:28

50:28

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 a…