Doulas of the Roundtable, A modern twist on an ancient concept. A place where all voices are equal, knowledge is shared and hard topics are talked about.
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Welcome to the Birth Boot Camp® Podcast, where every birth story is a celebration waiting to be shared, every family journey is honored, and every listener finds inspiration and support. Are you eagerly anticipating the arrival of a new baby? Or perhaps you're a doula or childbirth educator, seeking new insights and perspectives to enrich your practice? Maybe you're simply curious about the miraculous journey of pregnancy and birth? Whatever your reason for tuning in, you've found your commu ...
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Dearest Doula with Nathalie Saenz
Nathalie Saenz chats with top birth workers and birth experts such as Demetria Clark & Maria Pokluda, with Inspiration from Ina May Gaskin, Penny Simkin, Pam England, and Sheila Kitzinger.
On Dearest Doula we will learn about a host of birth related topics from top professionals in our field, and connect with doulas and other birth workers so they can share their wisdom with you. Our topic based shows are chock-full of knowledge bombs, tips and resources that you can arm yourself with and add to your doula arsenal of awesomeness. Our birth worker features are all near and dear to my heart, and I invite you to let their journey light your path. Listening to their struggles, the ...
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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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Join Cheryl and Liana for a thoughtful and down-to-earth conversation about birth plans and the impact they can have on your childbirth journey. They'll share why a birth plan is more than just a checklist—it's a way to communicate your hopes and preferences, so you feel truly supported throughout the process. In this episode, you'll hear about the…
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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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Ep. 128 - Rethinking Baby Sleep with Kim Hawley
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In our latest podcast episode, we’re excited to welcome Kim Hawley from Intuitive Parenting. Kim is an IBCLC, Holistic Sleep Coach, and Peaceful Parenting Educator with over 12 years of experience. She helps us understand why a one-size-fits-all approach to infant sleep doesn’t work for everyone. We talk about the importance of recognizing each bab…
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Ep. 127 - Becoming a Birth Professional with Birth Boot Camp
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Join Holly, Liana, and Megan on the Birth Boot Camp Podcast as they share their journeys to becoming certified doulas and childbirth educators in "Becoming a Birth Professional with Birth Boot Camp." They’ll chat about what makes Birth Boot Camp’s training unique, the benefits of certification, and their personal stories. From hands-on training and…
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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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Ep. 126 - Differences in Pregnancy: Our Experiences
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Join Hollie, Cheryl, and Liana on the Birth Boot Camp Podcast as they dive into the highs and lows of pregnancy in "Differences in Pregnancy: Our Experiences." They share their personal stories about the excitement of first-time pregnancies, the reality of subsequent ones, and everything in between. From dealing with body image struggles and unsoli…
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Ep. 125 - Creating a Bonding Environment in the Golden Hour
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Join us for this heartwarming episode all about the magical "golden hour" right after birth. We talk all about why this precious time is so important for bonding with your baby and getting breastfeeding off to a great start. You'll hear some of our personal stories and practical tips on creating a peaceful environment, from keeping the lights low t…
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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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In our latest episode, we’re diving into a hot topic: the role of doulas in advocacy. Hollie, Liana, and Megan share their personal experiences and thoughts on what it means to be an advocate as a doula. They explore whether the term 'advocate' fits or if we need a new way to describe the unique support doulas provide. From navigating hospital dyna…
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Episode 138: Working with Independent Contractors
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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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Ep. 123 - Pushing 101 : What Every Expecting Parent Needs to Know
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Join us for an engaging discussion as Hollie, Liana and Megan dive into the essentials of the pushing stage of labor. Discover how to navigate this crucial part of childbirth with confidence. We share personal stories highlighting the wide range of experiences, from quick 10-minute pushes to marathon 4-hour efforts. Learn about the unique sensation…
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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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Ep. 122 - First 6 Weeks Postpartum: Tips for Success
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Join Megan and Liana from Birth Boot Camp HQ for an insightful discussion on the postpartum period, a pivotal time for new parents. Discover the joys and challenges of those initial weeks after childbirth, including essential tips for rest and recovery after birth. Explore the importance of skin-to-skin bonding, maternal mental health, and self-car…
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Ep. 121 - Plus-Size Birth with Jen McLellen
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Join us for an inspiring episode as Hollie and Megan chat with the amazing Jen McLellan, a certified childbirth educator and passionate advocate for plus-size pregnancy. Jen opens up about her personal journey and the challenges she faced, which led her to become a voice for plus-size individuals during pregnancy and childbirth. We discuss the impo…
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Ep. 120 - Highs and Lows of Gestational Diabetes with Susan Johnson
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Join us as we explore the complexities of gestational diabetes with Susan Johnson, a seasoned birthing and diabetes educator. From understanding the condition and its testing procedures to managing it with dietary changes and exercise, Susan provides invaluable advice and shares her personal experiences. Don't let gestational diabetes take the enjo…
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Episode 136: Navigating the Unexpected
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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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Ep. 119 - Hospital Restrictions Nobody is Talking About
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🎙️ Ready to learn about the hospital policies that could shape your birth experience? Tune in to our latest podcast episode, "Hospital Restrictions Nobody Is Talking About" (Episode 119)! In this episode, we discuss the often-overlooked policies that play a significant role in your labor and delivery experience. From the rules surrounding eating an…
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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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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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In our newest Birth Boot Camp podcast episode, we're talking All About Babywearing. Hollie Hauptly, Liana Wolfe, and Megan Busk share their own experiences and practical tips for using baby carriers. From the freedom of having your hands-free to the special bond it creates with you and your baby, this episode reveals why babywearing is a must for a…
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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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Ep. 117 - What We Wish We Knew Before Pregnancy
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Ever wonder what experienced moms would tell their pregnant selves? We are spilling the tea on what we REALLY wish we had known about pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond. From financial prep to capturing those precious early moments, this episode is packed with hilarious confessions and wonderful advice. Tune in to hear how to navigate the emotional …
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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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Ep. 116 - Debunk 5 TikTok Myths Part 2 - Postpartum Edition
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Back for another round, our latest episode takes a look into postpartum and breastfeeding, shedding light on five additional TikTok myths that have been making the rounds. Join the Birth Boot Camp HQ Team as they sift through the noise and provide evidence-based insights into the realities of postpartum recovery and breastfeeding. From debunking mi…
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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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Ep 115 - Debunk 5 TikTok Myths Part 1 - Pregnancy & Birth Edition
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Join Holly, Cheryl, Liana, and Megan from the 'Birth Boot Camp' podcast as they take on five common myths circulating on TikTok and social media. In this episode, they dive into the misconceptions surrounding uterine recovery, childbirth pain, colostrum collection, and more. Drawing from their own experiences and expert insights, they debunk these …
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Ep 114 with Karameli Thomas - Midwifery Care
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In our latest Birth Boot Camp podcast episode, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Karameli Thomas, an experienced 18-year veteran licensed massage therapist. Join us as we discuss our shared passion for childbirth education and the fascinating world of midwifery. Explore Karameli's compelling journey, where she shares her firsthand experienc…
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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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Ep 113 with Ali Low - Trauma-Informed Care
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In this latest Birth Boot Camp podcast episode we are fortunate to be able to sit down with Ali Low as she discusses the critical topic of Trauma-Informed Care. In this insightful discussion, Ali sheds light on the significance of recognizing and addressing past trauma experiences among clients, particularly in the context of birth work. Drawing fr…
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Ep 112 with Mary Farrelly - The NICU Translator
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Step into the world of neonatal care with Mary Farrelly, a certified NICU nurse and founder of The NICU Translator. Join us as we explore the complexities and challenges faced by families with babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and discover invaluable insights to support you through this journey. In this episode, Mary talks about he…
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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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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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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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Ep. 111 - Inductions with Dr. Byungyol "Bill" Chun, MD, FACOG Founder of Doc & Doula
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Join us as we talk with Dr. "Bill" Chun the founder of Doc & Doula. We discuss the maternal health crisis, birth inductions and how we can work together to provide better care for women nationwide. Dr. Bill has created a foundation called Douls for Everyone which aims to have doulas become accessable to all birthing people. Doulas for Everyone prov…
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Episode 126: Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders
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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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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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Ep 110 - A Birth Story: Andea Rudy's 2nd Birth
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This summer we heard Andrea Rudy's first birth story. When we chatted with her, she was just a few weeks away from having her second baby. We were so excited when she wanted to share her second story as well. You'll get to hear how she prepared for her second birth and how it was different than preparing for her first. Then hang on while she shares…
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Ep 109 Myths About Becoming a Dad with Dr. Jay Warren, D.C.
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In this week's episode Hollie and Cheryl enjoyed talking with Dr. Jay Warren, a chiropractor and expert in prenatal and pediatric care, to debunk common myths surrounding fatherhood. He published "9 Myths About Becoming a Dad" and you're luck enough to learn about 3 of those myths in this episode. Dr. Warren begins by challenging the notion that fa…
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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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Ep 108 - The Gaps in Postpartum Care with Dr. Toya
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In this week's episode Cheryl and Liana talk with Dr. Toya about the gaps that we find in United States when it comes to postpartum care. They discuss what postpartum care currently looks like, and what it should look like. Our role as birth professionals is to help support our clients in getting the care that they need postpartum, whether that be …
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In September, our headquarters team attended DoulaCon in Denver and we had an amazing time. We were able to attend as sponsors, vendors, and we were even able to speak about the importance of childbirth education. Even though it's been a couple of months we chat about our experience and how much we enjoyed the weekend. Get your FREE Guide: Your Bir…
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Episode 123: Virtual vs. In Person Trainings
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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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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…
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Ep 106 - Our Thoughts on The ARRIVE Trial
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Join us as your Birth Boot Camp HQ team discusses the ARRIVE trial. This hot topic has been buzzing around the birth community and we are excited to share our thoughts, insights, and most importantly the real life implications. Tune in and share your thoughts! Find us on all major podcast platforms! Simply look for the 'Birth Boot Camp Podcast' on …
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Episode 121: Understanding Birth Related Trauma
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Understanding birth-related trauma is an essential skill for all individuals who work in the perinatal field. The fundamental definition of trauma is: a deeply distressing or disturbing experience. When working with birthing or newly postpartum families, we may encounter clients who will identify their experience as traumatic. It is never our role …
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Ep. 105 - Tips for Dads - Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum
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Join us as we discuss ways dads and partners can support their pregnant loved ones through the pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum periods. Get great tips from our Birth Boot Camp HQ team and show your partner that you are on this journey together! Availabe on all major podcast station. Search for the 'Birth Boot Camp Podcast' on your favorite app…
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Ep 104 with Ruth Hildreth - AMAZING Birth Story
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Join us for the latest episode of the Birth Boot Camp Podcast, where we sit down with the incredible Ruth Hildreth. As a dedicated Birth Boot Camp instructor, she shares her inspiring birth stories and her personal journey. Get your FREE Guide: Your Birth Plan Blueprint Let's Connect! Our WEBSITE: www.birthbootcamp.com INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/…
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Episode 120: Expectations vs Realities in Doula Work
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The expectations vs the realities of doula work can be vast. Many people consider entering this work, thinking it will be sunshine and rainbows. Experiencing birth and cuddling babies is often high on these lists. One of the very first stark realities that most doulas face is the fact that they are starting a business. It's easy to focus on just wo…
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Ep 103 with Alexis Partridge - AMAZING Birth Story
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Dive into the incredibel journey of motherhood with Alexis Partridge as she shares her unique birth stories of her four beautiful babies. From her first hospital birth to the heartwarming twin deliveries, and a surprise twist with her third. This episode is filled with empowering tales and unexpected outcomes. Tune in now for inspiration and valuab…
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