What would you do if you caught your man hooked on feet finder and your mother-in-law trying to force your step-kids to call you Mom? Val. Courtney, and Lisa edelve into the complexities of navigating boundaries in romantic relationships and touch on the challenges of step-parenting and the importance of respecting children's feelings in blended fa…

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 …

This conversation explores the love story of Norm and Eva, detailing their individual backgrounds, how they met, and the development of their relationship. They discuss the challenges and joys of blending their families, the importance of communication, and the shared experiences that have strengthened their bond. The couple reflects on their journ…

Val, Courtney, and Lisa explore themes of romance, age differences, and the dynamics of relationships while reviewing the Movie, The Idea of You. They discuss their personal experiences, the characters' vulnerabilities, and the societal perceptions of dating across age groups. They emphasize the importance of self-actualization and living life for …

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…

By Valerie, Courtney & Lisa

Val, Courtney, and Lisa delve into the life and relationship of Frida Kahlo, exploring her art, her tumultuous marriage with Diego Rivera, and the complexities of communication and expectations in relationships. The discussion highlights the importance of self-care, personal growth, and the need for open communication in love. The speakers reflect …

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…

Courtney interviews three couples while vacationing in Turks & Caicos. They share their love stories, how they met, their journey through relationships, and the importance of emotional safety and communication. They reflect on their adventures, family life, and the lessons learned along the way, emphasizing the significance of fun, happiness, and e…

The conversation explores the emotional depth of the 90s film 'Truly Madly Deeply,' focusing on themes of grief, love, and healing. The speakers reflect on the film's portrayal of mourning and the journey of moving forward after loss, while also discussing societal expectations around beauty and aging. They emphasize the importance of allowing ones…

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…

Val, Courtney, and Lisa discuss two main scenarios involving relationship challenges. The first scenario revolves around a stay-at-home mom who returns to theater, causing tension with her husband due to jealousy and time commitments. The second scenario involves a woman whose husband questions the paternity of their children after a friend's exper…

Val, Courtney, & Lisa delve into the themes of love, self-discovery, and the complexities of relationships as portrayed in the film 'Crazy, Stupid, Love.' They explore character dynamics, the importance of communication, and the journey of personal growth that each character undergoes. The discussion highlights the interconnected love stories and t…

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…

Valerie, Courtney, and Lisa explore themes surrounding literature, personal experiences, and the intricacies of relationships. They discuss their favorite books, the significance of local bookstores, and the joy of baking, while also delving into deeper topics such as generational healing and the dynamics of modern romance. The conversation flows s…

Summary This conversation explores the journey of love and marriage between Bruce & Judi, highlighting their early memories, engagement, and the challenges of parenting. They share valuable lessons learned throughout their relationship, emphasizing the importance of communication, support, and hard work in maintaining a strong bond. The discussion …

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…

Val, Courtney, and Lisa delve into the film 'A Room with a View,' discussing its characters, themes, and the societal expectations of love during the Edwardian era. They explore the dynamics between the main characters, Lucy, George, and Cecil, and how their relationships are influenced by trauma, social class, and personal growth. The discussion h…

Val, Courtney, and Lisa explore the challenges of parenting, the complexities of relationship expectations, and the impact of pets on romantic partnerships. The speakers share personal anecdotes about parenting struggles, discuss the importance of communication in relationships, and address the difficult decisions that arise when personal boundarie…

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…

Summary This conversation takes a deep dive into the book 'The Diamond Eye' by Kate Quinn. The discussion highlights the historical context of the story, the transformation of the main character Mila into a strong, independent woman, and the impact of war on humanity. The speakers reflect on the power of books to foster empathy and understanding, e…

Colin and Amber share their journey from friendship to marriage, discussing their backgrounds, the evolution of their relationship, and the importance of communication and commitment in their family life. They reflect on their experiences, challenges, and the lessons learned along the way, emphasizing the significance of working through conflicts a…

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…

When Lauren and Ryan's marriage reaches the breaking point, they come up with an unconventional plan. They decide to take a year off in the hopes of finding a way to fall in love again. One year apart, and only one rule: they cannot contact each other.By Valerie, Courtney & Lisa

Valerie, Courtney, and Lisa try on Caffiene Eye Masks and discuss themes surrounding relationships, including the challenges of long-distance dating, trust issues, self-discovery, and the complexities of infidelity. They share personal anecdotes and advice, emphasizing the importance of communication, personal growth, and the little moments that de…

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…

In a series of interconnected stories, various Los Angeles residents wend their way through highs and lows of love on Valentine's Day. As the day unfolds, they experience first dates, longtime committments, youthful crushes and connections to old flames discovering the joys and pains of love.By Valerie, Courtney & Lisa

A story of two people who found love again, later on in lifem while living in Alaska. Listen to their sweet love story, life in Alaska, and salient advice.By Valerie, Courtney & Lisa

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…

World renowned jigalow, Nickie, and Terry, a night club singer turned high society woman, have a romance while on a cruise from New York to Europe and fall head over heels for each other. Although they are both engaged to someone else, they agree to meet at the top of the Empire State Building in six months, but will they?…

We discuss article 4 Dates That Every Couple Needs To Try according to a psychology contributor Mark Travers who based his article on a book title "Eight Dates" written by world renowned psychologists and divorce researchers, John and Julie Gottman. We also answer questions sent in my listeners about what we would do if we were dating after we'd be…

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…

Valerie, Courtney and Lisa try out the sensational Green Tea Masks, so you don't have to. While we're waiting for the mask to pull out all of our blackheads, we read you our Gransparents and Great-Grandparents Love Stories from the 1920's.By Valerie, Courtney & Lisa

Jim & Virginia have just celebrated their 77th year Anniversary. Listen to their love story and their advice as they share their long history together.By Valerie, Courtney & Lisa

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…

Ten years after two college sweethearts break up in the most unforgivable way, they wake up in bed together with wedding bands on their fingers - and no idea how they got there.By Valerie, Courtney & Lisa

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…

A woman who was content to be single is convinced by her best friend to sign up for a dating service that offers 12 dates with 12 different men in the weeks leading up to Christmas.By Valerie, Courtney & Lisa

A young writer becomes infatuated with Satine at the Moulin Rouge who was promised to a Duke in return for funding the Moulin Rouge's next production. As they young lovers weemt, Satine's wedding day draws closer as she hides a tragic secret from them both.By Valerie, Courtney & Lisa

When a volcanic eruption goes off in the middle of a Greshum family wedding, their fortune and their reputation both go up in flames. Now the Greshum family must hide a secret family tragedy and make sure their son doesn't fall for the poor girl he grew up loving in the process.By Valerie, Courtney & Lisa

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…

When best friends and total opposites Debbie and Peter swap houses and lives for a week, they discover that what they think they want might not be what they really need.By Valerie, Courtney & Lisa

When Caitlin's becomes the go between girl for her best friend and the father of herWhen bestfriend's daughter that her friend wants nothing to do with, Caitlin falls in love with the father of her best friends child and is torn between her love for him and her love for her friend.By Valerie, Courtney & Lisa

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…

A Woman's Magazine writer and an advertising exectuie both begin a relationship with ulterior motives while she employs all of the worst possible relathionship moves to get him to fall out of love with her, he's doing everyting he can to make her fall for him.By Valerie, Courtney & Lisa

The story of Will, a 36-year-old man-child and Marcus, a 12-year-old misfit and how their unlikely friendship teaches them valuable life lessons and challenges their perspective on love, family, and what it means to be a man.By Valerie, Courtney & Lisa

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. …

When best friends and total opposites Debbie and Peter swap houses and lives for a week, they discover that what they think they want might not be what they really need.By Valerie, Courtney & Lisa

Cait fights her own fate as she refuses to accept her own supernatural powers or her fated lovers advances amidst attacks from the supernatural world that could cost her everything.By Valerie, Courtney & Lisa

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, …