Tea with Jodi S2-E4 - Conversation: CEO of Gold Coast Doulas Agency

2025-TWJ-S2-E4 - Conversation with CEO of Gold Coast Doulas Agency

Outline

Kristin Revere's Background and Introduction

• Jodi Graves introduces Kristin Revere, CEO of Gold Coast Doulas, highlighting her education, credentials, and achievements.
• Kristin's background includes a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Central Michigan University and a Master of Management and Marketing from Aquinas College.
• She is the host of the "Ask the Doula" podcast and has been featured in various publications.
• Kristin was recognized as one of the 50 most influential women in West Michigan by the Grand Rapids Business Journal in 2016 and 2022.

Introduction to the Book "Supported"

• Jodi Graves expresses excitement about Kristin's book, "Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby," co-written with Alyssa Vanna Claus.
• The book was launched on Mother's Day and focuses on understanding options and resources for pregnancy, birth, and postnatal recovery.
• It is divided into two sections: pregnancy and birth preparation by Kristin, and newborn care, feeding, and postnatal support by Alyssa.
• The book includes compiled resources, stories from past clients, and doula tips.

Motivation Behind Writing the Book

• Kristin explains that the book was written based on the needs they wished they had during their own pregnancies.
• There is a lack of judgment-free, comprehensive resources that support all types of feeding, birthing, and parenting methods.
• The book aims to fill the gap by providing accessible information in various formats, including e-book, paperback, hardcover, and soon, audiobook.
• Jodi Graves shares her excitement about the audiobook format, which suits her busy schedule.

Challenges and Missing Pieces in Maternal Health

• Jodi Graves and Kristin discuss the lack of awareness and understanding of support options during pregnancy and postpartum.
• They highlight the importance of various support providers like pelvic floor physical therapists, lactation consultants, and different types of doulas.
• There is a need for better education on the roles of doulas versus midwives and other healthcare professionals.
• Kristin emphasizes the importance of non-biased, non-judgmental support for families' unique needs and choices.

Impact of Social Media and Family Influence

• Jodi Graves and Kristin discuss the pressure and stress caused by social media, Pinterest, and Instagram, which present idealized parenting scenarios.
• They highlight the importance of setting expectations during pregnancy and communicating needs to family and friends.
• The unique goals and visions of each family should be respected, and families should focus on their individual needs and goals.
• Jodi Graves shares her experience of helping families navigate conflicting advice and opinions from family members.

Remote Working and Parenting Challenges

• Kristin discusses the challenges of remote working and parenting, especially during the pandemic.
• Doulas help fill the gaps by providing support for both working parents and those at home, ensuring peak performance and meeting the needs of the family.
• The hybrid work schedule adds complexity, but doulas can help manage these challenges.
• Jodi Graves and Kristin agree on the importance of flexible support for families in different situations.

Progress and Issues in Maternal Health

• Jodi Graves and Kristin discuss the progress in maternal health, including increased coverage for doulas and the benefits of continuous support during labor.
• They highlight the need for better prenatal care, accessibility, and reducing high cesarean rates.
• The importance of informed consent and addressing discrimination related to race in maternal health is emphasized.
• Kristin shares her observations on the higher induction rates and the cascade of interventions, leading to higher cesarean rates.

Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) and Hospital Policies

• Jodi Graves and Kristin discuss the progress in VBAC options and the support from some hospitals.
• They highlight the importance of having VBAC-friendly hospitals and the positive impact on families.
• Jodi Graves shares her concern about unnecessary cesareans and the need for better hospital policies.
• Kristin emphasizes the importance of having informed consent and addressing the root causes of high cesarean rates.

Final Thoughts and Resources

• Jodi Graves expresses her excitement about Kristin's book and the additional resources it provides for families.
• Kristin provides information on how to find her book, "Supported," in various formats and where to find her agency, Gold Coast Doulas.
• She also mentions her podcast, "Ask the Doulas," which provides expert advice on birth and early parenting.
• Jodi Graves thanks Kristin for her contributions and looks forward to future collaborations.

Link: Michigan Family Doulas

Jodi Graves interviews Kristin Revere, CEO of Gold Coast Doulas, about her new book "Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby," co-authored with Alyssa Vanna Claus. The book, launched on Mother's Day, covers pregnancy, birth, and postnatal recovery, offering unbiased support and resources. It is divided into two sections: pregnancy and birth prep by Kristin, and postnatal care by Alyssa. The book includes client stories, doula tips, and resources for finding experts. Kristin emphasizes the importance of non-judgmental support and the need for better prenatal care and informed consent. The book will be available in various formats, including audiobook by mid-June.

Transcripts: Conversation w/ CEO of Gold Coast Doulas Agency