Creating space for rest: Lessons from a Week of Self-Care in Florida
Release Date: 01/22/2025
“Must Be Nice” - A Mindset Shift That Changed Everything
The Doula Darcy Podcast
In this episode, I'm coming to you from sunny Clearwater, Florida a few days ahead of The Birthworker Retreat. I share the behind-the-scenes of how I intentionally designed this event (and my life!) to match my personal needs and seasonal rhythms. From walks on the beach and hotel massages to the mindset shifts that took me from burnt-out martyr to thriving doula business owner, I walk you through how this lifestyle didn’t happen by accident. It happened by methodical design. I’m breaking down how you, too, can start aligning your business with the life you truly want, starting with small,...
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You’re Fully Booked… So Why Aren’t You Making Enough Money?
The Doula Darcy Podcast
There comes a moment in many doula businesses when everything is technically “working”… You’re getting clients. You’re good at what you do. You’re busy, maybe sometimes too busy. And yet, the income still isn’t where it needs to be. In this episode, I’m talking about the very real (and very common) moment when doulas hit an income ceiling and what to do when you realize that trading hours for dollars simply isn’t sustainable long-term. I share my own story of reaching this point a few years into my postpartum doula business: juggling multiple families in a day, racing...
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There Are No Doula Police (So Stop Asking for Permission)
The Doula Darcy Podcast
If you’re a people pleaser (and if you’re a doula… chances are high), this episode is for you. In this conversation, Darcy unpacks the quiet but powerful connection between the work doulas do for their clients — teaching them to advocate for themselves, ask questions, and trust their gut — and the places we don’t do that in our own lives and businesses. From birth rooms to living rooms, doulas are incredible at reminding parents they don’t need permission to make decisions that feel right for them. But when it comes to our businesses? Our pricing? Our packages? Our...
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Doula Finances 101: How to Pay Yourself, Save for Taxes & Retire Right
The Doula Darcy Podcast
Welcome to a real talk episode with Doula Darcy, recorded during that deliciously confusing week between Christmas and New Year's. In this solo episode, Darcy shares a side of her that you may not have seen much before: her passion for personal finance and how it ties directly into doula sustainability and self-care. If you're ready to step into 2026 with more financial clarity, less stress, and a business that supports your life, not drains it, this episode is your guide. In this episode, you'll learn: Why paying yourself well is the ultimate form of self-care How to calculate...
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Do These 3 Things to Make More Money in 2026
The Doula Darcy Podcast
In this episode, The Doula Darcy shares three simple year-end money moves she makes every December that reliably increase revenue in the next year. These steps take less than an hour each, but they compound in a powerful way. Most doulas try to “hustle harder,” but earning more starts with strengthening what’s already working. Darcy breaks down how to raise your rates confidently, reduce your taxable income, and increase referrals through gratitude and intentional follow-up. In this episode you’ll learn: Why scrolling your photos from January can transform how you feel about the year...
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How I Hosted a Doula Holiday Party That Built Community and Saved Me on Taxes
The Doula Darcy Podcast
I share the behind-the-scenes of hosting my doula agency’s biggest holiday party yet on today's episode. Hear all about how I strategically planned it to be both meaningful and a tax write-off! You’ll hear how I: Used smart tax strategies (like the Augusta Rule!) to host a chef-catered dinner at home Created special moments for my team, including custom holiday cards Involved my teen boys in the prep, teaching them what mom really does Pivoted on gifts and ended up offering heartfelt bonuses instead Whether you’re an agency owner or a solo doula, this episode is packed with...
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Coaching Isn’t Just for Athletes - It’s a Business Game-Changer
The Doula Darcy Podcast
This week, I'm narrowing in on a question many people (including my parents) still ask me: What exactly does a business coach do? And why do you need one? I’m breaking it down through personal stories from my competitive gymnastics and diving days, showing how having a coach - whether on the mat, on the diving board, or in your business—can be the difference between floundering and flying. You’ll hear: Why coaching isn’t just for athletes How a good coach acts like a “spotter” in your business The importance of trust, accountability, and confidence in coaching relationships ...
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The Real Work Behind a Successful Online Doula Business
The Doula Darcy Podcast
This week I share how I’m restructuring my business this winter to better support my family and my energy, without the mom guilt. I talk about: Why I’m temporarily closing my membership, My Doula Village The real reason I’m not building a big team (and why you don’t have to either) What bro marketers get wrong, and what actually works How entrepreneurship is really a journey of self-discovery The power of getting in rooms (IRL or virtual) with people doing what you want to do Whether you're building an online business, offering in-person services, or just dreaming of doing...
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Why I Don't Do CEO Days
The Doula Darcy Podcast
Someone asked Darcy on Instagram how doulas can be incorporating CEO days their doula business. Darcy, who prefers the term 'Island days' over 'CEO days,' shares her personal strategies for maintaining a balance between work and relaxation. She shares the importance of taking time to work ON your business rather than just IN it. Whether through designated weekly hours, full days off, or attending business retreats, Darcy emphasizes the value of stepping out of your routine to spark creativity and achieve business growth. What is a CEO Day? Introducing Island Days The...
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Claim the Life you Want and Build the Business to Match it with Amber Lilyestrom
The Doula Darcy Podcast
Want to meet the Business Coach Behind the The Doula Business Coach? What happens when your business coach becomes one of your strongest cheerleaders and biggest expanders? In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain and inviting you into a very personal (and often hilarious) conversation with my business coach of three years, the incredible Amber Lilyestrom. Amber isn’t just a business coach & brand strategist. She’s a poet, a mom, and a professional crazy cat lady (yes, we explain). She’s also the reason I’ve taken my doula coaching business to the next level....
info_outlineIn this episode, I’m coming to you live from Clearwater, Florida, where I’ve spent a full week while hosting the Birth Worker Retreat. I came a few days early and stayed a few days after the event as a way to recharge. I’m diving into why this is essential for doulas to prioritize self-care, manage their energy, and build a lifestyle that supports their well-being.
You’ll hear about:
- How I’ve learned to plan rest before and after big events.
- Why managing your energy is more effective than managing your time.
- The mindset shifts that helped me overcome scarcity thinking and embrace a life I love.
- Practical ways to start carving out time for yourself, no matter how busy you are.
Whether you’re juggling clients, family, or just trying to find a moment of peace, this episode will inspire you to rethink how you care for yourself as a doula.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- The importance of building rest into your schedule.
- How taking care of yourself benefits both you and your clients.
- The power of designing a business that supports your dream lifestyle.
- Simple strategies to start prioritizing self-care, even with a busy schedule.
Links and Resources Mentioned:
- Birth Worker Retreat 2026: www.TheBirthworkerRetreat.com
- Follow me on Instagram for daily inspiration: @TheDoulaDarcy
- Send me a DM with your thoughts on this episode!
Join the Conversation:
What did you think of this episode? Are you ready to start prioritizing your self-care? I’d love to hear from you! Shoot me a DM on Instagram, or share this episode with a fellow doula who needs a reminder to rest and recharge.
Subscribe and Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe to The Doula Darcy podcast so you never miss a new episode. If you loved it, please leave a review—it helps me reach more amazing doulas like you!
Take the first step toward designing your dream lifestyle by tuning in now! Hit play and start your journey to a more balanced, energized, and joyful doula life.