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When Doing "Nothing" Is Everything: Redefining Postpartum Doula Support

The Doula Darcy Podcast

Release Date: 07/23/2025

“Must Be Nice” - A Mindset Shift That Changed Everything show art “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? show art 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) show art 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 show art 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 show art 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 show art 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 show art 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 show art 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 show art 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 show art 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....

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More Episodes

Postpartum doulas often equate their value with how much they do—laundry folded, dishes washed, bottles sterilized. But what if the most meaningful support has nothing to do with physical tasks? In this episode, Darcy challenges the productivity myth and highlights the profound impact of simply being present, listening, and validating a new mom's experience.

What You'll Learn:

  • Why postpartum doulas often undervalue emotional support

  • How our culture ties self-worth to productivity—and how to unlearn it

  • Real client stories that prove presence > performance

  • How to ask the right questions to uncover your client's real needs

  • Why virtual postpartum doula services can be just as impactful

Whether you're a seasoned doula or just getting started, this episode is your reminder that sometimes the most powerful support you can offer is simply showing up with love and presence.

📩 Questions or thoughts? DM me on Instagram or email me at darcy@thedouladarcy.com.
 Join the conversation in my free Facebook group: The Doula Marketing Group.