What We Miss When We Medicalize: Postpartum Depression in Global Contexts
The Birth Geeks' podcast
Today on The Birth Geeks, we spoke with Dr. Sarah Rubin about her research on motherhood and postpartum depression in South Africa. She shared eye-opening insights on how culture and social support shape the experiences of new mothers, especially in under-resourced communities. We dove into the challenges of measuring mental health across cultures and why context matters in global maternal health. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about birth, wellness, and understanding the bigger picture.
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Shaping Birth Experiences: Shannay Rocker on Home Births, Hospitals, and Building Doula Community
The Birth Geeks' podcast
Today on The Birth Geeks, we dove into the inspiring journey of Shanay Rocker, a fashion-industry pro turned Berlin-based doula. From her adventures moving from Australia to New York and finally Berlin, Shanay shared how motherhood transformed her life and led her to birth work. We explored what it’s really like to give birth and be a doula in Germany, the power of supportive communities, and building resilience as a parent and entrepreneur. Sinead’s story is proof that growth, adaptability, and following your passion can open doors you never imagined—wherever you are in the world.
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Navigating Birth, Burnout, and Being Queer in Midwifery with Katie Shannon
The Birth Geeks' podcast
On this episode of The Birth Geeks, we sit down with Katie Shannon, a certified nurse midwife and entrepreneurial powerhouse. Katie takes us through her inspiring journey from grad school to running her own successful home birth practice in the DC metro area. She shares lessons on building a business, finding balance, overcoming burnout, and the importance of partnering with the right people. Katie gives us a behind-the-scenes look at serving diverse clients and navigating licensing challenges, proving that with passion and dedication, you can create a thriving, meaningful business that truly...
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Doula Diversity, Overnight Myths, and Postpartum Support with Jen Chandlee
The Birth Geeks' podcast
Welcome to another episode of The Birth Geeks! In today’s conversation, host Dr. Hillary Melchiors sits down with Jen Chandlee, an experienced postpartum doula trainer, educator, and advocate. Not only was Jen Hillary’s own postpartum doula trainer, but she brings a wealth of knowledge from decades spent supporting families in diverse regions of the U.S., including Wilmington and Asheville, North Carolina. Together, they dive into how postpartum doula support has evolved, the increasing demand for it, and the important differences between birth and postpartum doula care. Jen shares...
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Amanda Chandler CPM
The Birth Geeks' podcast
In 2018, Amanda Chandler became the first licenced black Certified Professional Midwife in the state of Indiana, and in 2020 the first in Kentucky. Amanda is a trailblazer, nature lover, and birth geek extraordinaire. In this episode we talk about how closing rural hospitals' OB units impacts her work as a community midwife, her path to midwifery, career trajectory, challenging state policies, and so much more. I could think of no better way to celebrate Black Maternal Health Week than celebrating with the brilliant Amanda Chandler CPM.
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Spela Peternel: Doula Leadership & Knowledge
The Birth Geeks' podcast
When Spela completed her PhD in Biomedicine, she did not expect doula work to be her destiny. After years in this field and studying multiple specialized pathways, she knows in her heart that doulas make a difference not only for our clients, but also within communities. Through our conversation you will not only hear Spela's passion for birth work, but also some amazing stories about working as a doula in the country of Slovenia! Spela's leadership in her country, within the European Doula Network, and in the broader doula community worldwide is remarkable, and she's incredibly fun to chat...
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Interview with Turkish Doula: Ayşegül Boz Baltacı
The Birth Geeks' podcast
What does doula work look like in Istanbul? In this episode, we talk to doula and translator Ayşegül Boz Baltacı about her work both in Turkey and in the European Doula Network. Ayşegül is a connector and an incredible advocate for families and doulas around the world. Shortly after we talked for this interview, a Turkish law banned all non-medical support for birthing parents, essentially closing public hospital doors to birth doulas entirely. Ayşegül Boz Baltacı is an outstanding leader in her community and for doulas everywhere, and her perspective really broadened my understanding...
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Ania Freitas on Doulas, Cultural Differences, and Postnatal Care in Northern Ireland
The Birth Geeks' podcast
Welcome to another insightful episode of "The Birth Geeks"! Today, Dr. Hillary Melchiors sits down with Ania Freitas, a passionate doula originally from Madeira, Portugal, now based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Join us as Ania shares her journey from helping her sister in Northern Ireland, discovering her calling as a doula, and navigating different cultural landscapes. We'll dive into Ania's unique experiences in the doula field, her role with Doula UK, and her contributions to the European Doula Network (EDN). She discusses the welcoming yet complex landscape of doula work in Northern...
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Mastering SEO and Analytics for Doula Marketing with Expert Darcy Sauers
The Birth Geeks' podcast
Welcome back to another exciting episode of The Birth Geeks! Today, hosts Dr. Robin Elise Weiss and Dr. Hillary Melchiors are joined by the insightful , a seasoned doula and business expert, for a deep dive into the intricacies of running a successful birth-related business. In this episode, we'll explore strategic blogging to attract local clients, the critical role of consistent thank-you campaigns, and the importance of tracking referral sources to make evidence-based business decisions. Darcy and our hosts will share valuable tips on managing data efficiently without feeling overwhelmed...
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Exploring Doula Certification and Policy Challenges in Maternal Health
The Birth Geeks' podcast
Welcome back to another insightful episode of The Birth Geeks! Today, we're thrilled to be joined by Elizabeth Mosley, an exceptional birth doula and advocate committed to systemic change in birth care. Our host, Dr. Hillary Melchiors, delves deep into the intricacies of trauma-informed care, the importance of culturally congruent support, and the ongoing challenges in doula certification and reimbursement with Elizabeth Mosley. From exploring models of doula care and the impacts of volunteer advocacy to navigating the complexities of state and national policies—this episode is packed with...
info_outline2020 has pushed all childbirth professionals to pivot so much of what we have done before to adapt to the circumstances that most of us weren't really expecting. This whole year I have marveled at Robin's ability to pivot to teaching online, and this episode is full of resources for you to do the same and laughs at the trial and error that we have all been challenged to do this year. Bonus: lots of reading recommendations for your cozy winter at home!