Doulas of the Roundtable
Doulas of the Roundtable, A modern twist on an ancient concept. A place where all voices are equal, knowledge is shared and hard topics are talked about.
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Episode 181: Core Doula Skills
02/12/2026
Episode 181: Core Doula Skills
Core doula skills shape the whole room, not your bag of tricks. You do not build strong support by collecting more tools. You build it through presence, attunement, communication, and timing, in real time, with real clients. These skills show up when things feel tense. When plans change. When your client looks at you for answers you cannot give. When the room speeds up and you feel your own nervous system kick up. They grow through experience, reflection, and repetition. You notice what you do when you feel unsure. You practice staying grounded. You say less, listen more, and choose your moments. Over time, you stop scrambling and start leading with calm. This conversation gives you a simple way to remember the four doula pillars, PACT, and how to use them in birth and postpartum. It also gives you a small, realistic practice plan so you can train one skill at a time instead of trying to fix everything at once. This episode is for doulas who want to feel more confident, support clearer decision-making, and help keep your cliens grounded in the moments that matter most.
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Episode 180: Professional Identity
01/30/2026
Episode 180: Professional Identity
Professional Identity shapes how clients experience you, especially when things get hard. It shows up under pressure. In the room. In the moments you do not get to rehearse. This conversation is not about branding or personality. It is about how you practice. In this episode, we talk through: Why skill alone does not create trust How stress reveals your default way of working Four common practice anchors doulas lean into What happens when strengths over-express How unprocessed birth or postpartum medical trauma can quietly shape your work Why regulation and boundaries matter for both you and your clients Along the way, you will be invited to reflect on: What you value as a professional How you support clients in real situations How you communicate when pressure is high Where your default helps and where it gets in the way This episode is for doulas who want their Professional Identity to feel steady and intentional. Not performative. Not reactive. If this conversation stays with you, leave a review so others can find it.
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Episode 179: Confidence
01/17/2026
Episode 179: Confidence
Confidence grows through action, not intention. Did you know that confidence as a process? You do not wake up with it. You build it by doing the work, taking a step of faith, and sometimes missing the mark. Confidence forms through experience, reflection, and repetition. It develops when you act, before you feel certain. Mistakes strengthen your judgment, and real growth happens when you keep showing up even after things do not go as planned. Waiting to feel confident keeps you stuck. Moving forward creates the confidence you are looking for. This conversation is for doulas who want to trust themselves more, take meaningful action, and grow into their work through practice rather than perfection.
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Episode 178: Ready, Set, Go!
12/31/2025
Episode 178: Ready, Set, Go!
Readiness Is Not a Feeling In this episode, we talk about readiness and why waiting to feel confident keeps so many doulas stuck. Readiness is not a feeling. It is an action. We break down why readiness is built through experience, not certainty, and why fear does not mean you are unprepared. You’ll hear why mentorship alone does not create confidence, how real growth happens through doing, and what readiness actually looks like in birth, postpartum, education, and lactation support. If you have ever thought, “When I feel ready, I'll take the first step,” this episode is for you.
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Episode 177: Season 7 Wrap-Up
12/15/2025
Episode 177: Season 7 Wrap-Up
Doulas of the Roundtable wraps up season seven with a look back and a clear look ahead. In this episode, you hear our top ten most listened to episodes of all time and why these conversations continue to matter to doulas at every stage of practice. We also share an important update about the podcast. Eva will be stepping away from the show. We want to take a moment and honor Eva’s voice, insight, and role in shaping the podcast into what it is today! Moving forward, Angela will continue as the solo host of Doulas of the Roundtable. The focus remains the same. Honest conversations. Evidence based discussion. Real talk about the work, the business, and the responsibility doulas carry. If you have listened from the beginning or joined recently, this episode brings closure, clarity, and direction for what comes next. Thank you for being part of this community and for helping this podcast grow season after season.
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Episode 176: Revisited - What I Wish I Knew Before Becoming A Doula
12/04/2025
Episode 176: Revisited - What I Wish I Knew Before Becoming A Doula
Enjoy one of our most popular episodes to date. What do you wish you knew before becoming a doula? This is a question that we see frequently from those considering birth work or those who have just entered the field. Working with growing families is the part of the work that most have at least a loose idea about. But when I think about what I wish I knew it’s the practicalities that many often fail to consider. Living the on-call life. Pacing yourself when supporting families. What self-care actually looks like. These are just a few things that come immediately to mind as experienced birth workers. Then there are other things that many may not consider. Running a business. For those who are just getting started, client management is also often overlooked. But when you get busy, systems are essential to keep track of clients, what they need, what services they’ve hired you to provide, and what their preferences and needs are. Come join us as we discuss what we wish we’d known before becoming doulas!
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Episode175: Anticipating Client Needs
11/20/2025
Episode175: Anticipating Client Needs
Many doulas feel pressure to bring a large bag of tools to each birth or postpartum shift. This pressure often leads to checklists and expectations. As a result, doulas may focus on doing instead of connection. This shift can weaken the attunement and emotional connection that shape strong doula support. True anticipation of client needs does not come from tools. Instead, it grows from presence and awareness. Doulas can watch body language, listen to tone, and notice small shifts in comfort. These skills help clients feel seen and supported rather than managed. Rigid expectations can also create stress for doulas. When the goal becomes using everything in your bag, you may miss the client’s actual needs. Every client experience is different. Every coping style is unique. Responding in the moment matters more than any object you carry. This approach strengthens emotional safety and builds trust. It also helps doulas stay grounded, flexible, and connected throughout the entire experience. Join us for a thoughtful discussion on anticipating client needs with intention, presence, and professionalism while keeping relationship-based care at the center.
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Episode 174: Informed Consent with Hillary, The Pregnancy Nurse
11/06/2025
Episode 174: Informed Consent with Hillary, The Pregnancy Nurse
Informed consent is one of the most essential and often misunderstood aspects of pregnancy and birth care. To help unpack this important topic, we are joined by Hillary, better known as The Pregnancy Nurse®.* Hillary brings nearly two decades of experience as a labor and delivery nurse and has been supporting families in clinical settings since 1997. She has guided thousands of birthing parents in person and reached millions more online through her evidence-based education and compassionate approach. Her mission is to help families feel informed, empowered, and confident as they prepare for birth. Together, we explore what informed consent truly means in practice, how doulas can help clients understand their rights, and the importance of collaboration with medical teams. We also discuss how informed consent differs from implied consent, and what true autonomy looks like in the birth space. Join us for a thoughtful and informative discussion that will deepen your understanding of informed consent and strengthen your ability to support clients through empowered decision-making.
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Episode 173: Supporting Friends & Family
10/24/2025
Episode 173: Supporting Friends & Family
Supporting family and friends as a doula can be both rewarding and complex. The personal connection you share makes it easy to overstep boundaries, give unsolicited advice, or slip out of your professional role. Maintaining the balance between being a loved one and being a doula requires awareness, restraint, and compassion. It means stepping back from the more intimate role you usually play and intentionally working within the doula’s scope of practice. In this episode, we talk about how to navigate these blurred lines while honoring the unique journey of the people closest to us. Just as we do with our clients, we must offer care, support, and guidance without judgment or assumption. Join us for a thoughtful conversation on how to serve with integrity, maintain boundaries, and show up professionally when supporting those you love.
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Episode 172: Coming Full Circle
10/10/2025
Episode 172: Coming Full Circle
Doula work often takes us on unexpected paths, and Eva’s journey is a perfect example of how growth and change can come full circle. Eva began her career as an independent contractor, supporting families through labor and postpartum. Over time, she became a doula trainer, sharing her knowledge and experience with others entering the profession. Eventually, she joined Angela as a business partner at Tucson Doulas, helping to grow and shape the agency into what it is today. Now, after years of leadership and teaching, Eva has stepped back from training and agency ownership to return to her roots as an independent contractor with Tucson Doulas. Health and life circumstances can shift priorities, and her story is a reminder that evolving in birth work doesn’t always mean moving forward; it can also mean coming home. Join us as we talk about Eva’s journey, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and how embracing change can bring renewed purpose and balance to a doula’s career.
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Episode 171: Philanthropy & Doula Work
09/26/2025
Episode 171: Philanthropy & Doula Work
Philanthropy and doula work are deeply connected. When your business is financially sustainable, you gain the freedom to give back in meaningful ways. Charging your worth does more than cover your expenses. It creates space to support your community through acts both big and small. Whether organizing diaper drives, quietly helping families in need, or donating resources to local organizations, a thriving business gives you the ability to make a lasting impact. Giving back should not come at the expense of your livelihood. By valuing your services and setting fair rates, you create stability for yourself while opening the door to generosity. Join us as we explore how sustainable business practices empower doulas to serve their clients, support their communities, and expand their influence beyond the birth room.
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Episode 170: Navigating Partner Differences
09/11/2025
Episode 170: Navigating Partner Differences
It is common for partners to have different opinions about pregnancy, birth, or parenting. These differences can create tension, especially when decisions need to be made. As doulas, we play a vital role in navigating these situations with professionalism and care. It is important that we equip ourselves with strategies to support both individuals without taking sides. We can more effectively help them communicate by asking questions that invite open communication and help uncover the underlying values or fears behind each perspective. Understanding where each person is coming from creates space for empathy and problem-solving. Guiding partners toward common ground by encouraging collaboration and fostering mutual respect is critical. By remaining neutral and supportive, doulas can help families approach these challenges as a team rather than opponents. Join us for a practical conversation on how to maintain balance, build trust, and support healthy communication when clients and their partners see things differently.
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Episode 169: Meal Planning and Meal Prep Services
08/28/2025
Episode 169: Meal Planning and Meal Prep Services
Meal planning and preparation services can enhance the doula support options you provide to clients. However, doulas must consider regulations, logistics, and business implications before jumping in. Understanding the difference between meal planning and meal preparation is essential. Each service offers unique benefits for families. It is critical to understand the local cottage food laws and regulations in your community. These rules directly affect how and where meals can be prepared. It is also important to weigh the pros and cons of preparing meals in a client’s home versus preparing them in your own when legality is not a factor in this decision. Tax implications, such as transaction privilege tax, are another factor to consider. These details can significantly impact the pricing and profitability of the meal services you offer. Join us for a practical conversation that explores opportunities, responsibilities, and business realities when offering meal planning and prep services.
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Episode 168: Office Space for Doula Business
08/12/2025
Episode 168: Office Space for Doula Business
A dedicated office space for a doula business can bring professionalism, visibility, and a central hub for meetings and classes. It can also come with significant costs and added responsibilities. Understanding the pros and cons is essential before making the investment. Calculating the potential return on investment provides a clear picture of whether it is a worthwhile investment. It is important to weigh costs such as rent, utilities, insurance, and furnishings. Compare them to potential income, client convenience, and growth opportunities. Carefully exploring these factors can reveal if an office space for your doula business will truly support long-term goals. It may also show if your resources are better used elsewhere. Join us as we discuss location evaluation, shared versus private spaces, and creative ways to maximize usage. Learn how to align your decision with your overall business strategy.
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Episode 167: Working with Influencers
07/30/2025
Episode 167: Working with Influencers
Working with clients who hold status, whether they are medical providers, influencers, politicians, or public figures, can present unique opportunities and challenges for doulas. Supporting high-visibility clients while maintaining the same standards of care, boundaries, and intent you offer every other family may not come as easily as you think. While there are potential benefits of these connections, there can also be stumbling blocks. It can be tempting to hope for public praise or referrals from influencers, but doulas must not bank on that exposure or let it influence their role. Confidentiality is non-negotiable, and these clients deserve the same privacy, respect, and space to be vulnerable without fear of judgment. Join us for a candid and professional conversation about supporting clients with influence, while staying grounded in ethics, integrity, and the heart of doula work.
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Episode 166: Selective Bias
07/17/2025
Episode 166: Selective Bias
What is selective bias, and how does it show up in our work as doulas? We all interpret and retain information in ways that align with our pre-existing beliefs, often unknowingly dismissing data that challenges our biases. From interpreting research to making decisions in birth spaces, selective bias can shape the care we provide and can influence the experiences of our clients. As doulas, we have a responsibility to recognize and confront our own biases, especially when it comes to topics like interventions and birth preferences. Are you open to thinking critically about your own biases, considering how they affect your practice, and exploring ways to actively seek out diverse perspectives? Join us for an honest conversation about learning and growing in our doula practice, and how embracing discomfort can lead to more effective, unbiased support for the families we serve.
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Episode 165: Don't Be A Doula If...
07/03/2025
Episode 165: Don't Be A Doula If...
Doula work can be incredibly rewarding, but it won't be the right fit for everyone. In this episode, we talk openly about why someone shouldn't become a doula. Birth work requires a specific mindset, skills, and responsibilities. Being judgmental, struggling to hold space, or expecting birth work to be all about personal fulfillment can create harm. Becoming a doula means running a doula business, and passion alone isn’t enough if you're not prepared to market, manage, and sustain a professional practice. This honest conversation takes a raw and real look at what it takes to be a doula. It is essential to preserve the integrity of the profession and support future doulas in entering the work with clarity and intention. If you or someone you know is considering becoming a doula, this is a must-listen episode.
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Episode 164: Business Ebb & Flow
06/18/2025
Episode 164: Business Ebb & Flow
Every doula experiences it. The ups and downs of client inquiries and bookings are a normal part of running a doula business. Some months are full, while others feel uncomfortably quiet. There is often a natural ebb and flow of doula work, and it is important to stay grounded when things slow down. What can you do during slower seasons to remain productive and focused? You may start by reflecting on your current marketing strategy and identifying what is working and what needs improvement. Or maybe it's time to refresh your website and social media to reconnect with your community. There are many powerful steps you can take to strengthen your business and support long-term growth. If you have ever felt anxious during a quiet stretch, this conversation is for you. Tune in to learn how to make the most of the downtime and come back stronger.
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Episode 163: Communication – Intention vs Interpretation
06/05/2025
Episode 163: Communication – Intention vs Interpretation
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 making informed choices. In truth, our responsibility is to our clients, not for them. It is not our role or responsibility to decide what a client wants or needs to know. But doulas often offer information without asking what the client wants to know or inquiring in a non-judgmental way how they came to a decision, especially surrounding topics like induction or elective cesareans. This episode unpacks the critical difference between what we mean and how our words are interpreted. If you want to strengthen your communication, reduce misunderstandings, and support clients with more clarity and compassion.
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Episode 162: Telemetry Monitoring During Labor
05/22/2025
Episode 162: Telemetry Monitoring During Labor
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 laboring clients. We also discuss hospital policies, common limitations, and how to support clients in understanding their options when telemetry is available or when it is not. As doulas, having a working knowledge of telemetry can help us better advocate for client preferences, support informed decision-making, and provide more effective physical and emotional support during labor. Join us for a practical and informative conversation to help you feel more confident navigating this type of monitoring in your birth support work.
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Episode 161: Low Amniotic Fluid
05/08/2025
Episode 161: Low Amniotic Fluid
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 fluid, potential causes, and the treatment options care providers may offer. We also discuss how this diagnosis can influence birth plans and what doulas should keep in mind when supporting clients through these decisions. Tune in for an in-depth conversation designed to strengthen your knowledge and help you better support clients navigating this complicated situation.
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Episode 160: Doula Business Evolution
04/24/2025
Episode 160: Doula Business Evolution
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 media, and printed materials is essential as your business evolves. A brand refresh, whether that’s a new logo, a change in business name, updated colors, or a shift in messaging, is also likely as you grow. Tune in for real-world insight on aligning your image with your current position so potential clients see the full value of all you have to offer.
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Episode 159: Newborn Care Classes
04/10/2025
Episode 159: Newborn Care Classes
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 expecting families before their baby arrives, demonstrate your expertise, and build trust early on. You’ll help potential clients understand what postpartum doula support looks like and why it’s so valuable in those early weeks. In this episode, we explore the importance of an informative and engaging class that encourages families to seek continued support. Tune in to discover how education can be a strategic and impactful way to build your postpartum doula business.
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Episdoe 158: The Value of Listening
03/28/2025
Episdoe 158: The Value of Listening
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 openly, real connections form, which allows us to create a judgment-free space, allowing clients to express their fears, preferences, and emotions without shame. This trust becomes the foundation for meaningful support throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. In this episode, we discuss practical ways to refine your listening skills, avoid common pitfalls, and ensure clients feel validated and supported. Tune in to learn how the power of listening can transform your doula practice and deepen your impact.
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Episdoe 157: Client Reviews
03/13/2025
Episdoe 157: Client Reviews
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 essential. Clients need to feel safe, seen, and supported—and that trust often translates into the reviews they leave. One common challenge doulas face is finding the best ways to ask for reviews. Once you have the reviews, you need to determine where to showcase them to build trust and attract clients. Also, don't forget to turn this positive feedback into a powerful marketing tool to grow your business. But what if you get a bad review? Don’t panic! Instead, take control, manage your reputation, and respond professionally and confidently. Join us to learn how to use client reviews to strengthen relationships, build trust, and grow a thriving doula business!
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Episode 156: In-Hospital Postpartum Doula Support
02/28/2025
Episode 156: In-Hospital Postpartum Doula Support
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 are some important things doulas need to keep in mind when supporting families in the hospital. From understanding the hospital environment and advocating for client comfort to managing expectations and setting boundaries, we discuss how to provide meaningful support while respecting the clinical setting. Join us as we share practical insights on how to offer effective, compassionate in-hospital postpartum care—ensuring families feel supported, informed, and confident as they transition into parenthood.
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Episode 155: Doula Business Automation
02/13/2025
Episode 155: Doula Business Automation
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 how you made them feel. The goal is to use automation tools to simplify your systems without losing the personal touches that make your business unique. From automated workflows to personalized follow-ups, we discuss how to blend technology with heart. The key is balance: Be efficient with your processes but effective with your relationships. Tune in to learn how to save time without sacrificing what sets your doula business apart—you.
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Episode 154: Doula Support for IVF and Surrogacy
01/30/2025
Episode 154: Doula Support for IVF and Surrogacy
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 challenges, exploring the concerns they often carry and how we can provide compassionate, informed support. From addressing emotional highs and lows to navigating birth preferences and postpartum expectations, we discuss what doulas need to know to create a reassuring and empowering experience for these families. Join us as we explore the nuances of IVF, surrogacy, and the essential role doulas play in offering guidance, understanding, and unwavering support.
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Episode 153: Stay or Go: Supporting Labor
01/16/2025
Episode 153: Stay or Go: Supporting Labor
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, allowing the doula to balance the client's needs with their own. This can be especially true during an induction of labor, where the process may take days. However, some challenges may present themselves when a doula isn’t at the bedside, from the potential gaps in hands-on comfort measures to the lack of immediate informational support. Join us as we share our insights on navigating these situations with professionalism and care, ensuring the client feels supported and empowered, even during temporary absences. This is a must-listen for doulas looking to handle these complex situations with grace and clarity!
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Episode 152: Navigating Illness and Birthwork
01/02/2025
Episode 152: Navigating Illness and Birthwork
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 protect yourself and others? It’s equally important to plan for when you’re unwell—whether that means leaning on a trusted backup or stepping away to recover. Clear contract policies to address illness ensure everyone is on the same page when unexpected situations arise. Join us as we discuss these critical considerations and share valuable insights to help you stay prepared, professional, and protected in your birth work practice.
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