The Birth Geeks' Podcast
The Birth Geeks is an evidence-based conversation for birth professionals who are in it for the long game. Dr. Robin Elise Weiss and Dr. Hillary Melchiors tackle the topics other podcasts avoid — boundaries, burnout, business realities, and what sustainable birth work actually looks like. For doulas, midwives, childbirth educators, and nurses. Find us at thebirthgeeks.com.
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The Not-So-Magic Doula Bag
05/12/2026
The Not-So-Magic Doula Bag
In this episode, Hillary Melchiors and Robin Elise Weiss unpack the real contents of a doula's birth bag. From the practical to the quirky, you'll hear how the items doulas carry have shifted over the course of their careers, what actually gets used during long hours at births, and why less is often more. They share favorite finds, ways to keep things clean and organized, and surprising tools that have stood the test of time, or failed spectacularly. Whether you're a birth or postpartum doula, or just curious about what actually helps in those high-pressure hours, this is an honest, experience-driven look inside the infamous doula bag.
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The Truth About Doula Confidence: Fear of Making Mistakes
05/05/2026
The Truth About Doula Confidence: Fear of Making Mistakes
The pressure to perform is so very real as a doula, and sometimes the fear is holding us back from being even better for our clients. In this episode we're getting real about why it feels so scary and how you can get over this hurdle as a doula.
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Why Doula Burnout Happens and What Actually Keeps You Going
04/28/2026
Why Doula Burnout Happens and What Actually Keeps You Going
Setting yourself up for a sustainable doula career is essential if you want to keep doing this work over the long term. Whether you are a birth or postpartum doula, planning ahead for more than just self-care bubble baths, can help you keep serving more clients. Listen in as we discuss what's help us stay in this work for the long haul.
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Doula and Nurse Relationships and the Reality of Labor Support
04/21/2026
Doula and Nurse Relationships and the Reality of Labor Support
Dr. Kathryn Konrad on doula and nurse relationships, what nursing textbooks miss about labor support, and how to plug doulas into the maternity workforce.
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Navigating Sleep Disruption and Recovery for On-Call Doulas
04/14/2026
Navigating Sleep Disruption and Recovery for On-Call Doulas
This one's for the birth doulas who are excited to get the wake up call and haven't yet realized the physiological toll that this will take (as we see in the scientific literature) on your body. We're talking about all the ways we deal with being on call and making sure we're getting our Zzzzzzzs on this week's episode. Birth doula work gets described as thrilling—the middle-of-the-night call, the quick scramble, the arrival at a birth. But what’s left out of that story is the reality of sleep deprivation, the impact of disrupted schedules, and the ongoing challenge of protecting your health while being on call. In this episode, Dr. Robin Elise Weiss and Dr. Hillary Melchiors get honest about what it really feels like to be awakened at 2 AM and share what has helped, and what hasn’t, over their years of practice. We’ll hear about their personal sleep routines, the science behind chronic sleep loss, and practical tools that have been effective (from blackout blinds to bright light therapy boxes to bedtime routines and planned breaks). They don’t shy away from the tug-of-war between loving the work and needing rest or the strain on relationships with partners, kids, and friends. If you’ve ever wondered how to make birth work sustainable or questioned if a change to postpartum work is the answer, this episode is for you. Get ready for an honest look at sleep, burnout, and the boundaries that make a long-term birth career possible.
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The Scarcity Mindset: How Doulas Treat Each Other (And How to Do It Better)
04/07/2026
The Scarcity Mindset: How Doulas Treat Each Other (And How to Do It Better)
The doula community talks about abundance mindset constantly, but the actual behavior in many local communities tells a different story. In this episode, Dr. Robin Elise Weiss and Dr. Hillary Melchiors dig into the professional dynamics that shape how doulas treat each other across the experience spectrum. They name what a scarcity mindset actually looks like in practice, why it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, and why newer doulas often misread what established doulas can and should offer them. This is a direct, honest conversation about the professional culture that determines whether doulas stay in this work long-term or burn out trying to fight for a piece of a pie that was never shrinking. The episode moves through mentorship as a practical structure, the difference between what newer doulas think they need and what actually builds their practice, pricing psychology as a confidence signal, and the underexamined role that race, class, and geography play in who gets included in local doula communities. Robin and Hillary make the case that the doula community serves everyone better when established practitioners function as connectors rather than gatekeepers, and that reciprocity, not charity, is the right frame for inter-doula relationships. If you have navigated a competitive local market, been on either end of a mentor-mentee relationship that went sideways, or wrestled with your own scarcity thinking, this episode is the conversation you have probably needed for a while.
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Getting Hired as a Doula: Tactics That Actually Work for Growing Your Client List
03/31/2026
Getting Hired as a Doula: Tactics That Actually Work for Growing Your Client List
Everyone who comes through doula training asks the same question: how do I actually find my first clients? In this episode, Dr. Robin Elise Weiss and Dr. Hillary Melchiors cut through the anxiety around getting started and offer practical, grounded strategies for new birth and postpartum doulas who are ready to build a practice. The conversation covers everything from the psychology of feeling "ready" to the concrete mechanics of networking, social media, pricing, and contracts, and it does so in a way that will resonate with trainers and agency owners who field this question constantly. Robin and Hillary draw on their own very different origin stories, including Robin starting before the internet existed and Hillary stumbling into the work with a fresh PhD and a serious case of imposter syndrome, to make the point that there is no single right path to those first three births. What matters is telling people what you do, showing up consistently, building relationships with providers and other doulas, and not letting the pursuit of perfect paperwork or one more training become an excuse to delay. The episode closes with a clear-eyed discussion of pricing, shadowing, and the mindset shift from believing clients will find you to understanding that it is your job to be findable.
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Geek Out with Dr. Jennifer Lincoln
03/24/2026
Geek Out with Dr. Jennifer Lincoln
In this episode of The Birth Geeks, Dr. Jennifer Lincoln, OB-GYN hospitalist, IBCLC, and author, joins Dr. Robin Elise Weiss and Dr. Hillary Melchiors to talk about the hospitalist model and what it means for doulas and clients, how to show up during a home birth transfer, obstetric violence and why the term matters, misinformation on social media, informed consent as a human rights issue, and what a well-prepared patient looks like from the perspective of someone meeting people for the first time in active labor. Dr. Lincoln also discusses her new book, written for birthing people and designed to challenge providers. She's a delight, and in the good fight against misinformation for expecting and new families every day. Come listen in on two doulas and an OB as we break down some myths, talk history, and get excited about the future of collaboration for birth teams. Find her at drjenniferlincoln.com.
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Supporting Clients Through Inductions Without Losing Yourself: Hard Lessons Learned
03/17/2026
Supporting Clients Through Inductions Without Losing Yourself: Hard Lessons Learned
We're tackling a tough subject for birth doulas in this week's episode: induction arrival. When do you join your clients and how do you communicate with them before and during an induction? Speaking from our experience as birth doulas, we're talking about approaches we've seen work and some that haven't too. As birth doulas, at some point you will absolutely have a client be induced, and planning ahead can make a world of difference in everyone's experience, including the doula's.
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Hard Truths About Doula Insurance Coverage
03/10/2026
Hard Truths About Doula Insurance Coverage
Insurance coverage for doulas sounds like a win for everyone. More clients, broader access, sustainable practice. But the reality is messier than the headline, and Dr. Robin Elise Weiss and Dr. Hillary Melchiors have both lived that reality from opposite sides of the billing process. Robin brings a background in health management system sciences, years of taking insurance as a doula, and experience running an oral surgery practice where insurance claims were part of every single day. Hillary brings the on-the-ground perspective of a doula agency owner who has navigated company benefits, watched payment timelines stretch, and done the math on whether Medicaid reimbursement rates actually pencil out. Together, they unpack what it genuinely means to accept insurance as a birth professional. This episode covers the credentialing process, the critical distinction between insurance and company benefits like the Walmart employee program, balance billing rights, and the hidden contractual traps that can turn a missed call into a fraud risk if you are not paying attention. FSA and HSA accounts get real attention here as a lower-barrier starting point for most doulas, along with Robin's "open season" approach to client education each fall. The conversation is practical and honest, including a frank look at why insurance-based doula work may make sense as one piece of a mixed caseload rather than the foundation of a sustainable practice.
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When Clients Don’t Show Up: Navigating No-Shows in Birth Work
03/03/2026
When Clients Don’t Show Up: Navigating No-Shows in Birth Work
No-shows are one of those topics birth professionals talk about in private but rarely address out loud. In this episode, Dr. Robin Elise Weiss and Dr. Hillary Melchiors get into both types of no-shows that doulas actually deal with: the potential client who ghosts a consultation, and the client who goes into labor without ever picking up the phone. They share what they've done to reduce no-shows before they happen, how to respond when they do, and why extending grace doesn't mean abandoning your systems.
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Rethinking Burnout: Moral Injury & Sustainable Care for Birth Workers
02/25/2026
Rethinking Burnout: Moral Injury & Sustainable Care for Birth Workers
Dr. Hillary Melchiors sits down with clinical psychologist Dr. Kerry Makin-Byrd for a grounded, experience-led conversation about burnout, moral injury, and the emotional weight of long-term birth and mental health work. Dr. Makin-Byrd reflects on moving from Colorado to New Zealand and how that shift reshaped her clinical practice and her own recovery. Taking apart the myth that burnout is a personal failing, they make the case that systemic factors, not individual shortcomings, drive the exhaustion so many birth workers carry. Covering boundary-setting in a field that rarely rewards it, they directly and practically confront the value of professional support for providers, and what "good enough" care actually looks like when perfection stays just out of reach. This one episode won't define burnout for you, but speaks honestly about what to do when you're in it, why it is not your fault, and what might actually help.
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Interview with Loudmouth Lisa
01/26/2026
Interview with Loudmouth Lisa
Lisa Vee, aka Loudmouth Lisa, is a doula business strategist and coach who brings her whole heart to this work with the flare of the dancer and salesperson background that she brings to the table. In this episode we talk about attracting clients, pricing your services, shifting priorities, and more. Enjoy!
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Interview with Maggie Runyon
01/12/2026
Interview with Maggie Runyon
Maggie Runyon became a nurse to help and found out quickly that saving the entire healthcare system and everyone in it was a fast ticket to burnout. In this interview we discuss her book I Thought I Was Here to Help, along with strategies for advocacy, community, & support for all of us that work as perinatal professionals.
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Interview with Dr. Connie Liu
10/17/2025
Interview with Dr. Connie Liu
Rural medicine, Indian Health Service, MD advocacy, and so much more
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Doula Power, Payment, and Policy: Insights from Andrea Ford’s Anthropological Perspective
08/04/2025
Doula Power, Payment, and Policy: Insights from Andrea Ford’s Anthropological Perspective
The messy magic of being a doula! In this episode of The Birth Geeks, we sit down with Dr. Andrea Ford, anthropologist, doula, and author of Near Birth, to explore the strange, powerful, and often contradictory world of modern birthwork. What even is a doula today? A sister or a professional?
A rebel or a regulated service?
A support system or a scapegoat? We unpack it ALL:
The tension between respect and reimbursement
Why doulas are praised for outcomes they can’t control What happens when community care meets institutional demands
And how birthwork quietly challenges American values about bodies, power, and autonomy If you’ve ever wrestled with your role in the birth space or wondered how being “near birth” is as political as it is personal, this conversation will hit home. Listen now.
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From NICU Mom to National Voice: LaToshia Rouse on Flexibility, Boundaries, and Birthwork That Matters
07/14/2025
From NICU Mom to National Voice: LaToshia Rouse on Flexibility, Boundaries, and Birthwork That Matters
How do you go from spreadsheets to spinning babies, and end up on national perinatal boards? In this episode, Hillary sits down with LaToshia Rouse, a birth and postpartum doula, childbirth educator, and speaker who brings her whole self (and sometimes her whole family!) to the work of changing maternal care from the inside out. We talk about: Parenting triplets and how NICU life shaped LaToshia’s why How doulas can support clients without overextending themselves What it really takes to build connections with hospital systems Why flexibility, strong boundaries, and knowing your season are everything You’ll laugh, nod along, and walk away feeling like you’ve just made a new doula bestie.
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What We Miss When We Medicalize: Postpartum Depression in Global Contexts
06/30/2025
What We Miss When We Medicalize: Postpartum Depression in Global Contexts
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
06/16/2025
Shaping Birth Experiences: Shannay Rocker on Home Births, Hospitals, and Building Doula Community
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
06/02/2025
Navigating Birth, Burnout, and Being Queer in Midwifery with Katie Shannon
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 supports families. Don't miss these insights on resilience, growth, and redefining care.
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Doula Diversity, Overnight Myths, and Postpartum Support with Jen Chandlee
05/21/2025
Doula Diversity, Overnight Myths, and Postpartum Support with Jen Chandlee
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 heartfelt stories from her trainings—like the different moving traditions of welcoming new birthing people—and discusses the importance of cultural ritual in the postpartum period versus what many parents in the U.S. experience today (hello, grocery store runs instead of crowns and songs). The episode explores how virtual doula training breaks down barriers and brings global perspectives together, how the “crunchy parent” stereotype and consumer culture collide in parenting, and why overnight postpartum work—and its perception—may deserve a second look. Jen and Hillary also talk about the effects of perimenopause on doulas, the need for boundaries and self-care, plus the financial and policy challenges facing today’s doula workforce. With warmth and honesty, Jen and Hillary unpack the reality of postpartum care, the critical need for recognition and support for new parents, and what it really means to be a lifeguard for families in the early weeks. Whether you’re a doula, a parent, or just passionate about birth work, this episode is full of wisdom, humor, and some well-deserved tiara talk. Grab your tea, put on your imaginary crown, and enjoy this inspiring conversation!
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Amanda Chandler CPM
04/17/2025
Amanda Chandler CPM
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
02/14/2025
Spela Peternel: Doula Leadership & Knowledge
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 with too. This conversation will leave you inspired!
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Interview with Turkish Doula: Ayşegül Boz Baltacı
01/31/2025
Interview with Turkish Doula: Ayşegül Boz Baltacı
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 of doulas as cultural brokers in multiple spaces. We hope you enjoy our conversation about her journey and goals as a doula.
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Ania Freitas on Doulas, Cultural Differences, and Postnatal Care in Northern Ireland
12/17/2024
Ania Freitas on Doulas, Cultural Differences, and Postnatal Care in Northern Ireland
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 Ireland, the historic and cultural attitudes towards postnatal care, and her multilingual proficiency that enriches her practice. Discover the fascinating cultural nuances, the importance of postnatal support, and even some light-hearted moments, like Ania's fondness for Portuguese breakfasts. Whether you're a birth professional, an expectant parent, or just curious about the world of doulas, this episode offers a blend of professional insights and personal stories you won't want to miss. Tune in now!
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Mastering SEO and Analytics for Doula Marketing with Expert Darcy Sauers
12/02/2024
Mastering SEO and Analytics for Doula Marketing with Expert Darcy Sauers
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 and discuss the vital aspect of treating doula work as a business to avoid burnout. We'll also delve into the power of search engine optimization (SEO) for local searches and maintaining control over your digital assets, given the limitations and risks of relying solely on social media platforms. Plus, we'll touch on creative content strategies, social media analytics, and Darcy's passion for making marketing analytics accessible and less intimidating. To wrap it up, we venture into the lighter side with fun "Would You Rather?" questions and share a touch of personal connection and excitement about future conferences. This episode is packed with insights to help you harness analytics, connect more meaningfully with your audience, and sustain a long-term, thriving practice. So tune in and get ready to geek out on all things birth and business!
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Exploring Doula Certification and Policy Challenges in Maternal Health
11/15/2024
Exploring Doula Certification and Policy Challenges in Maternal Health
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 valuable insights. We even touch on some lighter topics like regional dialects and the joys of pet companionship. Whether you're a seasoned birth worker or new to the field, this conversation offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. So grab your headphones, settle in, and let's geek out on all things birth! Comprehensive Sequence of Topics Covered in The Episode: Trauma-Informed Care & Models Systemic Change vs. Individual Blame Local versus National Data Nonprofit Organization Challenges Full-Spectrum Doula Work Doula Certification and Reimbursement Issues Culturally Congruent Care Impact of Stress and Structural Violence Reimbursement Challenges Recognition of Refugee and Immigrant Doula Challenges Political Advocacy Living Experiences and Work Settings Advantages of Doula Care Research Methodologies Systemic Issues in Healthcare Links
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Navigating Cultural Nuances with Doula Advocate Debbie Mitchell
11/04/2024
Navigating Cultural Nuances with Doula Advocate Debbie Mitchell
Join Dr. Hillary Melchiors as she dives deep into the enriching journey of Debbie Mitchell, an integral part of the European Doula Network. Debbie shares her insightful experiences and the remarkable collaboration between organizations like DONA, ICEA, and Red Mundial de Doulas that brought the "doula corner" to the FIGO Conference in Paris. The discussion shines a light on the enormous impact that collective efforts can have in the fields of obstetrics and gynecology. European doula shares her journey, influenced by a friend, and completed training in Slovenia. Faced challenges in establishing her practice amidst language and cultural differences. Discussed involvement with the European Doula Network (EDN) and the importance of networking and support. Emphasized sociocracy and consensus in EDN decision-making and the diversity of doula practices across Europe. Noted the need for simplified language for better communication and inclusivity. Highlighted growth in conference attendance and financial accessibility concerns. Mentioned collaborative efforts among doula organizations and traditions like the "doula song." Importance of volunteer leadership, local engagement, and shared responsibilities within EDN. Reflected on the significance of relationships, communication, and cultural nuances in the doula profession. Closed with appreciation for community connection and an invitation for doulas to share experiences. Links Mentioned:
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Stress-Free Rebranding: Insights and Tools for Birth Professionals
10/16/2024
Stress-Free Rebranding: Insights and Tools for Birth Professionals
Welcome back to The Birth Geeks! In today's episode, your hosts Dr. Hillary Melchiors and Dr. Robin Elise Weiss delve into the intricate world of rebranding and visual updates. We'll explore the importance of networking and leveraging connections within the industry, the necessity of updating visuals like logos and fonts across platforms, and the challenges of the rebranding process itself. Hillary shares her first-hand experience of evolving her doula business, while both hosts emphasize the critical role of professional help, cohesive messaging, and effective client communication during a rebrand. We also navigate through decision-making hurdles, investment considerations, and the significance of staying organized by keeping business conversations streamlined. Additionally, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on doula services and the need for adaptive messaging strategies are discussed. To wrap up, we'll share practical tools and advice for balancing daily operations with strategic development. Whether you're contemplating a brand refresh or a full rebrand, this episode is packed with actionable insights and light-hearted moments. So, sit back, relax, and join us as we journey through the nuances of rebranding in the birth industry. Overview Discussion on rebranding vs. brand refresh: significant changes vs. minor updates. The speaker is refreshing their doula business brand. Rebranding factors: business evolution, audience shifts, outdated visuals/messages. Importance of aligning brand with current offerings and target audience. Balancing local resources and budget for design work. Decision-making: DIY vs. hiring help based on skills and time. Benefits of professional help for complex tasks like website design. Reflect on goals and audience to avoid resource waste. Audit current branding efforts for improvements. Utilize networking for reliable project assistance. Ensure cohesive updates across all branding elements. Align messaging with visual branding for effective communication. Challenges of rebranding and client communication emphasized. Choose between a big launch or soft rollout for the rebrand. Importance of understanding client feedback and expectations. Acknowledge time, financial investments, and mental challenges in rebranding. Set realistic deadlines and manage collaborator communication. Conduct research, gather client feedback, and test website usability. View marketing from the client’s perspective to address their needs. Focus on potential clients' pain points to create value. Use lead magnets and freebies to collect contact information. Building funnels is essential in the rebranding strategy. Consistent logo usage is vital for brand awareness. Acknowledge stress involved in the rebranding process. Links Mentioned (Free & Paid)
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Pricing Your Doula Services: Tips for Longevity and Financial Stability
09/30/2024
Pricing Your Doula Services: Tips for Longevity and Financial Stability
Welcome to another enlightening episode of The Birth Geeks, where we delve into practical and essential topics for doulas. In this episode, TBG 56, join hosts Dr. Hillary Melchiors and Dr. Robin Elise Weiss as they navigate the complex world of setting and raising doula fees. Discover why it’s crucial to understand your value and charge sustainably, how cost of living impacts your rates, and the importance of balancing personal financial goals to avoid burnout. We'll also discuss how to respond to client pushback about fees, strategies for offering discounts without undervaluing your services, and recognizing when it’s time to increase your fees. With insights into tailoring service packages, maintaining transparent communication, and advocating for proper compensation, this episode is packed with expert advice to help you thrive in your doula career. Stay tuned as we empower you to confidently set and adjust your rates, ensuring both your well-being and that of your clients. Overview Discussion on doulas raising fees for sustainable income. Importance of charging a livable wage and recognizing when to adjust rates. Factors for increasing rates include: Experience from multiple births. Rising living costs. Preventing burnout and ensuring job satisfaction. Full calendar indicating high demand. Timing for rate increases should focus on future bookings. Awareness of local market rates and community positioning is essential. New skills or certifications can justify fee hikes. Comparison of fee structures across regions, e.g., California. Personal financial goals are crucial to avoid burnout. Use "doula-of-fee algebra" for pricing strategy. Consider yearly expenses in financial planning. Strategies for discussing rate increases with returning clients. Clearly explain value and handle objections confidently. Mistakes are part of business growth. Confidently state fees without justification to unsuitable clients. Advocate for fair compensation for doula work. Consider tiered packages or early signing incentives. Maintain prenatal visits for effective support. Regularly review rates based on experience and feedback. Communicate rate changes transparently and in advance. Prepare for pushback on fees with strategies. Prioritize financial security for mental health and sustainability. Utilize resources like doula fee calculators and cost of living data. Engage clients in discussions about fee adjustments. Links Mentioned in this Episode
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