Spela Peternel: Doula Leadership & Knowledge

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. 

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! 

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. 

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!

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 Darcy Sauers, 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!

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 "I want…to serve those communities…[but] my price tag is…not what they can afford": The community-engaged Georgia doula study New Effort to Examine Doula Care Programs in Medicaid to Advance Racial Equity Embrace Refugee Birth Support Healthy Mothers, Health Babies: Georgia

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: European Doula Network DONA International ICEA Red Mundial de Doulas  

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 Coolors Fiverr Canva (Free & Paid)

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 Cost of Living Information Doula Fee Calculator

Welcome back to The Birth Geeks podcast! In today's episode, hosts Hillary Melchiors and  Robin Elise Weiss catch up after a long break and dive into a range of exciting updates and developments in the birth and doula community. They talk about Hillary's upcoming trip to France for the European Doula Network conference and reflect on their busy year, including Hillary's rebrand of her doula agency. From discussing the challenges of balancing doula work with personal life to sharing insights from recent conferences and legislative advocacy efforts, this episode is packed with valuable information and heartfelt moments. Stay tuned as they also hint at upcoming topics and interviews that will enrich the birth and doula community. Let's get started! Links mentioned in this show: Cost of Living Doula Fee Calculator EPDUS-US (Mental Health Screening Tool) Overview Hosts Hillary and Robin reconnect after a long break. They discuss a road trip from Louisville to Minneapolis. Hillary prepares for the European Doula Network in France. They reflect on their busy lives and roles in DONA International. Robin organized the Doulas Doing Business Summit for business management support. They share challenges doulas face in balancing passion and business. Hillary is involved in academic activities related to doulas. Both discuss personal challenges, including Hillary's house fire. They reflect on parenting and the transition to becoming empty nesters. A recent vacation sparked a desire for more travel and reading. The speaker advocates for doulas and perinatal mental health screening. They highlight legislative progress for doulas and maternal care improvement. The agency's rebranding and certification efforts are mentioned. Emphasis on community outreach and agency operations amid challenges. Upcoming plans include discussions on rebranding and financial sustainability. Excitement about interviews and research on perinatal mental health. The speaker shares a personal experience attending a memorial for Penny Simkin. Light-hearted discussion on fame preferences and humorous birth community anecdotes.