Category: New Doula

5 steps for Creating your why as a doula

12/27/2019

Sometimes when you first begin your doula journey, it's pretty simple.

Your "WHY I AM DOING THIS" is that you experienced what a doula could do at your birth or at a friend's birth, have fallen in love with the idea of birth
and want to help others recreate that feeling.

Once you've started working as a doula, you may want to refine or completely rewrite your WHY.

The average doula leaves the business between 2-3 years after they start.

I believe one reason is because they haven't fully developed their own unique WHY.

Start planning on sustaining your doula work BEFORE burn out feeling begin.

Regularly revisit your WHY! I suggest visiting this every 6-12 months.

When you lose sight of your why, you can forget what this career is about for you (and your clients) and it can lead to burn-out, overwhelm, and feelings of being taken advantage of when you aren't working from that passion point anymore.

Without your WHY to help build a framework for your goals in an authentic and heartfelt way, you don't know where to focus or what to do next with your doula work. You aren't sure if you should pivot your business or learn a new skill.

Here are five tips to help you discover or re-discover that WHY to bring fulfillment into your business.

1) Take a look at what some of your most memorable moments as a doula have been for you. If you haven't been in business long, look back at moments that lead up to you taking a training and moments at your training. Make a list of 5-10 moments that stand out the most. Do not edit your list as you are making it. If something comes to mind write it down. You'll have time to reflect later.

They don't just have to be client-centered, but could be connection or family-centered as well.

Really spend some time on this. What were some of the small details of this memorable moment? What spoke to you most at that moment? Why did it make the list? What were the emotions you felt?

Here's a list prompts to get you started if you are struggling:

Client stories and testimonials
A client you had a special connection with
An event you attended or hosted that affected you in a memorable way
A comment from family, friends, your children about your work that touched you
Something valuable you learned from a training you took
A new perspective you gained
A positive impact your work made on your family or yourself
Something FUN that happened because of your work
What your income did for your family
What your work did for you it could be added self-confidence, the ability to provide support to others, how the income made a difference in your life, etc

A word about negativity here: Be very careful with listing negative moments. While negative events are memorable, unless there is a postive change that came out of the negative event, please leave it off your list. When your list contains negative moments, your mind struggles with the emotions attached and it becomes a challenge to use the exersize to move you forward.

2) Do NOT judge your list! Your list will be completely different from someone else's list and that's wonderful. There are no wrong answers here. No one else can define your memorable moments. Your list isn't required to be only altruistic in nature. If it was, go back to the prompts and add a few other memorable moments.

3) Now that you have your list of memorable moments and details about each moment, look at each moment and look for overarching themes. Where your memorable moments connection (family, client, making friends)? Where they about service (giving back, paying your knowledge forward)?

Other potential overarching themes could be:

Teaching
Learning
Self improvement
Meeting your goals
Providing for yourself/your family

4) Now take those themes and write about what you love about each one. WHY the theme is important to you. Again, take your time here.

5) Now you have your current WHY. Keep it in a place that you can see it. Use it for helping you get over hurdles in your business. Let it motivate you or keep you moving when you wonder if doula business is really for you, or doing the tasks that aren't your favorite.

BONUS TIP TO EXPAND UPON
6) Use your WHY stories and themes for guiding you when making decisions in your business.

Example: If one of your overarching themes is connection, use that to move forward and make decisions in your business. Maybe you can host a pregnancy or parenting group, hold doula gatherings to meet others in your area, reach out to other businesses that have similar clients and philosophies to create collaborations, host a pregnancy fair or baby fair.

6) Tell me your WHY! Pop over to my Facebook page or email me at [email protected] and let me know!

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5 books for new doulas that aren't about hip squeezes

10/26/2019

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There are plenty of recommended reading lists for new doulas that talk about birth skills. How to do an amazing hip squeeze or when to utilize the "take charge routine".
These are important skills we must learn.
BUT.....

there are other skills that are also important to a new doula.

These are the books that helped me change my mindset about money and how to successfully own a business without giving up my soul. They taught me practical skills I need for being in business for myself. They inspired me and helped me grow into a full fledged business owner.

Wanna cut straight to the books? Here's the short list linked directly to Amazon. Most of them should also be available at your library as well, though I recommend reading and rereading them all, so owning them is valuable.

Overcoming Underearning
You are a Badass at Making Money
They Ask You Answer
This is Marketing
Everybody Writes

OVERCOMING UNDEREARNING

Why I love this one.
This book was life changing for me. I suggest re-reading it every year as you learn and grow. ANYONE that struggles with money in any way, should be required to read this book.

So many new doulas start in this industry becuase they want to help people and change birth for the better. That in itself is amazing. You can be proud that you are in this business because you have passion and it's not about making money. You probably aren't trying to make six figures a year in your doula business, which is really great because that's almost impossible.

Here's are a few problems though:

When you don't value yourself and your time, other's won't either.
Passion doesn't pay the light bill.

When I started my doula career 10 years ago, I thought that I was WRONG and BAD if I wanted money for my services. I would say, "Here's my rate, but I can always take less if that's too much." That was wonderful for a little while. I got to fill myself up with the feeling of "I changed someone's life" because I could give away my time. Some people truly appreciated it and were grateful. Some people just used me because they didn't VALUE what I had to offer. They valued a new car, a $600 stroller, or a beautiful piece of jewelry that was a "push present". I was an afterthought, an added bonus because my time, effort, knowledge, and giving nature were free or very low cost. That eventually made me feel taken advantage of which in turn made me angry. This book helped me value myself and let go of my negative money mindset.

What this book taught me was that I could still change birth for the better, give to the community, and charge a fee that allowed me to pay the light bill on time and take a well deserved vacation.

YOU ARE A BADASS AT MAKING MONEY

Yes, it's about money again! Money is such a hugely important topic that was never discussed at all for new doulas and still doesn't get discussed enough with the caring, balance, and empathy that it deserves. Many of us still buy into the false believe that anyone that ENJOYS making money is evil or at the least does evil things. Jen is able to break those beliefs by sharing how valuable you can be to your family, your community, and birth as a whole while holding on to your values and making an income. Also, Jen Sincero is hilarious!

Here's a little tidbit from this book:
"You living your fullest life and making all the money required to do so doesn't take anything away from anyone else any more than you refusing a ham sadwich because someone, somewhere is starving, helps them."

I suggest reading this one all the way through because it's so entertaining and then going back to read it again and do the exercises.

THEY ASK YOU ANSWER

Why I love this book

It's about blogging for your business in a way that non-writers can understand and implement. While some new doulas are actual real writers who can bring out the emotion of pregnancy and birth, many new doulas want to blog, but have no idea where or how to start.

While we can't all be writers we can all write well enough to attract our potential clients to our business. This book helps you start blogging and develop ideas. While it's designed for larger businesses, new doulas can still utilize the information.

Here's a quote from the book:
"Consumer buying patterns have gone through a monumental shift over the past decade..... On average, 70% of the buying decision is made before a prospect talks to the company."

While this may sound heavy, all he's saying is that people want to know you, like you, and trust you from your online presence BEFORE they reach out to you for an interview. What are you putting out online that will help potential clients get to know you and see you as the expert in the community?

Think of all the questions, fears, and google searches your potential client might have and write about them. Look at what questions pregnant people as asking online. Keep a list to access when you need ideas. Write about the basics, but also think beyond that. Not everything you write about needs to be researched for weeks and be about "informed decision making". Add in fun topics as well.

THIS IS MARKETING

Why I love this book.

I've become quite the Seth Godin fan and his newest book, This is Marketing, is perfect for new doulas. As doulas, you are in the business of sales and marketing. We don't like to admit it, but it's true especially if you are not working for a doula agency that handles your sales and marketing for you.

While that sounds like a scary turn off, there are ways to be a marketer without being pushy, using scare tactics, being too forceful, and without that icky feeling you can get with some marketing/sales books.

First what even is marketing? Marketing is the process of getting people interested in your company's product or service. This book helps you do that in ways that make you feel proud to market rather than embarrased to do so.

Here's an excerpt from the book:
"Time to stop hustling and interupting. Time to stop spamming and pretending you're welcome. Time to stop begging people to become your clients, and time to stop feeling bad about charging for your work. Time to stop looking for shortcuts, and time to start insisting on a long,viable path instead."

It's not a book about shortcuts or making a fast buck, but about being sustainable in your business and creating something you'll be proud of down the road while maintaining your values.

EVERYBODY WRITES

While this book isn't as entertaining or as sexy as the other books on the list, this book is purposeful. It helps you become a better writer, when writing isn't your passion. We all have to write in our business whether or not we choose to blog. There's web copy, rack cards, client information, social media posts, etc and this book has hundreds of tips to help you write better.

Her first chapter is "Writing Rules: How to Write Better and How to Hate Writing Less" which sums up this book.

Here's an excerpt:
"Grammar and usage are a bit of a rabbit hole. You start talking about word choice and who and whom and active and passive and the next thing you know you and I are both exhausted and overwhelmed..."

Sound familiar?!? I can spend HOURS on effect or affect! Don't even get me started.....

Read this book all the way through or just flip though it and read sections that are pertinent to what you are writing.

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10 free resources for new doulas

10/26/2019

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There are many expenses and items on your to do list
as a new doula.

While it's tempting to start with all the top of the line resources with all the bells and whistles available, consider starting small and building up your resources. You'll feel more accomplished by getting items checked off your to do list and not create additional stress by spending so much before you've even started your business.

There are so many free options available now, that you can do almost anything in the beginning stages without spending much money if any at all.

Here's a breakdown of my favorite free resources.

Weebly Website Builder

www.Weebly.com is an easy, drag and drop website builder. There is an option to start out with a website absolutely free by using a domain name with www.yourwebsite.weebly.com. You'll be able to choose a theme, add all your information, and even start a blog, all without spending any money up front and you can always upgrade at any point.

Facebook

There is just so much you can do on Facebook! Find support, guidance, a community and promote your new business all for free. Start by creating a business facebook page rather than just using your personal profile. As you grow your business, you may also decide to start a group either for your clients or for the public.

Canva

www.Canva.com is a free platform to create graphics, flyers, ebooks, and more and is easier to use than advanced graphic design programs. You can pick the correct sized template for your project and add your personalized information and publish.

Mailerlite Email List Builder

www.Mailerlite.com is an email service that is free up to your first 1000 subscribers. Keep in contact with potential clients, current clients, and past clients separately with this service. There are even templates to use.

Your Local Library

It's easy to overlook your local library as a resource, but take a second look. You'll find business books galore on any subject you need to learn more about. Need a place to get a way from home and do a little work? Your local library is just the place. Some libraries also offer classes, tutorials, computers to use with advanced programs, and more. Check out this post about my favorite business books to get you started.

YouTube

www.Youtube.com is a free learning platform that you can use to learn almost anything especially if you tend to be more of a visual learner. Can't figure out how to make that flyer in Canva, check out a video on it. You can also start your own Youtube channel to help showcase your doula skills and knowledge.

Instagram and Linktr.ee

Linktr.ee is a game changer if you use Instagram for your business. You only get one link out, but this free resource gives you more options. Put your Linktr.ee link in the bio on your Instagram page and you'll be able to provide a variety of options for people to click. You can put your website information, your DoulaMatch profile, your Facebook page/group, your newsletter sign-up, your most popular blog post, it's up to you!

Pixabay Stock Image Site

www.Pixabay.com is a free stock photo site. Do you want a stock photo for your website or a blog post? Don't just "borrow" one from Google and risk getting in trouble. Browse thousands of images to find just the right one. Just read over the licensing agreement to make sure it's acceptable for business use.

Grammarly

www.grammarly.com is there for you if you aren't a spelling champ or great with basic grammar. Let it check over your work before hitting publish.

Trello Online Organization Platform

www.Trello.com is your planning and organizing helper. It's like an online version of sticky notes that you can adjust and move and you complete projects.

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Doula Empowerment Blog

5 steps for Creating your why as a doula

Sometimes when you first begin your doula journey, it's pretty simple.

Once you've started working as a doula, you may want to refine or completely rewrite your WHY.

Here are five tips to help you discover or re-discover that WHY to bring fulfillment into your business.

5 books for new doulas that aren't about hip squeezes

There are plenty of recommended reading lists for new doulas that talk about birth skills. How to do an amazing hip squeeze or when to utilize the "take charge routine".
These are important skills we must learn.
BUT.....

OVERCOMING UNDEREARNING

YOU ARE A BADASS AT MAKING MONEY

THEY ASK YOU ANSWER

THIS IS MARKETING

EVERYBODY WRITES

10 free resources for new doulas

There are many expenses and items on your to do list
as a new doula.

Weebly Website Builder

Facebook

Canva

Mailerlite Email List Builder

Your Local Library

YouTube

Instagram and Linktr.ee

Pixabay Stock Image Site

Grammarly

Trello Online Organization Platform

Deb Pocica

Archives

Categories

Doula Empowerment Blog

5 steps for Creating your why as a doula

Sometimes when you first begin your doula journey, it's pretty simple.

Once you've started working as a doula, you may want to refine or completely rewrite your WHY.

Here are five tips to help you discover or re-discover that WHY to bring fulfillment into your business.

5 books for new doulas that aren't about hip squeezes

​There are plenty of recommended reading lists for new doulas that talk about birth skills. How to do an amazing hip squeeze or when to utilize the "take charge routine".These are important skills we must learn.BUT.....

OVERCOMING UNDEREARNING

YOU ARE A BADASS AT MAKING MONEY

THEY ASK YOU ANSWER

THIS IS MARKETING

EVERYBODY WRITES

10 free resources for new doulas

​There are many expenses and items on your to do listas a new doula.

Weebly Website Builder

Facebook

Canva

Mailerlite Email List Builder

Your Local Library

YouTube

Instagram and Linktr.ee

Pixabay Stock Image Site

Grammarly

Trello Online Organization Platform

Deb Pocica

Archives

Categories​

There are plenty of recommended reading lists for new doulas that talk about birth skills. How to do an amazing hip squeeze or when to utilize the "take charge routine".
These are important skills we must learn.
BUT.....

There are many expenses and items on your to do list
as a new doula.

Categories