I'd like to run this question by the community since I have reached the point in my business where I consistently need a back-up, or possibly more than one, in order to accept more birth clients. Just a little bit of context for you: birth attendance work in Italy is very very rare, Italian mothers are not familiar with the work of doulas and many hospitals simply do not allow us in. Only a handful of us actually have birth attendance experience, most doulas here are postpartum doulas. Over the years, I've actually managed to kind of break through this barrier, especially since I work with international clients who sometimes opt for homebirths, and when they don't, hospitals do find my presence useful to overcome the language barrier. So (knock on wood) this seems to be working and I am now receiving more requests than I can manage on my own. The thing is, I am finding it very very challenging to find one or more reliable back-ups. Since birth attendance is much more common in the US, I'd like to ask for your guidance and advice. For those of you who work with back-ups, did you go through a selection process with them, a sort of interview perhaps? If so, would you be willing to share what that was like and if there are any questions you'd absolutely ask a potential work partner? How do you manage contracts and payments? Are there any further insights you'd share with me on this matter? Thank you so much in advance, I am looking forward to reading what you all will have to say re this. 🙏

What is our topic for the sisterhood called today?

I’m sure everyone here has noticed the uptick in anxiety with clients, but I’m wondering if you have also noticed an increase in exclusively pumping moms because it gives them peace of mind knowing exactly how much their baby is getting?Trying to guide and educate some clients and friends on this front. how do you explain tactfully the differences and benefits of breastfeeding over exclusively pumping? (If they have the option)

I help sensitive souls go from "juggling all the things" to a space of clarity through my I.(am) C.A.R.E.D.(for) method, so they can have increased awareness to their inner wisdom I. Integrative: focuses on the mind, body and spirit with a variety of holistic services in one space along with vetted resources when additional support is needed beyond my scope of practice. C. Coaching: you are heard and held through the unknowns, the fears, and the questions that add to the mental load. You are met with empathy and education A. Aromatherapy: With Aromapoint Therapy sessions and custom blends, plant medicine may offer support and take you from: Tired--energized Brain fog--clarity Anxious and worried--calm and grounded R. Reiki: gentle energy work that may allow your concerns about birth to be released, process your birth story, and guide you in your postpartum journey E. Exercise and nutrition: movements and exercises for preparation and prehab for the big day, nourishment and healing in the postpartum period with customized meals D. Doula: your mental load is addressed. Looking out for your well-being to ensure you're healing safely, that you're fed and hydrated, and and your daily routine proceeds as smoothly as possible Because when you're cared for, you can tap into your inner wisdom of addressing your needs and that of your baby, improving the postpartum experience.

They are two doulas, and they have some really great interview series on different topics. I’ve gotten some of my favorite tools from watching their trainings. The next series is on supporting perinatal loss (of any kind, not just losing a baby). The link for the registration is here https://email.kjbm.intentionalbirth.co/c/eJx0kMFuGyEQhp9muVSxYIBlfeDQqrXUcx9gNQtje5JdoMBG8ttXThypqtIj3w-fxIelzAk38i_4jAs_tZ4rnWtOvT2VmuMeOuckolejWXQQ5JVzTsJkrBG0Ia9zpJVfqd5mjt4o0DBO09Hpx8rRg7JunCapjw-2UWt4obnfCvl3tNSMMWDrjyuVWt5roE_fN_q9U3ofP9C-vNl-3E_f_pF9tlz9gkEp6ywCurMb1XSMEs_WSACU4CbBHiSM0oBRSkqrDgRnSVZHIDSkXRiMfHletgOnTuneCdeFa78eQharv_Ze2qC_DnAa4NT2UnLtnC6FKifsuK65tUPI2wAn8ZGkUYpU55g35OT_a6--3WLiQ8z7ioORl_vn7i5RKXBhSv2t3GgmGMFaKxr3R0zjRnnUxoruf3GnLz-_D6D_wq8e_gQAAP__mXWzYQ