03: Evolving as a Doula: Building a Sustainable Birth Practice with Alyssa Leon

In this episode of The Midwife Life, host Diane Ortega is joined by Alyssa Leon, founder and CEO of Cherry Blossom Doula Services. Together, they discuss Alyssa’s unexpected journey into the doula profession and the evolution of her solo practice into a thriving doula team. Alyssa opens up about the joys and challenges of supporting families through birth and postpartum care, and how her work has shaped both her career and her life. From establishing a successful practice to creating a sustainable work-life balance, Alyssa shares invaluable insights and experiences that will resonate with anyone passionate about birthwork and supporting women. Listeners will gain an in-depth look at how Alyssa has expanded her offerings, founded Root & Rice Collective, and how she’s now empowering other birth professionals through mentorship and community collaboration. This candid conversation highlights the importance of aligning integrity and sustainability within the doula community while emphasizing the need for self-care and balance. Key Takeaways: A Doula’s Origin Story: Discover how Alyssa’s love for birthwork began, from early childhood inspiration to becoming a childbirth educator and, ultimately, a sought-after doula. Creating a Sustainable Practice: Learn how Alyssa built and expanded Cherry Blossom Doula Services, navigating challenges in finding like-minded team members and creating a supportive, collaborative environment for doulas. Root & Rice Collective: Explore Alyssa’s philanthropic venture dedicated to accessible community support and education in Mesa, Arizona, emphasizing equity in birth and postpartum care. Work-Life Balance in Birthwork: Alyssa candidly shares how she manages the emotional, physical, and psychological demands of running a doula agency, with practical tips on maintaining boundaries, self-care, and resilience. Empowering Women Through Advocacy: Hear how Alyssa empowers families to make informed decisions and why advocating for oneself and others is crucial in the birth space. Did you enjoy this episode?  Subscribe to The Midwife Life for more empowering conversations about birth, postpartum care, and women’s health. Leave a review and share with friends who would benefit from these inspiring stories and expert insights. Your story matters—reach out and share it with us! Resources Mentioned: Cherry Blossom Doula Services: https://cbdoulaservices.com Worthy: How to Believe You Are Enough and Transform Your Life by Jamie Kern Lima: https://amzn.to/3YDUC91 What Got You Here Won't Get You There: How Successful People Become Even More Successful by Marshall Goldsmith and Mark Reiter: https://amzn.to/4fclDrg Be Her Village Connect with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.midwife.life.co/ Website: themidwifelife.co Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Midwife-LifeCo/61559303575840/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/themidwifelife/