152: Doulas 101: Non Medical Birth Wizards

Gina (perinatal fitness trainer + birth doula) and Roxanne (certified nurse midwife) break down what a doula is—and definitely isn’t. A birth doula is a non-medical, continuous support person (think: labor coach, comfort measures, positions, partner guidance, emotional support, and helping you ask the right questions), not someone who checks cervixes, runs vitals, or makes medical decisions. They talk about how doulas can improve birth experiences and outcomes when integrated as part of the team, plus red flags like a doula (or any provider) trying to isolate you or create distrust. They cover affordability options, insurance quirks, and how doula “certification” works (including DONA training basics), plus ways new doulas can gain experience through agencies and continuing education.00:00 Doula Basics Intro00:30 Meet the Hosts01:24 Doula vs Midwife02:01 What Doulas Do Not Do02:52 Continuous Labor Support03:56 Emotional Physical Support04:39 Communication and Advocacy05:52 Midwife View on Doulas08:10 Teamwork and Observations10:02 When Doulas Are Excluded12:08 Evidence for Doula Support15:37 Red Flags When Hiring19:34 Recap Doula Role20:09 Advocacy Example IV Pole21:26 Staying Calm Not Hostile21:51 Monitoring Conflict Story22:43 Doula Team Dynamics23:17 Bridging Communication Gaps24:22 Community Resources Network25:33 Cost Insurance Options29:18 Do You Need One31:25 Becoming A Doula33:03 Certification Process36:05 Experience And Mentorship36:58 Continuing Education Tools39:45 Choosing The Right Doula41:12 Final Recap And Next Steps-----🎉 Grab Your Copy of Training for Two → https://amzn.to/3VOTdwHYour go-to guide for prenatal fitness, birth prep, and postpartum recovery.👇 Start Preparing for Birth Today📥 Download our free Birth Prep Circuit Guide → https://mamastefit.com/freebies/prepare-for-birth-circuit📥 Grab our free Pelvic Floor Prep Guide → https://mamastefit.com/freebies/prepare-your-pelvic-floor-for-labor/Learn how to relax and lengthen your pelvic floor to support a smoother labor and pushing phase.💻 Explore Our Online Programs:Whether you're pregnant or postpartum—we’ve got you covered with expert-led fitness and education:🏋🏻‍♀️ Prenatal & Postpartum Fitness Programs🎓 Childbirth + Postpartum Education Courses→ https://mamastefit.com🤱 Just Had a Baby?📥 Grab our free Postpartum Core Workouts → https://mamastefit.kit.com/coreStart reconnecting with your core and feeling strong again—safely and confidently.———📲 Follow Us on Instagram for Daily Tips + BTShttps://instagram.com/mamastefit———✨ Shop Our Favorites:⚡️ Electrolytes we love → https://drinklmnt.com/mamaste🌿 Supplements we trust – 20% off with code MAMASTEFIT → https://thisisneeded.com/ginaandroxanne👖 Maternity clothing we actually wear – 10% off with code MAMASTEFIT → https://rstr.co/lovesteady/3500