Ep. 74: Getting Started in Birth Work: What We Wish We’d Known

What does it really take to get started in birth work — and stay there?In this episode, I’m joined by Jen Crawford, life and business coach, parent educator, mentor and doula trainer, with over 15 years’ experience supporting families and shaping skilled, grounded birth workers across Ireland. Between us, we’ve:trained and mentored hundreds of birth workerssupported thousands of familiesbuilt and scaled sustainable birth-work businessesand seen far too many brilliant practitioners leave this work unnecessarily due to burnout, lack of support, or unrealistic expectations.In this honest, grounded and at times possibly controversial conversation, we’re coming together as two of Ireland and Europe’s leading voices in birth work and birth-business to share what we both wish we’d known when we were starting out, and what we now know makes the biggest difference.In this episode, we talk about:Why birth work may be a calling, but it still needs to be a viable careerThe foundations every birth worker needs before worrying about visibility or marketingMindset shifts that help you move from passion to sustainabilityValues, boundaries and energy management in emotionally demanding workWhy “there’s not enough work” is a myth, and what actually matters insteadThe dangers of black-and-white thinking and fear-based narratives in birth workCollaboration vs conflict within maternity systemsHow to protect yourself from burnout and stay in this work long-termThe role of support, community and professional guidance when you’re starting outThis episode is for you if:You’re considering training as a doula, lactation consultant, antenatal educator or other birth workerYou’re newly qualified and wondering “Why is this harder than I thought?”You love the work but feel unsure about how to make it sustainableYou want a values-led, ethical approach to birth work and businessYou’re tired of absolutist advice and want nuance, realism and encouragementJen and I both believe that there is plenty of work for everyone and that birth work is really just a fledgling industry with so much more growth potential. We are both hurt by seeing good birth workers quit and this conversation is about changing that, starting from the very beginning.About Jen CrawfordJen is a life and business coach, parent educator, mentor and doula trainer with over 15 years’ experience. She has trained and mentored hundreds of doulas, supported thousands of families, and co-founded Ireland’s first national doula agency. In 2026, she continues to lead group doula trainings and coach birth workers across Ireland and internationally.You can connect with Jen here:Website: jen-crawford.comDoula training: @jencrawforddoulawisdomCoaching: @jencrawfordcoachingGet the Easy Content Creation - Summer Edition trainingConnect with Me InstagramFacebookLinked In