Ep 77: Why Birth Worker Bookings Might Be Slower Right Now (It’s Probably Not What You Think)

Over the past while I’ve been hearing the same thing from birth workers again and again:“Things feel quieter.”Fewer enquiries.Fewer bookings.Calendars that suddenly feel lighter than they did a few months ago.Doulas, lactation consultants, antenatal educators and other birth professionals have been reaching out asking if I’m seeing the same thing.And the honest answer is… yes. I’ve noticed it too. Normally when business slows down, we reach for the obvious explanation: the economy, the cost-of-living crisis, families having less disposable income. Those things may well play a part.But in this episode I explore another possibility that I think many of us are experiencing but not always naming out loud.Right now we are living and working through a moment of collective emotional heaviness. We are witnessing war, humanitarian crises and rising violence against immigrants, women and LGBTQ+ people in real time through our phones and social media feeds.For empathetic, care-centred professionals like birth workers, that emotional weight doesn’t just stay in the background. It can affect our energy, motivation and creativity. And when our energy shifts, it naturally changes how we show up in our businesses.In this episode that I just had to make I talk about the possible connection between global events, emotional burnout and quieter bookings, and why this may be affecting birth workers across the world right now. Most importantly, we talk about the importance of community, solidarity and supporting each other through times like this.Because birth work has always been rooted in community. And in difficult moments, community matters more than ever.In This Episode We ExploreWhy many birth workers are noticing slower bookings right nowThe natural ups and downs of running a birth work businessWhy the economy might not be the only explanationHow global events and collective trauma can affect our energy and visibilityThe emotional impact of constantly witnessing suffering in the worldWhy empathetic care professionals often carry this weight deeplyReflections around International Women’s Day and women’s rights globallyWhy community and connection with other birth workers is so important right nowWays we can support one another while continuing to support the families who need usA Reminder for Birth WorkersIf your business feels quieter right now, or your energy has been lower than usual, you are not alone. Most of us are navigating the emotional weight of the world while continuing to care for families in our communities right now. This episode is an invitation to reflect, to reconnect with the bigger picture of the work we do, and to remember that none of us are meant to do this work in isolation.Community, solidarity and mutual support have always been at the heart of birth work and they are just as essential for sustaining our businesses as they are for supporting the families we serve.If this episode resonated with you, I’d genuinely love to hear your thoughts.You can connect with me on Instagram or learn more about my work supporting doulas, lactation consultants and antenatal educators to grow sustainable businesses through Your Birth Biz.And if you know another birth worker who might need to hear this conversation, please share this episode with them.Because birth work was never meant to be done alone.Get the Easy Content Creation - Summer Edition trainingConnect with Me InstagramFacebookLinked In