Finding Balance: How to Juggle Life as a Doula and Parent of a Toddler
Have you ever wondered how to maintain balance as a parent of a toddler while also building a successful career as a birthworker?
If you’re ready to master the art of juggling motherhood and a doula career, then get out a pen and paper, this episode is for you!
Every Friday, I answer your biggest questions right here on the podcast.
The 3 questions we answer in today’s episode are:
How do I find balance so I can be successful without being so stressed?
Top tips for working from home with a toddler?
I know you don't need a certification to be a good doula, but what am I supposed to do when a client's hospital "requires" proof of certification?
To submit a question for next week’s podcast, click here.
If you're tired of feeling like you're always playing catch-up and struggling to maintain a healthy work-life balance, then you wanna listen up!
Question #1: How can I find balance so that I can be a successful doula without being so stressed?
As a birthworker and doula, it's important to find a balance between your personal life and your business. Achieving success without experiencing stress can be challenging, but it's possible with the right mindset and tools.
Start by setting clear boundaries between work and home life, prioritizing self-care, and delegating tasks whenever possible. Utilize technology and time-management strategies to streamline your business and minimize stress. Remember, finding balance is an ongoing process, but with consistent effort, you can create a fulfilling career and a fulfilling personal life.
As a birthworker, it's easy to get caught up in the demands of your business and feel like you have to be constantly working to achieve success. However, this can quickly lead to burnout and stress, which can ultimately impact your effectiveness as a doula. That's why finding balance is crucial to long-term success and well-being.
To find balance, start by setting clear boundaries between work and home life. Establish specific work hours and stick to them as much as possible. Communicate with clients and colleagues about your availability and set expectations around response times. This will help you avoid feeling like you're always on-call and allow you to be fully present with your family when you're not working.
Prioritizing self-care is also essential for finding balance as a birthworker. Make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as exercise, reading, or spending time in nature. Take breaks throughout the day to recharge your batteries and avoid burnout.
Delegating tasks is another strategy for minimizing stress and finding balance. Consider hiring an assistant or outsourcing certain tasks to free up more time and energy for the things that matter most.
Technology and time-management strategies can also help you streamline your business and minimize stress. Use scheduling tools to manage appointments and avoid double booking. Automate routine tasks, such as sending follow-up emails or scheduling social media posts, to save time and mental energy.
Remember, finding balance is an ongoing process and requires consistent effort. Prioritize self-care, set clear boundaries, delegate tasks, and utilize technology and time-management strategies to build a fulfilling career while maintaining a fulfilling personal life.
Question #2: What are your top tips for working from home with a toddler?
Set realistic expectations: It's important to acknowledge that working from home with a toddler is not the same as working in an office or even working from home without children. Be realistic about what you can accomplish and set achievable goals for yourself.
Create a schedule: Establish a routine for yourself and your toddler. This will help you stay organized and make the most of your work time. Include time for breaks and playtime with your child in your schedule.
Use naptime to your advantage: Naptime is your golden opportunity to get work done uninterrupted. Use this time wisely and prioritize tasks that require your full attention.
Get creative with childcare: Consider hiring a babysitter or nanny to help care for your child while you work. You can also swap childcare with other parents in your community or take turns watching each other's children.
Utilize technology: Use video chat and other technology to stay connected with clients and colleagues. This can help you save time and stay productive while working from home.
Be flexible: Remember that toddlers are unpredictable and your plans may need to change at a moment's notice. Be prepared to adapt and be flexible with your schedule.
Take care of yourself: Working from home with a toddler can be stressful and exhausting. It's important to prioritize self-care and make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
Working from home with a toddler can be challenging, but with these tips, you can create a productive and fulfilling work environment while also being present for your child. Remember, finding the right balance is an ongoing process and requires consistent effort, but with the right strategies and mindset, it is possible. 🙌
Question #3: I know you don't need a certification to be a good doula, but what am I supposed to do when a client's hospital "requires" proof of doula certification?
As a doula, you know that certification is not necessary to be a good doula, but unfortunately, some hospitals require proof of certification from their clients. So what do you do when faced with this situation? Here are some tips from the number one Birthworker podcast for doulas and their businesses.
Know the hospital's policies: Before taking on a client who plans to give birth in a hospital, make sure you know their policies regarding doulas. Some hospitals may not require certification, while others may have specific requirements.
Consider getting certified: While certification is not necessary to be a good doula, it can be helpful in situations like this. There are many certification programs available for doulas, and becoming certified can give you more credibility and legitimacy in the eyes of hospitals and clients.
Provide other forms of proof: Even if you are not certified, you can still provide other forms of proof of your qualifications and experience. Create a portfolio of your work and include testimonials from past clients. You can also provide proof of your attendance at relevant workshops and conferences.
Advocate for yourself: If a hospital requires certification and you do not have it, don't be afraid to advocate for yourself and your abilities as a doula. Explain your training and experience, and provide any other evidence that demonstrates your competency.
Consider working with a certified doula: If a client is insistent on working with a certified doula, consider partnering with a certified doula who can provide the necessary proof of certification.
Remember, the most important thing is to ensure that your clients receive the support and care they need during their birth experience. While certification can be helpful in some situations, it is not the only indicator of a good doula. By being prepared and advocating for yourself, you can still provide excellent support to your clients even if you are not certified.
When in doubt, you can always attend a birth as a support person without the title of “doula”.
thank you for listening
If this episode lights you up, I’d love it if you’d rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. After you review the show, snap a pic and upload it here… and I’ll send you a little surprise as a thank you.
Your feedback helps this podcast grow and I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you!
And don’t forget to subscribe to the Birthworker Podcast on iTunes to make sure you never miss an episode.
a free gift for you!
Grow your income and make a lasting impact on the global birth community (even when you’re not on call for a birth).
✨ GROW YOUR IMPACT
Learn 12 ways to grow your impact (and make more money) as a doula even when you're not on call.
✨ TIME-SAVING TOOLS
Systems I use behind the scenes in my doula business to make my life easier.
✨ BIRTHWORKER ACADEMY
Go from side-gig doula to full-time birthworker... so you can impact lives all across the world.
more episodes for you...
Meet your host, Kyleigh Banks, a side-gig doula turned CEO of a multi-six-figure birth-focused business. Her passion? Teaching birth nerds, like you, how to build an incredibly successful doula business that allows you to quit your day job, stay home with your kids, and most importantly, make a lasting impact on the world.