This episode isn’t about arriving at tidy conclusions. It’s about sitting together.

In A Conversation in the Circle, Amy and Delanie gather with four doulas from the Collaborative Doula Collective, Emily, Daphne, Taylor, and Halle, for a grounded, honest conversation rooted in community, connection, and collaboration. Christina sits this one out, making space for a different constellation of voices to come forward.

Guided gently by the board game Where Should We Begin? At Work by Esther Perel, the conversation unfolds with curiosity rather than certainty. We reflect on what it feels like to be held by our peers, to show up imperfectly, and to name the often invisible work that happens behind the scenes of care work and community building.

We talk about slowing down, listening deeply, and choosing collaboration even when it’s tender or messy. This episode is a reminder that community isn’t just something we talk about, it’s something we practice, again and again.

Pull up a chair. There’s room for you here.

In this episode of Collective Thoughts, we dig into the real difference between mentorship, peer support, and shadowing—and why they matter more than training alone.

We explore the gaps so many doulas feel after investing thousands into training programs, the hard truth about coming out unprepared, and the complicated conversation around valuing mentorship versus expecting it for free.

This episode asks the tough questions: Why do we accept paying big dollars to organizations that don’t know our names, yet hesitate to invest in mentors who walk alongside us, celebrate our wins, and hold space for our growth?

Join us as we unpack what it truly takes to move from certification to confidence, and how building a culture of mentorship and community is what strengthens us as doulas.

What if the key to understanding your doula strengths (and stress points) lies in your personality? This week, we're exploring the Enneagram—a powerful self-awareness tool that helps uncover why we do what we do, and how that plays out in doula support.

In this episode, Delanie takes the lead as our resident Enneagram guide, walking Amy and Christina through their newly-discovered Enneagram results and what those types reveal about their doula identities.

In this episode, we cover:

• What the Enneagram is—and why it’s helpful for doulas
• Amy’s Type 8w7: The Fierce, Protective, No-Nonsense Advocate
• Christina’s Type 2w3: The Warm, Accomplished, Go-the-Extra-Mile Nurturer
• Delanie’s Type 6w5: The Loyal, Thoughtful, Steady Anchor
• How our types show up in client relationships, boundary setting, emotional labour, and advocacy
• What triggers us under stress—and how we grow through it
• How understanding your type can help you find better client compatibility (and avoid burnout)

Whether you’re deep into the Enneagram world or just Ennea-curious, this episode offers honest reflection, real doula talk, and some big “aha” moments.

Tune in to learn how knowing yourself better can lead to more aligned, authentic doula work.

Take the Enneagram test we took here

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The Collaborative Doula Conference IG - https://www.instagram.com/collaborativedoulaconference?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

In this episode, we’re busting one of the biggest myths in the doula world—the idea of the “dream client.”

Amy, Christina, and Delanie dive deep into the truth that real compatibility matters more than a picture-perfect vision of the ideal client. We talk about why chasing the “dream” can lead to burnout, mismatched expectations, and missed connections—and how finding clients who are aligned with who you actually are makes for more meaningful, sustainable support.

In this episode, we explore:

• What the “dream client” myth really looks like—and why it’s not realistic
• The power of compatibility and emotional alignment in client relationships
• How our quiz results helped us reflect on our doula identities and client matches
• Red flags & green flags during consults
• Why it’s okay to refer out when the fit isn’t there
• How to market yourself to attract clients who actually vibe with you
• Real-life stories of unexpected client matches that turned out beautifully

Whether you’re a new doula figuring out your client style, or a seasoned pro who’s ready to drop the pressure of being everyone’s doula—this one’s for you.

Tune in and join the convo on choosing real over ideal.

Want to take our quizzes? Check them out here!

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Delanie King's IG - https://www.instagram.com/delaniethedoula?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

The Collaborative Doula Conference IG - https://www.instagram.com/collaborativedoulaconference?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

In this heartfelt episode, Amy, Christina, and Delanie delve into the multifaceted world of doula work, shedding light on the various roles doulas play - from birth to end of life and how they navigate these transitions. They discuss the emotional, physical, and informational support provided across different life experiences, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in the field.

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The Collaborative Doula Collective Website- https://www.thecollaborativedoulacollective.ca/

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Delanie King's IG - https://www.instagram.com/delaniethedoula?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

The Collaborative Doula Conference IG - https://www.instagram.com/collaborativedoulaconference?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Big Dreams & Big Conversations

This week, we’re talking all about the Collaborative Doula Conference — where the heart of our community comes to life.

We’re sharing the why behind the gathering, the vision that brought it to life, and what you can expect from this year’s event. From powerful panels and hands-on workshops to joy-filled moments of connection, this conference is for all of us — doulas, deathworkers, birthworkers, caregivers, and community builders.

You’ll hear about some of the incredible speakers, workshops, and events we’re most excited for, plus... our BIG announcement: virtual tickets are now available!

Whether you’re joining in person or from wherever you are in the world, we can’t wait to grow, learn, and dream together.

Tune in and let’s keep building something beautiful — one collective thought at a time.

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The Collaborative Doula Collective Website- https://www.thecollaborativedoulacollective.ca/

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Amy Silva's IG - https://www.instagram.com/auntie_amy_the_doula?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Christina King's IG - https://www.instagram.com/christinathedoula?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Delanie King's IG - https://www.instagram.com/delaniethedoula?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

The Collaborative Doula Conference IG - https://www.instagram.com/collaborativedoulaconference?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Meet Your Hosts & The Heart Behind Collective Thoughts

We’re kicking things off with a cozy, heart-filled intro episode to welcome you into our world.

In this episode, you’ll meet your hosts — Amy, Christina, and Delanie — three doulas with big hearts, big laughs, and a shared love for community care. We’re sharing our journeys into doula work, how the Collaborative Doula Collective came to life, and the magic that sparked this podcast.

You’ll hear why we believe in Collective Thoughts — a space where doulas, birthworkers, deathworkers, healers, and anyone holding space for others can come together to learn, share, reflect, and grow.

Plus, get a sneak peek at what’s coming up — deep convos, special guests, and real talk on the beauty and the burnout of care work.

So grab a tea, take a breath, and come hang with us. You belong here.

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Collective Thoughts IG - https://www.instagram.com/collective_thoughts_podcast?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

The Collaborative Doula Collective Website- https://www.thecollaborativedoulacollective.ca/

The Collaborative Doula Collective IG - https://www.instagram.com/collaborativedoulacollective?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Amy Silva's IG - https://www.instagram.com/auntie_amy_the_doula?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Christina King's IG - https://www.instagram.com/christinathedoula?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Delanie King's IG - https://www.instagram.com/delaniethedoula?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

The Collaborative Doula Conference IG - https://www.instagram.com/collaborativedoulaconference?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==