For many birth workers, doula work is more than a role — it’s a doorway. In this episode, we explore how working as a doula can shape, inform, and prepare someone for the path to midwifery 🌱

Through personal reflection and lived experience, this conversation with Tori Mitchell CNM, dives into the skills, lessons, and perspective gained at the bedside: holding space, building trust, navigating systems, and learning to listen deeply.

We talk about how doula work lays a foundation for clinical growth, the challenges of shifting roles, and what it means to carry doula values forward into midwifery care. Whether you’re considering midwifery, already on the path, or simply curious about where this work can lead, this episode offers insight, honesty, and encouragement. 🎙️✨

Let’s keep raising the questions that help us grow — in birth work and beyond. 🌿

The ToRAISE Questions Doula podcast offers thoughtful, unfiltered conversations for doulas and birth workers who want to deepen their knowledge, elevate their practice, and uphold the integrity of birth work. Each episode features insights from experienced professionals in the field, helping you grow with intention and purpose.

Questions, feedback, show ideas, want to be a guest? We want to hear from you!

→ Email: melanie@tolabor.com
→ Instagram: instagram.com/tolabor
→ Facebook: facebook.com/toLabordoulas

Interested in becoming a Doula?
Visit our website for more: https://tolabor.com/

💛 When Birth Plans Change: Navigating, Advocating & Processing

Birth doesn’t always follow the plan — and when things shift, doulas are often holding so much more than labor support.

In this episode of the ToRAISE Questions Doula Podcast, Melanie Russell sits down with Birth Doula, Cece Peace to talk honestly about what it’s like when a client’s birth plan goes awry. Together, they explore how to stay grounded, advocate with clarity, and support clients through disappointment, fear, and unexpected outcomes.

They discuss:

• Advocacy in high-pressure moments
• Emotional regulation when plans change
• Helping clients process tough births
• Caring for yourself after hard experiences

This episode is a reminder that flexibility, presence, and compassion matter just as much as preparation. Tune in and let’s keep raising the questions that strengthen our work. 🎙️✨

The ToRAISE Questions Doula podcast offers thoughtful, unfiltered conversations for doulas and birth workers who want to deepen their knowledge, elevate their practice, and uphold the integrity of birth work. Each episode features insights from experienced professionals in the field, helping you grow with intention and purpose.

Questions, feedback, show ideas, want to be a guest? We want to hear from you!

→ Email: melanie@tolabor.com
→ Instagram: instagram.com/tolabor
→ Facebook: facebook.com/toLabordoulas

Interested in becoming a Doula?
Visit our website for more: https://tolabor.com/

😅 What happens when you’re called to two births at the same time—or you’ve just walked out of one birth and another client needs you? It’s one of the most stressful and tender realities of doula life… and one we don’t talk about enough.

In this episode, Melanie sits down with experienced Doula, Breastfeeding Specialist and Educator- Sarah Cole to explore how to navigate overlapping labors, backup doula support, emotional boundaries, and the unexpected timing that birth loves to bring.

We discuss:

• Signs clients may need support earlier than expected
• How to prepare families for backup support (without fear)
• Staying grounded through the stress of double call moments
• Releasing guilt + trusting the team around you
• Real stories + lessons from being pulled in two directions

Whether you’re a new doula building your systems or a seasoned birth worker refining your boundaries, this conversation offers practical wisdom, emotional validation, and the reminder that you don’t have to do this work alone.

Tune in + let’s raise the questions that strengthen our practice, our confidence, and our community. 🎙️✨

The ToRAISE Questions Doula podcast offers thoughtful, unfiltered conversations for doulas and birth workers who want to deepen their knowledge, elevate their practice, and uphold the integrity of birth work. Each episode features insights from experienced professionals in the field, helping you grow with intention and purpose.

Questions, feedback, show ideas, want to be a guest? We want to hear from you!

→ Email: melanie@tolabor.com
→ Instagram: instagram.com/tolabor
→ Facebook: facebook.com/toLabordoulas

Interested in becoming a Doula?
Visit our website for more: https://tolabor.com/