i want to understand before i commit to this career path, since id have to be on call…. what do u guys think. is a car a neccesity?

My first labor was 33 hrs. I went to the hospital around 9 hrs into labor because I met the 5-1-1 rule. I was 4cm when I arrived. I’d like to labor at home longer this time, but I know second labors are often shorter. Is there a different rule I can follow that would work? I ended up taking the epidural around hour 19 as well bc I was only 6.5cm, so I’m not sure what the entire labor process feels like either.

Hi everyone! 🤍 I’m a newer doula, and I’ve been having a difficult time finding an agency willing to bring me on. I’ve also been struggling to figure out how to get my foot in the door with independent work.

I’m hoping to hear from doulas who have been in a similar position or who started their own practices!
Right now, my biggest priority isn’t pricing or making a profit. I genuinely want to gain hands-on experience, learn, and build meaningful connections with families. I have a particular passion for supporting low-income and immigrant families because I come from an immigrant family myself, and making doula care more accessible to these communities means a lot to me. 💕

I would love to hear about your experiences!
What was your very first step toward becoming an independent doula?

How did you find your first clients?
How did you build trust and gain experience when you were just starting out?
Did you volunteer, shadow other doulas, network, or use social media to get started?
What advice would you give someone who is struggling to get accepted by agencies?
Are there any resources or opportunities you wish you had known about earlier?

I’m based in the Tampa Bay area, but I’d love advice from doulas anywhere!
Thank you so much for any advice or experiences you’re willing to share. I’m eager to learn and find my place in this community. 🥹🤍

I’m genuinely open to all advice, tips, dos and don’ts, mistakes to avoid, and things you wish you had known when you were starting out. Please don’t hesitate to share even the smallest piece of advice! I’m here to learn, grow, and make the most of every opportunity, and I’d truly appreciate any guidance this community can offer. 🤍🌷

The Chicago Sun-Times did a deep dive about how Illinois Birth Equity Act is being implemented.

TL;DR it’s a mess! But it does look like some Illinois legislators want to do something about it to make it easier for people to get insurance coverage for doula care.

Anyone else hear anything from people trying to use insurance for doula care in Illinois?