💛 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: [email protected]
→ 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: [email protected]
→ Instagram: instagram.com/tolabor
→ Facebook: facebook.com/toLabordoulas

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

🕊️ Connection, creativity, and community — plus the best food ever. Rae’s story will leave you inspired to slow down, fill your cup, and do the work you love.

Watch the full video version here: https://youtu.be/kC_J5nNxzDM

In this uplifting episode, Melanie Russell sits down with brand new Doula Rae Thweat to talk about their transformative experience at ToLABOR’s latest Combo Doula Training + Retreat in Wintergreen, VA. Rae shares what it was like to learn in an immersive, retreat-style setting—surrounded by both new and seasoned Doulas—and how the wellness activities, reflection time, and community connection deepened their understanding of what it truly means to care for others and themselves.

From the powerful moments in training, to the restorative yoga and sound baths, to (of course!) the incredible food—Rae opens up about how this experience shaped their confidence as a birth worker. They also discuss the exciting (and sometimes tricky) balance of being a parent, a stylist, a small business owner, and now, a Doula—offering a real and inspiring look at what it means to integrate birth work into an already full and creative life.

This conversation is full of heart, laughter, and a few delicious details that’ll make you want to sign up for the next retreat yourself.

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: [email protected]
→ Instagram: instagram.com/tolabor
→ Facebook: facebook.com/toLabordoulas

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

🌿 Melanie Russell is back with big news: ToLABOR’s brand-new Combo Doula Training + Retreat has arrived!

Watch the full video version here: https://youtu.be/kdZoxtDIT9Q

This unique approach to doula education goes beyond classroom-style learning—it’s a thoughtfully designed experience that combines evidence-based training with restorative practices like yoga, meditation, sound baths, and shared meals. The goal? To equip doulas not only with the skills and knowledge they need, but also with the space and practices that replenish their energy and nurture their own wellbeing. Because when doulas are supported and cared for, they can show up with even more strength and presence for the families they serve.

Melanie is joined by Ocean Hak-Kuhn, leading the Postpartum Doula training, and Sarah Cole, guiding the Lactation Education portion. Together, they share heartfelt stories from their own work supporting families, and offer a glimpse into the magic of this new retreat-style training at Wintergreen Resort. Listeners will feel the excitement build for a weekend that promises not just learning, but renewal, connection, and transformation.

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: [email protected]
→ Instagram: instagram.com/tolabor
→ Facebook: facebook.com/toLabordoulas

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

🎙️ Melanie Russell is back in the studio — and it feels so good!

Watch the full video version here: https://youtu.be/8l6T131Q4tI

After an 8 year hiatus, the ToRAISE Questions Doula podcast returns with fresh energy and a whole lot of heart. In this episode, Melanie reintroduces the pod and reflects on the many transitions that have unfolded — both within ToLABOR and in her own life — since the last recording.

She also catches listeners up on all things ToLABOR 2025, including exciting updates to the Birth Doula Training curriculum. Joining her are two new ToLABOR educators, Hunter Moore and Cheyenne Varner, who share their contributions on these additions, along with personal stories and wisdom from their work in the field.

This is a conversation about growth, change, and the ever-evolving path of doula work — and we’re so glad to have you listening.

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: [email protected]
→ Instagram: instagram.com/tolabor
→ Facebook: facebook.com/toLabordoulas

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

Thérèse spends time talking to Valerie Drews who is a birth doula in the Chicago area (http://www.sacred-pregnancy.com/ ),about her experience being a doula for her sister's births. Is it hard to stay in the role as doula when you are also a family member? Her sister/client, Nichole Oakapal joins the conversation to give her perspective.

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: [email protected]
→ Instagram: instagram.com/tolabor
→ Facebook: facebook.com/toLabordoulas

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

Dana Jarmon shares her birth story with Thérèse. Dana a birth doula herself, discusses the impact of having a doula present at her birth and also how it may have informed her own doula practice. www.kindredspiritsdoula.com.

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: [email protected]
→ Instagram: instagram.com/tolabor
→ Facebook: facebook.com/toLabordoulas

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

Thérèse has a conversation with Heather Self, a birth doula who had an extremely traumatic birth and the impact it has had on her practice as a doula.

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: [email protected]
→ Instagram: instagram.com/tolabor
→ Facebook: facebook.com/toLabordoulas

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

It's been a long time since our last podcast and Thérèse takes a few moments to say hello again and talk about some of the lessons learned on her journey this past summer.

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: [email protected]
→ Instagram: instagram.com/tolabor
→ Facebook: facebook.com/toLabordoulas

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

Thérèse has a conversation with Emily Bruno, a Certified Birth Doula and one of the owners of My Birth in Richmond VA about how to best support a client who is planning to have a VBAC.

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: [email protected]
→ Instagram: instagram.com/tolabor
→ Facebook: facebook.com/toLabordoulas

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

Thérèse has a conversation with Karry Wolf Anderson, a doula in the Chicago area. They discuss Karry's life as a mother, wife, doula and massage therapist and how she balances it all throughout these years of being active in birth 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: [email protected]
→ Instagram: instagram.com/tolabor
→ Facebook: facebook.com/toLabordoulas

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