The Doula Darcy Podcast: Episode Summary
Episode Title: Doula Sisterhood: Live from the Maine Doula Retreat
Release Date: October 25, 2024
Host: Darcy Sauers, Business Coach for Doulas
1. Introduction to the Maine Doula Retreat
In this special live episode, Darcy Sauers hosts five fellow doulas at the Maine Doula Retreat, creating an intimate setting to discuss their experiences and the profound impact of their time together. The retreat takes place in a beautiful mansion in York, Maine, overlooking the ocean, providing a serene backdrop for deep conversations and connection.
2. Participant Introductions
Darcy introduces the gathering by inviting each doula to share a bit about themselves and their work:
- Molly Doula (01:29): Provides birth and postpartum doula services in Atlanta.
- Stacy (01:40): Offers postpartum services with Southern Rhode Island Doula in Rhode Island.
- Tammy Sweater (01:48): Runs Rooted in Nurture, supporting postpartum families in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
- Christine (01:57): Works as a birth and bereavement doula in Palmer, Alaska.
- Chelsea Burism (02:04): Delivers birth and postpartum doula services in Manistee County, Michigan.
3. Building Community and Sisterhood
Darcy emphasizes the value of in-person connections compared to virtual interactions:
“There is nothing like holing up together in a house for three days.” (02:20) – Darcy
Stacy highlights the ease of getting to know each other in person:
“It's much easier to get to know each other in person in our comfy clothes, in a beautiful location.” (03:03) – Stacy
Tammy echoes the sentiment, appreciating the immediate sense of sisterhood among the doulas:
“We all got here and I felt like I already knew everyone.” (05:20) – Tammy
4. Enhanced Collaboration and Business Growth
The retreat serves as a fertile ground for discussing business strategies and collaborating on various aspects of doula work. Topics range from setting up doula match profiles to handling liability insurance. Christine notes the value of being around like-minded professionals:
“It's amazing to sit in this room of people who are personifying, like, who I want to be when I grow up.” (03:59) – Christine
Molly shares the productivity boost from the retreat:
“The amount of work I've gotten done in two days is more movement as a newer doula than I've had in six months.” (05:40) – Molly
5. Emotional Support and Personal Growth
The retreat provides a safe space for emotional healing and personal development. Christine describes the positive and encouraging environment:
“Everything is. Everyone is so encouraging and helpful.” (03:30) – Christine
Chelsea expresses the ability to let her guard down, contrasting it with her experiences during virtual office hours:
“Here I've just been able to let go.” (08:30) – Chelsea
Darcy reflects on the transformative nature of the retreat, highlighting the deep emotional connections formed:
“This week here, together with you all in Maine has, like, just. I don't know the words.” (18:19) – Darcy
6. Intentional Time Usage and Planning
Participants discuss the importance of being intentional with their time post-retreat. Christine shares her resolve to prioritize her efforts:
“In order to achieve my dreams, I have to be intentional about my time.” (14:10) – Christine
Stacy plans to maintain the momentum gained from the retreat:
“I made myself a list of things that I need to work on my business now. And I'm gonna make the time for it when I get back.” (14:45) – Stacy
7. Valuing Services and Raising Rates
A significant theme of the retreat is understanding the value of one’s services. Christine recounts her experience of reevaluating her business plans:
“I just figured out my why. And it's not a very good one. So let's table that idea.” (10:22) – Christine
Molly emphasizes the importance of charging what one is worth:
“You can live and you're worth the services that you're providing.” (19:10) – Molly
Tammy shares her success in raising her rates, inspired by the retreat:
“That's what pushed me to raise my rates.” (19:02) – Tammy
8. The Power of Doula Village
Darcy highlights the broader community of doulas beyond those present at the retreat. Molly describes the transformative impact of Doula Village on her transition from nannying to entrepreneurship:
“Having my doula village on my side and with me has completely transformed my business.” (16:34) – Molly
Stacy shares her success story, attributing her first-year achievements to Doula Village:
“I just wrapped up my first year in business. I left my 9 to 5 job last September to pursue doula work full time... I surpassed my income from my nursing job, and I wouldn't have done it if I wasn't here.” (20:14) – Tammy
Darcy underscores the importance of continuous support through Doula Village:
“I created my Doula Village because I needed it and like to have all these amazing doulas from all over the world come in.” (22:52) – Darcy
9. Encouragement to Join Doula Village
As the retreat concludes, participants passionately encourage others to join Doula Village, sharing their personal testimonies of growth, support, and success:
“If you're on the fence about joining my doula village, this is the most, like, loving Accepting group of women that you can find on the Internet.” (19:43) – Christine
“If you were not in my doula village, I would never have been fully booked. Year one of my doula business. Most people say it's unheard of to be fully booked in your first year. And I surpassed my income from my nursing job, and I wouldn't have done it if I wasn't here.” (20:14) – Tammy
Darcy concludes by inviting listeners to join the community:
“If you're listening and want to join my Doula Village, do it, do it now. Go to douladarcy.com, find the My Doula Village tab and join us.” (23:59) – Darcy
10. Closing Remarks
The episode wraps up with heartfelt thanks and reflections on the retreat's impact. The doulas express deep appreciation for the support, friendship, and professional growth experienced during their time together. Darcy emphasizes the lasting relationships formed and the ongoing support available through Doula Village.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- “There's nothing like holing up together in a house for three days.” — Darcy (02:20)
- “It's amazing to sit in this room of people who are personifying, like, who I want to be when I grow up.” — Christine (03:59)
- “The amount of work I've gotten done in two days is more movement as a newer doula than I've had in six months.” — Molly (05:40)
- “This week here, together with you all in Maine has, like, just. I don't know the words.” — Darcy (18:19)
- “You can live and you're worth the services that you're providing.” — Molly (19:10)
- “I wouldn't have done it if I wasn't here.” — Tammy (20:14)
- “If you're listening and want to join my Doula Village, do it, do it now. Go to douladarcy.com, find the My Doula Village tab and join us.” — Darcy (23:59)
Conclusion
This episode of The Doula Darcy Podcast offers an inspiring glimpse into the Maine Doula Retreat, highlighting the essential role of community, support, and intentional growth in building a successful doula business. Through heartfelt conversations and shared experiences, Darcy and her fellow doulas demonstrate the transformative power of sisterhood and the invaluable support system provided by Doula Village.
Whether you’re a seasoned doula or just starting out, this episode underscores the importance of surrounding yourself with supportive peers and investing in your personal and professional development. To join the Doula Village and connect with a community of like-minded doulas, visit douladarcy.com and explore the "My Doula Village" section.