Detailed Summary of "How Sleep Consulting Can Boost Your Doula Business with Jayne Havens of Center for Pediatric Sleep Management" – The Doula Darcy Podcast

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Doula Darcy Podcast
• Host: Darcy Sauers
• Description: A business coach for doulas, Darcy leverages her extensive background in advertising and her 14-year experience as a doula to empower fellow doulas with effective marketing strategies and mindset shifts. The podcast is aimed at helping doulas grow their businesses, attract more clients, and achieve fulfilling careers, whether they're just starting out or looking to elevate their practice.
• Episode Title: How Sleep Consulting Can Boost Your Doula Business with Jayne Havens of Center for Pediatric Sleep Management
• Release Date: December 8, 2024

1. Introduction

The episode opens with Darcy Sauers welcoming her guest, Jayne Havens, affectionately referred to as her "business bestie." Darcy highlights Jayne’s expertise as the founder of Snooze Fest, her sleep consulting business, and the Center for Pediatric Sleep Management. The primary focus of the conversation is the integration of sleep consulting into doula services to enhance business growth and provide more comprehensive support to families.

2. Guest Introduction and Business Philosophy

Jane Havens shares her journey of building a successful, solo business without the need for a large team. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining simplicity to balance work with personal life, especially as a parent.

• Darcy (00:04): "We've each built a pretty big business as just us. [...] I want it to be simple and easy."

Jane explains that her initial business vision has evolved, but her core priorities remain unchanged: using her expertise to support families while staying present with her own family. She underscores the freedom and flexibility that come from running a lean, single-person operation.

• Jane (02:42): "I want to earn some income for my family while still being really present with my kids."

3. The Critical Role of Sleep Consulting in Doula Services

Darcy introduces the concept of sleep consulting as a strategic addition to doula services, highlighting its potential to prevent burnout and provide additional revenue streams.

• Darcy (04:28): "I think sleep consulting for doulas is such a great tool to give them that freedom back to have a little more time with their kids."

Jane concurs, emphasizing that while in-person doula support is invaluable, incorporating virtual sleep consulting can ensure long-term sustainability and personal well-being.

• Jane (05:43): "We as birth and postpartum professionals take care of ourselves in addition to taking care of the families."

4. Virtual vs. In-Person Support: Advantages and Flexibility

Jane elaborates on the benefits of offering 100% virtual sleep consulting, which allows her to support clients globally without the physical and logistical constraints of in-person visits.

• Jane (10:56): "I provide 100% virtual support. [...] My clients are in New York and New Jersey and Connecticut and they're in Paris and they're in the UK and they're in Canada."

She outlines her comprehensive virtual support system, including creating personalized sleep plans, conducting phone consultations, and providing ongoing text support. This model not only widens her client base but also ensures flexibility and safety, especially during late-night doula shifts.

• Jane (12:00): "You can provide this support while you're doing in-person doula work."

Darcy agrees, sharing her own experience of balancing doula shifts with virtual support, thereby filling income gaps and maintaining work-life balance.

5. Benefits of Sleep Consulting for Doula Businesses

Integrating sleep consulting offers doulas several advantages:

• Increased Income: Certified sleep consultants can command higher hourly rates and secure better job opportunities.

• Client Satisfaction: Helping families establish healthy sleep routines leads to happier clients and positive referrals.

• Career Longevity: Diversifying services reduces burnout and allows doulas to sustain their careers without compromising personal well-being.

• Jane (20:14): "Doulas who are also certified sleep consultants are commanding higher hourly rates."

• Darcy (21:20): "Why not set yourself up for success so that you can actually put that baby down, get a few hours of rest and enjoy the fruits of your labor."

6. Business Strategies and Lifestyle Design

Both Darcy and Jane emphasize the importance of designing a business that aligns with personal lifestyles and priorities. They advocate for simplicity, consistency, and system optimization to ensure business operations are manageable and efficient.

• Jane (23:21): "I have systems in place and I have optimized. I really don't do that many things in my business."
• Darcy (24:03): "You can make your sleep consulting packages fit your life and fit your... what you want them to be."

They discuss strategies such as:

• Offering a limited number of services to maintain focus and quality.
• Consistent messaging and client interaction to build trust and a strong reputation.
• Leveraging existing platforms like Facebook and email lists to nurture client relationships without overcomplicating marketing efforts.

7. Community and Support Systems

Jane highlights the significance of community support through her Facebook group and podcast, which provide ongoing education and encouragement for doulas venturing into sleep consulting.

• Jane (32:03): "Become a Sleep Consultant podcast is a great resource."
• Darcy (30:12): "I know dozens of doulas... they all rave about it."

This community fosters a collaborative environment where doulas can share experiences, seek advice, and celebrate successes, further enhancing their business growth and personal development.

8. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the conversation wraps up, both hosts reiterate the transformative impact of adding sleep consulting to doula services. They encourage listeners to explore certification programs and join supportive communities to maximize their business potential while maintaining a balanced life.

• Jane (30:42): "There's no better feeling than taking somebody who's shy and timid... into a badass business owner."
• Darcy (33:46): "It's education, it's evidence-based and it's awesome."

They conclude by inviting listeners to connect through various platforms, attend upcoming retreats, and continue the conversation within their respective communities.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Darcy (00:04): "We've each built a pretty big business as just us. [...] I want it to be simple and easy."
• Jane (02:42): "I want to earn some income for my family while still being really present with my kids."
• Darcy (04:28): "I think sleep consulting for doulas is such a great tool to give them that freedom back to have a little more time with their kids."
• Jane (05:43): "We as birth and postpartum professionals take care of ourselves in addition to taking care of the families."
• Jane (10:56): "I provide 100% virtual support. [...] My clients are in New York and New Jersey and Connecticut and they're in Paris and they're in the UK and they're in Canada."
• Jane (20:14): "Doulas who are also certified sleep consultants are commanding higher hourly rates."
• Darcy (21:20): "Why not set yourself up for success so that you can actually put that baby down, get a few hours of rest and enjoy the fruits of your labor."
• Jane (23:21): "I have systems in place and I have optimized. I really don't do that many things in my business."
• Jane (32:03): "Become a Sleep Consultant podcast is a great resource."
• Jane (30:42): "There's no better feeling than taking somebody who's shy and timid... into a badass business owner."
• Darcy (33:46): "It's education, it's evidence-based and it's awesome."

Key Takeaways:

1. Diversify Your Services: Incorporating sleep consulting into your doula practice can provide additional income streams and prevent burnout.
2. Embrace Virtual Support: Virtual sleep consulting offers flexibility, a broader client base, and reduced physical strain, making it an ideal complement to in-person doula work.
3. Maintain Simplicity: Building a lean, well-organized business allows for better work-life balance and sustainability.
4. Invest in Certification: Obtaining certification in sleep consulting not only enhances your skill set but also increases your marketability and earning potential.
5. Leverage Community Support: Engaging with supportive communities and continuous learning can significantly contribute to business growth and personal development.
6. Prioritize Client Relationships: Providing comprehensive, evidence-based support ensures client satisfaction and fosters positive referrals.

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Doula Darcy Podcast offers invaluable insights into how sleep consulting can be seamlessly integrated into a doula business, enhancing both professional fulfillment and personal well-being. Darcy and Jane emphasize the power of simplicity, flexibility, and community in building a successful, sustainable career as a doula. For doulas looking to expand their services and boost their business, this conversation serves as both inspiration and a practical roadmap.

To explore further, listeners are encouraged to:

• Visit Center for Pediatric Sleep Management for certification programs.
• Join Jane Havens' Facebook group Become a Sleep Consultant.
• Tune into Jane’s podcast Becoming a Sleep Consultant for more business-building strategies.
• Engage with Darcy Sauers' Doula Marketing Group on Facebook for additional support and resources.

By integrating the comprehensive strategies discussed by Darcy and Jane, doulas can elevate their practice, provide enhanced support to families, and achieve a harmonious balance between their professional and personal lives.