🕊️ 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

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

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