😅 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: melanie@tolabor.com
→ 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

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/

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

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