Finding Your Balance: Strategies for Doula Entrepreneurs to Manage Birth Work and Family Life
Are you struggling to find the secret to achieving a balanced life as a birth worker? Do you want to thrive in your career while still enjoying a fulfilling personal life?
If you're ready to explore effective strategies for gracefully managing the challenges of juggling birth work and family, grab a pen and paper because this episode is perfect for you!
In this episode, we'll cover the following topics:
The most important mindset shift that will change how you approach the balancing act of being a birth worker and a parent…
How to escape the feeling of being overwhelmed and create a harmonious blend of birth work and family life...
Insights from a successful doula entrepreneur who has discovered the key to work-life balance (that’s me!)...
...and much more!
If you're tired of feeling overwhelmed and constantly struggling to find the right balance between your birth work and family life, then you wanna listen up!
If you're tired of feeling overwhelmed and constantly struggling to find the right balance between your birth work and family life, then you wanna listen up!
As a business coach for doulas, I understand the unique challenges and rewards that come with being a doula and an entrepreneur.
Our passion for supporting new life is boundless, but let's be real – finding that delicate balance between birth work and our precious family life can be difficult.
Today, I am here to arm you with some actionable tips and game-changing techniques to help you manage your business and family responsibilities without losing your sanity or missing out on those precious moments.
Embrace boundaries in your doula business.
As doulas, we have big hearts and an unwavering desire to support others. But it's essential to set clear boundaries to protect our own well-being and nurture our families. Establishing boundaries means knowing your limits, both in terms of the number of clients you take on and the time you dedicate to your work. Create a schedule that allows for quality time with your loved ones and yourself. Remember, saying "no" to something that doesn't align with your priorities is saying "yes" to your own happiness.
Delegate and collaborate with other birth workers.
Superwoman status is not a requirement for being a successful doula entrepreneur. It's okay to ask for help and delegate tasks that don't necessarily require your personal touch. Consider partnering with trusted colleagues or hiring a virtual assistant to handle administrative duties or manage your social media presence. By sharing the workload, you can free up valuable time and energy to focus on what matters most – supporting families during the transformative journey of birth.
Prioritize self-care.
Repeat after me: self-care is not selfish. As birth workers, we often prioritize everyone else's needs above our own. But here's the truth: you can't pour from an empty cup. Make self-care non-negotiable by scheduling regular "me time" activities that rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. Whether it's indulging in a relaxing bubble bath, practicing yoga, or enjoying a good book, prioritize activities that bring you joy and replenish your energy.
Create routines for family connection.
Birth work is all about nurturing relationships, but don't forget to nurture your own family bonds as well. Establish meaningful rituals that allow you to connect and create cherished moments together. It could be a weekly family game night, a Sunday brunch tradition, or a daily practice of sharing gratitude around the dinner table. These rituals not only strengthen your family unit but also remind you of the importance of being fully present in the moment.
Embrace the power of technology in your doula business.
In the digital age, technology can be both a blessing and a curse. However, when used intentionally, it can revolutionize the way we manage our birth work and family life. Explore digital tools and apps that can help streamline your business operations, such as scheduling software, client management systems, and online invoicing platforms. By leveraging technology, you can automate routine tasks, reduce administrative burdens, and create more space for the things that truly matter.
Seek community and support in your doula-motherhood journey.
Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Seek out a supportive community of fellow birth workers who understand the unique challenges you face. Join professional organizations, attend conferences, and participate in online forums or social media groups. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals not only provides a sense of belonging but also opens doors to collaboration, mentorship, and valuable insights that can propel your doula business to new heights.
Embrace flexibility and accept imperfection.
As doula entrepreneurs, we strive for excellence in everything we do… But it's essential to embrace the reality that life is full of unpredictability and imperfection. Be willing to adapt and adjust your plans when unexpected family needs arise or birth plans or predictions change. Give yourself permission to let go of perfectionism and focus on progress. Remember, it's the intention behind your actions that truly matter.
By implementing these strategies and embracing a mindset of self-care, boundaries, and flexibility, you are well on your way to navigating the beautiful dance between birth work and family life. Remember, it's not about achieving a perfect balance but rather about continuously striving for harmony and fulfillment in both aspects of your life. You've got this!
thank you for listening
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Meet your host, Kyleigh Banks, a side-gig doula turned CEO of a multi-six-figure birth-focused business. Her passion? Teaching birth nerds, like you, how to build an incredibly successful doula business that allows you to quit your day job, stay home with your kids, and most importantly, make a lasting impact on the world.