2 Dope Black Doulas

In part 1 of this episode of 2 Dope Black Doulas, we sit down with Nakia Lawson, former President of DONA International, for an honest conversation about what it means to be a Black doula navigating, and leading, in national spaces.We talk about the realities of representation, the challenges of leadership in systems not built with Black doulas in mind, and the tension between professionalization and protecting community-rooted care. This conversation goes beyond the birth room and into board rooms, policy spaces, and positions of power.In this episode, we explore:• Being a Black leader in national doula organizations• Representation versus real power and accountability• Certification, professionalization, and cultural autonomy• How Black doulas can step into leadership without losing themselves• The future of Black leadership in birth workIf you’ve ever wondered whether you belong at the table, this episode is a reminder that you do.

In this reflection episode of 2 Dope Black Doulas, we’re getting real about the lessons we wish we knew when we first started birth work. From learning how to say no, to setting boundaries, charging our worth, and preventing burnout—this conversation is honest, affirming, and rooted in growth.We talk about: • Why you don’t have to say yes to every client • The power of presence over perfection • Burnout, rest, and sustainability in birth work • Money, boundaries, and protecting your joy✨ Whether you’re a brand-new doula, years into the work, or simply feeling called to birth work, this episode is a reminder that growth is part of the journey—and you’re allowed to evolve.📘 Episode Companion Workbook Available We created a guided reflection workbook, What We’d Tell Our Younger Doula Selves, to help you go deeper into the themes from this episode. The workbook is available for $12 and includes journal prompts and reflection pages focused on boundaries, burnout prevention, sustainability, and self-trust. Download it by clicking on this link https://dopeblackdoulas.gumroad.com/l/ujkcoj.💸 Subscriber Discount Subscribe to 2 Dope Black Doulas on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, DM us a screenshot of your follow, and we’ll send you a discount code to purchase the workbook for $9.📲 Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Youtube @2DopeBlackDoulas, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share this episode with a doula who needs to hear it.#2DopeBlackDoulas #DoulaLife #BirthWorkIsSacred #BlackBirthWorkers #ReflectionEpisode

Thinking about becoming a doula but not sure where to start? In this episode, we’re breaking down the path to birth work—what doulas actually do, the different training and certification options, how to start building your practice, and why Black doulas are needed now more than ever.We talk about:What it really means to be a doulaTraining and certification options (and whether you need them)Business basics: contracts, marketing, and charging your worthWhy representation in birth work matters for our communities✨ If you’ve ever felt called to support birthing people, this one’s for you.🔗 Resources Mentioned:National Black Doulas Association: https://www.blackdoulas.orgBirthing Advocacy Doula Trainings: https://www.badoulatrainings.orgAncient Song Doula Services: https://www.ancientsongdoulaservices.comDONA International: https://www.dona.org

In this episode of 2 Dope Black Doulas, your three favorite doulas Brittany, Danielle, and special guest Iman dive into the practice, purpose, and power of belly binding. Rooted in global postpartum traditions, belly binding is more than just a trend, it's a form of sacred bodywork and healing.Together, we break down:🔸 What belly binding actually is (and what it’s not)🔸 The cultural history and ancestral roots of binding practices🔸 Physical + emotional benefits for postpartum healing🔸 When, how, and who should offer belly bindingWhether you're a new parent, a fellow birth worker, or just curious about traditional postpartum care, this episode is full of gems that reconnect us to rest, recovery, and ritual.💜 Because healing is sacred, and our ancestors already gave us the blueprint.

In this episode of 2 Dope Black Doulas, we’re breaking down the truths, myths, and emotional weight behind C-sections, VBACs (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean), and the unpredictable turns birth can take. Whether your baby comes through your belly or your birth canal, your story deserves honor, support, and choice.We talk about:Why C-sections happen and how to prepare for themThe real deal on VBACs and how to advocate for oneReframing birth plan changes as powerful pivotsThe doula’s role in every kind of birth journey✨ Remember: your power isn’t in the plan—it’s in the knowing, choosing, and being held through it all.🔗 Resources Mentioned:ICAN – International Cesarean Awareness Network: https://www.ican-online.orgEvidence Based Birth – VBAC Info: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/category/vbac/

In this episode we explore the importance of rest in the postpartum period, especially for Black women. We explore how rest is revolutionary and ways that Black women can plan their postpartum period similar to how they plan the birth of their baby.

In honor of Black Maternal Health Week, we’re diving into the systemic disparities, lived experiences, and powerful advocacy shaping the landscape of Black maternal health. This episode features raw conversations exploring the impact of racism in healthcare, the importance of culturally competent care, and the beauty of community-led solutions. Whether you're a parent, provider, or ally, this episode will leave you informed, inspired, and ready to push for change.

Black History Month continues into Women's History month as we continue to celebrate black nurse midwives with our special guest certified nurse midwife, doula and childbirth educator Venus Standard. Our conversation this episode focuses on Venus' experience working with Vice President Kamala Harris in educating the world about doulas and the benefits of having a doula. We also talk about Venus' new initiative and Venus' push to get equitable pay for doulas in North Carolina.

On this episode we round out our celebration of Black History Month by having a discussion with certified nurse midwife, doula and childbirth educator Venus Standard. Our conversations focus on the experience as a black certified nurse midwife, the LEADoula program and why black doulas are so important.

In this episode we honor Black History Month by discussing the dismantling of affirmative action, DEI and how this plays a part in healthcare. We discuss ways to combat this to still ensure your voice is heard and you receive the care you deserve.

In this episode we have a special guest Licensed Psychological Associate Kena Sessoms from Still Frames Therapy and Wellness, PLLC discussing body image in pregnancy and postpartum and how this and disordered eating can impact one's mental well-being during pregnancy and postpartum. We talk about snap back culture and how social media also impacts perinatal people during today's culture and how to set boundaries to promote mental well-being.

In this episode we discuss what we have been up to in our doulahood journey. We discuss lessons learned and our focus as we continue on our doula journey.

In this episode Danielle and I discuss the areas within doula work that we are passionate about and what inspired our passion. Danielle and I both explore our journeys with infertility and we discuss how we inspire others to be able to advocate for themselves when working with their medical providers.

In this episode we explore how physical health and mental health/mental well-being go hand in hand. We discuss how this. plays a vital part in our role as postpartum doulas and how to let food be thy medicine.

On this episode we discuss our journeys to becoming doulas and what inspired us to become doulas. We also discuss our roles as doulas and how we support birthing families.

August 25-31 is Black Breastfeeding Week. It was created to highlight the disparities in breastfeeding rates among Black women and raise awareness to challenges unique to the Black community. In honor of Black Breastfeeding Week 2 Dope Black Doulas discusses our journey with breastfeeding our children as Black women.

Two black doulas discussing everyday important topics around birthing, motherhood and being a doula.