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The Heart & Hustle of a Doula: From Limiting Belief to Thriving
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🎧 Episode Overview
Ever wondered what it really takes to be a doula?
Spoiler alert: it’s not just holding hands and cooing over babies!
In this episode of Grace in the Grind, we sit down with Ayla Hartless, a birth and postpartum doula, childbirth educator, and breastfeeding coach, to dive into the realities of birth work. From navigating a largely unregulated industry to supporting families through the highs and lows of childbirth and postpartum, Ayla shares her journey and the unexpected challenges of being a doula.
We also tackle limiting beliefs, the importance of community, and how Ayla transitioned from working in a nursing home to full-time birth coaching. If you’re curious about what it means to truly support new parents or need some inspiration to pursue your passion, this episode is for you!
☕ Grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let’s get into the grace and the grind of birth work!
💡 Key Takeaways from This Episode
✅ What It Takes to Be a Doula
- The realities of working in an unregulated industry
- Why certifications aren’t always required, but heart and compassion are
- How doulas support both moms and families beyond the delivery room
✅ Overcoming Limiting Beliefs & Finding Your Calling
- How Ayla knew she wanted to work in birth support from a young age
- The fears and doubts that held her back—and how she overcame them
- Why her work in a nursing home shaped her approach to birth coaching
✅ Challenges & Burnout in the Doula World
- The emotional and physical demands of the job (52-hour births, anyone?)
- Why many doulas face compassion fatigue and burnout
- How mentorship, boundaries, and fair compensation prevent exhaustion
✅ Facing Controversy & Finding Your People
- Why the doula industry is surprisingly controversial
- How Ayla navigated criticism and rejection for her faith-based approach
- The importance of finding the right community and staying true to your values
💬 Wisdom from Ayla Hartless
"Find community. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, and pull others up alongside you. We grow best together." – Ayla Hartless
📚 Resources Mentioned
📖 Doula & Motherhood Support by Ayla:
🔍 Further Learning:
- The Thompson Method for breastfeeding education
- Exploring the role of emotional intelligence in postpartum recovery
🎧 Connect with Ayla Hartless
🌍 Website: BornMotherhood.com
📸 Facebook: @BornMotherhood
🚀 Episode Takeaways
✨ Birth work is more than just labor support—it’s advocacy, education, and emotional care.
✨ Overcoming limiting beliefs is key to stepping into your calling.
✨ The right mentor and community make all the difference in your success.
✨ Doula work is rewarding, but without boundaries, burnout is real.
✨ Faith, passion, and persistence will get you further than fear ever will.
🎯 Take the Next Step!
💡 Want to support new moms or explore birth work?
Connect with Ayla Hartless to learn about doula training, childbirth education, and postpartum support.
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- #GraceInTheGrind #BirthWork #DoulaLife #ChristianEntrepreneur #PostpartumSupport #FaithAndBusiness #Motherhood #PurposeDrivenWork
Copyright 2025 Jim Burgoon
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