Birth, Baby! | Guidance for Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum, and Parenting

AI is rapidly changing online business, and the birth world is no exception. From content creation and marketing to workflows and client communication, more doulas are using AI tools to save time and grow their businesses. But in a profession built on trust, emotional support, and human connection, where should doulas draw the line? In this episode, host Ciarra Morgan sits down with Doula Darcy, former postpartum doula and now doula business coach and marketing strategist, to discuss the growing role of AI in doula businesses. We explore both the benefits and concerns surrounding AI use, including how automation can support business sustainability while also potentially creating disconnect in client relationships when overused. This conversation is honest, nuanced, and incredibly important for doulas navigating modern business tools while wanting to maintain authentic care. In this episode we discuss: How doulas are currently using AI Benefits of AI for doula businesses Marketing and content creation support Risks of over-automating client communication Why relationship-based care matters Authenticity and emotional intelligence in business Ethical considerations around AI Systems that support doulas without replacing connection The future of AI in the birth world About Our Guest The Doula Darcy (a.k.a Darcy Sauers) is a Doula Business Coach & Marketing Strategist who combines her unique background: 10 years in advertising and 15 years as a postpartum doula to help other doulas build thriving businesses The Doula Darcy worked for 10 years in the advertising and marketing field before having 3 children and then becoming a postpartum doula in 2010. She attributes her background in marketing to her success at building a thriving postpartum doula business in a small town in New Hampshire. Now she loves sharing her industry expertise with other doulas. The Doula Darcy is the founder of the My Doula Village, a monthly membership community which helps doulas with the marketing side of being a doula so that they can get more clients. What "Trimester" is your doula business in?Take The Doula Darcy's fun quiz to assess where you are now AND get a personalized marketing plan to help you progress based on your results! https://douladarcy.com/quiz Learn more at www.thedouladarcy.com and follow Darcy on Instagram for more tips http://www.instagram.com/thedouladarcy Get access to discount codes for our favorite products and check out our Amazon Storefront lists for "Must Haves" during the Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Newborn phases HERE. Are you a parent interested in learning more from Ciarra? You can check out her class offerings HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Birth Basics Class, click HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Newborn Sleep Class, click HERE. Are you interested in training to become a birth doula? Check out Ciarra’s Birth, Baby! Academy Birth Doula Training and Certification HERE. Online, self-paced Birth Doula Training and Certification Program with Birth, Baby! Academy This podcast episode is also on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with close captions, you can find the channel HERE. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and leave a review on your favorite place to listen to podcasts. www.BirthBabyPodcast.com Send an email if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, you'd like to be a guest, or you have a recommendation for an episode idea! Email: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.com Follow on FacebookFollow on Instagram The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at you

Lindsay DiCello, founder of Austin Yoga Lounge, joins host Ciarra Morgan to discuss the unique aspects of prenatal yoga and its significance for expecting mothers. She highlights the differences between prenatal and traditional yoga, emphasizing the importance of tailored practices that address the physiological changes during pregnancy. The discussion also covers the impact of prenatal yoga on labor duration, recovery, and mental health, as well as the role of breathwork and community support in fostering a positive experience for mothers-to-be. Referenced study: https://www.imrpress.com/journal/ceog/52/4/10.31083/CEOG26130 Lindsey DiCello is the founder of Austin Yoga Lounge, a studio in Central Austin dedicated exclusively to pregnancy, postpartum, and early motherhood. Through prenatal yoga, postpartum recovery, birth preparation, and community gatherings, she has created a space where mothers are supported not only in movement, but in the emotional and transformational experience of becoming a parent. After recovering from an eating disorder in her teens, Lindsey understands what it feels like to live in a body that no longer feels like home. Yoga became the bridge back to trust, and that same philosophy now shapes every class and community space at Austin Yoga Lounge. Lindsey is an E-RYT 200 through Woodstock Yoga Lounge, holds her RPYT through Arhanta Yoga Academy, and is an NASM certified Pre and Postnatal Fitness Specialist. She is also a DONA trained birth doula and supports families both in the studio and at the bedside. Website: https://www.austinyogalounge.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austinyogalounge/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@austinyogalounge Coupon code for listeners: BIRTHBABY for 10% off their first purchase. Are you a parent interested in learning more from Ciarra? You can check out her class offerings HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Birth Basics Class, click HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Newborn Sleep Class, click HERE. Are you interested in training to become a birth doula? Check out Ciarra’s Birth, Baby! Academy Birth Doula Training and Certification HERE. Online, self-paced Birth Doula Training and Certification Program with Birth, Baby! Academy This podcast episode is also on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with close captions, you can find the channel HERE. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and leave a review on your favorite place to listen to podcasts. www.BirthBabyPodcast.com Send an email if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, you'd like to be a guest, or you have a recommendation for an episode idea! Email: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.com Follow on FacebookFollow on Instagram The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk. Birth, Baby! Podcast was originally produced by Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly. Ciarra Morgan:www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.comwww.BirthBabyAcademy.com Samantha Kelly:www.beautifullymadedc.com

Host Ciarra Morgan and special guest Jes Gannon engage in a candid discussion about the controversial Free Birth Society and its implications for expectant mothers. They reflect on their personal experiences and opinions regarding unassisted births, emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making and the potential risks involved. The conversation is sparked by a recent podcast series from The Guardian that investigates the Free Birth Society, prompting Ciarra and Jes to share their insights and concerns about the community's practices and the impact on vulnerable women. They explore the balance between autonomy in childbirth and the necessity of medical oversight, highlighting the dangers of misinformation and the emotional toll on families affected by tragic outcomes. Link to The Birth Keepers: The Guardian Investigates podcast about the Free Birth Society investigation: https://open.spotify.com/show/57nEonC68q5vgEi6a1k398?si=3ec36e20849643af Are you a parent interested in learning more from Ciarra? You can check out her class offerings HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Birth Basics Class, click HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Newborn Sleep Class, click HERE. Are you interested in training to become a birth doula? Check out Ciarra’s Birth, Baby! Academy Birth Doula Training and Certification HERE. Online, self-paced Birth Doula Training and Certification Program with Birth, Baby! Academy This podcast episode is also on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with close captions, you can find the channel HERE. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and leave a review on your favorite place to listen to podcasts. www.BirthBabyPodcast.com Send an email if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, you'd like to be a guest, or you have a recommendation for an episode idea! Email: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.com Follow on FacebookFollow on Instagram The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk. Birth, Baby! Podcast was originally produced by Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly. Ciarra Morgan:www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.comwww.BirthBabyAcademy.com Samantha Kelly:www.beautifullymadedc.com

Leonora Colen, a home birth midwife, joins Ciarra Morgan to talk about the recent news of the Free Birth Society. They delve into the topic of free birth, exploring its definition, origins, and the rise of the Free Birth Society. They discuss the implications of free birth, including the trauma some women experience in medical settings, the role of midwives and doulas, and the importance of informed consent. The conversation also touches on the influence of social media on birth choices and the emotional impact of these decisions on parents. Ultimately, the speakers advocate for informed decision-making in the context of childbirth. Contact Leonora ColenWebsite: www.HomeBirthHoney.comIG: @‌Homebirthhoneyatx Are you a parent interested in learning more from Ciarra? You can check out her class offerings HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Birth Basics Class, click HERE.For the pre-recorded, self-paced Newborn Sleep Class, click HERE. Are you interested in training to become a birth doula? Check out Ciarra’s Birth, Baby! Academy Birth Doula Training and Certification HERE. Online, self-paced Birth Doula Training and Certification Program with Birth, Baby! Academy This podcast episode is also on YouTube. If you prefer a video podcast with close captions, you can find the channel HERE. Thank you for all of your support and don't forget to follow and leave a review on your favorite place to listen to podcasts. www.BirthBabyPodcast.com Send an email if you’re interested in becoming a sponsor, you'd like to be a guest, or you have a recommendation for an episode idea! Email: BirthBabyPodcast@gmail.com Follow on FacebookFollow on Instagram The information provided on this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk. Birth, Baby! Podcast was originally produced by Ciarra Morgan and Samantha Kelly.Ciarra Morgan:www.EmpoweredBeginningsATX.comwww.BirthBabyAcademy.com Samantha Kelly:www.beautifullymadedc.com