2 Dope Black Doulas

Season 3 Episode 3 part 2: Postpartum Is Not Optional: Reclaiming Rest, Recovery, and Ritual 18.06.2026 18min

In part 2 of the latest episode of 2 Dope Black Doulas, we’re joined again by Iman Boykin to talk about the importance of postpartum care. This conversation becomes emotional in a real way.This conversation is for doulas, parents, and anyone who wants to better understand how to support postpartum in a real way.🎧 Listen to the episode here: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Bp1qfy7UbnL9WLm5NNbV4?si=4Y6aCWbRQT2vsKx2X3UrlgWe also created a companion reflection guide to help you think through your own postpartum plan or how you support others.📘 Available now for $12https://dopeblackdoulas.gumroad.com/l/hqsuzgq

Season 3 Episode 3 part 1: Postpartum Is Not Optional: Reclaiming Rest, Recovery, and Ritual 14.05.2026 20min

In part 1 of this episode of 2 Dope Black Doulas, we’re joined by returning guest Iman Boykin to have a real, necessary conversation about postpartum care.Because the truth is postpartum is not an afterthought. It’s not something you just “get through.” It’s a critical part of the birth experience that deserves intention, support, and care.We’re talking about:🖤 Why postpartum is often overlooked🌿 What true rest actually looks like (beyond “sleep when the baby sleeps”)🔥 The harm of “bounce back” culture🤱🏾 Rituals and practices that support real healing🧠 What doulas need to understand about postpartum supportWhether you’re a doula, a parent, or preparing for birth, this episode will shift how you think about recovery and remind you that healing is not optional.✨ Want to go deeper?We created a companion guide to help you reflect, plan, and protect your postpartum experience.📘 Download the Postpartum Is Not Optional – Reflection & Recovery Guide for $12 at https://dopeblackdoulas.gumroad.com/l/hqsuzgq💸 Subscribe to 2 Dope Black Doulas on Youtube and Spotify or Apple Podcasts + DM us a screenshot to receive a discount code for $9📲 Follow us on all platforms @2DopeBlackDoulas⭐ Don’t forget to rate, review, and share this episode

Season 3 Episode 2 part 1: Black Doulas in National Spaces: Leadership, Representation & Accountability 02.03.2026 24min

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.

Season 3 Episode 1: What We'd Tell Our Younger Doula Selves 04.02.2026 14min

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

Season 2 Episode 9: So You Wanna Be a Doula? 09.10.2025 14min

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

Season 2 Episode 8: Wrapped in Tradition- Belly Binding 101 18.08.2025 26min

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.

C-Sections, VBACs, and Birth Plan Pivots: Making Room for the Unexpected 24.07.2025 11min

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/

Season 2 Episode 6: Importance of Rest in Postpartum 24.06.2025 17min

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.

Season 2 Episode 5 : Celebrating Black Maternal Health Week 24.04.2025 17min

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.

Season 2 Episode 4- Part 2: Celebrating Black Nurse Midwives-Guest Venus Standard 12.03.2025 19min

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.

Season 2 Episode 4- Part 1: Celebrating Black Nurse Midwives- Guest Venus Standard 28.02.2025 18min

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.

Season 2 Episode 3: Honoring Black History Month, DEI and Everything Black 05.02.2025 14min

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.

Season 2 Episode 2: Journey in Doulahood 22.01.2025 21min

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.

Season 2 Episode 1: Body Image and Pregnancy 06.01.2025 19min

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.

Season 1 Episode 5: Passion Areas 17.10.2024 25min

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.

Season 1 Episode 4: The Intersection Between Mental and Physical Health 26.09.2024 21min

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.

Season 1 Episode 3: Journey to Becoming Doulas 11.09.2024 18min

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.

Season 1 Episode 2: Honoring Black Breastfeeding Week 26.08.2024 25min

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.

Season 1 Episode 1: 2 Dope Black Doulas 15.08.2024 12min

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