Shows
Doula That!Part 2: Be Aware of ScammersRavae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss their experiences with being scammed by Augustine Colebrook, who promised a Belize retreat for November 2024 but changed it to February 2025, causing scheduling conflicts. Despite paying in installments, they were unable to get refunds, with Colebrook citing financial difficulties and potential bankruptcy. They highlight the broader issue of Colebrook's history of financial mishandling, including a $2,000 loss for a skills and drills conference cancellation and allegations of harming families in Oregon and Hawaii. They urge caution for other birth workers and emphasize the importance of transparency and integrity in...2024-11-1836 minDoula That!Member Meeting???Member Meeting ????Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discussed their observations from a recent meeting of DONA International, a nonprofit organization for doulas. They highlighted issues such as the lack of transparency, missing meeting minutes for three years, and inconsistencies in financial reporting. They noted that DONA's membership has declined from 7,000 to around 2,700 certified members in two years, and its revenue has dropped significantly. They also criticized the lack of translation services and the rushed certification process, which may compromise quality. They emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in doula organizations and announced plans to provide a...2024-11-1331 minDoula That!Be Aware of Scammers Be Aware of Scammers!Ravae Sinclair, a co-host of the Doula That podcast, shares her experience of being scammed by Augustine Colebrook, who promised a retreat for birth workers. Ravae paid $1,400 for a retreat scheduled for November 2024, but it was changed to February 2025, which was unacceptable. Despite multiple requests for a refund, Colebrook delayed and eventually took an additional $600 without authorization. Ravae emphasizes the importance of being informed consumers, using business credit cards for transactions, and the need for clear communication from service providers. She urges others to be cautious and to support her in recovering her m...2024-11-0925 minDoula That!The Day After The Day After The ElectionThe Day After The Day After The ElectionRavae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss the emotional and physical impact of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, expressing feelings of betrayal and fear for the future. They highlight the potential loss of reproductive rights and privacy due to the Supreme Court's conservative leanings and the erosion of bodily autonomy. They also address the broader implications for healthcare, particularly the shortage of medical professionals and the challenges faced by immigrants. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, support for birth workers, and the need for systemic change to protect reproductive...2024-11-0830 minDoula That!B-ROLL: We're Baaaacckk!!!!Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair share their experiences and insights on personal growth, wellness, and inclusivity in the birth work community. They emphasize the importance of self-love, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care for effective leadership and service. They also discuss the challenges of navigating identity and leadership as black women in the field, and the need for inclusivity and transparency in serving diverse communities.OutlinePersonal transformation, stress, and self-care for birth workers.Denise and Ravae discuss their struggles with weight loss and fitness, sharing their experiences and tips.Ravae Sinclair reflects on her...2024-08-2630 minDoula That!3 Months!Personal updates, business growth, and nonprofit work. Ravae and Denise are back after a 3-month break, catching up with listeners.They discuss their busy schedules, podcast hiatus, and future plans.Denise Bolds shares updates on her personal and professional life, including travel and business growth.Ravae Sinclair expands agency, launches online training programs, and supports nonprofit while taking breaks and enjoying personal time.Post-pandemic changes in the birthing space, including increased inductions and doula burnout. 7:33Denise Bolds highlights post-pandemic changes in the birthing space, including increased inductions, doula burnout, and hospital closures.Ravae Sinclair seeks Denise's insights on...2024-08-2633 min
Doula That!When the Season is Over, Close the ChapterChildbirth education and lack of recognition from evidence-based birth organization. 0:02Ravae and Denise discuss their podcast updates, current events in the birth space, and advocacy for safe and comfortable spaces.Denise Bolds and 5 other women, including 2 black women, have been working on a Longitudinal Study to improve birth outcomes for black and brown families.Despite their efforts, they have received little recognition or support from Evidence Based Birth, including being asked to present at their conference.Black History Month and DEI efforts in the birth work community. 4:16Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss the erosion of Black History Month and...2024-03-0835 minDoula That!The Leadership Edition- Calling Up, Calling OutDoula referrals in a Facebook group. 0:00Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss common issues on social media related to birth work and leadership.Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss a post in a Facebook group for doulas of color where a request for referrals for a "high profile or celebrity burning person" was made in the middle of the day on February 6.The original poster asked a doula to tag a colleague in central New Jersey, but the doula tagged an agency owner instead, leading to confusion and negative commentary in the thread.Professionalism and authenticity in the birth worker...2024-02-2733 min
Doula That!The Katt Is Out The Bag- It's the Year of Reveal· Katt Williams' comedy special and 2024's revealing themes. 0:00o Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss Katt Williams' comedy special, which they find refreshing and relevant to current events.o They emphasize the importance of owning up to one's actions and being held accountable for hurting or stealing from others.· Monique's career and race in the entertainment industry. 3:00o Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss Mo’Nique's experience as a Black woman in the entertainment industry, with Denise expressing support for her truth-telling and Ravae acknowledging the challenges of parenting and forgiveness for Black women.2024-02-2035 min
Doula That!The Lifestyle of Being a Doula & Virtual Doula SupportBalancing doula work with family life as a single mom. 0:00Aspiring doula struggles with balancing work and family as a single mom to young children.Challenges of being a single parent and doula. 2:09Single parents face significant stress, and adding on-call responsibilities may not improve quality of life.Plan ahead for childcare during nighttime calls as a doula.Doula work, business tips, and bartering. 5:21Ravae Sinclair suggests creating a business that supports birthing and postpartum families, such as meal prep or childbirth education, to help balance work and family life.Denise Bolds adds that there is a growing...2024-02-1146 min
Doula That!Evaluating Birth Work Courses, Trainings & Legal ContractsEvaluating quality of doula courses. 0:00Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss the importance of vetting courses for quality education in the birth and postpartum industry.They share their concerns about the lack of reliable information and poor communication in some courses, highlighting the need for a trustworthy platform for continuing education.Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss tips for evaluating the credibility of online doula courses, including Google searching the instructor and asking mentors or peers for recommendations.They also caution against relying solely on online reviews or testimonials, as they may be biased or unreliable.Evaluating birth work courses...2024-02-0428 min
Doula That!End of The Year/Beginning of the Year Tips for DoulasBackup doula coverage during holiday season. 0:04Be ready for the end of the year with induction times, weather considerations, and illness preparation.Choose a backup doula early and get their commitment in writing to ensure peace of mind during emergency situations.Prepare the family for potential switch from in-person to virtual support if needed, and activate the backup doula as a last resort.Ravae Sinclair advises preparing families for potential illnesses and discussing backup doula coverage during the season.Denise Bolds emphasizes the importance of having a plan for inductions and clear communication with providers to avoid unwanted interventions.End-of-year...2024-01-2832 minDoula That!One Year Look Back: The Abrupt Dismissal from DONA International's Board (recorded on April 11, 2023)The impact of leadership change on doula career and black maternal health. 0:09Ravae Sinclair reflects on the abrupt transition out of leadership with DONA International and its impact on her doula career and the Black maternal health crisis.Race and dysfunction in a doula organization. 1:30Denise Bolds shares her personal experience with disappointment and betrayal after a unanimous vote to prioritize black birth workers was ignored by some board members.Ravae Sinclair echoes Denise's shock and disbelief at the lack of follow-through on initiatives to uplift Black birth workers, despite unanimous support from the board.Ravae Sinclair felt relieved and...2024-01-011h 31
Doula That!Aspiring Doula Tips & Virtual Doula Support· Balancing doula work with family life as a single mom. 0:00o Aspiring doula struggles with balancing work and family responsibilities as a single mom to young children.· Challenges of being a single parent and doula. 2:09o Single mom of a five-year-old faces stress as a primary caregiver and seeks support for safety net and community.o Consider creating a childcare plan with a neighbor or co-op to support each other during late-night calls.· Doula work, business tips, and bartering. 5:21o Ravae Sinclair suggests creating a business that supports birthing and postpar...2023-12-1246 minDoula That!Choosing The Right Doula Trainer & Protect Your Intellectual PropertyIntroduction: What are you watching on TV?Doula work and TV shows. 0:26Denise Bolds shares her TV viewing habits, mentioning she's in a doctoral program.Denise and Ravae discuss Black Cake, a Hulu series based on a book, with a focus on Black storytelling and family history.Ravae and Denise discuss TV shows, including "Gilded Age" and "Queen Charlotte," and share their thoughts on the episodes they've watched.Doula SkillsIntellectual Property Protection. 5:06Ravae Sinclair emphasizes the importance of registering intellectual property with the US Copyright Office.Copyright protection for creative work. Ravae Sinclair explains...2023-11-2045 minDoula That!Finding Doula Clients & CDC Reports Rise in Maternal Death RatesIntroduction What are you reading?Memoirs, resilience, and black women's experiences. 0:00Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss books they're reading. Denise is reading "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" and "Recovering Black Storytelling and Qualitative Research."Denise Bolds shares her interest in storytelling and its importance in preserving cultural heritage.Ravae Sinclair shares her thoughts on Jada Pinkett Smith's memoir "Worthy," appreciating her resilience as a black woman and surviving difficult experiences.Ravae found the book entertaining and thought-provoking, but lost interest in the last chapter due to its "woowoo" nature.Doula SkillsDoula match...2023-11-201h 04Doula That!Backup Doulas, Raising Funds, Infant Loss Awareness, Oh My!· Doula skills and backup support during the holiday season. 0:08o Ravae Sinclair and Denise Both share what's in their cups during a podcast episode.o Doulas seek backup support during holiday season and beyond.· Doula backup and communication. 3:43o Doula discusses importance of having a backup doula for support during birth.o Doula shares experiences with clients and other doulas, emphasizing importance of clear communication and contracts.· Backup doulas and their importance in childbirth. 7:19o Backup doula should vet clients and lawyers, develop go-twos for support.o Ravae & Denis...2023-11-131h 08Doula That!Snapback Culture· Current events, menopause, and beverages. 0:08o Denise Bolds shares her drink of choice, French onion bone broth, and discusses its benefits for intermittent fasting.o Ravae Sinclair share her drink of choice, sweet tea with Apple Crown Royal. · Breastfeeding organization's apology for promoting expensive postpartum service. 2:24o Organization apologizes for inflammatory blog post and seeks context for further harm assessment.o Executive director criticizes luxury breastfeeding facility for excluding marginalized communities.o Ravae Sinclair highlights the importance of recognizing health equity issues in lactation support, particularly for families who cannot afford...2023-11-121h 15
Doula That!"Harpo, Who Dis Woman?"Join us for a captivating journey through the world of healthcare careers and the unique challenges faced in the birth world. In this episode, we dive deep into the experiences of two remarkable individuals who have dedicated their lives to making a difference in maternal health and beyond.(0:10) Denise Bolds shares her incredible 40-year healthcare career journey, taking us from her beginnings as an x-ray technician to her current role as a doula in the heart of NYC. We explore the highs and lows, the triumphs, and the stigmas she encountered along the way.(1:58) Doula...2023-10-3115 min