The Emotional and Entrepreneurial Journey of a Doula

Welcome to the Empowered Entrepreneur podcast! In this insightful episode, we delve into a fascinating conversation between Vanessa and Jennifer about a unique profession and entrepreneurial niche—Doula services. Jennifer shares her personal journey, from the birth experience which introduced her to the doula role to the resilient pursuit of creating her independent practice. She touches on many aspects, from empowering personal birth stories to enduring transformational personal challenges, rediscovering her passion, and resuming her mission to support and empower expecting mothers.

Further, Jennifer sheds light on the entrepreneurial spirit required to establish a successful doula practice, starting from the significance of possessing a perfect blend of nurturing and business acumen to the significance of practical financial planning. Through her story, Jennifer provides a heartfelt testament to the importance of aligning personal fulfillment with professional endeavors and showcases the entrepreneurial tenet that personal sacrifice can lead to professional fulfillment.

Guest Bio

I spent 12 years as a birth assistant, lactation consultant, and CBE trainer in The Bradley Method and Birthing From Within, and ran LaLeche League meetings with a passion for supporting women who have become Moms.
Currently, I'm a Certified Birth Doula for all births regardless of where and how you deliver. I'm also a Bereavement Doula® helping families struggling with grief and loss, as well as an Adoption & Surrogacy Doula, Childbirth Educator, and Certified Lactation Educator.
In addition to my Doula training, I have 31+ years in the trenches on my own journey as a Mama - parenting since 1992 - and am Mom Of 18 (yes - 18 kids!), I've written the blog - Mom’s Running It since 2011, am a published author of a self-help memoir in 2016, and host of the Becoming Parents Podcast since May of 2017.
I am a Speaker and have 15+ years of experience in the foster care sector as both a parent and a trainer. I have received targeted training on topics such as crisis intervention, drug & alcohol addiction, surviving trauma, and suicide prevention, which has equipped me with a solid understanding of how to serve others experiencing trauma.
On December 1, 2022, I was the first doula in Nevada to be a Medicaid Provider. This has significantly altered the trajectory of my business and clientele in amazing ways, allowing me to serve Nevada’s underserved - or UN-served communities.
I’ve experienced infertility up to IVF and 3 miscarriages - one of which was twins at 16 weeks, as well as 1 hospital birth and 3 home births with midwives - two of which were water births. I breastfed 7 children, including 3 of my adopted babies, for 11 years breastfeeding in total, relactating for 2 of those adopted babies. I have a huge blended family and have suffered the loss of an adult son.
I’m also married to an amazing man in Reno, NV, where we live full-time in our renovated RV. I’m a runner, minimalist, and healthy lifestyle enthusiast.
CURRENT VOLUNTEER POSITIONS:
DOULA CO-OP OF NEVADA Board Member as well as the Director Of State Programming which includes Medicaid, DAP Program Coordinator with Renown Hospital, and Doula Scholarships
Doula Certification Advisor for the Nevada Certification Board on their Curriculum and Continuing Education committee as well as a Board Member.
President of the Northern Nevada Breastfeeding Coalition.
Childbirth Educator for Real Choices Women’s Center. Guest Links

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