Anna Asks

Author: Anna Cusack

Welcome to the Anna Asks podcast, a place for people and parents looking for actual answers to big questions. From pregnancy to prejudice, parenting to the pandemic, sleep to sexuality to social justice, well be digging into the topics that matter to all of us, whether we like it or not. This podcast was previously titled Motherhood Made Magic. Anna Cusack is a speaker, mentor, connector, doula and author of Mama, You're Not Broken: Unmasking the Unspoken Emotions of Modern Motherhood
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Language: en

Genres: Kids & Family, Parenting

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S8, Ep6. So you want to be (or hire) a Birth Doula? with Sarah Newling
Episode 6
Wednesday, 18 June, 2025

What does it take to be a birth doula, and how do you choose the right doula for you? Sarah Newling (she/her) is one of the most in demand birth doulas and prenatal yoga instructors in the Newcastle area, and has stopped by to share her answers to both those questions and more. In this interview, we coverSarah's introduction to birth workWhy she feels doula and prenatal yoga are a match made in heavenThe difference between "head down" and "bottom up" preparation, and why one is so much easier than the otherOne of her favourite physical practices to use in labourWhat you can ask a prospective doula to see if they're the right fit for you (and how she gets a feel for if the people wanting her doula services are a good fit too)What systems you need in place to make the on call aspect of doula work possible and sustainableIs it better to meet clients where they're at, or be very selective about which births you take on?Why she sometimes spends her initial visit talking people out of hiring a doulaSarah's key tip for prospective doulas and birth workersWhat Sarah offers and where we can find her[This episode has one or two swears right near the end.]Sarah's website: www.yogimama.com.au Prenatal yoga (and postnatal yoga for prenatal clients)Birth doulaQuarterly circles with Joanne Mackintosh (separate pregnancy and c-sec circles)Anna's website: www.annacusack.com.auPostnatal doula services (in home and group support)1:1 sessions Birth story listening sessions (specialised independent birth debriefs)Quarterly circles for mothers and birth parents at all stages of parenthoodBook - "Mama, You're Not Broken: Unmasking the Unspoken Emotions of Modern Motherhood"Instagram @sarah.yogimama and @annacusackpostpartum