“I Loved What Doulas Did For Me”

Recently, I interviewed Danielle Giselbach, leader of Birth Chattanooga Collective. 

She told me her story, and ultimately why she became a doula. As a doula collective leader...

She also filled me in on important differences between doula collectives and agencies. 

Let’s dive in! 

Danielle’s Story

“I loved what doulas did for me.”

Danielle had a traumatic birthing experience with her first baby. A young teen unsure of how to advocate for herself, she got through it… but it wasn’t easy. 

Her next two births were a different story. 

She had a homebirth for her next two children and used a doula to support her both times. 

She saw how much having a doula changed her birthing experience that she craved more. 

So, Danielle decided she wanted to be a doula too. She desired to pour love and support into other new moms as a doula herself! 

Today, she is doing just that. She completed her training in 2020 and has gone full force ever since. 

Now, she is the leader of Birth Chattanooga Collective– an amazing group of women serving Chattanooga, TN, and surrounding areas. They support each other and don’t need an agency to do it. 

A Day in the Life: Doula Style

On the day I interviewed Danielle, I asked her: 

“What does a day in the life of a doula look like?” 

Here’s what she told me…

Often, her day is a mixed bag. (She likes it that way). 

Being a little “ADHD,” she likes switching her plans often. 

Right now, her clients are more in the postpartum season, so she’s embodying flexibility for her clients. 

That particular morning, she helped a mom out with her newborn. While Mom slept, Danielle did the laundry, dishes, fed the baby a bottle, and changed her diaper. 

Then… 

Mom woke up crying and overwhelmed. 

She sat and talked with her. Sometimes having adult conversation is important in those early days postpartum. It’s normal to feel empty and alone. 

Danielle was a beacon of light and set her client’s day in the right direction. 

Her presence mattered. 

Then, Danielle spent the rest of the day with her daughter. 

Something she loves about doula work is how flexible it is. She’s happy without the 9-5 monotony. 

(I would have to agree with her)

But, Danielle's days don't always look like this.

Sometimes, she's waiting for a client to go into labor. When this happens, she won't travel far to ensure she won't miss a client's birth. Then, as soon as her client goes into labor...

She might be working for a few hours...

Or a few days!

One of her longest births lasted 36 hours.

But Danielle enjoys the shifting seasons of doula work. They are complex, beautiful, and real.

It keeps Danielle aligned with what matters to her...

Helping moms.

Doula Collectives vs. Doula Agencies

There are major differences between a doula collective and a doula agency. While both serve expectant mothers and each other…

They're different. 

Doula collectives…

• Keep doulas independent 

• Allow doulas to set their own prices

• Seamlessly support each other's independent efforts 

• Support moms

To me, a doula collective seems to be the best of both worlds. You are independent, but still have support that other doulas miss out on. Danielle mentioned that being part of a collective helps prevent burnout. 

And she’s right! 

Many doulas who decide to stay independent burnout in their first year. They often don’t return to it. 

So, it’s important to find a community, whether you stay independent or not. 

On the other hand…

Doula agencies…

• Are businesses that hire doulas

• Provide doulas with consistent work

• Set their own prices

• Support moms

Here’s the bottom line: 

The more births you attend, the better off you are. Attending births grows and deepens your experience more than any certification. 

But, whichever one doulas decide, the common goal is this:

Supporting moms, always.

Make Birth a Story – Not a Medical Event

So, whether you are an independent doula, part of a collective, or hired by an agency…

Danielle has one piece of advice. 

Make your client's birth a story, not a medical event. 

One of Danielle’s favorite “doula duties” is writing a birth story for her clients. 

She said, “It’s hard to remember what happens during your birth. So, I like to outline it for them… so they can remember.” 

She takes note of…

• Memorable quotes from Mom or Dad 

• Important events 

• People in attendance 

• How Mom felt through it all 

She leaves her clients absolutely gushing. 

Birth is one of the most impactful moments in a person’s life… and they allow her to be part of it! 

What a blessing.  

Want to Add Your Perspective? 

After reading Danielle’s story… 

Are you inspired to tell your own story? 

Quick question:

Are you the owner of a motherhood brand that supports moms?

• Doula

• Midwife

• Course creator

• Lactation consultant

• Nanny agency owner

• Or something else?

I’d love to hear your perspective on all things motherhood. 

Schedule a time to chat with me here, and be in my next article. 

Talk soon!