The birth doula is ancient work. Even before we had a name for it, women have been attending women in childbirth since the beginning of humanity. It was only in the late 1960's that the word "doula" was coined by Dr. Dana Raphael, a medical anthropologist. It was another decade or more before the doula had an official scope of practice as a non-clinical support person who provides physical support, emotional support and information to families during pregnancy, birth and post

When I started my birth doula training nearly 20 years ago, I made one simple Facebook post. I said I was completing my training and had room for two births at a reduced rate. That was it. No elaborate marketing strategy, no paid advertising, no beautifully designed promotional graphics. I had five women interested almost immediately. Now, before you think I've discovered some magical formula for finding doula clients, there's something important you should know. I was alread

I have a confession. For years, I thought I had built a successful doula practice. Looking back, I don't think that's actually what I built. I built a reflexology practice that naturally became a doula practice. That distinction changed my life. If you're a doula who loves birth work but finds yourself wondering how to create more stability, more predictable income, or simply a business that feels sustainable long-term, here is the story of how I accidentally discovered a dif

From Law clerk to Holistic Reproductive Practitioner, discover how Maegan Grills built a compassionate full-time practice supporting women through fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and holistic wellness after training with By the Moon.

Why nervous system regulation changes everything for doulas One of the most misunderstood aspects of labour is pain. Not because pain isn’t real, but because it’s rarely just physical. What most people don’t understand about pain in labour is how fear exponentially increases it. When the nervous system perceives threat, pain does not rise in a linear way. It multiplies. Muscles tighten, breath shortens, hormones shift, and suddenly the body is no longer working with labour

If you spend time in doula training, reflexology training, or Reiki training spaces, you may eventually hear the word codependency come up. Sometimes it’s whispered with discomfort. Sometimes it’s used as a warning. And sometimes it’s misunderstood entirely. So let’s talk about it honestly. Are people who are more susceptible to codependency more likely to be drawn to doula work, reflexology, Reiki, and the healing arts? The short answer is yes.The deeper answer is that this

One of the most common questions I hear from both new and experienced doulas is: “Where can I get professional liability insurance?” For the past couple of years this has been a challenge within the doula profession in Canada. Insurance options have been limited, and many doulas have struggled to find coverage that properly reflects the scope of their work. Because of this ongoing concern within our community, I recently reached out to BMS Canada Risk Services to ask whethe

When devotion provides, life responds in unexpected ways. A reflection on surrender, trust, and how alignment opens unseen support.

For many years, I taught a conventional birth doula course through a mainstream doula training organization. I loved the experience, but I often found myself holding back. As a reflexologist first, my desire was always to work with women during pregnancy and birth, which led me to become a doula. Along the way, I discovered the power of fertility support as more clients came to me for reflexology to address infertility. But I didn’t stop there. Many of my clients had energeti

Why do holistic businesses fail? Learn why reflexology, Reiki, and doula practices struggle, and what successful practitioners do differently.