Entrepreneur Corner - Labor of Love
Doula
3/11/25
For nearly four decades, Mary Riley has helped bring over 2,500 babies into the world—but her role as a doula begins long before labor. She provides unwavering support to mothers through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, working alongside medical professionals as an advocate and guide. Always on call, Mary sees being a doula as a lifestyle rather than a job, witnessing the magic of new life time and time again. Tune in to explore this unique, deeply rewarding career.
Topics
00:37 Introduction
01:07 How did you become a doula?
01:36 What does a doula do?
02:50 Certifications and credentials
04:16 What kind of support do you provide?
08:17 The importance of doulas now
09:38 When does a doula come in?
11:18 Loving the work
12:21 The challenges
15:48 Earnings
18:10 Some stories from over the years
34:03 The biggest reward
Resources
Harvard Medical School - What does a doula do?
DONA International - Become a doula
Healthlaw.org - Doula certification requirement by state
Music credit: Kate Pierson & Monica Nation