03. The Doula Difference | Birth Advocacy with Esty G.
Doula support, birth advocacy, and postpartum confidence — this episode is a sister-to-sister conversation you don't want to miss.
I sat down with my own sister, Esty, an incredible doula, to talk about what real, hands-on labor support actually looks like.
We talk about what advocacy really means during labor (it's so much more than a birth plan), how a doula supports both mom and partner without ever replacing him, how to know if a doula is the right fit for you, and what to expect at every stage of the process.
Estie also shares her honest take on newborn safety, boundary-setting with well-meaning family, and why confidence, not perfection, is what actually carries a woman through birth.
If you've ever wondered what a doula actually does in the room, how to advocate for yourself with your care team, or how to walk into motherhood feeling more sure of yourself, this conversation is for you.
WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@gentlebeginningsofficial TOPICS
FROM THIS EPISODE:
- What true advocacy looks like in the birth room, and how to know your doula is the right fit for you.
- How a doula supports partners rather than replacing them, and why husbands are irreplaceable in the room.
- Boundaries around newborn health and visitors, and why confidence matters more than a "perfect" birth.
CONNECT WITH ESTIE:
- https://www.instagram.com/ef0962/
- Phone: 1-917-974-3513
CONNECT WITH TOBY:
Follow Toby on IG: https://www.instagram.com/gentlebeginningsofficial/
Website: https://www.gentlebeginnings.life/
Need support? Here are a few resources:
- Brain Body Birth Course: https://www.gentlebeginnings.life/bbb
- Free Mindfulness Track: https://www.gentlebeginnings.life/FreeMindfulnessTrack
- Healthy Breakfast Lactation Cookies: https://www.gentlebeginnings.life/cookies
- WhatsApp Community for women who are pregnant or love learning about birth: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DAcXJqhMM0aCCBniRr6VPj
- Questions to ask when hiring a doula: https://www.gentlebeginnings.life/questions
About Toby: Toby Deutsch created Gentle Beginnings because she saw how many expectant mothers were entering birth feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and unsure of what to expect. In a world filled with conflicting advice and fear-based stories, it can be difficult to know what to trust or how to prepare in a way that truly supports both mother and baby. Through her work, Toby focuses on something that is often overlooked in traditional childbirth preparation: the powerful connection between the mind, the nervous system, and birth outcomes.
