Mama Making Podcast

Anna Rodney | Supporting Families, Scaling Support: The Journey Behind Chicago Family Doulas

Jessica Lamb, Anna Rodney Season 4 Episode 135

Episode Description

In this episode, Jessica sits down with Anna Rodney, the powerhouse behind Chicago Family Doulas and Birth & Baby University, for a deeply insightful conversation about what it takes to build a mission-driven birth business, support hundreds of families, and raise three daughters - all at the same time.

From a transformative first birth experience to launching one of the largest doula agencies in the country, Anna shares how her personal journey sparked a career shift, the business lessons learned through rapid growth, and the importance of childbirth education, not just for families - but for doulas too.

This is a must-listen for anyone navigating the world of birth work, motherhood, or values-driven entrepreneurship.

Main Topics Covered

  • How Anna’s first birth experience inspired her career pivot
  • The story behind founding Chicago Family Doulas
  • Why she launched Birth & Baby University to fill a critical gap
  • The myths about doula care - and what doulas actually do
  • How education empowers both families and professionals
  • Growing a business that serves 300+ doulas and countless families
  • The personal cost of growth - and how Anna structured her business to support motherhood and freedom
  • What new parents really need to know before birth
  • The power of postpartum support and when families need it most
  • Why doulas don’t replace education - and education doesn’t replace support

Resources Mentioned

Connect with Anna Rodney

This episode is sponsored by Collabs Creative - a digital marketing company supporting makers, creatives, and small business owners with all things digital and design.

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