Pregnancy & Postnatal Entrepreneurs Collective Podcast

Niamh Cassidy, IBCLC
  • 5.0 (2)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Pregnancy & Postnatal Entrepreneurs Collective Podcast, in conjunction with Your Birth Biz, is a podcast for birth and postpartum professionals who want to grow sustainable, ethical businesses without burning out or losing themselves along the way. Hosted by Niamh Cassidy, childbirth educator, IBCLC lactation consultant, and business coach to birth workers, this podcast sits at the intersection of business, birth work, values, and real life. Niamh started her own perinatal business as a side hustle while working full-time in social care, and knows first-hand how challenging it can be to fill classes, attract clients, and stay confident when everyone else seems to be “doing better”. She’s been through the comparison spiral, the over-consumption of business advice, and the frustration of learning from business spaces that don’t understand the ethics, boundaries, and responsibilities of perinatal work. Through years of learning, testing, adapting (and unlearning), Niamh has built a fully booked lactation practice and successful education and coaching business — without resorting to fear-based marketing, unethical tactics, or stepping away from client work she loves. This podcast is a mix of: Solo episodes on business, mindset, visibility, boundaries, and sustainabilityGuest conversations with birth workers and women in businessPanel discussions exploring nuanced topics at the crossover of business and birth workExpect honest conversations, thoughtful critique of “one-size-fits-all” business advice, and practical insights you can actually apply to your own practice. If you’re a doula, lactation consultant, antenatal educator, or perinatal professional who wants to grow a business that feels aligned, ethical, and genuinely supportive — you’re in the right place.

  1. Ep 78: Why Birth Workers Should Ignore Some “2026 Business Advice”

    3D AGO

    Ep 78: Why Birth Workers Should Ignore Some “2026 Business Advice”

    If you spend any time on business Instagram or TikTok right now, you’ve probably seen a flood of posts about what works in business in 2026. Stop posting educational content. Use custom AI tools for everything. Say something controversial to grow faster. But much of this advice is coming from people who are selling to coaches, creators, and influencers not people working in healthcare-adjacent professions like birth work. In this episode, Niamh Cassidy (IBCLC, antenatal educator and business coach for birth workers) unpacks three pieces of popular business advice currently circulating online and explains why birth workers should think twice before following it. Because strategies that grow quickly online can sometimes damage credibility and trust, and in birth work, trust is everything. In This EpisodeNiamh discusses: Why the advice to “stop posting educational content” doesn’t make sense for birth workersHow educational posts build trust, authority and credibility with expectant and new parentsWhy parents actively search for evidence-based information about birth, breastfeeding and newborn careThe growing trend of custom AI tools and AI-generated advice in businessWhy relying on someone else’s AI tool can dilute your voice and professional judgementPractical ways birth workers can use AI as a tool without outsourcing their expertiseThe rise of controversial or polarising content designed purely to drive engagementWhy “hot takes” and debate-driven content can undermine credibility in a trust-based professionHow viral reach is not the same as attracting aligned clientsWhy sustainable growth for birth workers comes from consistency, clarity and trustWhat Actually Works for Birth WorkersInstead of chasing online trends designed for influencers, Niamh shares three principles that support sustainable, ethical business growth in birth work: 1. Trust grows birth businesses Families choose birth professionals they feel safe with. Clear, grounded, evidence-aware communication builds that trust. 2. Consistency matters more than going viral Showing up regularly with useful information is far more effective than chasing occasional viral posts. 3. Strategy should match your stage of business The advice that works for someone with a fully booked practice may not be right for someone just starting out. Want to find out what Birth Biz Stage you're at and the right next steps for you to take based on your stage? Then take The Birth Biz Quiz now!  Connect with Me  Instagram Facebook Linked In

    21 min

  2. MAR 11

    Ep 77: Why Birth Worker Bookings Might Be Slower Right Now (It’s Probably Not What You Think)

    Over the past while I’ve been hearing the same thing from birth workers again and again: “Things feel quieter.” Fewer enquiries. Fewer bookings. Calendars that suddenly feel lighter than they did a few months ago. Doulas, lactation consultants, antenatal educators and other birth professionals have been reaching out asking if I’m seeing the same thing. And the honest answer is… yes. I’ve noticed it too. Normally when business slows down, we reach for the obvious explanation: the economy, the cost-of-living crisis, families having less disposable income. Those things may well play a part. But in this episode I explore another possibility that I think many of us are experiencing but not always naming out loud. Right now we are living and working through a moment of collective emotional heaviness. We are witnessing war, humanitarian crises and rising violence against immigrants, women and LGBTQ+ people in real time through our phones and social media feeds. For empathetic, care-centred professionals like birth workers, that emotional weight doesn’t just stay in the background. It can affect our energy, motivation and creativity. And when our energy shifts, it naturally changes how we show up in our businesses. In this episode that I just had to make I talk about the possible connection between global events, emotional burnout and quieter bookings, and why this may be affecting birth workers across the world right now. Most importantly, we talk about the importance of community, solidarity and supporting each other through times like this. Because birth work has always been rooted in community. And in difficult moments, community matters more than ever. In This Episode We Explore Why many birth workers are noticing slower bookings right nowThe natural ups and downs of running a birth work businessWhy the economy might not be the only explanationHow global events and collective trauma can affect our energy and visibilityThe emotional impact of constantly witnessing suffering in the worldWhy empathetic care professionals often carry this weight deeplyReflections around International Women’s Day and women’s rights globallyWhy community and connection with other birth workers is so important right nowWays we can support one another while continuing to support the families who need usA Reminder for Birth Workers If your business feels quieter right now, or your energy has been lower than usual, you are not alone. Most of us are navigating the emotional weight of the world while continuing to care for families in our communities right now.  This episode is an invitation to reflect, to reconnect with the bigger picture of the work we do, and to remember that none of us are meant to do this work in isolation. Community, solidarity and mutual support have always been at the heart of birth work and they are just as essential for sustaining our businesses as they are for supporting the families we serve. If this episode resonated with you, I’d genuinely love to hear your thoughts. You can connect with me on Instagram or learn more about my work supporting doulas, lactation consultants and antenatal educators to grow sustainable businesses through Your Birth Biz. And if you know another birt Want to find out what Birth Biz Stage you're at and the right next steps for you to take based on your stage? Then take The Birth Biz Quiz now!  Connect with Me Instagram Facebook Linked In

    24 min
  3. Ep. 76: Fluctuating Income? Here’s How to Finally Feel Financially Secure

    MAR 4

    Ep. 76: Fluctuating Income? Here’s How to Finally Feel Financially Secure

    If your income goes up and down each month and you’ve ever felt stressed, guilty, or unsure about your money this episode is going to hit you right in the feels.  I’m joined by financial coaches and business partners Shana and Vanessa (aka the Budget Besties), who help women create simple, realistic budgeting systems that actually work in real life... not the restrictive, spreadsheet-heavy versions most of us have been taught to dread. Together we unpack how to manage money confidently even when your income isn’t predictable, and why budgeting doesn’t have to mean cutting out everything you enjoy. We chat about: why so many women avoid looking at their finances (and how to change that)the simple budget structure anyone can set up in under an hourhow to pay yourself consistently from a business with fluctuating incomeseparating business and personal finances in a way that actually makes sensewhy “not tracking every transaction” might be the system that finally works for youhow to remove guilt around spending money on yourselfthe mindset shift that helps you feel like a real business owner, not just someone with a hobby that sometimes paysThis conversation is especially helpful for birth workers, freelancers, and anyone self-employed whose income changes from month to month. If you’ve ever worried about slow seasons, irregular payments, or feeling like money disappears as soon as it arrives, you’ll walk away with practical strategies you can implement straight away. Resources & Links Listen to Shana & Vanessa’s podcast: Financial Coaching for WomenLearn more about their budgeting system: budgetbesties.com/niamhLoved this episode? Take a screenshot, share it on Instagram, and tag me so I can hear your biggest takeaway. Your messages genuinely make my day and help more people find the show. Want to find out what Birth Biz Stage you're at and the right next steps for you to take based on your stage? Then take The Birth Biz Quiz now!  Connect with Me  Instagram Facebook Linked In

    28 min

  4. FEB 25

    Ep. 75: We All Have the Same 24 Hours… Or Do We? The Truth About Time, Capacity & Growth

    Do we really all have the same 24 hours? Discover how time, capacity, and life seasons affect business growth — especially for busy birth workers and parents.  Do we really all have the same 24 hours in a day? Technically yes. But in real life — with caring responsibilities, client work, family life, emotional labour, and everything else on your plate — time does not feel equal. In this honest and grounding episode, Niamh unpacks the myth behind the popular phrase and shares a more realistic, compassionate way to think about productivity, growth, and success as a birth worker or service-based business owner. This conversation explores why comparing your pace to someone else’s rarely tells the full story, how your current life season impacts your business capacity, and why slower growth doesn’t mean you’re failing — it often means you’re building sustainably. You’ll also hear a powerful reframe: instead of chasing perfect balance, think of your life and work like a pendulum that naturally swings depending on what needs you most. And if you’ve ever felt like your business demands constant attention, Niamh shares a reassuring analogy that will change how you view your growth journey. In this episode, we cover: Why “we all have the same 24 hours” is misleading adviceThe difference between time equality and capacity equalityHow caring roles impact business growth (and why that’s normal)Why balance isn’t the goal — and what to aim for insteadThe pendulum approach to managing work and life seasonsHow to recognise what stage your business is in right nowWhy effort still matters — even when life is fullA healthier way to measure progress without burnout or comparisonKey Takeaway You don’t need more strategies. You need clarity about your real capacity and permission to grow at a pace that fits your life. Continue the conversation: Come join us in the free community and share — what season are you in right now, and where is your pendulum today? Want to find out what Birth Biz Stage you're at and the right next steps for you to take based on your stage? Then take The Birth Biz Quiz now!  Connect with Me  Instagram Facebook Linked In

    11 min
  5. Ep. 74: Getting Started in Birth Work: What We Wish We’d Known

    FEB 18

    Ep. 74: Getting Started in Birth Work: What We Wish We’d Known

    What does it really take to get started in birth work — and stay there? In this episode, I’m joined by Jen Crawford, life and business coach, parent educator, mentor and doula trainer, with over 15 years’ experience supporting families and shaping skilled, grounded birth workers across Ireland. Between us, we’ve: trained and mentored hundreds of birth workerssupported thousands of familiesbuilt and scaled sustainable birth-work businessesand seen far too many brilliant practitioners leave this work unnecessarily due to burnout, lack of support, or unrealistic expectations.In this honest, grounded and at times possibly controversial conversation, we’re coming together as two of Ireland and Europe’s leading voices in birth work and birth-business to share what we both wish we’d known when we were starting out, and what we now know makes the biggest difference. In this episode, we talk about: Why birth work may be a calling, but it still needs to be a viable careerThe foundations every birth worker needs before worrying about visibility or marketingMindset shifts that help you move from passion to sustainabilityValues, boundaries and energy management in emotionally demanding workWhy “there’s not enough work” is a myth, and what actually matters insteadThe dangers of black-and-white thinking and fear-based narratives in birth workCollaboration vs conflict within maternity systemsHow to protect yourself from burnout and stay in this work long-termThe role of support, community and professional guidance when you’re starting outThis episode is for you if: You’re considering training as a doula, lactation consultant, antenatal educator or other birth workerYou’re newly qualified and wondering “Why is this harder than I thought?”You love the work but feel unsure about how to make it sustainableYou want a values-led, ethical approach to birth work and businessYou’re tired of absolutist advice and want nuance, realism and encouragementJen and I both believe that there is plenty of work for everyone and that birth work is really just a fledgling industry with so much more growth potential. We are both hurt by seeing good birth workers quit and this conversation is about changing that, starting from the very beginning. About Jen Crawford Jen is a life and business coach, parent educator, mentor and doula trainer with over 15 years’ experience. She has trained and mentored hundreds of doulas, supported thousands of families, and co-founded Ireland’s first national doula agency. In 2026, she continues to lead group doula trainings and coach birth workers across Ireland and internationally. You can connect with Jen here: Website: jen-crawford.com Doula training: @jencrawforddoulawisdom Coaching: @jencrawfordcoaching Want to find out what Birth Biz Stage you're at and the right next steps for you to take based on your stage? Then take The Birth Biz Quiz now!  Connect with Me  Instagram Facebook Linked In

    40 min

  6. FEB 11

    Ep 73. Why I Rebranded (and How to Name or Rename Your Business)

    Naming your business can feel like one of the biggest, most loaded decisions you’ll ever make, especially when you work in the birth and postpartum space, where identity, values, and care are so closely tied to what we do. In this episode, I’m sharing the full story behind my recent rebrand to Your Birth Biz, why I moved away from The Pregnancy & Postnatal Entrepreneurs Collective, and what the process taught me about fear, confidence, and allowing your business to evolve as you do. I also take you back to the very beginning, to when I was naming my antenatal education business, My Baby Beginnings, and how I deliberately chose a name that could grow with me over time. From there, I explore the common tension between choosing a strong “brand” name versus a more SEO-friendly, descriptive business name...and why there isn’t one right answer. This episode is part personal story, part practical guidance, and part permission slip. Whether you’re naming your business for the first time or wondering if the name you chose no longer fits, this conversation is for you. In this episode, we cover: Why I originally chose the name Pregnancy & Postnatal Entrepreneurs CollectiveHow fear and a desire to “include everyone” can influence business namingThe difference between a brand name and an SEO-friendly name (and the pros and cons of each)Practical tips for naming your business when you’re starting outWhy your business name is not a lifetime sentenceHow to recognise when it might be time to rebrandWhat Your Birth Biz stands for now, and who it’s forThis episode is for you if: You’re stuck trying to name your birth or postpartum businessYou’re worried about choosing the “wrong” nameYou feel disconnected from your current brand or business nameYou want to build a business that’s ethical, sustainable, and aligned with your valuesAt its core, this episode is about permission — permission to grow, to change, and to choose what supports you now, not just what felt safe at the beginning. ✨ Explore the new website at yourbirthbiz.com ✨ Join the conversation in the Pregnancy & Postnatal Entrepreneurs Collective discussion group Want to find out what Birth Biz Stage you're at and the right next steps for you to take based on your stage? Then take The Birth Biz Quiz now!  Connect with Me  Instagram Facebook Linked In

    18 min

  7. FEB 4

    Ep 72. From Teacher to Birth Worker: A Story of Courage, Change & Choice

    In this episode, Niamh is joined by Aoife Lennon, perinatal educator, IBCLC, former Home Economics teacher and founder of Bumps & Bainne. Aoife describes herself as a “full-time challenger of the polite nonsense that surrounds birth and breastfeeding” — and this conversation very much lives up to that energy. Aoife shares her journey from nearly 20 years in secondary teaching to building a values-led birth work business, shaped by her own birth experiences, motherhood, and a powerful shift in priorities. We talk honestly about fear, identity, financial risk, mindset work, and what it really takes to step away from a “safe” career and back yourself. This episode goes deep into themes that so many birth workers grapple with but don’t always say out loud:  – feeling called to this work but unsure how to make it sustainable  – the emotional weight of leaving a pensionable job  – the importance of community (or “the village”) in both motherhood and business – why not everyone needs to like you ... and why that’s actually a good thing – leaning into your authentic voice online, even when it feels uncomfortable Aoife also speaks candidly about building her business slowly and steadily, charging her worth, and the role that mindset and peer support have played in helping her stay the course. This is a conversation about courage, feminism, motherhood, and redefining success on your own terms without the hustle-bro nonsense. If you’re a doula, lactation consultant, antenatal educator or birth worker who’s ever thought “there has to be another way”, this episode will land right in your chest. Connect with Aoife: Instagram: @bumps_and_bainneWebsite: www.bumpsandbainne.ieIf this episode resonated with you, send us a DM and let us know what landed. These conversations matter — and you’re not meant to do any of this alone. Want to find out what Birth Biz Stage you're at and the right next steps for you to take based on your stage? Then take The Birth Biz Quiz now!  Connect with Me  Instagram Facebook Linked In

    30 min
  8. Ep 71: Visibility Without Self-Abandonment: Showing Up Without Losing Yourself

    JAN 28

    Ep 71: Visibility Without Self-Abandonment: Showing Up Without Losing Yourself

    In this episode of The Pregnancy & Postnatal Entrepreneurs Collective Podcast, I’m joined by Parnuuna Thornwood, guide and teacher behind Feel Good Rebel, for a calm, grounding conversation about visibility that doesn’t ask you to override yourself to grow your business. What I loved most about this conversation was Parnuuna's tone  - calm, warm, and deeply respectful of the fact that visibility can feel genuinely hard, especially for birth and postpartum professionals. There’s no pushing, no “just get over it”, and no one-size-fits-all strategy. Instead, we explore visibility as something that can be built incrementally, at a pace that feels safe and sustainable. We talk about how many people say “social media just isn’t for me”, and how often that belief is tied not to capability, but to fear, past experiences, or a lack of safety -  both online and in real life. Parnuuna brings a nervous-system-aware lens to visibility, reminding us that if your body feels unsafe, forcing yourself to show up more will only create resistance or burnout. A big part of the conversation centres on why blindly following someone else’s strategy doesn’t work for so many people. While structure and guidance can be helpful, growth rarely comes from copying, instead , it comes from being supported to develop your own way of showing up. This is where coaching becomes so valuable: not to remove fear entirely, but to stop fear from keeping you invisible and stuck. We also name something that often goes unspoken, the reality that there are genuinely unsafe things in the world, and it makes sense that visibility can trigger fear. At the same time, we explore how much energy gets lost worrying about what friends, family, or the imaginary person in the corner might think...the people who were never meant to be your clients in the first place! Instead, this episode invites you to gently shift your focus:  away from posting for posting’s sake,  away from external pressure,  and towards relationship-building, connection, and service. In this episode, we explore: Why visibility feels easier for doulas, lactation consultants, antenatal educators and women in general when it’s calm, gentle and incrementalHow a lack of safety — not laziness or confidence — often sits under resistanceThe nervous system’s role in showing up onlineWhy following someone else’s strategy can disconnect you from yourselfThe difference between fear that needs compassion and fear that needs boundariesLetting go of worries about friends, family, or imagined judgementWhy visibility works best when it’s about relationships, not performanceIt’s a reminder that visibility doesn’t have to be loud, constant or performative — it can be human, relational, and rooted in safety. 🎧 Listen now and explore what visibility could look like when it’s built on trust rather than pressure. Parnuuna has kindly shared a free calming 3 day reset, to boost your sense of confidence, time and energy, you can sign up here: https://feelgoodrebel.kit.com/0d761c0f86 Connect with Parnuuna Website: feelgoodrebelacademy.com Instagram: @ Want to find out what Birth Biz Stage you're at and the right next steps for you to take based on your stage? Then take The Birth Biz Quiz now!  Connect with Me  Instagram Facebook Linked In

    29 min
See All (77)

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The Pregnancy & Postnatal Entrepreneurs Collective Podcast, in conjunction with Your Birth Biz, is a podcast for birth and postpartum professionals who want to grow sustainable, ethical businesses without burning out or losing themselves along the way. Hosted by Niamh Cassidy, childbirth educator, IBCLC lactation consultant, and business coach to birth workers, this podcast sits at the intersection of business, birth work, values, and real life. Niamh started her own perinatal business as a side hustle while working full-time in social care, and knows first-hand how challenging it can be to fill classes, attract clients, and stay confident when everyone else seems to be “doing better”. She’s been through the comparison spiral, the over-consumption of business advice, and the frustration of learning from business spaces that don’t understand the ethics, boundaries, and responsibilities of perinatal work. Through years of learning, testing, adapting (and unlearning), Niamh has built a fully booked lactation practice and successful education and coaching business — without resorting to fear-based marketing, unethical tactics, or stepping away from client work she loves. This podcast is a mix of: Solo episodes on business, mindset, visibility, boundaries, and sustainabilityGuest conversations with birth workers and women in businessPanel discussions exploring nuanced topics at the crossover of business and birth workExpect honest conversations, thoughtful critique of “one-size-fits-all” business advice, and practical insights you can actually apply to your own practice. If you’re a doula, lactation consultant, antenatal educator, or perinatal professional who wants to grow a business that feels aligned, ethical, and genuinely supportive — you’re in the right place.

Information

You Might Also Like