Guardian Doula’s Diary

Angela Duce
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  • ALTERNATIVE HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

An honest collection of the stories & experiences of birthing women, and the professionals that support them, to empower, equip, & inspire us all.

  1. 07/28/2025

    Episode 31: Coached Pushing: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

    Send us a text “PUSHHHHH! 1, 2, 3, 4, 5…” Sound familiar? That’s coached pushing - when you’re told how and when to push during labour.  Sometimes it’s helpful… sometimes it’s not… and sometimes, it’s just a hospital trying to beat the clock 🕒 In this episode, I’m breaking down:  👉 What coached pushing actually is  👉 When it can be a game-changer (hello, avoiding forceps 🙌)  👉 When it can backfire — and disconnect you from your body  👉 What to do instead if it doesn’t feel right 👉 How having a doula by your side can make all the difference This isn’t about “good or bad” - it’s about informed choices and timing. 🎯 🎧 Hit play and let’s talk about one of the most misunderstood parts of labour. Where to find me: 👉 If you're in Sydney and are looking for in-person birth doula support, view my packages via my website www.guardiandoula.com.au 👉 My instagram: @guardian.doula 👉 My email: angela@guardiandoula.com.au

    24 min

  2. 07/21/2025

    Episode 30: The Crucial Mental Game Nobody Talks About | Waiting for Labour

    Send us a text The end of your pregnancy is here, finally. The last stretch! You’ve done all the prep. You’re informed, empowered, and ready for your unmedicated birth.  But... There’s one vital piece that often gets overlooked – and it’s not about your pain threshold or the perfect birth playlist. In this episode, I’m diving into the mental game that matters most in the final weeks of pregnancy – the one that can either set you up for a spontaneous, physiological birth… or lead to interventions you didn’t want. If you're nearing your due date and feeling done, impatient, or even a little defeated – this is the mindset shift you need.  Because how you wait can shape how you birth.  Let’s talk about the quiet, crucial battle of late pregnancy – and how to win it. Where to find me: 👉 If you're in Sydney and are looking for in-person birth doula support, view my packages via my website www.guardiandoula.com.au 👉 My instagram: @guardian.doula 👉 My email: angela@guardiandoula.com.au

    21 min

  3. 07/02/2025

    Episode 29: The Truth About The "I Can't Do This" Moment | Transition Myth Busted

    Send us a text Have you heard this myth before? 👉 “When you feel like you can’t do it anymore, it means you’re in transition – and baby’s almost here!” Me too. More times than I count! And sometimes that’s true… But - other times, you still have a while to go. And when the labour isn’t nearly over yet, that belief can really mess with your head. So in today’s new podcast episode, I’m busting this common myth wide open.  We’ll talk about: 👉 What the “I can’t do this” moment actually means 👉 Why it doesn’t always signal the end 👉 How to reframe that moment and keep going 👉 How a doula helps when you hit the wall This one is practical, and empowering – especially if you’re preparing for a physiological birth and want to know what to expect mentally and emotionally. Where to find me: 👉 If you're in Sydney and are looking for in-person birth doula support, view my packages via my website www.guardiandoula.com.au 👉 My instagram: @guardian.doula 👉 My email: angela@guardiandoula.com.au

    12 min

  4. 06/23/2025

    Episode 28: What I actually DO as a doula | Practical insight into what doula support looks like

    Send us a text If you’ve ever wondered what specific, practical things I actually DO as a doula, and thought “do doulas just help with breathing?!”...  Then this episode is for you! 👇 In today’s chat, I walk you through what I actually do for my clients during pregnancy, birth and postpartum – and how it makes a very real, evidence-backed difference. Including:  What my support actually looks like throughout your pregnancy + during your birth Real stories from real births (like breech babies, operating room saves, and emotional pep talks that changed everything) What continuity and trust can be like in the thick of labour What I do after the birth that helps you land softly into motherhoodThis one’s honest, super practical, and full of heart.  If you’re pregnant or planning to be, you need this in your ears. Share with a mama who needs to know what real doula support looks like! 💛 Where to find me: 👉 If you're in Sydney and are looking for in-person birth doula support, view my packages via my website www.guardiandoula.com.au 👉 My instagram: @guardian.doula 👉 My email: angela@guardiandoula.com.au

    30 min

  5. 06/16/2025

    Episode 27: "Do I *Really* Need a Doula If...(Insert Situation)?"

    Send us a text "Do I really need a doula if… (insert your situation here)?" This is a common question I get as a doula - and in this episode, I’m walking you through the honest, evidence-backed answer. Because you might have wondered, "do I *really* need a doula if...":  👉 If I've got a supportive partner…?  👉 Or if I'm having a home-birth…?  👉 Or if I'm in the MGP…?  👉 Or if I've given birth before…?  👉 Or if my pregnancy is low risk (or high risk!)…? 👉 Or if I don't want strangers in my room...? I walk through each of the questions I often hear from women who are unsure whether hiring a doula is still worthwhile - and gently unpack each one.  Together, we explore why having a doula remains one of the most powerful choices you can make for yourself, your baby, and your birth story. If you’ve ever wondered whether hiring a doula is “worth it,” this episode is a must-listen. Let’s set the record straight - and get you feeling clear, confident, and supported heading into birth. Where to find me: 👉 If you're in Sydney and are looking for in-person birth doula support, view my packages via my website www.guardiandoula.com.au 👉 My instagram: @guardian.doula 👉 My email: angela@guardiandoula.com.au

    47 min

  6. 05/11/2025

    Episode 26: The Truth About TEARING in Birth

    Send us a text Let’s talk about something LOTS of women are nervous about, but few women talk about enough… perineal tearing. How common is it?  Can you actually prevent it?  What really causes it — and what doesn’t? Tearing is something I VERY often find my clients feel nervous about going into birth. But it doesn't have to be scary! So in this episode, I’m breaking down the truth about tearing in birth: the myths, the evidence, and the very practical things you can do during pregnancy and labour to reduce your risk. Whether you’re planning a natural birth, an epidural, or just want to feel more confident heading into the unknown — this is a must-listen. 💥 Where to find me: 👉 If you're in Sydney and are looking for in-person birth doula support, view my packages via my website www.guardiandoula.com.au 👉 My instagram: @guardian.doula 👉 My email: angela@guardiandoula.com.au

    25 min

  7. 05/04/2025

    Episode 25: The Evidence on the Doula Difference

    Send us a text Are doulas really worth their weight in gold?  In this episode, we dive into the research that proves just how powerful doula support can be in labour.  From shorter labours to lower rates of intervention, the evidence is clear — the doula difference is real. Let's explore exactly what the research proves! 4o Where to find me: 👉 If you're in Sydney and are looking for in-person birth doula support, view my packages via my website www.guardiandoula.com.au 👉 My instagram: @guardian.doula 👉 My email: angela@guardiandoula.com.au

    16 min

  8. 04/26/2025

    Episode 24: Overcoming PAIN in Birth

    Send us a text The first VIDEO episode of the podcast is here, yay! 🎉 And if you've ever wondered, "how will I handle the pain of labour!?" - then this episode is for you. You’re not weak for worrying about it.  You’re smart for wanting to prepare.  In this episode, I’m giving you everything you need to tackle birth pain head-on: ⚡ Why pain in birth is different and how to work with it ⚡ Mindset shifts that will change everything  ⚡ Techniques I’ve used in my own 4 births and teach my clients ⚡ Why hiring a doula is one of the smartest moves for pain management It’s about the right support. The right strategy. And believing in your body. Listen to the episode now and start preparing for a confident, empowered birth. 💪 You’ve got this - and I’ve got you. Angie, your Guardian Doula Where to find me: 👉 If you're in Sydney and are looking for in-person birth doula support, view my packages via my website www.guardiandoula.com.au 👉 My instagram: @guardian.doula 👉 My email: angela@guardiandoula.com.au

    26 min
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About

An honest collection of the stories & experiences of birthing women, and the professionals that support them, to empower, equip, & inspire us all.

Information

  • Creator
    Angela Duce
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Guardian Doula’s Diary
  • Show Website
    Guardian Doula’s Diary