Pregnancy & Postnatal Entrepreneurs Collective Podcast

Hosted by Niamh Cassidy, IBCLC

Business Entrepreneurship Kids Family

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Oct 2026

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About the show

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 sustainability Guest conversations with birth workers and women in business Panel discussions exploring nuanced topics at the crossover of business and birth work Expect 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.

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60 recent

November 19, 2025Episode 6515 min

Ep. 66 Planning Your Birthwork Business for the Year Ahead

In this episode of The Pregnancy & Postnatal Entrepreneurs Collective Podcast , we’re diving into something every birthworker needs — a simple, supportive way to plan your year without burning out. Most traditional business planning frameworks just don’t land for us in birthwork. Our schedules are unpredictable, our lives are full, and the work is deeply seasonal. This episode walks you through a more realistic, more humane way to map out your year so you feel grounded, focused and ready — not frazzled before January even arrives. Whether you're a doula, lactation consultant, antenatal teacher or any other birth and postpartum professional, you'll take away a framework you can actually use. What We Cover in This Episode ✨ Why planning ahead matters for birthworkers How getting organised before January helps you feel grounded, motivated and ready to start the year strong. ✨ The real planning challenges in birthwork We look at seasonality, on-call unpredictability, childcare, and why standard business calendars rarely work for doulas, LCs and antenatal educators. ✨ A simple reflection process The key questions to review what worked this year, what didn’t, and what you want more (or less) of next year. ✨ Choosing meaningful priorities Instead of creating dozens of goals, we narrow it down to 2–3 priorities that actually move your birthwork business forward. ✨ Understanding your capacity How to map out the year based on your real availability — emotional, energetic and logistical — so you’re not setting yourself up for overwhelm. ✨ The Four-Month Planning Framework Why quarterly planning fails for most birthworkers and how a gentler four-month structure keeps you consistent and flexible. ✨ Planning with flexibility Your plan is a guide, not a rulebook. You’ll learn how to stay aligned while life, clients or seasons shift. If You Want to Take This Further… This episode shares the high-level framework. But if you want the practical, sit-down-and-get-it-done version of this planning process — with guidance, accountability and a workbook — this is the next live training inside Your Birth Biz The Membership . Members will: Map out their full year Create a detailed plan for the first four months Get support, feedback and accountability Leave with a personalised, sustainable plan If you’re listening before the live session in early December, you can join us in real time. If you’re listening afterwards, the full workshop lives in the Training Library for you. Full details on joining the membership are here. Get the Easy Content Creation - Summer Edition training Connect with Me Instagram Facebook Linked In

March 11, 2026Episode 7724 min

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 now The natural ups and downs of running a birth work business Why the economy might not be the only explanation How global events and collective trauma can affect our energy and visibility The emotional impact of constantly witnessing suffering in the world Why empathetic care professionals often carry this weight deeply Reflections around International Women’s Day and women’s rights globally Why community and connection with other birth workers is so important right now Ways we can support one another while continuing to support the families who need us A 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 birth worker who might need to hear this conversation, please share this episode with them. Because birth work was never meant to be done alone. Working alone in clients' homes comes with risks most birth workers aren't prepared for. Niamh created this free guide to share the 8 safety protocols she learned over two decade of home visits (first in social care services, then in birth work) from what to ask on your intake form to positioning yourself for safety. It takes 2 minutes to read and might be the one thing that matters. Download free: yourbirthbiz.com/safet Get the Easy Content Creation - Summer Edition training Connect with Me Instagram Facebook Linked In

February 12, 2025Episode 4622 min

EP: 46. Balancing Volunteering and Your Birth Work Business

Volunteering can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but when you’re also running a business—especially as a woman—it’s not always easy to find the balance. In this episode, I’m sharing my honest take on navigating the complexities of volunteering while maintaining your business, mental health, and financial stability. I’ll open up about my own experiences with volunteering (the good, the bad, and the lessons learned), how to set boundaries that protect your time and energy, and why financial empowerment is key to giving back sustainably. We’ll also chat about why it’s perfectly fine to prioritise yourself and your business—even if it means saying “no” sometimes. This episode is all about removing the guilt, finding joy in volunteering again, and recognising that it’s okay to also benefit from the work you do. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to clearly communicate expectations when volunteering. Why so many women feel guilty about charging for their services—and how to shift that mindset. Why volunteering should never come at the expense of your well-being. The importance of setting boundaries (and sticking to them). How financial security can actually enhance your ability to volunteer. Why it’s okay to say no (even when it’s hard). How to enjoy volunteering again—and the difference it can make in your engagement. Sound Bites You’ll Love: 💬 “Don’t say yes when you want to say no.” 💬 “You can benefit from volunteering too—and that’s okay.” 💬 “I started to enjoy volunteering again when I let go of the guilt.” Take a Listen: Whether you’re a birth worker who loves volunteering but struggles to find the time or you’re feeling a little burnt out and unsure how to move forward, this episode will help you prioritise yourself while still giving back in a way that feels aligned and joyful. 👉 Let me know what resonates most with you by tagging me on Instagram @preg_and_postnatal_collective —I love hearing your thoughts! Get the Easy Content Creation - Summer Edition training Connect with Me Instagram Facebook Linked In

January 31, 2024Episode 2613 min

To Niche or Not to Niche: Unpacking the Pros and Cons

Join us in this episode of the Pregnancy & Postnatal Entrepreneurs Collective Podcast as we tackle a question buzzing in the minds of birth and postpartum professionals – "Should I niche down?" While it might seem like serving pregnant or postnatal families is niche enough, we explore the potential benefits and challenges of getting even more specific. Discover the perks of becoming an expert in a particular area, from gaining trust to being the go-to person for a specific service. We share real-world examples, like the Instagram account dedicated solely to cooking potatoes, proving that embracing a niche can build a dedicated following. But it's not all sunshine – we discuss the challenges, whether you're working in-person or online. Is there a big enough population for your niche in your area? Can you stand out in the vast online space? We get real about the potential hurdles. And what if your niche doesn't take off as expected? We emphasize the importance of giving it time and being open to change. Not everyone needs to niche down, but if you decide it's for you, be strategic, be adaptable, and don't be afraid to switch things up if needed. Tune in for a laid-back, conversation-style discussion on the ins and outs of niching down in the birth and postpartum support world. Whether you're a doula, lactation consultant, or childbirth educator, this episode is packed with insights to help you thrive in your unique niche. Get the Easy Content Creation - Summer Edition training Connect with Me Instagram Facebook Linked In

November 14, 2024Episode 388 min

Ep. 38: Visualizing Success: A Guided Journey

In this episode Niamh brings you through a guided visualization exercise designed to help you envision your future success and the thriving birth or postpartum business you aspire to create. Through deep breathing and imaginative exercises, just like we do with our pregnant clients, you are encouraged to connect with your goals, values, and the legacy you wish to build! Mentioned: The NEST Programme Get the Easy Content Creation - Summer Edition training Connect with Me Instagram Facebook Linked In

November 5, 2025Episode 6435 min

Ep. 65 From College Dropout to 75 Employees: The Courage to Build Something Bigger

In this episode, I’m joined by Carson J. Wagner , founder of Lifetime of Love Nannies , a US-based childcare agency offering inclusive, personalised, 24/7 in-home care . Carson started her business at just 19, left college, ignored every voice telling her she was crazy… and went on to build a company with over 75 employees across three locations (and more on the way). Her story is powerful for anyone working in the birth, postpartum, and family support industries — especially if you’ve ever wondered: Am I ready to grow? Who am I to hire help? How do I charge properly for the care work I do? What would it look like to expand while staying ethical and values-led? We talk about: ✨ The bravery it takes to start before you feel ready ✨ Building a business model based on actual community need ✨ Why she chose to hire nannies as employees , not contractors ✨ The link between care work being undervalued and feminism ✨ How to charge your worth when your work feels “heart-led” ✨ The importance of company culture when building a team ✨ How she scaled to multiple locations without burning out ✨ Why community, mentorship + support matter at every stage This conversation is especially relevant for doulas, lactation consultants, childbirth educators, postpartum doulas, nanny agency owners, newborn care specialists, and anyone offering hands-on care . If you're currently working solo but feel the nudge that something bigger is possible — this one will speak to you. Connect with Carson Website: https://lifetimeoflovenannies.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carson-wagner-17a96b197/ Working alone in clients' homes comes with risks most birth workers aren't prepared for. Niamh created this free guide to share the 8 safety protocols she learned over two decade of home visits (first in social care services, then in birth work) from what to ask on your intake form to positioning yourself for safety. It takes 2 minutes to read and might be the one thing that matters. Download free: yourbirthbiz.com/safet Get the Easy Content Creation - Summer Edition training Connect with Me Instagram Facebook Linked In

August 27, 2025Episode 6133 min

Ep. 62 Working With Your Cycle: Boost Productivity & Balance in Your Business

In this episode of The Pregnancy & Postnatal Entrepreneurs Collective Podcast , I’m joined by Tayba Azim , counsellor, psychotherapist, and Mizan therapist. Together, we explore how understanding your menstrual cycle and its inner seasons can help you thrive as a woman in business. We dive into: 🌸 What Mizan therapy is and how it supports reproductive, digestive, and emotional health 🌸 The inner seasons of the menstrual cycle (winter, spring, summer, autumn) and what they mean for energy, mood, and productivity 🌸 Practical tips for cycle charting — apps vs paper tracking 🌸 How to sync business tasks, self-care, and even exercise with your cycle phases 🌸 Why period pain is common but not normal , and how traditional practices can help 🌸 How women without a bleed (due to birth control, menopause, or hysterectomy) can still benefit from cycle charting with the lunar cycle I learned a lot from this conversation about reclaiming your body’s wisdom, challenging societal stigmas, and finding balance in both work and life. 🔗 Connect with Tayba: Website: https://nurturingheartandwomb.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/nurturingheartandwomb ✨ If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to support the podcast. Share it with a birthworker or business-owning friend who needs to hear this! Working alone in clients' homes comes with risks most birth workers aren't prepared for. Niamh created this free guide to share the 8 safety protocols she learned over two decade of home visits (first in social care services, then in birth work) from what to ask on your intake form to positioning yourself for safety. It takes 2 minutes to read and might be the one thing that matters. Download free: yourbirthbiz.com/safet Get the Easy Content Creation - Summer Edition training Connect with Me Instagram Facebook Linked In

May 8, 2023Episode 913 min

Using Story Telling to Get More Clients

In this episode of The Pregnancy Postnatal Entrepreneurs Collective podcast, we explore the power of storytelling in building a successful business. Niamh discusses how storytelling can be a valuable tool for connecting with potential clients and building trust and authority in your business. She gives examples of how sharing your own personal story and client success stories can help create an emotional connection with your audience and inspire them to take action. Additionally, Niamh talks about how prominent female service-based entrepreneurs have effectively used storytelling to connect with their audiences and build thriving businesses. Listeners will gain insights into how they can incorporate storytelling into their social media and website content and take actionable steps to create a powerful brand narrative that resonates with their audience. Whether you are a birth or postnatal worker who is building your business, or an entrepreneur in any other industry, this episode will provide valuable tips and strategies to help you use storytelling effectively in your marketing and build a stronger connection with your target audience. Join the free Collective Facebook Group to build your Community here Get the Easy Content Creation - Summer Edition training Connect with Me Instagram Facebook Linked In

June 5, 2024Episode 3532 min

EP. 35: What is Self Care Anyway?

In this episode I chat with Emma Benyon about that often controversial topic of 'self care and what is it anyway? And what does is mean as a birth or postnatal worker? How can we make sure our tanks are full so we can continue to give to clients? And how do we even fit it in!? Emma breaks it all down for us and gives easy practical tools you can implement today. Emma Benyon is a self-care and motherhood coach and educator, supporting busy mums who are juggling the school run with a job and building a business with the tools to be less overwhelmed and have more balance, energy and clarity. Emma is mum to a six year old and a qualified NLP, mBIT and Practical Magic Coach and full time post 16 educator. She is the editor of Positive Wellbeing Zine for Mums and host of the Self Care and Motherhood Edit podcast. Her passion is to support busy mums to have more time and energy for the all the things they enjoy and to have the tools to support and nurture themselves. Website - Emmabenyoncoaching.co.uk Instagram - @emmabenyon.coach Facebook - @emmabenyon.coach Podcast - Self Care and Motherhood Edit Stand Out & Get More Bookings Working alone in clients' homes comes with risks most birth workers aren't prepared for. Niamh created this free guide to share the 8 safety protocols she learned over two decade of home visits (first in social care services, then in birth work) from what to ask on your intake form to positioning yourself for safety. It takes 2 minutes to read and might be the one thing that matters. Download free: yourbirthbiz.com/safet Get the Easy Content Creation - Summer Edition training Connect with Me Instagram Facebook Linked In

March 18, 2026Episode 7820 min

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 Episode Niamh discusses: Why the advice to “stop posting educational content” doesn’t make sense for birth workers How educational posts build trust, authority and credibility with expectant and new parents Why parents actively search for evidence-based information about birth, breastfeeding and newborn care The growing trend of custom AI tools and AI-generated advice in business Why relying on someone else’s AI tool can dilute your voice and professional judgement Practical ways birth workers can use AI as a tool without outsourcing their expertise The rise of controversial or polarising content designed purely to drive engagement Why “hot takes” and debate-driven content can undermine credibility in a trust-based profession How viral reach is not the same as attracting aligned clients Why sustainable growth for birth workers comes from consistency, clarity and trust What Actually Works for Birth Workers Instead 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. Get the Easy Content Creation - Summer Edition training Connect with Me Instagram Facebook Linked In