In this episode of Chasing the Insights, I talk to doula expert Carrie Kenner.

Carrie talks to us about the difference between a doula and a coach.

Carrie Kenner is a doula expert. She writes, speaks, and educates about doulas, and has trained over 2,500 birth doulas in her career. As a business coach and mentor, she has helped hundreds of doulas launch successful careers and serve tens of thousands of individuals and families. She is a retired birth doula, active doula trainer, and business coach for doulas.

Carrie is an advocate for the benefit of doulas in all of life’s challenging situations. She knows that doulas can bridge the gap between institution-centered care (such as in medical and legal systems) and the person-focused emotional and spiritual support humans need. In her courses and programs, Carrie shares her vast knowledge of the doula role, why doulas are so effective at preventing trauma and improving outcomes, and how doulas address racial and social justice with their work.

Carrie has doula'd people through birth, death, postpartum, brain tumor diagnosis, infertility, miscarriage, and surgeries. Her book, So You Want to Be a Doula, features over 20 doula roles and tools to help aspiring doulas choose the best role for their interests and lifestyle.

Carrie lives in Washington State surrounded by trees and water. She has three sons, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. She wishes for everyone to experience the love of a doula.