You could support families as a birth doula. Or a postpartum doula. Or a childbirth educator. But what if you could offer all three services? You definitely can.

Here's what each of these professionals do:

Lamaze childbirth educators teach families about birth and the postpartum time in the classroom or in private sessions. This work focuses on creative and engaging ways to help parents learn the skills they need for an empowering experience.

Birth doulas support families in-person during the birth process in the hospital, in birth centers or at home. This includes physical support, emotional support, information, advocacy, and partner support.

Postpartum doulas come to the home after the baby arrives and help families settle in over the first weeks and months. Think baby snuggling, teaching, processing, nurturing, and light household chores.

Visualize yourself sharing evidence-based information with families in the classroom, whether that's a group series or a private class, and then continuing to support them by attending their birth and throughout the fourth trimester. Serving in two or three roles can multiply the ways you help new parents — and boost your income.