What happens when nurses and doulas stop viewing each other as “opponents” and start working as a true team? In this episode of Happy Hour with Bundle Birth Nurses, Sarah Lavonne meets with legendary doula and childbirth educator Ana Paula Markel to unpack the nurse–doula relationship, the difference between advocacy and activism, and why collaboration is one of the most evidence-backed ways to improve birth outcomes. We talk about conflict points (like medical advice, bias, and power dynamics), and discuss practical ways to build trust in the room and protect the physiology of labor. If you want fewer battles, better teamwork, and more patient-centered care, this conversation is your playbook.

Helpful Links!

• Come to MOVE Learning Retreat in Mexico!
• Take our Physiologic Birth training.
• Subscribe to our monthly newsletter for free education!
• DONA International
• Bini Birth taught by Ana Paula Markel
• Ina May Gaskin documentary
• The Business of Being Born

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In this episode of Happy Hour with Bundle Birth Nurses, Sarah Lavonne continues part 2 of the conversation for nurses who are new to labor and delivery or new to the specialty altogether. She shares practical, experience-based advice on facing imposter syndrome, asking questions, and accelerating your growth without burning yourself out. This episode dives into the emotional realities of L&D nursing, including how to process hard days, hold space for yourself, and build recovery routines that support long-term sustainability. Sarah responds to listener questions about work-life balance, leaving work at work, and navigating burnout in today’s healthcare climate. Whether you’re a new grad, transitioning specialties, or mentoring newer nurses, this episode is a grounded reminder that you’re not alone.

Helpful Links!

• Part 1 Podcast episode: Tips for Being New, Ruptured Vasa Previa & Building Rapport with Providers
• Burnout podcast episode
• Subscribe for free monthly education for L&D Nurses!
• Learn More about our Mentorship Program
• Come to our MOVE Learning Retreat!
• Healing Trauma in the Birth Professional On-Demand Class
• Sign Up for our Physiologic Birth Class
• Sign Up for our Basic Fetal Monitoring Class

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In this episode of Happy Hour with Bundle Birth Nurses, Sarah Lavonne answers your questions especially those new to labor & delivery or transitioning into the specialty. From managing self-doubt and imposter syndrome to letting go of constant emergency anticipation, Sarah shares the lessons she wishes she’d known earlier in her career. She dives into the realities of L&D acuity, the importance of owning your education, and how mastering “normal vs. abnormal” transforms both confidence and patient care. Through personal stories, including a powerful emergency case that changed everything for a relationship with a doctor, Sarah explains how trust, intuition, and collaboration can quite literally save lives. Whether you’re brand new, newly transferring, or years into practice, this conversation is a grounding reminder that you’re not alone and that confidence is built one patient, one shift, and one relationship at a time.

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Helpful Links!

• Basic Fetal Monitoring Class
• Subscribe to the Buzz for free monthly education!
• If you're a hospital interested in bringing our classes to your hospital, email us at hospital@bundlebirth.com We’d love to work with you.
• Wanna leave us a message? Send us a voicemail I can answer on the pod!