Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss their experiences with being scammed by Augustine Colebrook, who promised a Belize retreat for November 2024 but changed it to February 2025, causing scheduling conflicts.

Despite paying in installments, they were unable to get refunds, with Colebrook citing financial difficulties and potential bankruptcy.

They highlight the broader issue of Colebrook's history of financial mishandling, including a $2,000 loss for a skills and drills conference cancellation and allegations of harming families in Oregon and Hawaii.

They urge caution for other birth workers and emphasize the importance of transparency and integrity in business practices.

Part 1 on YouTube: https://youtu.be/535CkMmvlgs?si=uCPE37UE6u1vyNv-

Part 2 on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MVdtv3IZxsg

Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discussed their observations from a recent meeting of DONA International, a nonprofit organization for doulas. They highlighted issues such as the lack of transparency, missing meeting minutes for three years, and inconsistencies in financial reporting. They noted that DONA's membership has declined from 7,000 to around 2,700 certified members in two years, and its revenue has dropped significantly. They also criticized the lack of translation services and the rushed certification process, which may compromise quality. They emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in doula organizations and announced plans to provide a resource for informed consumer decisions.

• Click here to find an organization's 990 tax filings to verify the financial information shared.
• Here's a resource to provide more transparency and information about doula and birth worker training organizations.

• Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds introduce themselves and acknowledge the post-election energy.
• The meeting is focused on observations from a recent meeting of an organization they were previously leaders of.
• Ravae emphasizes the importance of transparency for nonprofit organizations, especially regarding financial and membership information.
• The goal is to provide feedback and create accountability within the organization, Dona International.

• Denise Bolds discusses the annual member meeting, highlighting the lack of transparency in posting meeting minutes and budgets.
• The organization claims to be transparent, but Denise notes that meeting minutes and agendas have not been posted in several years.
• Denise mentions that she kept slides from the meeting to track information and questions the organization's financial health.
• Ravae and Denise express concern about the inconsistencies in the organization's claims of transparency.

• Denise shares a screen to present certification and membership numbers, revealing a significant drop in certified doulas since 2017.
• The organization claims to have over 2000 birth doulas and just over 500 postpartum doulas certified.
• Ravae and Denise discuss the importance of these numbers and the discrepancy between the organization's claims and actual figures.
• They note that the organization's membership has been declining, especially in Canada, due to unmet needs and issues with the organization.

• Ravae discusses the organization's financial health, noting that it was once a million-dollar company but is now losing ground.
• The organization's revenue has decreased significantly, with a drop of $300,000 to $400,000 in the past two years.
• Ravae explains that the organization's revenue comes primarily from membership dues and trainer fees, with a recent change requiring trainers to pay per head.
• Despite the changes, the organization's financial situation remains precarious, with lower revenue than in previous years.

• Ravae and Denise highlight...

Be Aware of Scammers!

Ravae Sinclair, a co-host of the Doula That podcast, shares her experience of being scammed by Augustine Colebrook, who promised a retreat for birth workers. Ravae paid $1,400 for a retreat scheduled for November 2024, but it was changed to February 2025, which was unacceptable. Despite multiple requests for a refund, Colebrook delayed and eventually took an additional $600 without authorization. Ravae emphasizes the importance of being informed consumers, using business credit cards for transactions, and the need for clear communication from service providers. She urges others to be cautious and to support her in recovering her money.

Ravae Sinclair @birthconnections @natlbirthpostpartumpros

Augustine Colebrook @artofbirthing @midwiferywisdom

Youtube:https://youtu.be/535CkMmvlgs?si=uCPE37UE6u1vyNv-

Outline

Scammers in the Birth Space

• Ravae Sinclair introduces herself and the topic of scammers in the birth space.
• She mentions that she and her co-host Denise have been impacted by scammers, with her matter still unresolved.
• Ravae emphasizes that it's important to speak out if one has been scammed to prevent others from falling victim.
• She encourages birth workers not to feel shame if they have been scammed, as it's not their fault.

The Scam Story Begins

• Ravae shares a story about planning to attend a retreat with her co-host Denise, inspired by a promotional ad.
• They made payments from January to June, expecting a retreat in November, but received no updates or communication.
• In July, they learned the conference in New Orleans had changed to virtual, raising suspicions about the retreat.
• The retreat dates were later changed to February 2025, which was unacceptable for Ravae due to her schedule and client commitments.

Attempts to Get a Refund

• Ravae and Denise reached out to Augustine Colebrook, the organizer, requesting a refund due to the significant date change.
• Augustine agreed to the refund but delayed it, initially saying it would be at the end of November.
• Denise's company was able to get provisional credit back on her credit card, but Ravae's payments were made through a business debit card, making it harder to challenge.
• Despite multiple emails and requests, Augustine did not provide the refund or communicate effectively.

The Scam Escalates

• In October, Ravae discovered an unauthorized $600 charge from Augustine, under a different business name.
• She had to cancel her debit card to prevent further unauthorized charges.
• Ravae expressed deep disappointment and frustration, especially seeing Augustine's social media posts about her activities in Bali while not returning the money.
• She emphasized the importance of being an informed consumer and the need for better communication and transparency from service providers.

Final Plea and Lessons Learned

• Ravae urged listeners to be cautious and informed when making purchases, especially in the birth space.
• She shared her frustration and the emotional toll of being scammed, especially by someone who claimed to be an ally.
• Ravae highlighted the importance of having a business credit card for transactions to have advocacy and protection.
• She called on listeners to support her in getting her money back and to be vigilant about who they do business with.

The Day After The Day After The Election

Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss the emotional and physical impact of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, expressing feelings of betrayal and fear for the future. They highlight the potential loss of reproductive rights and privacy due to the Supreme Court's conservative leanings and the erosion of bodily autonomy. They also address the broader implications for healthcare, particularly the shortage of medical professionals and the challenges faced by immigrants. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, support for birth workers, and the need for systemic change to protect reproductive health and access to quality care.

Co-Hosts

Ravae Sinclair @birthconnections @natlbirthpostpartumpros

Denise Bolds @bolddoula @blackwomendovbac

Show Links

• TikTok link in the show notes about an interview with a white nationalist.
• Become a member of National Birth and Postpartum Professionals Organization.

Outline

Impact of the Election on Personal Well-being

• Ravae Sinclair expresses her emotional state, mentioning she has "all the feels" and is struggling to find words.
• Denise Bolds shares her physical and emotional symptoms, feeling unwell and comparing the impact of the election results to past elections.
• Ravae Sinclair discusses the broader impact of American elections on the world and the importance of voting.
• Both hosts reflect on feeling betrayed and the fear of losing freedoms and equity gained.

Personal and Professional Reactions to the Election

• Denise Bolds describes her experience in New York City, particularly during the pandemic, and her triggering feelings upon hearing the election results.
• Denise Bolds emphasizes her concerns as a black woman and birth worker, highlighting the impact of the election on her family and her profession.
• Ravae Sinclair discusses the potential loss of reproductive rights and the impact of the Supreme Court's decisions on privacy rights.
• Both hosts express their frustration and anger over the election outcome and its implications for future generations.

Impact on Reproductive Rights and Healthcare

• Ravae Sinclair explains the potential long-term impact of the Supreme Court's decisions on reproductive rights and privacy.
• The conversation touches on the erosion of privacy rights and the potential for a lifetime appointment of Supreme Court justices.
• Ravae Sinclair discusses the challenges faced by women seeking medical care during the pandemic and the impact of heartbeat laws.
• Denise Bolds shares her personal experience with miscarriages and the suffering women endure due to lack of access to necessary medical care.

Challenges Faced by Birth Workers and Medical Professionals

• Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss the challenges faced by birth workers and medical professionals, particularly in the context of the pandemic.
• The conversation highlights the impact of immigration policies on the healthcare system and the shortage of medical professionals.
• Ravae Sinclair shares a story from a Facebook group about the difficulties faced by women seeking medical care in states with strict abortion laws.
• Both hosts emphasize the importance of access to quality healthcare and the role of birth workers in supporting women during pregnancy and...

Personal updates, business growth, and nonprofit work.

• Ravae and Denise are back after a 3-month break, catching up with listeners.
• They discuss their busy schedules, podcast hiatus, and future plans.
• Denise Bolds shares updates on her personal and professional life, including travel and business growth.
• Ravae Sinclair expands agency, launches online training programs, and supports nonprofit while taking breaks and enjoying personal time.
• Post-pandemic changes in the birthing space, including increased inductions and doula burnout. 7:33
• Denise Bolds highlights post-pandemic changes in the birthing space, including increased inductions, doula burnout, and hospital closures.
• Ravae Sinclair seeks Denise's insights on the energy and vibe in the birth world since the pandemic, with a focus on shifting dynamics and professionals leaving their roles.
• Birth workers' experiences with social media and reproductive rights. 10:28
• Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss the importance of Facebook groups for doulas, providing emotional and financial support.
• Doulas need community building and connection, which Facebook groups can offer, despite being isolated in their work.
• Ravae Sinclair observes growth in realization of the impact of reproductive rights loss on birth workers, with some feeling the pinch and others seeking business building skills.
• Ravae Sinclair sees some people pulling back from social media due to life's challenges, while others continue to vocalize their opinions and priorities.
• The state of the birth world, including burnout, lack of leadership, and traumatic birth experiences. 15:10
• Ravae and Denise discuss the importance of continued learning and mentorship in the birthing industry.
• Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss the challenges of being a doula, including burnout and the need for responsible and experienced professionals.
• Many doulas are experiencing burnout, with some leaving the profession entirely, while others are struggling to keep up with the demands of their work.
• Birth professionals describe chaotic and traumatic situations in the wild west of childbirth.
• Optimism and solutions for improving the state of birth in the US, with a focus on nurses' roles and accountability. 21.49
• Ravae Sinclair emphasizes the importance of nurses in the birth process and calls for accountability.
• Sinclair and others aim to develop into educators and leaders in the field, offering advanced courses and solutions.
• Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss the state of birth work, innovation, and optimism post-pandemic.
• They reflect on their experiences during the pandemic, including working in hazmat suits and neglecting personal well-being.
• Pivoting and innovation in doula work, with a focus on childbirth education and virtual training. 26:45
• Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss innovative doula training programs, including NICU doula training and medical terminology for birth workers.
• Doulas can help families navigate traumatic gaps during childbirth and postpartum, including those in NICUs, with specific skills and support.
• Ravae Sinclair is focusing on supporting birth businesses and parents with convenient, accessible education.
• She is developing self-paced childbirth education modules and innovating her contracts for doulas and agencies.
• Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss their return to sharing tips and ideas after taking a break.

Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair share their experiences and insights on personal growth, wellness, and inclusivity in the birth work community. They emphasize the importance of self-love, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care for effective leadership and service. They also discuss the challenges of navigating identity and leadership as black women in the field, and the need for inclusivity and transparency in serving diverse communities.

• Denise and Ravae discuss their struggles with weight loss and fitness, sharing their experiences and tips.
• Ravae Sinclair reflects on her weight gain and stress during her time as intercultural director at Dona.
• Denise Bolds shares her own experience with weight gain and stress, and how it relates to her current project.
• Ravae Sinclair shares her personal journey as an intercultural director and board member, highlighting the challenges and toll of pushing for inclusivity and change within institutions.
• Sinclair reflects on the weight gain and stress she experienced during her time as a volunteer board member, and how she had to find ways to prioritize her own well-being after leaving the board.

• Denise Bolds shares her wellness journey and how it supports her birth work, despite external obligations.
• Ravae Sinclair encourages Denise to embrace her identity and inclusivity in her dissertation, leading to project success.
• Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss parenting an adult child, with Denise adjusting her approach to let go and prioritize self-care.
• They agree that it's important to let adult children make their own mistakes and learn from them, while still providing support and guidance.

• Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss burnout and recovery as birth workers, with Ravae sharing her struggles with leading inclusive work while prioritizing self-care.
• Ravae and Denise explore the changing needs of birth workers during the pandemic, with a focus on balancing work and self-care in this new phase.
• Ravae Sinclair reflects on her identity as a seasoned birth worker and black woman, prioritizing her own needs and authenticity in her work.
• Sinclair shares examples of other birth workers who have found success by staying true to themselves and their communities, inspiring her to do the same.

• Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss their personal growth and transformation in their 60s, with a focus on serving others.
• They share their experiences of unloading baggage, breaking bad habits, and being transparent with themselves for personal growth.
• Ravae Sinclair shares her experience of transforming in her 40s, including gaining weight and setting boundaries.
• Denise Bolds discusses how turning 50 brings new challenges, such as figuring out how to use the fire of life.

• Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss self-care and its impact on their doula practices, with Denise sharing her experience of letting go of clients who are not a good fit.
• They emphasize the importance of accountability in growing a business, with Denise mentioning the need to evolve and adapt to changes.
• Denise Bolds shares her journey of transforming her health through diet and exercise, with the help of her doctor and online resources.
• Ravae Sinclair supports Denise's efforts and encourages others to make similar changes, emphasizing the importance of partnering with caring professionals.

• Childbirth education and lack of recognition from evidence-based birth organization. 0:02
• Ravae and Denise discuss their podcast updates, current events in the birth space, and advocacy for safe and comfortable spaces.
• Denise Bolds and 5 other women, including 2 black women, have been working on a Longitudinal Study to improve birth outcomes for black and brown families.
• Despite their efforts, they have received little recognition or support from Evidence Based Birth, including being asked to present at their conference.
• Black History Month and DEI efforts in the birth work community. 4:16
• Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss the erosion of Black History Month and Juneteenth celebrations in corporate America, with a focus on the lack of commitment from white leadership organizations.
• The two doulas highlight the importance of 365 blackness and the need for white organizations to be mindful of their actions and commit to supporting black vendors and promoting black history throughout the year.
• Ravae Sinclair discusses the lack of attention and action around Black History Month, despite previous claims of support from allies.
• Denise Bolds joins the conversation, sharing her own experiences with pain and the need for acknowledgement and addressing of systemic issues.
• Leadership and communication in a maternal health organization. 9:04
• Denise and Ravae discuss Rebecca's sudden dismissal of their work without explanation, despite previous support and collaboration.
• Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss the importance of proper communication and leadership in the Black birth worker community, with a focus on building relationships and acknowledging the work of older, more experienced individuals.
• Denise Bolds expresses frustration with younger doulas who don't understand the history of the work and don't want to acknowledge the contributions of older, more experienced individuals.
• Ravae Sinclair shares her frustration with the abrupt and disrespectful manner in which she was removed from a leadership role in a community organization.
• The speaker and others agree that it's important for leaders to do better in treating volunteers with respect and care, especially when transitioning them out of their roles.
• Building relationships and maintaining influence in the workplace. 16:46
• Denise Bolds reflects on her experience with EPB and acknowledges the need to move on, feeling undervalued and unappreciated despite her contributions.
• Ravae Sinclair shares similar experiences of being transitioned out of spaces and recognizes the importance of containing those experiences for future growth.
• Ravae Sinclair emphasizes the importance of being mindful of who you build relationships with in your business and personal life.
• She shares her experience of intentionally limiting her interactions with certain people who have not been supportive or respectful, and reassessing those relationships yearly.
• Letting go of toxic relationships and trusting God's plan. 21:27
• Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss outgrowing people and relationships, with Denise sharing her experience of resigning from several organizations and Ravae offering tips for those in similar situations.
• Ravae Sinclair reflects on a situation where someone suddenly ghosted them after years of close connection, highlighting the need to recognize and respect people's boundaries.
• Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss the importance of recognizing signs of closure in personal relationships and moving on when necessary.
• They share their experiences with betrayal and how it can take time to catch up and move forward.
• Ravae Sinclair shares her experience of building relationships in business,...

• Doula referrals in a Facebook group. 0:00
• Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss common issues on social media related to birth work and leadership.
• Ravae Sinclair and Denise Bolds discuss a post in a Facebook group for doulas of color where a request for referrals for a "high profile or celebrity burning person" was made in the middle of the day on February 6.
• The original poster asked a doula to tag a colleague in central New Jersey, but the doula tagged an agency owner instead, leading to confusion and negative commentary in the thread.
• Professionalism and authenticity in the birth worker community. 3:26
• Ravae Sinclair and Emily were discussing a client in a public thread when Emily tagged blindsided, a doula, in the comment.
• Blindsided replied to the comment, stating that it's not an issue of respect but authenticity, and her doula work is professional and discreet.
• Ravae Sinclair emphasizes authenticity in doula work and referrals.
• Ravae Sinclair shares her reaction to a negative exchange between two leaders in the birth worker community on social media, finding it sad and throwing her off during a positive moment.
• Denise comments on the impact of such interactions on the people watching, highlighting the importance of professionalism and leadership in the community.
• Using social media responsibly and avoiding negativity. 9:43
• Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss the negative consequences of using social media to direct passive aggression towards someone, rather than having a private conversation.
• Ravae Sinclair expresses frustration with a public conversation between two colleagues, feeling it was unnecessary and unpleasant.
• Sinclair suggests that difficult conversations should be handled in private or with a small supportive group, rather than in a public space.
• Social media etiquette and backstabbing. 14:22
• Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss the negative impact of social media on black maternal health disparities, including the potential for passive aggression and hostility when tagging someone in a post.
• The speakers emphasize the importance of being mindful of the potential consequences of tagging someone in a social media post, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like race and reproductive health.
• Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss the concept of "karma" and how it relates to a person who has been mistreated, with Ravae expressing her belief that the person will ultimately ruin their own opportunities through their actions.
• Ravae shares her observations of the person's behavior, including their tendency to backstab and lack of loyalty, and how it has affected their relationships and opportunities.
• Ravae Sinclair expresses frustration with a recent incident in which someone was publicly criticized and believes it's a symptom of a larger problem in the birth worker space of not holding each other accountable for our actions.
• Denise Bolds agrees that there is a lack of accountability in the space and notes that it's important to call people in and hold them responsible for their behavior, but also recognizes that it's not always easy to know how to do this in a constructive way.
• Trust and accountability in the doula community. 23:11
• Denise Bolds and Ravae Sinclair discuss the importance of accountability in the birth work industry, with a focus on trustworthiness and reliability.
• They share examples of unethical behavior, such as a doula who took money for childbirth education but didn't provide the class, and a midwife who stole money from black birth workers.
• Denise Bolds discusses a Black doula who falsely claimed to have helped New York State doulas get their Medicaid certification, and how this has caused...