In our commitment to improving birth and postpartum outcomes for at-risk populations, we are now offering the labor doula training in Spanish. We are proud to educate community members and family support workers to provide labor support when language is a barrier to quality healthcare. With help from CAPPA Latinoamerica* (shoutout Jenny Bertha!) we have …
CAPPA Introduces the Labor Doula Training in SPANISH! Continue reading »
Many of my clients are anxious about giving their baby the first bath at home. I have a great method that is easy for them to do and does not stress out the baby. I teach it to both parents (if there are 2) at the same time as it is best for them to …
One of the best ways to initiate impactful self-care is to begin setting boundaries. Boundaries help us determine what is our responsibility. Perhaps even more importantly, they delineate what is not our responsibility. In their classic book, Boundaries,[1] Doctors Cloud and Townsend explain how boundaries help us keep nurturing things in our lives and harmful …
Me First – Part 2: Managing Work Boundaries Continue reading »
We work in spaces that hold both the best of times and the worst of times. We are given the extraordinary honor of an invitation to enter our clients’ lives in the most joyous and intimate of situations. Yet as beautiful as this work is, it is also stressful. We train to learn how best …
Me First – Part 1: Burnout in the Birth Workers Continue reading »
Because you are the most important person to your baby! As doulas and educators, our job is to educate our clients so they can simplify and focus on what’s important and let go of the rest. During all the excitement and exhaustion, many new parents are understandably overwhelmed with information about caring for their newborn. …
The Five Things Your Baby Needs Most from You Continue reading »
Black/African American mothers continue to face disparities that impact breastfeeding rates, be it initiation, duration, or exclusivity. The disparities faced by Black/African American mothers aid in the increased maternal/infant mortality and morbidity rates. The rates are significantly lower with inevitable health consequences for mother and baby. Breastfeeding offers preventative health benefits; exclusive breastfeeding must be …
Breastfeeding in America: The Black/African American Mothers Experience Continue reading »
Prenatal mental health can significantly affect the unborn child and its future development. According to research, women experiencing depression or anxiety before or during pregnancy may be at greater risk of having a baby with cognitive, social, and behavioural problems later in life. It highlights the importance of perinatal mental health support for both parents …
Prenatal Psychological Support Can Positively Impact Baby’s Emotional Well-being Continue reading »
Labor induction is such a common maternal care practice that it is almost considered to be a normal way of giving birth in the United States. And of course, there are benefits to moms and babies when reasons for induction are medically indicated, such as low amniotic fluid, IUGR and concerning pre-eclampsia symptoms. But with …
Labor Induction: Could it have any psychological effects on the baby? Continue reading »
CAPPA faculty and owner of Chicago Family Doulas, Annamarie Rodney has created materials for doulas and educators who are just starting out to use! For Labor Doulas Share this video with clients so they know what you can provide and offer! You can edit this on Canva and add your own logo! Edit the Labor/Birth …
Videos for Members to Share with Clients! Continue reading »
1. Your presence in the early hours and days postpartum places you in a key position to support nursing. By learning all you can about lactation and infant feeding, you can help parents and babies get off to a good start. “Doulas should understand they can help clients reach their breastfeeding goals by ensuring babies …
Six Things IBCLCs Wish All Doulas Knew About Lactation Support Continue reading »