During a recent virtual one-day intensive childbirth class, one of my students, at 36 weeks pregnant, during introductions told us that she had given birth 12 years ago by C-section and was excited and somewhat anxious about having a vaginal delivery, this time. When she’d indicated where she was giving birth, I knew that VBACs […]
The Importance of Exploring a Multitude of Birth Options Continue reading »
What is trauma-informed? Be trauma-informed is to recognize that trauma is very common in people’s lives. Simply put, “There’s a story behind every person. There’s a reason why they are the way they are. They aren’t just like that because they want to be. Something in the past created them, and sometimes it is impossible
Trauma-informed Approach Continue reading »
I began my Labor Doula career when my sister-in-law found out she was expecting twins. She was getting frustrated with her doctors sharing various opinions about how she should birth these babies. Some doctors said the safest option was to schedule a Cesarean at 36 weeks. Other doctors in the same practice said she could
Supporting Labor Doula Clients Expecting Twins Continue reading »
Communication is a topic that spans every profession and enhances every relationship. Effective communication is imperative for expressing thoughts and opinions in a healthy way. In the healthcare profession, good communication can be a matter of life or death. Motivational Interviewing is very well established and uses a series of foundational skills to accomplish favorable
Motivational Interviewing Continue reading »
It’s a question that comes up at every doula training – “What do you carry with you to a birth?” On message boards and doula support forums, there are so many options and ideas and lists of suggestions for things that doulas may want to purchase or may need to carry to support someone in
What’s in the Bag? Continue reading »
1942, an age where birth had been overtaken by obstetrics and medicalization, Dr. Grant Dick- Read’s book, Natural Childbirth introduced birth in a gentle manner. Exploring the baby’s own experience and the theory that fear and tension induced more pain. At this time these concepts were seen as radical. The Bradley method was developed in
The Evolution of Breathing in Labour Continue reading »
What is a non-profit organization? A Non-profit organization is a business that has been granted tax-exempt status (501c3) by the IRS because it furthers a social cause and provides a public benefit (Kenton, 2020). Donations made to a nonprofit organization are typically tax-deductible to individuals and businesses that make them, and the nonprofit itself pays
Starting a Non-Profit Organization – It may not be as hard as you think! Continue reading »
Many pregnant persons say it’s hard to sleep because they can’t get comfortable, need to run to the bathroom constantly, have leg cramps, and are excited and anxious about their baby’s arrival. They often joke that it is to prepare them for things to come…the arrival of their newborn and more sleepless nights and sleep
After teaching childbirth preparation classes and working as a doula for many years, I often ponder the question what do parents really need to know before birth? I’ve had so many clients come through my classes; some with notebooks and pens, some with stories from friends and family and some with such fear and anxiety
How to Teach Meditation for Childbirth Preparation Continue reading »
Many doulas start their businesses with a deep passion and excitement for this incredible work! Doulas are often caring, loving, thoughtful, passionate and educated, but unfortunately not always business minded! This can become quite a challenge as many doulas work independently and need to find their own way in this field. Although being passionate is important
Top Five Tips for Growing your Doula and Birth Business Continue reading »
With ever-changing COVID restrictions, birth businesses are struggling. We can’t work the way we used to. The whole way we interact with society is in flux. But is the shifting cultural climate the only thing that’s holding us back?? Or is there something else? Let me share with you “A Tale of 3 Gyms”. These
What’s Holding You Back? Fear of Failure and Imposter Syndrome Continue reading »
If there is one thing we have learned since early 2020, it’s that things are ever changing with this pandemic. One thing that has remained the same: people are still going to have babies. At the beginning of 2020, there were so many unknowns with the virus, how it affects a pregnant person and newborn,
5 Reasons to Still Hire a Labor Doula – Especially During the Pandemic Continue reading »
Marketing is part of any doula business. Unlike yoga students or massage clients, our families use our services and then move on. Therefore, publicity, like laundry is never done. Do something every day to promote your business. Remember that every experienced doula was once an enthusiastic new doula, wondering where their clients would come from.
Marketing Your Doula Business Continue reading »
For Vera Kevic, listening is a vital piece in how she practices as a doula. Beginning with the prenatal visits where new and repeat parents share their hopes, plans, concerns and fears about how they want their birth to go. Then continuing in labor when Kevic tries to get a sense of the room by
Doulas on Bikes Continue reading »
I work as a hospital labor doula. I have done this work for 22 years. In addition to being a bedside doula, I also attend childbirth classes, centering classes, and lead expectant parent tours of labor and delivery. During these tours and class visits, I am able to answer questions about what a doula is
Centering Pregnancy Continue reading »
CAPPA Certified Lactation Educator™, CLE® If you feel inspired to support people through lactation and breastfeeding/chestfeeding, you might have considered becoming a Certified Lactation Educator™. A CAPPA Certified Lactation Educator™, CLE® works with parents to offer unbiased, evidence based support. In order to determine if this profession might be right for you, you might wonder
How To Become A Certified Lactation Educator™ And Why It Might Be Right For You Continue reading »
CAPPA Certified Childbirth Educator Training If you feel inspired to educate and support families preparing for a pregnancy or experiencing a pregnancy, you might have considered becoming a Certified Childbirth Educator. A CAPPA Certified Childbirth Educator (CCCE) works with families and within the healthcare system to offer unbiased support. A CCCE provides families with encouragement
How To Become A Certified Childbirth Educator And Why It Might Be Right For You Continue reading »
If you become a postpartum doula, you will have the opportunity to provide emotional, informational and physical support to a new family during one of the most important, memorable periods of change. Have you ever wondered if becoming a Postpartum Doula might be right for you? If so, then you’ve also wondered how to become
How To Become A Postpartum Doula And Why It Might Be Right For You Continue reading »
If you feel a call to help families during pregnancy, labor and birth, you’ve probably also wondered what it takes to become a labor doula. Alternately, perhaps you’ve wanted to be a birth doula for years, but weren’t quite sure how. At CAPPA, we refer to a birth doula as a “Labor Doula” and offer
How To Become A Labor Doula And Why It Might Be Right For You Continue reading »
Have you heard the old saying “We are Better Together?” There is so much truth in this statement when it comes to connecting with other doulas and educators in our arena. After working as a doula for nine years, I truly believe “Building Connections” is the single best thing you can do to set yourself
The Importance of Building Connections for Success Continue reading »
Laura Nance – CPD, CLD, CLE®, CCCE, CPFE, Faculty, Senior Program Advisor CAPPA recently made changes to the Postpartum Doula Scope of Practice. These changes reflect the needs of postpartum doulas and the work they do with families. First, let’s talk about why a Scope of Practice is even necessary. It comes down to two
Updates to Our Postpartum Doula Scope of Practice Continue reading »
As labor doulas and childbirth educators, we prepare our clients with information about routine interventions. We go over the benefits, risks and alternatives to these interventions, equipping parents to make the best decisions for themselves and their babies. But no one has to place a needle in an arm to alter the course of a
The Subtle Impact of Interference Continue reading »
As a labor and postpartum doula, I have supported a number of single moms by choice, helping them navigate the challenges of birthing and parenting without the benefit of a partner. The unique needs of these clients can sometimes be challenging both emotionally and physically for anyone supporting them during this life changing time. First
Supporting Single Moms by Choice Continue reading »
Early in my doula career, I remember working with a family who knew they wanted a doula to support them through their pregnancy and birth. This particular mother had a previous birth that she felt didn’t go well and felt like she was pressured into unnecessary interventions. She was nervous about going back to the
When a person gets pregnant, they unconsciously develop an internal vision about how they expect their birth will unfold. Their personal history and beliefs, their birth team, their coworkers, friends and family, and the media all influence this expectation—which causes the birthing person to make assumptions about what is true. This is especially so with
Reframing Cesarean Birth ( Submitted by CAPPA Member Colleen Goidel ) Continue reading »
Why do families preserve newborn stem cells? Both cord blood and cord tissue are rich sources of newborn stem cells. Stem cells are the body’s “master cells,” helping to build organ tissues, blood, and the immune system. Cord blood predominantly contains hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which form the blood and immune systems. Mesenchymal stem cells
Newborn Stem Cell Preservation FAQs for CAPPA Continue reading »
Parents face many decisions while planning for the birth of a baby. Deciding whether to delay cord clamping – and for how long – can be a tough decision because medical recommendations are evolving, and it’s easy to find contradicting information about the risks and benefits for both mom and baby. No wonder parents are
We all know we have to have a social media presence these days to market ourselves. It is a great way tell the world about us and the services and support we offer. There are many experts that will attest to this and please listen to them to get your presence felt. If you are
5 Ways Postpartum Doulas Can Achieve Marketing Success Without Instagram Continue reading »
Lactation education is in higher demand than ever. Social media has allowed for mass promotion of breastfeeding. This visible acceptance and saturation on the web, coupled with continued public health agencies echoing the importance of breastfeeding has families searching for high-quality, available classes in their areas. Breastfeeding can be the great equalizer. It is imperative
Love Triumphs Lactation Continue reading »
One BILLION users! That is the number of people using Instagram. Approximately 60% of those users are aged 18-29 and are heavily influenced by businesses on Instagram. About 58% of users identify as women. With the average age of birthing persons being 26, this gives us a clue as to why this platform can be useful for birth workers.
Instagram: The Marketing Tool You Need Continue reading »
Traditionally the scope of practice for doula support whether prenatal, labor or postpartum has been emotional, physical and educational support for mom and her family. “Mothering the mother” is an outstanding obligation giving women among other things a voice, empowerment and education assisting them in having the best birth outcomes possible. How would birth outcomes change
Shifting the Philosophy of Care to Support Dad and the Non-Birthing Parent Continue reading »
Breastfeeding is what makes humans mammals, and in some ways is the most natural of acts. If you’ve ever seen a parent nurse their baby while keeping up with a toddler at the playground, you know that. But breastfeeding and chestfeeding are also learned. And for most of us, because we haven’t spent our lives
Pregnant? Prepare Now for Breastfeeding. Continue reading »
On a recent trip to London, one opportunity that, I had hoped to have, was to meet well-known UK midwife, Jenny Smith. I became acquainted with the work Jenny has done in the field of maternity care, through a YouTube video about the natural caesarean (aka family-centered caesarean) protocol. I have included this video in
My Visit with a Birth Visionary, Jenny Smith, UK Midwife Continue reading »
It’s a common occurrence that, after Doula training, the energy of the last few days is excitedly stirring. Your mind is racing a mile a minute and all of the tasks you want to achieve are running circles through your thoughts. You set a plan of action and tell yourself, this week I am going to
The Defeated Doula: 3 Things You Can Do to Conquer Self-Doubt Continue reading »
Everyone who owns a business of any kind will be asked this question at some point: “Can I get a discount?“ What makes our business unique is that we know the crucial difference that our services make to families’ physical and mental health, and we don’t want anyone to miss out on them! So, how
12 Ways to Respond When Your Client Asks for a Discount Continue reading »
7 Questions to Ask Your Future Client, and 7 Questions to Practice Answering as a Doula Having now done over 2000 interviews over the past 19 years (either in person or over the phone) I have been asked the same questions hundreds of times. Not surprisingly families often don’t know what to ask during an
How to Find the Perfect Postpartum Doula Client! Continue reading »
(This article was written before the COVID-19 Pandemic, but it still has a lot of great insight to offer. Be smart and safe out there!) A couple years ago I served a lovely family, providing private childbirth classes, labor doula services, and postpartum doula services. On paper, they had done everything right, read the books,
Friends in the Family Landscape Continue reading »
Update 3/29/21: Check out some interviews with working Postpartum Doulas to gather more tips about working in the pandemic! Mary Kate Video Interview Shannon Sproule Video Interview Presentation Developed by Kimberly Bepler, Senior Program Advisor – Lactation Educator Program. Download these slides as a PDF!
Virtual Postpartum Visit Tips Continue reading »
Update 3/29/21: Check out some interviews with working Labor Doulas to gather more tips about working in the pandemic! Liza White Video Interview Debbie Hull Video Interview Presentation Developed by Katie Nyberg, Senior Program Advisor – Labor Doula Program. Download these slides as a PDF!
Virtual Labor Doula Support Tips Continue reading »
Mindfulness meditation is one of the fastest-growing health trends in the United States, according to the CDC. But what is mindfulness, and why might it be helpful for your work as a professional doula? Mindfulness is “The awareness that arises from paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgmentally” (Kabat-Zinn, in Purser, 2015).
Applying the Foundational Attitudes of Mindfulness to Your Doula Practice Continue reading »
Although our roles as educators and doulas don’t typically extend for the first 12 months, I’ve found that parents LOVE learning about what’s coming, what to expect, and how to support their baby’s development. Here is some information about physical, emotional, and cognitive development in the first year. In 12 short months, there are leaps
Teaching and Activities for Baby’s Development 0-12 Months Continue reading »
As a mother, I enjoyed tandem breastfeeding my toddler and child…most of the time. Toward the end of the weaning process, I began to struggle when my toddler fed at the breast, especially when he would “tweak” my other nipple. It started as an itching sensation in my mouth and a resentful rage in my
These are unprecedented times as there has not been a serious health situation such as coronavirus/COVID-19 in recent history. This has left many postpartum doulas wondering how to handle in home support for clients. As evidence-based professionals, we want to follow the guidance of the most recent and relevant information; this could include the CDC,
Your CAPPA Labor Doula Faculty team would like to share some ideas for supporting your clients if hospitals are not allowing doulas to provide support during labor. Please remember that it is your professional responsibility to follow CDC recommendations including staying home if you have any type of illness symptoms, following proper hand washing protocols,
Supporting Labor Clients During COVID-19 Pandemic Continue reading »
How many births have you attended? Your badge of honor. The one piece of information that proves to your clients that you know what you are doing as a birth doula. I have been reflecting on this maxim, do the number of births a doula has attended equal her value as a professional? And how
Your Badge of Honor Continue reading »
As childbirth professionals, we specialize in mastering “the juggle”. We juggle clients or classes, or in many cases both, trying to make sure we don’t over book/schedule, yet at the same time ensuring that we have enough business to make a living. As if that juggle weren’t challenging enough, most, if not all of us,
As labor doulas, we often say that our favorite and essential things we bring to births are our heads, our hearts, and our hands. We bring our heads which are full of wisdom, information, and knowledge pertaining to birth to help in each unique birth setting. We bring our hearts as caring advocates for our
Our Heads, Our Hearts, and Our Hands Need Support Too Continue reading »
As a doula agency owner, I have the privilege of speaking with 30 or more new and expecting parents each week. I hear their stories, their struggles, their excitement, their worries and a slew of myths and lies that they have been told and believed. The lie that gets me every time is: EVERYONE DOES THIS ALONE!
Adjusting in the 4th Trimester—All Hands On Deck! Continue reading »
As a Malaysian postpartum doula of Chinese origin, a large proportion of my clientele are Asian (Chinese). I have supported quite a few Asian clients who observed the traditional practice of sitting the month or Zuo Yue Zi or Zhor Yuit. I am sure a lot of postpartum doulas are aware of this tradition, but
Sitting the Month – The Chinese Confinement Period Continue reading »
I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with hundreds of nurses during my career as a labor doula. Whenever we have a blend of professions like Labor & Delivery Nurses and Labor Doulas, it can be a tricky situation to navigate. I truly believe everyone has the client’s best interests in mind, however sometimes
25 Tips for Labor Doulas from Hospital Nurses Continue reading »