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 »
The number of people who run is continuing to climb, so more and more we find our clients are asking if it is ok to continue to run during pregnancy. The answer to that is twofold. As a pregnancy fitness educator, personal trainer, running coach and birth professional the basic answer is yes; however… In
Running in Pregnancy Continue reading »
“Don’t stop when you’re tired. Stop when you’re done.” This philosophy has become more and more acceptable when it comes to work ethic. There is a misconception with entrepreneurs that you must be working at all times or you won’t be successful, you won’t get ahead, you won’t beat out the competition. But at what
The Hustle Culture Continue reading »
Many women in my birth classes are self-admitted Type A personalities. Often, these highly driven, uber-organized, and very detailed planners, express their concern about how they will be able to manage with a deficit of sleep when baby arrives. Some of the qualities of a Type A personality can make it harder to make a
Type A Personality and Becoming A New Mom, How Does That Look? Continue reading »
This article presented by Christine Sabol and Babysits. Babysits is an online platform that allows parents to find babysitters in their area. We also help babysitters find families who need them and share resources they can use! We have an enormous network of babysitters in Canada, with over 4,000 active babysitters. Our mission statement is
Successfully Finding a Babysitter for Date Nights Continue reading »
One of the greatest opportunities, and downsides, of doula work is the overwhelming number of ways you can invest in your business through expos/events, membership in organizations, and by attending educational workshops, seminars, retreats, and trainings. These choices can benefit your business greatly by exposing you to new potential clients, increasing your professionalism, and expanding
Investing Your Doula Time and Money Wisely Continue reading »
As a busy Postpartum Doula, the thing I get the most questions about is SLEEP! So, I want to share the tips I give my families to help make their transition to a life with a newborn a little easier. The first thing I share is that expectations about sleep with an infant will “kill
Newborn and Infant Sleep Tips Continue reading »
“There are very few times in life when women are as vulnerable as they are during the birth process. It is important to not let vulnerability keep us from owning the process and being the decision makers about our bodies and our babies.” [1] Oftentimes childbirth is misunderstood as a predictable and orderly occurrence, rather
The Mother-voice Continue reading »
Many LGBTQ people become parents through adoption, insemination, pregnancy, stepchildren and/or fostering children. Be aware that your language around parents; “Mom” or “Dad” may not always apply. Be sensitive when referring to partners/ support people and ask for clarification if you want to know the terminology they’re comfortable with. Transgender Terminology to be Aware Of
Working with LGBTQ Parents Continue reading »
We have all heard the saying, “We spend months or years preparing for the wedding and no time is spent preparing for the actual marriage”. The same can be said for how we approach educating expectant parents for the postpartum period. Parents will spend weeks preparing for the labor and birth but seek out little
Postpartum: How Can We Do More as Educators? Continue reading »
The month of August is National Breastfeeding Month. This month-long celebration culminates with Black Breastfeeding Week (BBW). This year’s theme is “The World is Yours: Imagine. Innovate. Liberate!” As an African American woman, I breastfed my babies the best I could, without having the resources or help that my counterparts received when they breastfed their
Inside Black Breastfeeding Week with Co-Creator Kiddada Green Continue reading »
Did you know that when your baby is born, 30% of his or her blood will still be in the placenta? Waiting to clamp and cut the cord will allow your baby to receive this vital blood. Babies who get delayed cord clamping, or as it is now being called, appropriately timed cord clamping, have
Cord Clamping: Patience Pays Off Continue reading »
We are evidence-based doulas and educators! We base our training and our practice on the most recent scientific research. So, when a client asks you for the latest research on something she is concerned about…where do you go? Books? A textbook? Journal articles? Popular blogs? Special interest sites? Social media? There is no type of
How To Find Evidence-Based Information Continue reading »
I’ve been in a few situations lately where the role of mentor was defined, celebrated and encouraged. My son participates in a mentorship program at his high school. The students get high school credit for spending 2-4 hours a week working with a mentor in a field of interest to them. My son works with
Find a Mentor or Be a Mentor Continue reading »
I have spent the last two decades as a birth worker, doula trainer, and labor & delivery and maternal child health nurse. I have been able to support families from prenatal education and yoga, labor and delivery, to watching children and families grow in so many directions. I have been hearing the same question tossed
What We Know About Cannabis Use in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Continue reading »
I am betting THAT got your attention! As labor doulas, as childbirth educators, we spend much of our time helping clients who have asked us to help them avoid routine medical intervention. Not every couple who attends childbirth classes or hires a doula wants an unmedicated birth, but it has been my experience that most
Helping Clients Embrace Medical Intervention Continue reading »
People ask me frequently how to get doula jobs and specifically how to seal the interview. These are capable people with skills; they just really want to know how to shine during a time of high anxiety in anticipation of getting a job (or not)! I also frequently hear the “You’re not the doula for
Winning Your Interviews! Continue reading »
The CAPPA Vision Imagine a world…Where women are encouraged to trust their bodies. Where myths about pregnancy, childbirth, the postpartum period, and breastfeeding are dispelled. Imagine a world…Where women are given the tools they need to make informed decisions about their pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, and breastfeeding experiences. Imagine a world…Where education does not use guilt
Moving from Imagination to Reality – Achieving the CAPPA Vision Continue reading »
The majority of families plan on breastfeeding. In the United States alone, 81.1% initiate breastfeeding in the hospital. Unfortunately, little is being done to help families reach their goals if breastfeeding issues arise or if mothers have to be separated from their infants. In fact, most medical professionals will recommend formula feeding in these situations.
Breastfeeding Support Equals Breastfeeding Success Continue reading »
The percentage of mothers returning to work after delivery within 3 months has increased in the last 50 years. [1] With 1 in 4 women returning to work within 10 days after birth, one-third returning after three months, and another third by six months. [2] Working mothers continue to be among the fastest growing segment
Breastfeeding Friendly Workplaces Influences Breastfeeding Duration Continue reading »
I came into doula work shortly after the birth of my first son who was a #borderbaby. I was one of the few Alabama woman who choose to birth across the state line to Tennessee to receive care from a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) and have an out-of-hospital (OOH) birth. This choice was easy for
5 Tips for Supporting a Home Birth Labor Doula Client Continue reading »
The act of bringing your mind into the present moment—meditation, mindfulness, centering, or whatever term you use to describe it—is a tool we all have at our disposal to help manage stress and anxiety. But the term “meditation” can be intimidating to many, as it congers up an image of a robed Buddhist Monk or
Here and Now: Guiding Our Clients into the Present Moment Continue reading »
What is childbirth, really? Is it just about getting a baby out? Of course not! It’s also about becoming a family and working hard to discover what our bodies are brilliantly capable of. As doulas, it’s our job to see our clients through the process, to witness their transformation before our eyes, as they dig
Transforming Pain as Doulas Continue reading »
I had this interesting conversation with my client the other day which had to do with what people think they have the right to say when perhaps they should keep their comments to themselves. This has to do with breastfeeding, which is very close to my heart as I believe that is the best start
“Milk Jugs, Tits, Cow” Continue reading »
Providing care to a new mother and her newborn is a privilege that should not be taken lightly as a healthcare provider. Everyone that plays a role in either educating or participating in physical and psychological support must ensure the new mother feels safe and cared for in her ability to take care of her
Supporting a New Mother’s Ability to Parent Continue reading »
A few months back a colleague sent me information on a local study being done at MIT titled “Breast Fed Infant/Toddler Stool Sample Study”. She thought I would be interested in reading more about it and possibly participating. The criteria was: Being 18 years or older Having an infant/toddler 2-36 months Having an infant/toddler that
Studying the Microbiome Continue reading »
Birthworkers are a dedicated bunch. The phone rings at all hours, and we answer, ready to roll. We offer comfort for the aches, balm for the fears, and remind our clients to believe in themselves, find their power, love their bodies, and nurture their babies. We wipe away tears without judgment and celebrate joys without
Healthy Self-Care and Preventing Burnout Continue reading »
Several years ago, I kept coming across this list titled, “10 Keys to Success that Require Zero Talent”. The “zero talent” portion of that title intrigued me and made me want to delve deeper into the meaning. Over the years, it has become a part of my business and has also become a part of
Keys to Success Continue reading »
Sierra Brooks, CPD, CLC, HBCE, LCCE and CAPPA Postpartum Doula trainer explains what a Postpartum Doula is and what they do, with the help of fellow Doula Danka Orellana. Sierra Brooks CPD, CLC, HBCE, LCCE, CAPPA Faculty Sierra has been serving women through pregnancy, birth and postpartum since 2000. Starting out as a birth and
What is a Postpartum Doula? [VIDEO BLOG] Continue reading »
In my work, I hear the secret fears women have about childbirth. Today’s mothers are keenly aware of how their mindset affects the way they live their lives and wisely, they assume the same must be true of childbirth. They are ready and willing to seek out ways to become more mindful, more aware, and
The Practice of Birth Inventory Continue reading »
Working as a Postpartum Doula is one of the greatest passions of my life! I have been so fortunate to support many moms around the country with education on how to care for their precious, new bundle of joy! Even as a seasoned doula, I am constantly still learning from my families. Creating a safe
I remember the very first time that I held a newborn baby. I remember the sensation in my heart as I held her like a fragile tea cup. I was a young and wide-eyed first year nursing student assigned to teaching newborn care. I was invited to hold her while listening to her mother share
Self-Compassion: “We Were All Babies Once” Continue reading »
Did you ever wonder why after taking care of yourself including getting enough rest, eating whole foods, exercising etc., that something is still not right? Perhaps you feel fatigued after otherwise being well earlier in the day or have a sudden feeling of fatigue after working with a co-worker or listening to a client, friend
Releasing Yourself from Energy Vampires Continue reading »
One of my favorite things for me as a labour doula, labour doula trainer and a childbirth educator is to help prepare them with tools to build confidence and strength as they head through their journey of pregnancy, labour, birth and beyond. When I can have the time with them to dig deeper, that’s great
Preparing For Your New Baby Continue reading »
Did you know there are four types of responses to stressful events? Most of us are familiar with the Fight or Flight response, but there are two others that many people experience as well. Those are Freeze and Fawn. Helping our clients (and their support partner) understand how they might react can be very beneficial—not
Helping Our Clients: Fight, Flight, Freeze, Fawn Stress Responses Continue reading »
I’ve seen many internet posts recently on doula support platforms, discussing how doulas should deal with clients who make choices contrary to individual beliefs or strong biases. Topics such as circumcision, religious rituals, marijuana, and alcohol use are often the source of conflict in these posts. As I read through the MANY responses I was
Working with Your Beliefs and Biases Continue reading »
“What do I do when my client gets an epidural?” When this question is asked of other doulas the answer invariably is something along the lines of, “You hold the space.” But if you say that to a potential client who wants a doula and an epidural, you may get quizzical looks and they may
Epidurals and Holding the Space Continue reading »
What comes to mind when you think of childbirth classes? Women and their birth partners sitting around in a semi-circle listening for two hours while someone drones on and on about how birth unfolds? One evening a week for a few hours? Or the new one-day exhausting eight or nine hour marathon class? A few
Challenges of the Childbirth Educator in a Hurry Up World Continue reading »
Doulas are unique, talented and knowledgeable; holding space for families and walking with them as they meet their babies. What an incredible honor! Doulas also have the opportunity to be the perfect guide as providers begin to adjust to the new recommendations from ACOG. But just how do we get there? The American College of
Active Labor’s Move from 4 to 6: Benefits & Signposts Continue reading »
With the shift from parents taking in-person classes to using the internet for more of their prenatal education, childbirth and lactation educators have to step up their game. With only 34% of pregnant families taking classes (Listening to Mothers III), we have to get creative to encourage new parents to find value in physically coming
Flip or Flop: Flipping the Classroom to Engage Pregnant Families Continue reading »
It is now standard protocol at many hospitals to wait 8-24 hours to give a baby his or her first bath, or up to 48 hours if delivered by cesarean section. Delayed newborn bathing is consistent with World Health Organization recommendations and is based on medical research. Seven reasons why doctors recommend waiting up to
Delayed Infant Bathing and Why It’s Good! Continue reading »
Anesthesia was first used for birth in 1847, 171 years, or roughly seven generations ago. In response to this, Grantly Dick-Read coined the term natural childbirth in the 1940’s. Before that it was just called birth, like organic food was just called food before Lord Northbourne coined the term organic around the same time. Natural
The Why and What of Natural Childbirth Continue reading »
They say that experience is the best teacher. However, another person’s experience can be an even better teacher. That is the idea behind the collection of doula experiences by CAPPA Faculty Member Julie Brill, CCCE, CLD in her book, Round the Circle: Doulas Share Their Experiences. The title gives a great glimpse into what the
A Book Review – Round the Circle: Doulas Share Their Experiences Continue reading »
Is it possible to plan a birth? Does creating a birth plan lead to disappointment and feelings of failure if the birth doesn’t follow the intended path? What happens if everything changes during labor? We all know that unexpected things happen in labor, right? And most people agree that “healthy mom, healthy baby” is the
Birth Plans – Tool or Terror? Continue reading »
When women become Mothers, there is great expectation about our ability to care for, nurture, protect and respond to our babies and children. There may even be an assumption that we all know how to do this. It’s in our DNA, right? When I work with Moms on day 2 or 3 postpartum; parenting toddlers, school-aged
Am I A Good Mom? Continue reading »
At the CAPPA Conference in September, a very exciting announcement was made—training and certification for a brand-new program would begin in 2018! After years in the making, the New Parent Educator program was introduced to the world. The New Parent Educator is a one-of-a-kind training and certification. Unlike anything currently available, this program will prepare
CAPPA’s New Certification Program – The New Parent Educator Continue reading »
At the CAPPA Destin conference in 2016 I was honored to speak about my work with pregnancy and addiction as a nurse in a speech entitled, “You are not alone-Perinatal Addiction and Neonatal Abstinence”. The first story I originally planned to share at the conference was a story about my client Kelly B, a story
A Heartwarming Update Too Good Not to Share Continue reading »
As critical consumers of information, it is necessary to evaluate the credibility and legitimacy of resources, especially on the Internet. In a world of free information, which is without guidelines, monitoring, and representation, truth and lies can be as difficult to determine as the supermarket tabloids in the checkout stands. Anyone can post anything in
Evaluating Credibility in Everyday Sources of Information Continue reading »
Happy New Year! It seems like this is a natural time to re-evaluate aspects of life and set new goals personally and professionally. There are many ways people accomplish this task. Some individuals like to announce resolutions or come up with a word for the year. Others tend to be more list oriented and use
Create a Treasure Map for 2018 Continue reading »
2017 was quite a year in my community. We survived the costliest natural disaster in US history, Hurricane Harvey. Many birth professionals in our community lost everything in either their homes or from their practices or both. My storm experience involved watching the waters rise up our driveway to a level never seen since the
Harvey and the Help Averse Continue reading »