My client is crying, feeling so overwhelmed and so wanting to do it all perfectly. She tells me her mom is being too judgmental and she needs a break from her. I listen and nod, affirm her efforts (she really is doing so great!) and go back to the kitchen to fill her water. There […]
Do Grandparents Have a Postpartum Period? Continue reading »
With the theme “African Americans and the Arts”, Black History Month 2024 gives us the opportunity to meet black artists and their art that brings attention to the black maternal health crisis we are currently experiencing . Cheyenne Varner is a certified birth and postpartum doula and founder of The Educated Birth, and Everyday Birth
Black History Month – Birth Artist Cheyenne Varner Continue reading »
Book Review of You Are Not Alone – An anthology of perinatal mental health stories from conception to postpartum You Are Not Alone By the Canadian Perinatal Mental Health Collaborative 2022, Wintertickle Press , Barrie, Ontario Revised by Suyin Jordan CPD, CCCE, CNPE I heard about this book from the 2 parents who started a
As doulas and educators, it is vital that we know about updates in research so we can pass along evidence-based and accurate information to our clients and students. One of the newest updates in the area of lactation addresses mastitis and “blocked” milk ducts. This new information is really challenging the way we view the
Changing the Way We View and Treat Mastitis Continue reading »
Do you want to try an easy way to connect to your clients and help them connect to their new baby? Bonding is a term thrown around a lot and we all know it sounds like a good thing, of course we want to bond, right? But other than just being present and engaged what
Bonding With Your Baby Through Infant Massage Continue reading »
Does pregnancy lead to a long‐lasting reduction in cerebral gray matter volume of the brain? Have you wondered? Do your clients say they feel like they can’t trust their brain during pregnancy and early parenthood? Are they reporting forgetfulness, brain fog, or losing their memory? Or do they just leave their keys in the fridge
Baby Brain? Yes, and no! 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
Newborn Bath Technique 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 »
As we all know, newborn sleep is challenging for parents new and old! Dr Sears in his The Baby Book (2013) writes about “The tiring facts of infant sleep”. It’s not tiring for baby but the adults caring for them! And we all know that we are not at our best when we’re sleep-deprived and
Normalising Newborn Sleep for Parents Continue reading »
Let me tell you a little secret about the pelvic floor in the postpartum period…it’s an unsung hero! Issues with the pelvic floor are often dismissed as a “normal” part of having a baby, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Mommas are already dealing with so many changes during pregnancy and postpartum that
What to teach your clients to help their pelvic floors heal postpartum Continue reading »
One of the most popular questions in my Postpartum Doula trainings and on social media is “what should I pack in my postpartum doula bag?”. When discussing this with my students or other new doulas, I often rattle off a list of common items, and then throw a few other ideas at them that they
What’s In Your Postpartum Doula’s Bag? 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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,
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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’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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
Being a good listener is one of the most crucial skills a postpartum doula will utilize. Although many of our clients won’t hire us just because they are looking for a good listener, time and again my clients have noted feeling validated, heard, and understood in testimonials. Thankfully, it’s a skill that can actually be
Three Techniques to Try if you Want to be a Better Listener Continue reading »
“If cabin pressure should change, panels above your seat will open revealing oxygen masks; reach up and pull a mask towards you. Place it over your nose and mouth, and secure with the elastic band, that can be adjusted to ensure a snug fit. Secure your own mask first before helping others.” For those of
Put Your Oxygen Mask on First Continue reading »
As a Postpartum Doula, I serve a wide range of families and know the support I provide makes a huge difference in their lives after babies. Most of my clients contract with me before the birth to ensure that they will have the support needed. But I have a whole other clientele that does not
911 Postpartum Doula Continue reading »
As a former biology instructor I always encouraged students to observe their environments, as they are ripe with individualized roles that are filled by a species with a unique skill. The world of childbirth education is similar. While the variety of options that exists could be endless, with the right research and evidence at your
Finding Your Niche Continue reading »
“Self-actualization” is a term that comes from Abraham Maslow, a leading figure in the Positive Psychology movement. Self-actualization refers to the “realization or desire for self-fulfillment.” In other words, it’s the motivation to realize one’s full-potential. As doulas, we place a lot of emphasis on self-actualization, whether we know that term or not. We do
5 Simple Tools for the Self-Actualized Doula Continue reading »
One of the most common phrases I hear the new mothers wonder about is, “Is my baby ok?” Since we are professionals in our clients’ homes, it is easy for new moms to ask us all kinds of questions relating to their baby’s overall health. Our role as doulas is non-medical and strictly informational support,
Helping New Mothers Continue reading »
Presented By: Shari Criso MSN, RN, CNM, IBCLC Newborn babies will spend most of their early life, up to 16-17 hours per day sleeping. Beyond feeding and making sure that baby is getting everything they need to develop and grow optimally, we want to make sure that they are ALWAYS safe! As a Registered Nurse, a
Safe Sleep Support and Practical Advice for New Parents Continue reading »
“My husband is going to act as my doula. What book should he read to prepare for that?” “The doctor diagnosed this, but I’m not sure he’s right. What do you think? Would you guys take this medicine?” [asked in a Facebook group] “I don’t need to have a degree to know how to read
The Loss of the Expert Continue reading »
As a doula trainer for many years now, one of the most challenging concepts to instill in newer doulas is the idea of healthy boundaries with clients. Not the kind discussed in the scope of practice because those are pretty clear-cut, but instead, establishing when we will be available for routine questions and support. It
Establishing Healthy Boundaries Continue reading »
Your Cervix is Not a Crystal Ball While a cervical exam can offer a great snapshot of what’s happening right now, it’s not necessarily the best indicator of what may come. Neither is it really a great indicator of progress that’s already been made. It’s really just one small piece of a much bigger picture! Trust
Stuff Your Doula Says Continue reading »
Over the years, I have graciously and humbly watched my practice and experience grow and change. A decade ago I was flourishing as a private practice Labor doula and childbirth educator for clients fortunate enough to pay for such birth services. Today, I work with young women who have multiple struggles every day, from poverty
Connect More Continue reading »
We have all learned and become very educated about the importance of the first hour after birth, skin-to-skin contact, infant regulation, breastfeeding, etc. We know that infants who are allowed skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth for at least an hour are better breastfeeders. But does every baby become a better breastfeeder because of this practice?
A Preventative Approach to Early Breastfeeding Continue reading »
Recently, I was felled for 48 hours by a flu-like virus. Body aches, fever, cough. The works. One morning, my ten-year-old daughter asked me, “Mom, what’s it called when someone is sick, and you wish you were sick instead of them?” “That’s called empathy, sweetie,” I replied in a fog as I reached for my
A Bad Case of Empathy Continue reading »
I will never forget the off-hand comment that changed the course of my life forever. I was sitting in the living room of our first home, holding my fresh, newborn daughter, Willow Grace, just 5 days old. Our labor doula had come to our home for a postpartum visit. We happily discussed how breastfeeding was
It’s Not Everyone’s Dream Birth: Understanding the Emotions of a Fast Labor Continue reading »
“At Least You Have a Healthy Baby” – The Hidden Shame of Birth Trauma When you look at the probability of trauma in the course of a woman’s life, the statistics are high. One in three women will experience sexual abuse in her lifetime. One in four women will perceive her birth as traumatic. So,
The Hidden Shame of Birth Trauma Continue reading »
The young woman in front of me sat cross-legged in the hospital bed clutching her swaddled newborn with tears streaming down her face. This was her first birth. She’d had a C section the day before and she had no family with her in the room. Her partner was not available. For the present, he
Becoming Active Listeners: Love in Action Continue reading »
In September of this year, the local birth and mental health communities in my area teamed up to hold a showing of the movie “Dark Side of the Full Moon.” If you haven’t seen this movie, I highly suggest that you find or sponsor a screening. It follows two women on their two-year journey to understand
Maternal Mental Health: Our Role as Birth Professionals Continue reading »
November is the month when most of us begin to focus in on what we are grateful for. It is a month that marks the beginning of the holiday season for many, and while we wish to express gratitude, it can also be a time of intense stress and exhaustion. This can be intensified for
Breathe, Baby, Breathe Continue reading »
It was 21 years ago that I first saw the movie Forrest Gump. I remember having a wide array of emotions while watching that movie for the first time and walking out of the theater feeling inspired. I find that each time I watch the movie I take away more and more life lessons.
Life Lessons for Doulas: Inspired by Forrest Gump Continue reading »