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 »
Essential oils: the original medicine. They’ve been around for thousands of years, and recently, they have gained in popularity. It seems like everyone is using them – or at the very least hearing about them. In my own family, we’ve started using essential oils on a daily basis for a wide variety of ailments and have
The Use of Essential Oils and the CAPPA Professional’s Scope of Practice Continue reading »
15 years ago, when I first started in this work, I went to a conference from another organization about childbirth education. There was such a vast knowledge base there that was so far beyond what I knew as a newbie. I was enthralled all weekend. I thought, as time went on, that the high I
Celebrating CAPPA Conference 2015! Continue reading »
There are many aspects to the job description of the postpartum doula. One of the greatest of these is the confidence and education we can give to a family. As you step through the door for the first time post birth, your job is to listen and observe. How are the parents coping with their
Postpartum Doulas Teach Tummy Time Continue reading »
As a doula, I use many skills. Each birth requires a unique ability to choose the combination of those skills that best fits this woman at this birth. One of the skills that maybe isn’t so obvious is my “eye for birth.” Using my eye for birth is a skill that has sharpened
I’m A Doula. What’s Your Superpower? Continue reading »
I know the value of a doula in hospital, but I have to say that I really love a good homebirth gig! I am referencing homebirths attended by a legally recognized and skilled care provider, usually a midwife. Our presence at an intentionally unassisted birth is out of the CAPPA Labor Doula Scope of Practice
Happy Home Birthing: Helpful Doula Tips Continue reading »
As a postpartum doula, I meet all different kinds of families. Each family that has called a Postpartum Doula has invited them into their home as an extra set of loving hands and a brain to pick about what to expect from their newborn. In most cases, parents have read nearly a dozen books to prepare
Why Scheduling Your Newborn is Harmful Continue reading »
If you frequent labor doula forums and groups, this question comes up almost daily. Some common scenarios include: My client has been having contractions for about 2 hours every night but they stall out before morning. My client has been having sporadic contractions for the past 12 hours and they aren’t getting stronger or coming
How Can I Help My Client “Get Labor Going”? Continue reading »
In your time of need… This is a note to your future self if you are just starting out or a reminder to those who have been giving of yourself for many, many years. Entering this work, I doubt any of us expected the sisterhood we would find. Maybe you come from a past employment history
Doula Sisterhood: A World of Supportive Women Continue reading »
The question I hear most frequently from new doulas is “How do I get clients?” We want to do this work; we want to support and serve, AND earn an income for our families as well. But how does one get started doing a new thing? Everyone says network, network, network. But HOW? And what
Market Your Doula Business: Too Shy to Network? Continue reading »