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 is proud to offer the Health Equity Module as a companion piece to the training manual you received at the beginning of your course. This publication was compiled by members of our Delegation for Inclusivity, Diversity, and Equity with the intention to educate students on the history and concepts surrounding health disparities in the
CAPPA’s Health Equity Module Download 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 »
Many clients hire doulas because they want to avoid unnecessary intervention, and we all know the best way to do this is to arrive at the hospital at the “right” time. A doula’s job is to balance the ever-evolving needs of the birthing family, their care provider, and our scope of practice. This includes taking
Timing Arrival to the Hospital During Labor Continue reading »
When I was a new doula, I remember being excited to apply all that I learned in training to support my clients in various birth settings. What I wasn’t prepared for was dealing with differences in birth location policies and working with different providers, who all seemed to have different policies as well. Why was
Navigating Differing Hospital Cultures as a Labor Doula Continue reading »
The process of pregnancy and birth is truly fascinating. The body has a finely tuned, well-organized intricate system that initiates and drives labour and on through birth and later breastfeeding. These processes help to develop a deep connection and attachment with their infant, following the birth. At no other time in one’s life is the hormonal
Hormones that create the pathway to birth. Continue reading »