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 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 »
“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 »
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 »