As 2015 comes to a close and I begin to look forward to the new year, I always contemplate what has worked well for me this year and what I would like to do differently next year. I don’t make resolutions. I do, however, like to create intentions, usually in the form of a word […]
A Doula Looks Forward to 2016 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 »
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 »
After I became a Mom, I finally felt a “belonging” in my life. I could look at any Mother anywhere and feel we shared a connection, without even exchanging a word. I began my studies to be a doula the year after my son was born. I wanted to share with women, teach women, and
Are You A New Doula? Valuable Tips for Your New Journey 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 »