(This article was written before the COVID-19 Pandemic, but it still has a lot of great insight to offer. Be smart and safe out there!) A couple years ago I served a lovely family, providing private childbirth classes, labor doula services, and postpartum doula services. On paper, they had done everything right, read the books, […]
Friends in the Family Landscape Continue reading »
Mindfulness meditation is one of the fastest-growing health trends in the United States, according to the CDC. But what is mindfulness, and why might it be helpful for your work as a professional doula? Mindfulness is “The awareness that arises from paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgmentally” (Kabat-Zinn, in Purser, 2015).
Applying the Foundational Attitudes of Mindfulness to Your Doula Practice 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 childbirth professionals, we specialize in mastering “the juggle”. We juggle clients or classes, or in many cases both, trying to make sure we don’t over book/schedule, yet at the same time ensuring that we have enough business to make a living. As if that juggle weren’t challenging enough, most, if not all of us,
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 »
Want to be inspired and empowered to begin or enhance your perinatal career? Train with the Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association, an international certification organization for Doulas, Childbirth Educators and Lactation Educators. CAPPA trainings are designed to educate and equip the contemporary perinatal professional for a successful career in a fun, supportive and collaborative environment. Trainings are evidence based and comprehensive, and are designed
“Don’t stop when you’re tired. Stop when you’re done.” This philosophy has become more and more acceptable when it comes to work ethic. There is a misconception with entrepreneurs that you must be working at all times or you won’t be successful, you won’t get ahead, you won’t beat out the competition. But at what
The Hustle Culture Continue reading »
“There are very few times in life when women are as vulnerable as they are during the birth process. It is important to not let vulnerability keep us from owning the process and being the decision makers about our bodies and our babies.” [1] Oftentimes childbirth is misunderstood as a predictable and orderly occurrence, rather
The Mother-voice Continue reading »
[toolset_access role=”Administrator,Subscriber” operator=”deny”] You must be logged in to see this content. [/toolset_access] [toolset_access role=”Administrator,Subscriber” operator=”allow”] Perez Scholarship Application The Perez Scholarship Application is for students who need to purchase the Traditional CAPPA Academy course for certification. This scholarship does not cover the costs of training, materials, books, etc. also required for successful completion of
The Perez Scholarship Application Continue reading »