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Episode 31: Doula Certification
Doula certification is a topic that comes up frequently among those considering doula work as a profession. Does it matter? Who should I certify with? Which organization is the best? All of these are common questions we see. In this episode, we tackle the topic of doula certification. As doula trainers, it’s no secret that to us, certification matters. In this episode, we dig deep into our beliefs and opinions surrounding certification. Angela shares her journey through three different certification organizations before finding the perfect fit. Eva shares her thoughts surrounding some of the assumptions surrounding certification by consumers. Come join us as we discuss certification in the doula…
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Episode 30: Male Doulas
In this episode, we tackle the topic of male doulas. We are so excited to talk to Kelly Carrington, Canada’s first male doula. Kelly joins us to discuss the life of being a husband, father, massage therapist, and labor doula. This isn’t your typical doula interview. We decided to take a different approach and explore some deeper topics such as: How does your wife feel about the physical intimacy often present between a doula and a client in your work as a doula? The discrimination present in the doula community against male doulas. That being a male doesn’t matter, intentions matter. The biases that exist against male doulas that do…
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Episode 29: Informed Consent & Decisions
Informed consent. This phrase is one of the top three most common phrases in the doula dictionary. However, the actual process of informed consent is between a patient and their care provider. This involves a discussion of the risks, benefits & alternatives to any proposed intervention or treatment. In addition, it also includes the right to refuse any recommended treatment or intervention. Yet somewhere along the way, doulas have been taught that they are responsible for clients giving informed consent. “I support whatever my client decides, as long as they are making an informed decision.” Is it the doula’s role to determine if the client is making an informed decision?…
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Episode 28: Supporting Cesarean Birth
April is Cesarean Awareness Month! With all that is going on in the world today, it’s important to continue to hone our skills as we adapt our support to this ever-evolving landscape. In this episode, we discuss supporting cesarean births with our guest Christi Banks! Christi is the co-owner of Doulas of Bellingham and has developed a niche in supporting cesarean birth. Scheduled, unscheduled, emergent, all are types of cesareans that our clients may face. Being prepared to support clients through all types of cesarean birth is an essential skill. As a result, we can help our clients best navigate a cesarean birth with confidence. We also take a…
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Episode 27: World Doula Week 2020
There’s no denying that with all that is going on in our world today, time marches on. On Sunday we begin our annual celebration of World Doula Week 2020! Of course, this year looks different for doulas around the globe. Many of us may find it hard to celebrate the work we do when our ability to provide support is being limited. Our future ability to continue our work as we always have is also now uncertain. However, there is still a call for celebration and creating awareness about all we have to offer our communities. Now more than ever, growing families are looking for reassurance and a calming presence.…
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Special Episode: Doulas & COVID19 – Providing Support
Hello Doulas! Right now we are all facing a time of uncertainty. As hospitals close their doors to visitors and doulas, both doulas and clients alike are feeling worried, uncertain and anxious. We see the anxiety doulas are facing as you begin to navigate this rapidly changing landscape. We see your questions and we hear your concerns. It feels really big and scary right now so we wanted to sit down and address many of your concerns. You’re not alone when it comes to the very valid concerns that doulas are facing as we are being asked to socially isolate. How can doulas complete contracts for labor support that are…
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Episode 26: Supporting Loss
Supporting loss. This is a topic that doulas and other birth workers hope to never face. Yet when you are involved in birth work long enough, it’s inevitable. Join us as we discuss the ways that doulas can support families through loss with our incredible guest, Annie Willems. Often called bereavement doula work, walking alongside clients as they navigate the loss of their baby is a heavy topic. It doesn’t matter if the loss is expected or unexpected. These births can be beautiful if they are handled the right way. For many doulas, they enter the process of supporting clients through loss unprepared. That first experience is often the catalyst…
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Episode 25: Black Maternal & Infant Mortality
The topic of Black maternal & infant mortality is a hot topic in the birth community today. However, it’s a critically important topic, every single day. In this episode, we take a deeper dive into the issues surrounding Black maternal & infant mortality. Exploring some of the deeper reasons for the mortality rates among Black birthing people and their babies while exposing some of the well-intentioned misinformation. Our guest, Samantha Griffin joins us as we explore the topics of allostatic load, epigenetics, institutionalized racism and their impact on Black birthing bodies and their babies. Samantha is a Black doula, doula trainer, and owner of DC Metro Maternity who serves primarily…
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Episode 24: Parenting & Doula Work
One of the more common questions we see among those considering doula work is, “How do you balance doula work with family life?” Join us as we discuss common concerns about juggling doula work with family life with Aisha Fanning! Aisha is the mother of four. A doula agency owner and doula trainer. Married to her partner of 17 years. Oh, and did we mention that her partner is away for 6 months out of the year? When it comes to juggling doula work with family life, Aisha has worked hard to put systems in place. These systems allow Aisha to not only make sure that her family is well…
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Episode 23: Making Money As A Doula
Let’s talk about making money as a doula! This is a topic that comes up often for those considering becoming a doula. Many newly trained doulas also ask this question as well. It’s understandable that one would want to know how quickly they can see a return on their investment into doula training. The answer to the question though is nuanced and depends on many personal factors unique to the doula. Many doulas are also told that they can’t sustain a family on the income that doula work may bring in by trainers and training organizations. They are taught that doula work is heart work and that they shouldn’t expect…
