Doula School Canada

Author: Shaunacy

  • Our June Newsletter is Here!

    Our June Newsletter is Here!

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Interested in hearing more about our DTC is moving towards bilingual support, our latest endorsement of the National Aboriginal Council of Midwives, and a little gift we prepared for you?

    Check out our early June 2019 newsletter![/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_btn title=”CHECK OUT OUR NEWSLETTER HERE” style=”classic” shape=”square” color=”mulled-wine” size=”lg” align=”center” link=”url:%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F06%2Fdoula-training-canada_-june-newsletter.pdf||target:%20_blank|”][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • DTC Endorses the National Aboriginal Council of Midwives position statements (2019)

    DTC Endorses the National Aboriginal Council of Midwives position statements (2019)

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    For Immediate Release: May 31, 2019 (MADOC, ON, CANADA)
     
    Doula Training Canada© endorses the National Aboriginal Council of Midwives’ Position Statements on Evacuation for Birth, Indigenous Child Apprehensions, and Forced and Coerced Sterilization of Indigenous Peoples
     
    The National Aboriginal Council of Midwives (NACM) has released three position statements on evacuation for birth, Indigenous child apprehensions, and forced and coerced sterilization of Indigenous Peoples. In the position statements, NACM condemns the:
    routine and blanket evacuation of pregnant people for birth and demands the return of birthing services to all Indigenous communities;
    over-representation of Indigenous infants and children in child protection services across the country; and
    forced, coerced, and involuntary sterilization of Indigenous Peoples.
     
    As an ally organization to Indigenous Peoples, and as an organization that strives to do better for Indigenous families, Doula Canada officially endorses the NACM position statements. The Doula Canada’s mission is to improve perinatal, infant and family well-being by educating and supporting professional doulas in Canada and around the world. Doula Canada supports all persons in their rights to bodily autonomy and free and informed consent. We support the inherent right of Indigenous Peoples to birth in their own communities, to access safe and culturally relevant care close to home, and to restore Indigenous birth practices.
     
    Doula Canada recognizes that we have a role to play in making doula training and doula services more accessible to Indigenous Peoples. We are committed to respectful, inclusive and reciprocal relationships with Indigenous doulas and health care providers, and the Indigenous families and communities we serve.
     
    We acknowledge that Indigenous doulas are ideal companions for Indigenous families. To provide equitable access to doula training and to increase the number of professionally trained Indigenous doulas, we are launching an Indigenous Doula Scholarship in September 2019.
     
    The complete position statements can be found at NACM’s website at https://indigenousmidwifery.ca/position-statements/.

    [/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider][vc_btn title=”Download PDF copy of Media Release” style=”classic” shape=”square” color=”mulled-wine” size=”lg” align=”left” link=”url:%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2019%2F06%2Fdtc-endorsement-of-nacm-position-statements-for-immediate-release.pdf||target:%20_blank|”][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Supporting Doula Diversity & Access to Care

    Supporting Doula Diversity & Access to Care

    It is a well known fact that doula training has largely been marketed toward white, middle-class, persons in the past.  The history of Doula Canada is no different, and this something our Doula Canada team has been mindful about shifting over the tenure of our current administration.

    In 2019 our organization moved towards recognizing and augmenting our official Equity and Inclusion Policy, as well as created a number of new positions for team members who will help us to focus and execute projects aimed at creating further diversity and support in the doula and childbirth educator professions.

    We are pleased to have added male doulas and educators to our roster of members this past year, and look forward to seeing how they buttress their passion for supporting their communities.  There is no doubt in our minds that these men are nothing but incredible people who will make fantastic doulas as they move through certification.

    We are also moving beyond Canada to raise awareness and create greater access to doula care.  Doula Canada, in partnership with Wombs of the World, will be working with primary care providers and hospital staff in Tanzania to develop a doula training.   One of our goals of this training is to create job-sustainability and a doula economy that the residents of the Karatu district can have access to.   We have also started a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for a much needed ultrasound machine at the DD Hospital.  This machine will change lives!  For more or to donate visit here.

    Of course we recognize there are still a number of communities and persons in Canada who we can do better to support, and our team is devoted to working with our members to create opportunities and reach goals here at home.  Miranda Kelly (Indigenous Doula Consultant) and Renee Curry (Fundraising Coordinator), as well as our administrative team and dedicated Provincial Liaisons will be hosting meetings, seeking funding, and preparing project plans.  If you have ideas we would love to connect!

    We want to recognize the important work being done to increase access and inclusion by such organizations as BirthMark, the Association of Ontario Doulas, BC Doulas, the BCAAFC, the Doula Fund, and many others who work daily to create equity in our profession and inclusion and access for all persons.

    Equity for doulas, but more important equity for the clients we serve should be a leading thought amongst all doula training organizations, associations, agencies, collectives AND independent doula enterprises.  By embracing an equity and inclusion policy and collaborating with our professional colleagues we can begin to change the space of doula support.  Our space can grow, and it can include access and fair involvement for all.

    Do you have an equity and inclusion policy in place?  Has it opened doors to collaboration?
    Leave a comment below:

  • Bilingual Support: Meet Bridget Graham

    Bilingual Support: Meet Bridget Graham

    In 2019 Doula Canada has set a goal of supporting our diverse population of doulas and childbirth educators.

    One of the main initiatives in this goal has been to hire more bilingual staff… and Bridget Graham is exactly that!

    This Nova Scotia residing doula has recently accepted the position of Provincial Liaison for Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

    Along with our recent partnership with Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick, we hope to not only be teaching our programs in both French and English by year’s end, but also be supporting our students in the language of their choice coast-to-coast-to-coast.

    Thank you Bridget for joining our team!  We are excited for what is to come.

    Learn more about Bridget:

    What brought you to work with Doula Canada?
    Dès le début de mes études avec Doula Canada en juillet 2017, j’ai toujours trouvé
    que l’organisation est superbe. A chaque jour les employées et les étudiants
    m’étonnent. Je me compte chanceuse de travailler avec Doula Canada comme
    Liaison Provinciale pour la Nouvelle-Ecosse, le Nouveau-Brunswick et le Québec.

     

    Describe some interesting facts about yourself!
    I currently reside in Halifax, traditionally known as Kjipuktuk in Nova Scotia with
    my partner Aaron and our cat, Alice. My hobbies include reading, baking, cooking,
    making preserves and knitting. I am currently learning to quilt.


    Describe your current job/profession or professional/personal
    experience:
    I am the current Engagement Retention Coordinator with the College of
    Sustainability at Dalhousie University. In the past I have also served as the
    Academic Advisor and Program Manager for the College of Sustainability.
    I began my journey as a Doula in 2017, and since then I have attended two births
    for my certification. Above all, I get the greatest joy from helping and supporting
    others so my work as a doula allows me to do just that.

     

    Describe any achievements, publications or presentation you have completed to
    date.

    In May 2015 I received my Bachelor of Arts Combined Honours degree in
    Environment, Sustainability and Society, as well as Canadian Studies. In 2017, I
    received my Master of Arts degree in Canadian History. Both of my degrees are
    from Dalhousie University.

    I have presented at the EECOM conference in October
    2018 on student engagement via social media.
    Describe any personal or professional memberships, certificates or awards you
    have received.

    I am currently a member of the Nova Scotia Doula Association, as well as a Board
    Member for the Midwifery Coalition of Nova Scotia, Abortion Support Services
    Atlantic and the Halifax Women’s History Society. I am a Sparks leader for Girl
    Guides, I am a member of the Students on Ice Alumni Council, as well as a member
    of Global Shapers Halifax Hub, and an advisor for the Alpha Eta chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta.

    I am so excited for this opportunity and I cannot wait to see what it brings.

     

    To reach Bridget please email: bridget@stefanie-techops.wisdmlabs.net

  • Renée Curry: Grant and Fundraising Coordinator

    Renée Curry: Grant and Fundraising Coordinator

    Doula Canada is pleased to have Renée Curry joining our administrative team as our Grant and Fundraising Coordinator.

    Renée will be working with Doula Canada to create further opportunities to grow the doula and childbirth educator professional across communities in Canada.  She will be actively seeking fundraising and grant opportunities for both Doula Canada projects, but also for partnerships and our members needs.

    Learn a bit more about Renée:

    Tell us about why you are excited to be joining the Doula Canada team Renée.

    I am honoured to join the Doula Canada Team as the Grant Coordinator. It is evident that Doula Canada is an organization dedicated to the success of its students. Its spirit of collaboration and mentorship is refreshing and its truly Canadian beginning is an added bonus!
    What are some things about yourself that our readers may be interested in knowing?
    I am married and mother to a small brood of six (6) children. I run on hugs, sticky fingers and coffee. I like to collect half read books on my nightstand and to keep my hands busy with crafting (mostly knitting these days but drawing was once my go-to).
    What have you done in your past experiences that have led you to this new role with Doula Canada?
    My professional experience includes governmental agencies, unions and not-for-profit sector. I have a background in International Development and Women’s Studies which has a allowed me to research autonomy, agency and traditional birthing practices. I have been practicing as a doula for over 10 years and believe that respect is the key to a satisfying birth experience. I have been lucky to learn from some pretty incredible people including Dr. Jack Newman, Phyllis Klaus, Ina May Gaskin, Gail Tully, and Penny Simkin, not to mention the families I have been privileged to serve.
    What work have you done that is related to doula or childbirth education as developing professions in Canada?
    Registered Massage Therapist (MTANS), La Leche League Leader, Co-Chair of the Nova Scotia Doula Association, Certified Child Restraint Technician (CPSAC) and member of the International Association of Infant Massage (IAIM). I was the recipient of the Lifelong Learner Award from the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy (Halifax) in 2017. Other certificates include: Spinning Babies and Rebozo Connection: The Gena Kirby Method.
    Bienvenue Renée!  We are so pleased to have you joining our team.
  • Indigenous Doula Consultant: Miranda Kelly

    Indigenous Doula Consultant: Miranda Kelly

    Doula Canada is honoured to have Miranda Kelly joining our administrative team as our Indigenous Doula Consultant.

    Miranda will be working with Doula Canada to create opportunities and partnerships with our First Nations communities, seek fundraising for collaborative initiatives, and ensure our Doula Canada curriculum speaks to the relationships and experiences of all persons.

    Learn a bit more about Miranda:

    Why are you excited to be joining the Doula Canada team?

    I am so excited to join Doula Canada as the Indigenous Doula Consultant. I love the vibrant Doula Canada community and look forward to the opportunity to contribute to Doula Canada’s excellence in training.

    Tell us a bit about yourself!

    I am of Stό:lō (People of the River) and mixed settler ancestry. I was raised in my home community, Soowahlie First Nation (near Chilliwack, BC).  I carry the ancestral name of Tilyen, and I strive to bring honour to this name and my ancestors by working in service to First Nations and other Indigenous peoples.  I have enjoyed living on the beautiful unceded, ancestral lands of Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Peoples since 2009. I am a wife and mother to two young children.

    What has been your experience in the doula world?

    I am a birth and postpartum doula serving Indigenous and non-Indigenous families in Vancouver, BC. Prior to starting my doula practice, I worked for ten years in Indigenous Peoples’ health planning, policy, education, and research. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Psychology, and a Master of Public Health Degree.

    What are other relevant experiences you feel are important to your new role with Doula Canada?

    From 2011-2016, I contributed to the ongoing transformation of First Nations health governance in BC that saw the creation of a first-of-its-kind First Nations Health Authority and the transfer of federal programs and services to the control of First Nations. I have provided guest lectures and conference panel and keynote presentations to wide audiences, including health sciences students, faculty, researchers, frontline health care professionals, and government partners. 

    I have previously volunteered with the Chilliwack General Hospital, Vancouver Island Health Authority, Urban Native Youth Association, Vancouver Aboriginal Transformative Justice Services Society, Mavis McMullen Housing Society, Canadian Public Health Association, and the Pacific Post Partum Support Society.

    What are you currently involved in?

    I currently practice as a member of the ekw’í7tl Indigenous Doula Collective. I am also a member of the BC Doula Services Association. I am proudly certified as a birth and postpartum doula through Doula Canada.

     

    You can reach Miranda directly by emailing miranda@stefanie-techops.wisdmlabs.net

    Welcome to our team!

  • A New Year. A Proclamation of Purpose.

    A New Year. A Proclamation of Purpose.

    2019 – Our Word of the Year – PURPOSE. 

    In just under four years Doula Canada has accomplished a number of its development and organizational goals.  Our team is proud of its full-spectrum training opportunities, but we are even more proud of the passionate membership we have grown and retained.

    Doula Canada.  You are amazing!

    Although our goal-setting and development strategies are not set in motion by the dawning of a new fiscal year, we can’t help but get a caught up in the motivational elation a New Year brings forward.

    2019.  You are going to bring new adventures!

    So, what is Doula Canada going to achieve in 2019? 

    Well, time will tell! 

    But we begin our the new year with the launch of our Finding Your Centre: The Intentional Doula workshop, and as such are determined to live and teach in the present moment.  At this exact moment I am enjoying writing this resolution blog and enjoying some fine sips of Costa Rican coffee!  That being said, 2019 does have its defined focus.

    What is our Call to Action for the year ahead? 

    To confer to the world our PURPOSE.

    Purpose is defined as:

    noun – the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.

    “the purpose of the meeting is to develop our national alongside doula program”

    or

    verb – have as one’s intention or objective.

    “My purpose as a doula is to positively effect the well-being of our countries future generations.”

    The word “purpose” was intentionally chosen as a natural progression of our 2018 pathway “connection.”  2018 was all about building community, making connections, and beginning collaborations.  You can read more about that here at our 2018 Reflection Blog.

    2019 will nurture connections and further develop the infrastructure and the programs that will expand our purpose as Canadian doulas and childbirth educators.  It will also be the year that we take our message about infant and maternal well-being outside of our great nation to develop our international voice.

    We are Doula CANADA, but we have dedicated members in numerous countries! 

    We will be making the space to hold difficult but important conversations with those who are working towards related support goals, and with those who make decisions about recognizing and heralding the work of our modern day support professionals.  We will be asking for more.  We will be asking for admission and appreciation.  We will be sharing our purpose and developing new ways to facilitate the exchange of discourse we hope 2019 will manifest. 

    Purpose.  We will not be defining it.  That has been done.  We will be proclaiming it!

    With our proclamation that Doula Canada is the Canadian voice for doulas and childbirth educators we will also be launching new programs, welcoming new positions on our team, and assisting in the development of our members goals and aspirations.

    Here are some of the new and exciting things launching in 2019:

    We will be showcasing our purpose and experience in places and partners in:

    • Federal and provincial ministries related to our professional goals
    • Programs and partnerships related to maternal and infant mental health
    • Fundraising and grant designating bodies who can assist with our Doula Fund
    • Infant and pregnancy loss conferences and affiliated community partnerships
    • Tanzania volunteer program, and other volunteer programs abroad 
    • Costa Rica retreat and alongside doula opportunities (Fall/ Winter 2019)
    • North American conferences (i.e. Evidence Based Birth in Fall 2019)

    We encourage our members to contact us with conference opportunities and community partnerships you feel Doula Canada should take part in.

    Purpose.  2019 you now have your Call to Action.  May be you be filled with vision, may you be progressive, and may you be always filled with badassery! 

    Love, light and gratitude for the adventures of 2019 ahead. 

    ~ Shaunacy, and the amazing Doula Canada team

  • Looking to Learn? How Knowing Your Learning Style Can Help You Succeed!

    Looking to Learn? How Knowing Your Learning Style Can Help You Succeed!

    Looking to learn!?
    Have you been out of school for a bit?
    Well good news!
    Knowing your learning style can make things a whole lot easier.

    I’ve been immersed in the birth world now for over 6 years now, as an Educator, Doula and Mentor.   I remember working towards my doula and my educator certification and found myself spending countless hours staring at a page of words and not retain a thing.   When I found myself in a classroom I would find I only retained a small percentage of what I was being taught.  I was frustrated.  Here I was, mid thirties…FINALLY knowing what I wanted to do with my life and I was terrified!  Scared of “class work,” worried about failing tests, and not feeling I would able to get the accreditation to further my career.

    Before beginning my journey I had been a stay at home mom of three, running a day care and working part time at a restaurant.  I didn’t leave a book smart career to become a doula… I left “mom” mode, meal prep and nursery rhymes…my brain was on overdrive most days!   My own self doubt nearly prevented me from moving forward!

    But I’m so glad I did move forward.  Eventually I learned to walk the walk and not just talk the talk!

    My recipe for success was having the right support alongside me and taking the time to learn what my learning style was.

    Take a look at the learning style graphic above…did any of them grab your attention? How do you find out which one you are? Here’s a good reference:

    https://www.thoughtco.com/three-different-learning-styles-3212040

    and a bit more about different types: https://www.udutu.com/blog/what-are-adult-learning-styles-and-how-do-they-affect-elearning/

    Many of us are a combination.

    Let me share some tidbits that worked for me, and can maybe help you on your learning journey as well:

    1. Change up your work space:  Maybe on one day you will work best outside, in the basement, at an office desk, or in a library.  Once I even worked in my trailer while camping!  Key points: recognize that you need to avoid interruptions and it may take awhile to get into your groove.
    2. Doodle and/or listen to instrumental music: I needed to keep my hands busy or stimulate another sense to help me retain info.  Sound familiar?
    3. On that same note: I needed to handwrite my study notes. I got in a bad habit of typing everything on my computer or iPhone – it just wasn’t the same! There may be a a huge mental disconnect when you do that.
    4. Move: Stretch, get fresh air, work at a standing desk, sit on an exercise ball.
    5. Dedicated time and accountability: If I didn’t get work done first thing in morning or late at night, it wasn’t happening – I’m a squirrel – everything in the middle distracted me (hence needing different work spaces from time to time).  Schedule your work as an appointment and stick to it!  Buddy up with someone – there were times I would completely and mentally shut down because I would second guess an answer or project.  I needed a few different people on standby to walk me through something or be my “butt kicker.”  We have lots of buddies at Doula Canada!

    So, in my examples above, which learning styles did you connect with?  A little bit of all of them right?!

    Take a moment and identify what works for you.  See what learning style you think you might be.  Look back at the times you needed to learn something – what worked, what didn’t?

    When you are struggling, buddy up!
    You are not alone and simple tweaks to your daily habits can break bad habits and keep you moving closer to your goals!  We are here to help!

    Jump into our closed Doula Canada Facebook group or our Learning Centre forums and ask a question, send us an email, call us on our toll free number, and…

    Stay tuned for more information on a mentorship opportunity with Doula Canada (details coming in October)!

    About the author:

    Helena McMann has been a Certified Doula and Educator for over 6 years.
    She is currently an an Admin Support Person and Student Mentor for Doula Canada.
    To date Helena has supported over 200 families through her work as a doula and educator.
    We’re a big fan of Helena and all the wonderful things she does for our community!

     

  • Not all Doulas are created equal.

    Not all Doulas are created equal.

    Recently some Doula Canada members have had their hands full with comments or suggestions that “not all doulas are created equal.”

    For many years Doula Canada has prided itself on our efforts to build a unique, and uniquely Canadian, doula training and membership for our International members.  We haven’t felt the need to justify our curriculum or our presence to others because, well, “if you haven’t bought the book how do you know it wasn’t worth the read?”

    However, as our #doulanation continues to run into the discourse about “what makes a good doula” we feel it is important to write our position on the “not all doulas are created equal” suggestions floating about (a-boot, just to clarify).

    Here are 7 reasons why Doula Canada doulas and childbirth educators are NOT created equal:

    1.  Super Selfhood:  Our members come from diverse communities, have diverse backgrounds, and bring diverse expectations about what they would like to glean from their learning experience with Doula Canada.  We respect this like WHOA!  No cookie cutting happening over here.  Pure unequal awesomeness happening!
    2. Equal ideas?….not happening!  Our community often debates new policies, international perinatal experiences, and curriculum updates.  This keeps us all on our toes, which is vibrant and exciting.  Imagine a day where everyone agreed with you?  BORING!  *unless you have small children, then that would be a miracle!*
    3. Collaboration acclaimation:  Our members are often the first to give praise where praise is due, and sometimes that means to Doula Canada, other members, or even those who are in direct competition with their business.  Say what?!  Our doulas are eager to partner with other perinatal workers, regardless of make or model.   But praise can be unequal…. that does happen sometimes!   *Insert the doula Jeep wave*
    4. No person left behind!  Recently a member felt ostracized by the suggestion that “Doula Canada leaves their students to fend for themselves.”  This is quite the fancy tale.  Our team of administrators, instructors, provincial liaisons, and peer community are just a phone call, email, message, or coffee date away.  But alas, not all members need our assistance in the same way, and this makes them unequal in their needs and wants.  That’s ok too!
    5. Name that Doula.  Some doulas love the history of our title, while others prefer “practitioner,” “support person,” or “badass new parent helper.”  Whatever floats your doula/ CBE boat!  Our titles do not have to be equal (or have all the same letters behind them), but they should have a strong foundation of community support, continued learning, and movement forward as a common professional voice.   Those who are unequal in their alphabet ownership should not be seen as unequal for it, they were unequal to begin with… they were themselves!
    6. They make all the decisions themselves.  Ack!  Our members choose their books, their educational units, the clients they work with…. they “own” it.  That makes them unequal for sure!
    7. They get the last word.  Our doulas final assignment is a reflection paper about their journey.  This helps Doula Canada to grow and to prosper from our communities feedback.  Each reflection is personal and confessional.  Totally unequal… but equally beautiful.

    To claim that someone is unequal can be hurtful and questioning.  However equivalency does not make you a better doula or childbirth educator.  Distinctiveness and commitment makes you a good doula.  Passion and purpose.  Community and collaboration.

    At Doula Canada we recognize our doulas are all operating and offering compassionate support at different stages, with different modalities, with different needs, and with different purpose.

    At Doula Canada our purpose and intention is not to be equal….it is to be accepting.

    If our doula training and organization is “not created equal” that’s perfect!

    Doula Canada is unique
    Our members are incredibly trained.
    Our community is filled with passion and purpose.

    *high fives all around*

    ~ Image:  “The Three Graces,” circa 1503-1505, by Raphael.  The three women in the painting may represent stages of development of woman, with the girded figure on the left representing the maiden (Chastitas) and the woman to the right maturity (Voluptas),though other interpretations have certainly been advanced.  Each are unequal in their development and experiences, but equally beautiful and strong.   In mythology the three figures have often been told to depict youth, mirth, and elegance.

  • Moving Provinces – “Time to Pull Up the Big Girl Panties”

    Moving Provinces – “Time to Pull Up the Big Girl Panties”

    Back in April 2017, I got this idea from a friend about doula training.  The alarms in my head started blaring and my fingers frantically raced across the keyboard trying to find a training in Newfoundland.  As I typed and erased and typed and erased some more, I finally typed in something that google understood, and Doula Training Canada came up on my screen with a training 2 weeks from that day.  Now tell me that isn’t fate!

     

    To make matters even a little more chaotic, we had a trip booked to go to Halifax for a weekend getaway for my birthday the weekend before the training.  So I put on my “Please babe, I’ll love you forever! Can I please have another birthday gift and sign up to become a doula (insert puppy dog eyes and pouty lips)”.  To which he replied, “What the heck is a doula?”  So you can imagine how that conversation went, but he is supportive and never says I can’t do something, so off I went to register.

     

    Things were happening in my family during that time as well.  My daughter was having a rough time in life, adjusting to a blended family, anxiety, and just not fitting in the best at school.  So we were mulling over the idea of moving and giving her, and us as a family, a fresh start.  So finding a new passion and our trip to Halifax really solidified our choice and it was that month that we set our eyes on the new love in my life and a new province to call home.

    If you are reading this and thinking of moving while owning your own business, it isn’t easy, I get that!  But follow your dreams.  Daily I had so many feelings.  Feelings of guilt for taking my children away from their family and friends and wanting to make a clean start, excited for the possibilities ahead, stressed about whether we could afford to try this, sad at the thought of possibly failing, and so incredibly refreshed that for once in my life, I had truly felt like I had found what I was meant to do.  It was hard at first!  Then a friend said to me “Shandelle.  It is time to pull up those big girl panties. You were meant to do this.  So many times in your life fate has taken over and this is one of those times.  But you can do this. And if it fails you know where home is.”  Thank you to that friend for reminding me!

    What is my top tip for people making the decision to move to a new community and begin again?

    Do the research. 

    Start making list of people you need to connect with when you get to where you need to go.  Can you contact them before you go?  What does your province need in order to be a registered business? Talk to other people in the area who will be working in the same field.  Can you partner, feed off each other or just be a rock to lean on? 

    Do I miss Newfoundland?  Every. Single. Day.  We are making a new life here.  My doula life is in full swing with birth and postpartum clients, I am a part time admin assistant, and I am also Provincial Liaison for Doula Canada.  My husband is settled in his new role at work, my daughter is finding her way and making strides in becoming a beautiful young woman and we are beginning to find our new normal.  Moral of the story?  Pull up the big girl panties and follow your dreams! 

     

    ABOUT SHANDELLE:

    Shandelle is the owner of Blossom and Birth Doula Services in the Halifax, Nova Scotia and surrounding area.

    She has a passion for supporting her community and as such sits on a number of boards and committees that are directed toward maternal and infant well being.

    At Doula Canada we are proud to call her a team member – she’s our Provincial Liaison for Nova Scotia and for the time being PEI.

    Check out her services at Blossom and Birth Doula Services