Category: About Us

Categories
About Us

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.
You can reach Renée at fundraising@doulatraining.ca
Categories
About Us

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@doulatraining.ca

Welcome to our team!

Categories
About Us birth collaboration community connection gratitude Members Mentorship Postpartum Doula starting fresh

2018, a year of connection – A message from our Director

2018.  A year of connection.
A message of reflection from our Director.

When the last light switch is turned off on our yearly trainings I like to sit back and reflect on the growth, the hiccups, and the bounty of support we have created at Doula Canada.  Were our 2018 goals achieved?  What were the lessons we learned?  How can we make this better for our members in the year to come?  

365 days of continuous trainings and member support can feel like a daunting task at the turning of the new calendar year, but 2018 leaned towards healthy growth via the streamlining of our online learning centre and the dedication of our expert training staff.   In short, this past year was a year of vibrancy and commitment by our growing membership, our hardworking team, and the community of networking partners we set out to encompass.

It was also a lot of fun!  We made videos, held webinars, and we increased our communitas for members who wished to take part in our online check-in’s, social media platforms, monthly newsletters, and closed community forums.  

But fun wasn’t the only focus of this past year.  2018 was about making connections and beginning the work on collaborations both with and for our Doula Canada members.  The year allowed for us to ask and to receive.

In Canada we found incredible partnerships in The Gabriel Dumont Institute and the onset of our Indigenous Doula program.  We set the groundwork for our doula programs to be offered bilingually through Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick (CCNB).  We continued to strengthen our relationship with Douglas College in New Westminster, BC, and we began discussions with multiple national partners to increase access to doula support through increased funding, alongside obstetrical partnerships, and increased awareness of maternal and infant mental health.  

We are grateful to have held space and made plans with First Family Wellness (Regina), Beausoleil First Nation (Christian Island), BirthMark (Toronto), Hon. Min. John Haggie (Newfoundland) and his community partners, Canadian Mental Health Association (National), and a number of hospital administrators and boards.  We look forward to continuing our discussions and plans in 2019.

Connections were also made outside of Canada as our team worked to create bridges between the maternal support needs of International communities and the strength of our Doula nation and its trainings.  Many of our members volunteered in countries like Honduras, Costa Rica, and Haiti, and in early 2019 a number of Doula Canada students will travel to Tanzania with Wombs of the World to work as alongside obstetrical support, and to increase access to safe water and sustainable job opportunities.  We will continue to support these initiatives as we make plans for future retreat and learning opportunities held abroad by Doula Canada in 2019.  

Lastly, 2018 was a year of growth.  As an organization we saw our membership increase by over 38% from the previous fiscal year, and we expanded our certifications and workshop offerings to include expansive programs such as Infant and Pregnancy Loss, Sex and Birth, Rock Your VBAC, and the announcement of our Fertility Support and Menopause Practitioner trainings. 

So, 2018, you were kind to us, and for that we are grateful.  Our organization at Doula Canada grew and created beautiful connections that we look forward to nurturing in 2019.   As the Director for this organization I am continuously grateful for the opportunities to learn from each of our members, for those who put forward their best intention to help our Learning Centre get off the ground, and for all the individuals who continue to show up for our profession and our communities.   I am also grateful to the Doula Canada team, who work 24/7, 365 days a year to support our growing membership and their professional needs.

This New Year’s Eve we will ring it in with many new friends and colleagues, and for that we say…

Continue reading “2018, a year of connection – A message from our Director”
Categories
About Us Business Labour Doula Members Mentorship

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.

Categories
About Us

New Logo… Same Passion!

 You may have noticed a new logo being shared around for Doula Training Canada, or what we have now come to call simply call Doula Canada (nickname, or truth?  We like to think 5 degrees of separation).

We are after all, a Doula nation in the form of an organization.

In summer 2017 we worked with our graphic designer to come up with a series of logo images that we could “plug and play.”

We recognize that Canada is a diverse nation and that each province and territory brings its own flavour of support and its own experience when it comes to perinatal care.  Our new logos seek to represent this, but allowing us the opportunity to change the interior images province by province.

The circle of life represents the base of our new logo.  Our doulas and childbirth educators support Canadians and families worldwide through birth, breath, and death, and as such we felt the circle of life image fit well.  The circles are also a metaphor for the changing of experience we see in our field, and the inability to define the Canadian experience.

Evolving, shifting, moving, but always connected to this great nation.

In our primary logo we chose to initially include a mountain at the top.  We often use the metaphor of mountain climbing in our discussion of labour, birth, and the transition to parenthood.  Thus, we thought it spoke to many lessons.

On a philosophical level the spirit of our country, through history and modern day experience, has been connected to the strength of our land (history PhD geek here).  Whether it be the Rocky Mountains, the Canadian Shield, the Great Plains, or the jagged Atlantic Canada coastline, many Canadians connect with the power of mother nature and our students holistically speak to that daily.  Indigenous culture is rooted in the connection to nature, new Canadians speak to the beauty of our landscapes, and our doulas know the connection we should have to the earth in labour and in finding ourselves after baby.

In 2018 the mountain will be switched out in our new provincial apparel lines, and specific provincial initiatives – perhaps placing a wheat sheaf instead of a mountain, or a lighthouse, flower, or animal emblem as we work with our Doula nation to meet their needs and represent their character.

However as the circles of life continue to turn, we will stand tall like the tallest mountain, stay connected to our communities, and continue to Doula Canada.

Categories
About Us Mentorship

Oh hey there 2018… We have been waiting for you!

 

As the Director of Doula Canada I am beyond excited for what is to come in 2018; and for our great Doula nation!

After all, is there anytime more inspiriting than turning the page on a new calendar and peeking at the 365 blank days ahead?

I think not!

The excitement of those blank pages lies in the knowledge that we will be welcoming new members, graduating new alumni, supporting new families, having deep conversations, and pushing forward with the dream of doula support and education for any family who cares to share in the benefits our field can offer.

Our Doula Canada calendar for the New Year is ambitious; and we wouldn’t have it any other way!

For 2018 our goal is to pair opportunity and ambition with holistic fulfillment.  We plan to do this by offering programs never before offered by a doula training certification and membership organizations, creating new provincial/territorial initiatives to strike up communication and awareness about our field, and finding time for some fun too!

Because…

We love fun at Doula Canada (our 4th pillar, right after compassion, communication, and chill the eff out).

You will soon notice a new website where students will be easily found by potential clients in their respective communities.  We will be launching our online Learning Centre where students can continue to learn through course specific modules, free templates, video, audio, and online discussion forums.  We will be hosting our first ever Annual General Meeting and Team Retreat, making plans for Purely Doula retreats across Canada, and hosting weekly Facebook Lives where you can connect with experts in their fields.

This year we have also partnered with Tynan Rhea to offer her Sex & Birth training – a 8 week online training that is sure to open your eyes to this important topic in new parents live.  Wait, there’s more!  We are also incredibly humbled to be welcoming Barb Matteucci, alumni and now Program Coordinator for our national Infant and Pregnancy Loss training (dates in most provinces for 2018).

Labour, Postpartum, Educator, Loss, Continued Learning…. and more!

For the new year our team will also be announcing non-profit goals we have set as an organization.  A percentage of each registration in any core course after February 1 will be donated back to a provincial/ territorial charity that works to support new families or infants in some capacity.  We are grateful for your support Canada, and now we are choosing to use the opportunities you have granted us to give back.  Keep your eyes open for further details and our first provincial charity announcement (rotated each month to a new province or territory).

So, as we enter a new year across this beautiful terra firm remember that there are 12 new chapters, 365 new chances, 1440 minutes each day, and thousands of Doula Canada members here to help you along the way.

This will be a good year.

Shaunacy
​Director, Doula Canada

Categories
About Us

Becoming Doula.. Meet Sondra, your Doula Canada program coordinator

 

Reflection is always challenging for me. It requires honesty and insight and a moment to breathe. Sitting here watching my babe sleep it seems like a lifetime ago that I stepped through the chiropractic office in Kingston and began this journey to becoming doula with Doula Canada.

My path to becoming doula started from pain and desperation. That is hard to admit. I was burnt out in my job, desperately trying to get pregnant and seeking anything that could help. Social media lead me to a fellow birth professional and instructor, and in turn led me to Doula Canada. I needed hope. Hope that life could be different, that I could love what I did again, that I could be connected to pregnancy and birth even if I could never bring a child onto the planet through my body.

That weekend was both difficult and inspiring. Sitting in a room, some women with babes and some without, talking birth. I did not know a lot. I realized that weekend a passion that I had been missing for a long time.  I was absorbed in learning and excited to start this new path. I dove in. Signed up for any course I could afford, bought all the required readings and started in. In 6 months I had completed all my written requirements and had 2 births scheduled. I signed up to support teen moms through Jessies Centre. I was on a mission.

My first birth was a teen mom. My connection with her was amazing. The birth was beautiful. Then I was berated by the nurse after for interfering with her relationship with the mother. I left that birth in tears. Terrified that my personality meant I could not do this. I realize now that birth planted a seed of doubt I would find hard to shake. A voice in my head that was fed through my personal struggles. One that would get in the way of stepping into my vision.
​
I attended many more births, holding on to the ideal but there was a voice that kept telling me there is no way you could make a living at this. It stalled me. I started to question my validity as a birth professional, the viability of this as a career, and I was drowning in personal pity.

Then, what feels like a miracle happened. I got pregnant. Life got real. Do I return to a job that leaves me depleted or do I dive into something that has the potential to feed my soul and offer me the time to be with my child. More barriers to work through, more junk, but then it clicked. I needed to shed my skin, that happened literally and emotionally for me. Now was the time. Jump in or let go.

Now I have 2 beautiful girls ( one newbie at 3 months old) and I am an Instructor at Doula Canada. My passion for birth  and postpartum evolves with each new turn of this career. I LOVE teaching and sharing wisdom with the diverse community that attend our trainings. I love my littles and am a bit of a TV queen. ( Who doesn’t love to escape into some trashy TV?)

My route to certification is not an unusual one. Often, life gets in the way. Working as a doula is not an easy path. Life on call, hustling to build your business. It can be bumpy. It definitely was for me.

So why Doula?

Passion is only part of the process. If you love birth and all things baby then that is a great start. This work is rewarding and filled with both those things. You will walk away from most births glowing with excitement, but let’s get real.

  • Doula because you are passionate but also want to work hard
  • Doula because you love babies but also want to help create a supportive birth environment for the birthing person
  • Doula because you want to work for yourself and are willing to hustle to get your business off the ground or connect with others who already have
  • Doula because you want to support birthing women and families in their journey and know that sometimes it will be difficult
  • Doula because you want to find a support network that builds you up. ( I promise you here at Doula Canada that will happen)
  • Doula because you always want to learn and grow and know that diving in will fill you up in ways you never expected.

These are just some of the reasons I Doula. I can wait to hear why you Do?

Categories
About Us

Part Rockstar, All Heart: Doula Canada’s Director, Shaunacy

Doula Canada would not be what it is without our intrepid leader!

In the year since Doula Canada separated from the umbrella agency Healing Arts Learning Organization the organization has grown and grown.  So on the anniversary of her becoming Director we sat Shaunacy down to answer some questions about just who she is and what she sees in the future for Doula Canada. 

Who are you? 
I am career doula mother of two, lover of concerts, and Director of Doula Canada.  My journey into the doula world fell into place after a career as a graduate student student who felt the calling for supporting those in her community.  

What do you love? How do you fill your days? 
If I’m not answering the call to action from our passionate Doula Canada family you can find me sipping a cold cider by a camp fire, or playing baseball with my family in the backyard.  I love 3 seasons of the outdoors (staring you down winter), and crave adventure – especially in tropical destinations with pacific sunsets.  

What is your  favourite movie:
Almost Famous  “It’s alllll happening.”

What plays in your ear when you want to rock out? :
Anything loud and obnoxious (but most definitely NOT Nickleback).

Tell us about where you were before you became a Doula?:
12 fun years of University, from Canada to Scotland and back.

What drew you to birth work?
It can’t really be explained in words.  I woke up one day and just thought “I want to do that.”  So I did.  There was a need in our community for doulas, and so I created the market.  After the first couple of clients I was hooked, and have been working with between 36-60 clients a year since beginning.  This year I am semi-retired and only taking 12 (ok, I have 14 booked).

What have you learned over the years in the business? 
I have learned that collaboration is key, that you are only as successful as the sum of the parts that work with you.  It can be difficult starting a business, operating a business, supporting a business, and staying passionate about your business all at the same time.  Seek adventure and inspiration from those around you, those who make you want to be the best person you can be; for your community, and for yourself.  There will also be others who seem more ahead or who seem to be copying everything you do.  Sage advice I once received:  “You can’t win a race if you are always looking behind you.”  

Why Doula Canada?
Doula Canada is more than a training organization.  It is a family.  We are open to our students 24/7, in order to ensure they are feeling well supported and mentored in their journey.  We understand what they are working towards, because we are living and breathing it every day.  We are passionate about supporting our communities and recognize that this means developing doulas and programs that speak to the Canadian experience.  Our team comes from a variety of educational, professional, and organizational backgrounds.  We are a mosaic of learning, just like the depth and beauty of this great nation we call home.

What do you want students to walk away with from the organization?
I want our students to take away confidence.  If we remove the term “doula” from the description of what we do, then what are we?  Confident communicators.  Our students leave our program feeling ready to meet, support, and herald the power of continuous support by highly trained professional support persons.  In short, when you become a Doula Canada student you immediate learn the affirmation “I’m going to effing kickass at this doula thing!”  Why can our students say that?  Because we set them up to succeed in their respective communities.

What inspires you?
People.  Our journeys are so complex and interwoven with vulnerability and wonder.  When I see the joy a person has after they succeed it gives me inspiration to move forward.  When I see the vulnerability that each person possesses it reminds me that we are all similar in so many ways, and it inspires me to stay true to my passion and my purpose.  Life is full and every day is an inspiration is more ways than one.

What do you see for the future of Doula Canada?
Doula Canada has a bright future because of the hundreds of individuals who create its personality and its focus.  We will be aiming to provide further learning opportunities, both within Canada and abroad.  I am also currently working on some fun events for our current student body and alumni, so that we can come together as a strong and vibrant organization at least a few times a year.  We have quadrupled in size this past year and this train is not about to stop moving down the tracks anytime soon.