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Recertification

Recertification

As professionals dedicated to excellence and impactful care, we understand that learning is a continuous journey and we’re so happy to invest heavily each month in newsletters, webinars, new courses, program updates and more to serve you as our alumni. This month’s blog shares an important reminder about staying relevant, effective, and confident in our roles: recertification.

When Doula Canada became an approved vocational school years ago, we undertook that for students to be able to use RESPs to pay for their education. One of the requirements of that program and of many other provincial and state doula associations was a requirement for recertification to be part of the organization’s standards. This requirement has been in place since 2017 when this was first introduced. See FAQ item posted here. This requirement however has not been enforced administratively and was up to individual doulas to submit their Continuing Education Units (CEUs). 

We’re now introducing a more formal way for us to track and support alumni with this process. 

What does recertification entail?

Trust us when we say we want this to be EASY. No one wants a complicated and convoluted recertification process. We will require only 2 things for recertification: 15 CEUs and an up-to-date CPR/First Aid.

THERE WILL BE NO FEE FOR RECERTIFICATION AT THIS TIME. The earliest date we will require recertification is December 2025, one year from now.

Why is Recertification Important?

There has long been debate about many aspects of our profession, credentialing in general and of course the professional aspects of being a “profession” at all! As leaders who’ve been working in the field for over 20 years we’ve seen a LOT of change. Similar to modern midwifery, the doula profession has experienced a conflicting balance between wanting the work to be accessible for families but also wanting to maintain independence from the colonial and capitalistic aspects that formal regulation brings. Ultimately it always calls for a trade-off or balance of priorities, needs and desires. As we look to the United States and see more and more states covering doula services through Medicaid, the future is pretty clear: our profession is trending in the direction of expansion. This means more doulas and more coverage, and more structure.

How Can I Get CEUs?

Have you noticed that Doula School offers our alumni FREE monthly webinars? Each webinar is worth 1 CEU and they are hosted almost every month of the year! This is a cost effective way to get your CEUs. We also launch new courses each year, giving you the chance to learn a new skill AND gain valuable CEUs. And of course you’re always welcome to take courses from other organizations that offer something you’re wanting to learn about. We will also have other simple ways to get CEUs at no cost. We will be launching a recertification guide in the coming weeks and it will give you lots of information about how to get everything done. Please note that if you unsubscribe from our newsletters  you won’t receive important information about webinars or recertification notices. You can resubscribe here on the website.

When do I need to recertify by?

We are giving all students one year to complete these steps. You are welcome to submit earlier if you prefer (and are due for recertification) but it will not be REQUIRED until December, 2025 for those who certified before December 2022. 

If you certified after December 2022 then count 3 years from the time you certified for your due date. See more info in the FAQ about how to calculate your recertification period. 

 

FAQs

Why does Recertification Matter?

Staying Current with Industry Standards

The field we work in is dynamic and continually evolving. Recertification ensures you are up-to-date with the latest research, best practices, and trends. This not only elevates your own practice but also upholds the standards doula clients expect and deserve.

Strengthening Your Professional Skills

Recertification often involves engaging in advanced education, workshops, and reflective practice. These opportunities allow you to deepen your knowledge and refine your skills, ultimately making you a more effective and informed practitioner.

Building Credibility and Trust

Clients, peers, and employers value those who demonstrate a commitment to excellence and continued education. Recertification reflects your dedication and passion for ongoing improvement, reinforcing your credibility within the community.

Networking and Community Growth

Recertification often provides an avenue to reconnect with peers, share insights, and grow as part of a collective. This network is invaluable for support, growth, and even collaborating on new initiatives.

Adapting to Emerging Needs

As professionals, we serve a diverse range of needs that may evolve over time. Recertification helps us stay informed and prepared to meet these needs with competence and empathy.

Renewing Your Commitment to Excellence

Recertification is more than fulfilling a requirement; it is a reaffirmation of our shared commitment to providing the highest quality care and expertise to clients. We are here to support you every step of the way, with resources, guidance, and opportunities to make this process enriching and rewarding.

What is recertification?

Recertification is a way to ensure that our doulas and educators are maintaining their high level of knowledge and skills by showing proof of continuing education, even after their program is complete.

Why do we ask you to recertify?

We want to ensure that our doulas and educators are viewed as leaders in their field, and having organization-wide policies that show that our alumni are regularly continuing their education allows us to demonstrate our high standards. This policy also keeps us on par with other professions, such as Registered Nurses, Massage Therapists, Paramedics and Social Workers, which will allow us to keep moving the profession forward in recognition of the value of our work.

How often do I need to recertify?

We ask that you recertify every 3 years. You will receive notification when you are approaching your recertification deadline. If you graduated between January 1st and June 30th, your deadline will be June 30th of your recertification year. If your graduation date was between July 1st and December 31st, your deadline will be December 31st of your recertification year.

What if I don’t want to recertify?

If you don’t want to recertify then don’t! Quite simply there is nothing more ‘doula-y’ than doing what you want (after all, isn’t that what we help all our clients to do?). If you no longer feel value in certification or recertification then ignore our reminder emails and carry on!

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About Us Canada certification community Members Mentorship

Doula Training Canada Becomes Doula School Canada

September newsletter

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Q & A: Doula Canada’s Rebranding to Doula School

We’re thrilled to announce that Doula Canada is officially rebranding as Doula School! 🎉 This change reflects our evolving commitment to providing top-tier education and support to those passionate about birth work. As Doula School, we’ll continue to offer the same high-quality training you’ve come to expect, but with an expanded focus on community, innovation, and growth within the doula profession.

Why the change? We’re rebranding to “Doula School” to better reflect our unified mission of supporting you through learning, mentorship, and professional growth. This new name represents our commitment to a shared educational journey, whether you’re just starting out or expanding your practice.

Q1: Will the courses be staying the same?

You can expect the same high-quality content and resources from Doula Training Canada. Our commitment to providing valuable, comprehensive education remains steadfast. We’ve been working tirelessly behind the scenes for the past year doing a full educational audit of all courses, making lots of updates to our core offerings. We know that this will mark some of your lessons as incomplete that were previously complete and will add some new quizzes and assignments to the courses.

Please note that if you are very close to being done your course you DO NOT need to complete the new assignments, but we feel there is much benefit in you having access to them! If you’ve just begun your journey then we’d encourage you to go back and complete them when you can. Reach out to the mentorship with questions or if you need support with these changes. Anything you’ve previously submitted we continue to have access to, even if you don’t see it in your course outline anymore!

Q2: Will my certification still be valid?

Absolutely! Your certification remains fully valid, and all courses will continue to operate as usual. The rebranding to Doula School will not affect the terms of your certification or the recognition of your credentials. Everything will remain exactly as it was when you earned your certification through Doula Canada. You can rest assured that your qualifications are still recognized and respected within the industry, with the same commitment to excellence that you’ve always experienced.

Q3: Will the requirements change for those currently enrolled in courses?

New Changes to Education Units: Previously students were required to obtain additional Education Units (EUs) to complement their learning (in addition to the doula specific content you learn in the courses). We have now added requirements for CPR/First Aid, Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC), and a Food Handling Certificate (for postpartum doulas). To align with the latest standards and ensure comprehensive training, these have been added to the certification requirements. Please review these changes to understand how they may impact your certification process and reach out to us with questions/concerns. These new additions now REPLACE the EUs needed to certify. But please note that if you were almost ready to submit your certification documents based on the former requirements we will be happy to accept that instead.

Q4: What else is changing?

Enhanced Learning Materials: We have made updates and improvements to our training materials to reflect the latest knowledge and best practices. These changes are designed to enhance your learning and provide you with the most relevant and up-to-date information. Over the coming weeks you will see many new handouts that you can use in your practice and with your clients.

Q: How can I stay updated on the latest news from Doula School?

You don’t need to do anything differently! Just keep following us on social media, stay subscribed to our newsletter, and check our website as usual. Everything will remain the same except for our new branding, and we’ll continue to keep you updated with all the latest news and developments.

Still have questions? Send us an email.

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Categories
About Us birth Business Childbirth Educator community connection Members pregnancy Uncategorised Virtual Webinar

Doula Canada’s Event Calendar November 2022 – January 2023

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1666959463057{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Looking for the upcoming events at Doula Canada all in one place? Look no further! This is a quick look at the upcoming Booster Workshops, Course Start Dates and Webinars for November to January. Check out our website for any updates or additions.[/vc_column_text][vc_images_carousel images=”467896,467897,467898″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_button url=”https://stefanie-techops.wisdmlabs.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/nov-jan-dtc-event-calendar.pdf” align=”center”]DTC Event Calendar PDF[/mk_button][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Anti-racism work Business Equity intersectionality LGBTQ2S+ Members understanding bias

Applying an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Lens to our Curricula

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1626172064269{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]In Fall 2020, Doula Canada circulated a survey that was looking to hear specifically from members self-identified as belonging to equity-seeking groups such as, but not limited to, Indigenous, Black, racialized, immigrants or newcomers, LGBTQ2S+, and/or disabled peoples. We really wanted to hear directly from members about their experiences, learn from them, and listen for ways that they felt that we could do better. Something that came up repeatedly was the gaps in our curriculum materials that resulted in members feeling excluded – things like gendered language, white dominant images, only heteronormative references, limited or inappropriate cultural references, and more. We were feeling this too and it was powerful to hear it echoed back at us!

We certainly see that, historically, the primary narrative in education and training in the perinatal field (especially in Canada) centers and reflects persons and experiences characterized in the following ways: white (including white/light skin tones and hair that tends towards long, blonde/brown and straight/wavy), in a heterosexual and racially homogenous couple, able-bodied, thin, 30-something, with pregnancy intentional and resulting from sexual intercourse between a cisgender woman and man. This narrative has been applied to both doula clients and doulas themselves. It is seen in images, language, resources and references, and focus of discussions. This narrative leaves so many valued people and groups OUT.

In late 2020, we took deeper action to change this narrative in our own house by initiating the development of a robust Curriculum Checklist that is built around an intentional integration of an equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) lens in curriculum materials (oral and written). Yes, a checklist sounds like it could be ugh when it comes to EDI work  – like a token action that gets people off the hook from doing any deeper, transformational work. We thought about that! Our Curriculum Checklist is for internal and external course developers and instructors who work with Doula Canada. It pushes them to reflect on how people who differ from the primary narrative are excluded and ignored, or, are mentioned and described in ways that present them as out of the ordinary. The Checklist means that dominant biases get reduced or removed from our curriculum through an intentional and guided change in language, images, references, and resources. The Checklist is also part of our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Action Plan (that we will officially launch soon). 

We have just started to test out the Checklist in practice. We will watch the results and take action as required. We see it as a living document that will be continuously refined and improved. Right now, it largely focuses on sexual orientation, gender identity, race, and culture as areas where the dominant narrative is exclusionary. We have started adding more on intentional inclusion of Indigenous Peoples and disabled people.

Wondering what it looks like? Here are a few snippets![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”377355″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Categories
Anti-racism work decolonization Equity intersectionality Members understanding bias

Update: Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Work at Doula Canada (2020-2021)

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1614781526791{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Thank you for visiting!

In this message, we are outlining the equity, diversity, and inclusion work that Doula Canada, with the guidance of its two Inclusion and Engagement Leads, began in 2020 and will continue to develop, update, and amend as a part of our learning and engagement on these topics and their relation to birth work.  This message will also outline our response to recent feedback, and the actionable steps that we are currently working on.  This process will take time, and we are committed to the important conversations and changes in the days, weeks, and months to come.  

The following work was done prior to the current events that Doula Canada is experiencing and were in no way a reaction to these recent conversations:

 – The hiring of two Inclusion and Engagement Leads for Doula Canada
[Applications were accepted between November 2019 and June 2020]
 [Interviews:  April-June 2020, Positions began: June 2020]

  • Creation and distribution of Equity & Inclusion Climate survey for all Doula Canada members who self-identified as members of equity-seeking groups, including but not limited to, members who identify as Indigenous, Black, racialized, a person of colour, LGBTQ2S+, disabled, and/or living in poverty. The survey was sent to full Doula Canada membership.
    [Survey sent: September 4th, 2020] 
  • Analysis of survey answers (Oct/Nov 2020) and meeting with full Doula Canada staff to review and discuss next steps for support and learning
    [Survey reviewed with staff:  November 24th, 2020] 
  • Drafting Doula Canada Equity & Inclusion Action Plan.  The overall goal of this plan is to embed equity, diversity, and inclusion, over the next few years, in all aspects of our work, from our organizational policies and practices to our daily work as staff and instructors.It emphasizes action, accountability, and meaningful engagement.
    [Draft started: November 11, 2020
    [Estimated completion: July 1 2021 ]
    For further information or discussion please contact monika@doulatraining.ca and anna@doulatraining.ca 
  • The initial draft of EDI Curriculum Checklist.  This checklist is an internal document that has been developed to support integrating an equity, diversity, and inclusion lens into curricula that is delivered on behalf of or in collaboration with Doula Canada. It will be utilized in all course audits and in the development of new materials.
    [ start date: November 11th, 2020]
    [Status: Sent for review/feedback from DTC team, including instructors, February 2021] 
  • An initial audit of labour doula, postpartum doula, menopause doula, fertility doula, triple stream, and dual stream curriculum for inclusive language, representative images, removal of incorrect or derogatory terms, and updating of statistics. 
    [Start date:  August 9th, 2020
    [End date: December 2020; now in the second audit with external advisors with July 1, 2021 expected completion date] 
  • Contacts made to set up training for instructors and staff in topics of anti-racism and anti-oppression training.  We are in communication with external facilitators to host training for all staff and instructors.
    [Communication date:  June 5th 2020, follow up in September 2020 and January 2021] 
  • Creation and addition of an introductory module about Anti-racism, Anti-Oppression, and Knowing Your Privilege in birth work.  This module was added to all primary Doula Canada programs by the end of December 2020.
    [Start date: September 21, 2020]
    [End date: December 2, 2020]

 

The following actions were taking between February 16th, 2021 and March 1st, 2021 in response to community and member feedback:

  • Communication via email to individual persons who felt harmed by the actions or  decisions of DTC staff or administration
    [Communication date:  February 16, 2021-February 19th, 2021] 
  • Hiring of consultants who work in equity, anti-racism, and anti-oppression capacities to discuss communication and how to move forward for the betterment of all persons
    [February 19th, 2021] 
  • A pause of all DTC social media accounts, to reflect and plan better engagement
    [February 19, 2021] 
  • Removal of instructional materials about rebozo teachings and other culturally specific practices from our learning materials.
    [February 22, 2021] 
  • Town Hall for persons who have access to DTC learning materials
    [February 24, 2021] 
  • Reallocation of anti-oppression, anti-racism, and privilege module to an earlier place in the online module system, based on feedback from the town hall.
    [February 25, 2021] 
  • Meetings with potential moderator/s for social media, who have anti-racism and anti-oppression experience.
    [February 19, 2021, ongoing until person is hired for role] 
  • Preparation of communication for stakeholders, members, and staff
    [Ongoing]

The following are deliverables that Doula Canada will continue working towards and will continue to reassess throughout 2021.  These plans may take time and will be done with respect and acknowledgment of our members voices and needs:

  • Hiring of instructors who are BIPOC, 2SLGBTQ, or members of other equity-seeking groups whose materials and instruction practices do not represent the white, heterocissexist history of modern birth work. 
  • Learning for our staff and administrators with qualified and compensated trainers on topics related to anti-racism, anti-oppression, and privilege. 
  • Review and implementation of the curriculum checklist 
  • Next steps in the development of the Equity and Inclusion Action Plan draft, including staff review and member engagement (via a small advisory committee and general membership survey), followed by implementation 
  • A restructuring of staff and management to ensure communication with our members is open, ongoing and thorough. 
  • The formation of a DTC customer counsel (member council) 
  • Regular feedback forms and town halls to hear concerns and feedback from registered members. 
  • Reassessment of our equity-seeking scholarship application  
  • Active recruitment of external course instructors who can offer instruction and/or materials on topics related to birth work and social justice, equity, anti-oppression, privilege, implicit bias and other topics of importance to members (as shared through ongoing feedback, communication, and engagement)

We thank you for your feedback and encourage you to continue reaching out via email or phone.  Persons who have chosen to take learning with DTC can also provide feedback via the anonymous Feedback Form under the 2021 MEMBER RESOURCES tab in their personal login.  Your feedback assists our staff in updating learning materials, creating new systems for engagement, and knowing what DTC needs to do to support its members.

Questions about the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion work or recent events can be sent to info@doulatraining.ca.  Your message will be forwarded to the appropriate staff member. 

All communication is electronically kept on file with DTC (from 2016 onwards).

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Categories
Business connection Labour Doula Members Mentorship Postpartum Doula rebranding starting fresh Virtual

FREE Social Media posting calendar for Doulas & Birth Professionals!

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Looking for Social Media content?

Here’s a little suggestion calendar we put together for doulas, educators, and birth professionals!

 
TIP:  Remember to post authentic content, information about yourself, your services, your interests, resources in your community, on the days there are no pre-listed ideas!
Goal: 1 post a day! January 1 to April 30 2021…. you’ve got this!

[/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider][vc_single_image image=”304220″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”304221″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”304222″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”304223″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”304224″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”304225″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”304226″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”304227″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_btn title=”DOWNLOADABLE PDF” style=”classic” shape=”square” color=”mulled-wine” size=”lg” align=”center” link=”url:%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F12%2Fdoula-canada_-social-media-calendar-january-april-2021.pdf||target:%20_blank|”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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About Us birth Business Canada Members Uncategorised

Getting to know our Members: 6 Questions

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1590763418165{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Meet Sarah Alicia Elder. Owner of ElderFlower Doula Serving families in New Westminster B.C Canada, This mother of three, can’t stay still and her love for learning has opened up many different career paths. Her sense of community has led her to different fields within human services. Now, Sarah is putting it all together to help families in New Westminster. She is a full-service doula-in-training offering support and resources for pre-pregnancy to post-partum and everything in-between.

We had a chat with Sarah Alicia about what brought her to this work and got to know her a little better!

Why did you decide to become a Birth Professional ?

I have always been drawn to working with babies and young children. When I was in high school, I wanted to become a midwife but never felt like I could do the education. I didn’t learn about doula work until I was pregnant with my first and had a friend’s sister offer doula services. I did some research and after having my second baby, I noticed that for much of the birthing experience, a doula is very much needed. I liked my nurses but having someone helping me or just keeping space for me before going to the hospital as well as having a familiar face throughout the experience would have been a blessing. After talking with other mothers, I realized so many of us do not have extra help and/or have partners who are unsure how to help. Doulas make sure all the questions running around in our head are answered. 

What is the most surprising thing you have learned so far as a birth worker/ educator?

The most surprising thing I have learned is that doulas play such an important role and complement other birth workers. Doulas, however, I feel are often forgotten. I still have people ask me what a doula is when I tell others what I do for work. After explaining the role I play during pregnancy, labour and birth, many say they wished they had a doula working with them at their own births. More people are choosing to have a doula present for many different reasons; not having a reliable person to help, choosing to give birth as a single parent, and birthing at home are just a few. Slowly, as more and more companies see the value of doula support and realize that not every family is in a financial situation to afford doula services, extended medical plans are starting to cover the costs of doula support. Studies show that continuous support from a doula lowers intervention rates, including cesarean. As a society, it is imperative that we demand better support to drive change. Nothing happens if we don’t ask!

Why did you choose Doula Canada?

I chose Doula Canada mainly because it is Canadian and has an online option. Having very young children and being a stay-at-home mom makes going to an in-person class a lot harder. The flexibility of making my own learning schedule was a must. I also love that the organization has international ties and offer so many different classes to help me further my career. The instructors and directors care about their work and are so hands-on. I don’t feel like just a number but as an important part of the doula community.

 

Interesting Fact about yourself ( hobby, quirk)

As well as being a doula, I am a certified cosmetologist and sewer. I love making and creating new outfits by using old clothing from when I was little. 

 

If you could give advice to someone just starting out what would you say..

The advice I would love to give to someone just starting out is to be true to yourself. Take your special skills and incorporate them into your doula work. For me, using my background as a cosmetologist and my love for being hands-on and creative, I offer self-care and keepsake art projects to my clients. The things I learned in previous jobs have helped make my doula business unique to me! [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1590764107834{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]   You can learn more about Sarah Alicia here

Website: https://elderflowerdoula.wordpress.com/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/elderflowerdoula/[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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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”
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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.

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Members

Bidding 2017 Adieu .. a Year in Review

 

​What a year Doula Canada!

If I were to summarize the year in a word it would be “new.”  New members, new instructors, new courses, new experiences, new ideas!

The team here at Doula Canada is full of gratitude for the growth and development of our organization this past year; and for the growth in the professional field of doulas and childbirth educators across this great nation.  Bravo Canada!

This year we welcomed over 1100 new Canadian students to our Doula Canada nation.  These new members, added to the remarkable response in 2016 has made us one of the fastest growing membership and in-class certification organizations in Canada.  Thank you!

We are also pleased to have welcomed dozens of new students from France, China, India, Costa Rica, Brazil, Russia, and Australia.  These students, along with our alumni in Bolivia, Luxembourg and other countries across the globe are spreading the message of compassionate support and the value of communication we take as our pillars at Doula Canada.

 Our doula family of students and alumni were not the only exciting growth we saw in 2017.  This year our team added many new members who offer a diverse range of skills and experience to our core programs at Doula Canada.  We are pleased to have welcomed Falon Martin as our newest doula instructor and Barb Matteucci as our official program coordinator for our Infant and Pregnancy Loss program.  Jillian Hand continues to steer the direction of our Atlantic Canada trainings, and we are excited for Jessica Persiel-Jones to be preparing an exciting round of trainings in Alberta for early 2018.

We are also pleased to have welcome 8 new Provincial Liaisons to our roster of support.  An amazing team of dedicated individuals who will be making provincial contacts and working to develop initiatives with Doula Canada in their respective provinces.  Welcome to Caylan Barber (BC), Laura Boucher (AB), Carma Proskie (SK), Kira Beaudry (MB), Ashley Mitchell (ON), Manon Laviolette (NB), Shandelle Meeker (NS), and Samantha Whitman (NFLD/LAB).  In 2018 we look forward to working with them to build the Doula Canada message and to welcoming new PLs for all other provinces and territories.

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​This year Doula Canada become the official training for doula studies at Douglas College in British Columbia.  In partnership with Douglas College we are pleased to be offering our curriculum under the direction and skill of Sharron Gibbs and Shelley Gray.  Their experience and dedication to this field is both commendable and exciting, and we are extremely pleased to be working with them in this new relationship.

Along with a growing Doula Nation of students, instructors, provincial liaisons, and industry partners, we graduated more students in our Labour Doula, Postpartum Doula, and Childbirth Educator program than any previous year.  Our students who have now become alumni worked diligently to complete their certification requirements and continue to be an important part of our community.  To each of you a huge congratulations on your accomplishments.  We are proud to call you part of Doula Canada.

Whoa!  What a year indeed.  We added 6 new online workshops (EU credited), our Dual Stream certification option for Labour and Postpartum doula, our Infant and Pregnancy Loss program, a partnership with Tynan Rhea in the Sex and Birth training…. *wipes sweat from brow*….. AND supported THOUSANDS of Canadian families.

Thousands of Canadian families.

No matter how far we have come in 2017 our organization as a whole is grateful for the experiences and honour of welcoming and supporting clients and the anticipating of “new.”

Love and light Doula Canada.

You seriously kicked ass in 2017, and we can’t wait to see what 2018 holds in store!!