Category: Mentorship

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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!

Categories
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
balance connection fear Mentorship vulnerabiliity

Conquering Imposter Syndrome: A Guide for Doulas

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text title=”Conquering Imposter Syndrome: A Guide for Doulas” css=”.vc_custom_1725986800661{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Doulas play an essential role in guiding and supporting individuals through one of life’s most transformative experiences—childbirth. Their work is deeply impactful, yet many doulas grapple with imposter syndrome, feeling like they don’t truly belong in their role or doubting their abilities.

If you’re a doula experiencing these feelings, you’re not alone.

Here’s a guide to help you overcome imposter syndrome and embrace the incredible work you do.

 

Understanding Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome is the internal experience of believing that you’re not as competent or capable as others perceive you to be. It’s common among many professionals, including doulas. You might feel like you’re faking your expertise, that you don’t deserve your success, or that you’re going to be “found out” at any moment.

 

  1. Acknowledge Your Feelings

The first step to overcoming imposter syndrome is to acknowledge that it exists. Recognize that feeling like an imposter doesn’t mean you are one. It’s a common struggle and doesn’t diminish the value of your work. By admitting these feelings, you can start addressing them more constructively.

 

  1. Reflect on Your Achievements

Take time to reflect on your journey and accomplishments. Consider the training you’ve undergone, the clients you’ve successfully supported, and the positive feedback you’ve received. Keeping a journal of your achievements and client successes can help remind you of your competence and the impact you’ve made.

 

  1. Seek Feedback and Support

One of the best ways to combat imposter syndrome is to seek feedback from colleagues and clients. Constructive feedback can reinforce your strengths and identify areas for growth. Additionally, surrounding yourself with a supportive network of fellow doulas can provide reassurance and validation. Engage in peer support groups or mentorship programs to share experiences and gain confidence.

 

  1. Continuously Educate Yourself

Staying updated with the latest research and best practices in childbirth and doula support can bolster your confidence. Continuous learning helps you feel more secure in your role and ensures that you are providing the best possible care. Attend workshops, read relevant books, and participate in professional development opportunities.

 

  1. Set Realistic Expectations

No one is perfect, and it’s essential to set realistic expectations for yourself. Understand that you will have successes and challenges. Embrace a growth mindset, where you view challenges as opportunities to learn and grow rather than as failures.

 

 

  1. Practice Self-Compassion

Be kind to yourself. Self-compassion involves treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer a friend. When you make a mistake or face a challenging situation, acknowledge it with compassion rather than self-criticism. Remember, you are doing important work, and it’s okay to have moments of doubt.

 

  1. Celebrate Your Successes

Don’t forget to celebrate your successes, both big and small. Recognizing and celebrating your achievements helps reinforce your sense of competence and accomplishment. Whether it’s a successful birth, positive client feedback, or a new skill you’ve mastered, take time to acknowledge your hard work and progress.

 

  1. Visualize Your Impact

Visualize the positive impact you have on the lives of your clients. Think about the relief, joy, and empowerment you bring to families during a pivotal moment in their lives. Keeping this impact in mind can help you see the value in your work and remind you why you chose this path in the first place.

 

Imposter syndrome is a challenge that many doulas face, but it doesn’t define your capabilities or worth. By acknowledging your feelings, reflecting on your achievements, seeking feedback, continuing education, setting realistic expectations, practicing self-compassion, celebrating your successes, and visualizing your impact, you can overcome these doubts and embrace your role with confidence.

Remember, your presence and support are invaluable, and you are more than capable of providing the compassionate care your clients need.

 

 

 

Shandelle Ferguson (she/her)

Doula Canada Instructor, Labour Doula and Postpartum Doula

Certified Labour and Postpartum Doula (Doula Canada)

Shandelle Ferguson is originally from Newfoundland but now calls Nova Scotia her home. With a passion for changing birth culture in Atlantic Canada, you can find her chatting with other doulas, reaching out to birth professionals and helping new parents in their journey into parenthood.  Shandelle is a certified Labor and Birth and Postpartum Doula with Blossom and Birth Doula Services.

A mother to three, you can find her drinking coffee, or wine, and spending time with her family.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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]

Categories
Lifestyle Mentorship Trauma Trauma

Equanimity and Learning to Sit Amidst Discomfort

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]What is the secret to longitivtiy as a professional support person?

Is it business savvy, resiliency, or luck?  Perhaps it is a bit of each, and then some.

Lately our Director at Doula Canada has been meditating on what it means to be a doula with tenure; what it takes to not only make birth work a life-long career, but what is also means to be championed through the eyes of ones clients.

The secret?

Read on.[/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1572910346032{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Today I would like to explore the importance of equanimity and strengthening ourselves through the experience of learning to sit amidst discomfort.

As birth workers we are called by our clients to support them through their own needs, and sometimes that can create discomfort in our own bias, philosophies, and called upon memories.

We bear witness to some of the most miraculous experiences of life, but many a doula can speak to unexpected situations that have triggered their fears and lessened their professional resolve.  Sometimes the miraculous can turn into worrisome, and our exposure to emotions, pain, and anxiety can rock our psychological stability.

Equanimity, the ability to remain psychologically composed through all types of experience, has become synonymous with the word “doula” in my career of supporting families.

Actual synonyms for the word “equanimity” are peace, calm, composure and poise, and at DTC our team often speaks to the importance of these practices not only in the support of our clients, but for our lives in general.  For we have long learned as doulas that in the face of adversity, equanimity can lead to leadership, positive outcome, and balance.

Mature equanimity brings a radiance and a confidence.  It allows our clients to see the warmth of our being, even in the most unexpected of experiences.  It is the ability to see without being caught up in what we see, and to observe from a place of holistic support unmarred by our own prejudice or bias.

Learning to embrace equanimity and to sit within discomfort also allows us to see the entire picture.  It ensures that as doulas we can use our understanding and emulate patience in an environment full of high running emotions.  It removes our impulse to be reactionary and always have “the answer,” when sometimes it is the pause between the words that holds the power of what we can suggest.

Equanimity can often be promised through the wisdom of time, and the power of experiencing uncomfortable situations.  However, as a new doula it is important to remember that equanimity is not harnessed solely by years of experience. It can also be called upon through the understanding that people are responsible for making their own decisions and that as a birth worker we are not solely responsible for their well-being.

Take a moment to think about how you practice equanimity in your daily life.

There’s a beautiful poem about deepening our resilience to discomfort and challenge, it reads:

“Where would I find enough leather to cover the entire surface of the earth?

But with leather soles beneath my feet, it’s as if the whole world has been covered.

Likewise, it’s not possible for me to restrain the external course of things,

but should I restrain this mind of mine, what would be the need to restrain all else?”

We don’t have control over all else but do have control over our self.

We don’t need to cover the world with leather, instead, we toughen the leather on our own feet so that we are more resistant to it.

-Shantideva, 8th Century Indian Buddhist Monk

 

The message of this poem is that we often don’t have control over what happens in life, but we do have control over our response.  We can become more resistant to discomfort but embracing peace, calm, and composure.  And we can become a championed doula in the eyes of others by remaining equanimous.  We can learn to sit in discomfort and observe the space between uncertainty and knowing.  We can do(ula) our best in those moments.

 

How do you practice equanimity in your daily life?

What moments of discomfort stand out to you as times when you practice composure and calm?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Categories
Canada Labour Doula Mentorship Postpartum Doula Uncategorised

10 Tips for Winter Doula Life in Canada

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Winter is fast approaching, and for some of us we couldn’t be happier. However, if you’re like me, it’s a less than exciting time. Here in Newfoundland, winter lasts about half the year, so we need to put in some extra effort to try to enjoy this tidbit nipply season. As a Canadian doula, we have the extra challenge of navigating birth work through this unpredictable time of year. Here are my suggestions to help you get through these cold months:

[/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1572904448393{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Number 1:
Have good winter tires – we can be called to a birth or scheduled for a postpartum shift anytime, so it’s important to be confident on the road. If you’re able to reschedule your shifts if the weather is bad, all the better, but even on a nice day you might be facing some less than optimal road conditions. Personally, I hate spending money on my car, but good tires are an investment in my safety and the safety of everyone else on the road too, and a bit of piece of mind.

Number 2:
Make sure your childcare will still stand if there’s a snow day at school or if the road conditions are really bad – will your sitter or family still be able to get to you or take your child if there is no school? Make sure you have backup for your back up if circumstances change.

Number 3:
Have an emergency pack ready in your car – are you prepared if you get stuck somewhere and can’t get home? Have some extra toiletries and clothes packed incase you need to stay with friends or sleep in the waiting room of the hospital before you get home. I know at the end of a long birth or shift it can be very tempting to just push through and try to get home, but sometimes its better to stay where you are until the roads clear up. Have things packed so you’re ready if you need to wait to get home.

Number 4:
Get outside as much as possible – it can be very tempting to ignore the existence of snow and slush and cold. But for our mental health, it important for us to get for fresh air and some vitamin D. You can try snowshoeing or skiing. Or maybe it just a matter of standing outside your door for a couple seconds in the mornings to start your day.

Number 5:
Pack layers in your go bag – the temperature of a hospital room or someone else’s house in unpredictable at the best of times, but especially during the winter. Pack lots of layers so that you can stay comfortable and your clients don’t need to accommodate you.

Number 6:
Give yourself lots of time for travel – maybe you need to adjust your contract to allow for extra travel time during the winter months. If you live close to the hospital, or if your catchment area for your clients is pretty small, it might not make a difference to your travel time, but make sure you either leave earlier than you usually would or make sure clients know you might take a bit longer, weather depending.

Number 7:
Have some soul warming self care practices – birth work is hard work, both physically and mentally, and self care may look different during the winter months. Make sure you have some ways to fill your cup and keep your heart warm. Maybe you like having a hot bath, or enjoying a cup of tea or really good coffee or stretching your body and mind with a regular yoga practice. Take care or yourself so you can better take care of your clients and your family.

Number 8:
Stay active – We need to take care of our bodies so that we don’t risk injury when we are working with families, be it at a birth or during postpartum shifts. It’s easy to increase how much time we spend sitting when its not so nice out, so make sure you’re doing things to keep your body moving. Yoga, swimming, snowshoeing, skiing, walking on an indoor track, stacking wood are all great ways to keep your body active when its tempting to just stay inside and cozy under a blanket for the next 6 months.

Number 9:
Eat as healthy as possible – fresh fruit and veggies are hard to come by in the middle of winter. To care for our bodies, we must also be conscious of our nutrition. I’m guilty of becoming lazy when it comes to cooking healthy meals. Frozen fruit and veggies are a great way to keep the good food coming without spending a fortune to buy out of season produce. Maybe make some granola bars or trail mix to bring with you to births and shifts so that you’re not tempted to buy junk to keep your body full of fuel.

Number 10:
Learn to embrace it a little – it took me a long time, but eventually I came to the realization that I don’t want to be miserable for half of my life, so I figured out how to, not love, but embrace winter a little bit more. Whether it’s at home, at work or in your social life, do something that helps you to enjoy this colder season.[/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1572904478048{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]

We live in a very large and diverse country, even when it comes to the weather. No matter where you find yourselves this winter, I’m sending lots of love and wishes of warmth for you all. Stay safe out there Doula Canada!

[/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”1855″ img_size=”medium”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1572904706244{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]About the author:

Samantha Whitman is a certified Labour and Birth Doula with Doula Training Canada, and the current Provincial Liaison for the province of Newfoundland and territory of Labrador.

Samantha has a history of being dedicated to supporting the families of her community, previously as a paramedic and now as a doula.

She lives in the central area of Newfoundland with her husband and son and enjoys getting outside, hiking, and exploring with her family.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Categories
indigenous doula Labour Doula Lifestyle Mentorship Volunteering

Ecuador Doula Immersion 2019

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1563461638717{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]It’s here!

A group of doulas, including a number from Doula Training Canada, have started the journey to Ecuador to volunteer and learn as doulas.

A few of our members joined Group One with Wombs of the World and we cannot wait to hear more about their adventures, while others will be embarking for their Group Two experience tomorrow.  Learning and adventure and support await!

Shaunacy, our life-long learning Director, will be joining Group Two and has posted the “must-have’s” of packing for a two week doula immersion program.

Follow along over the course of the next few weeks as we post pictures, experiences, and all our Ecuadorian learning fun!

[/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1563461705782{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Suggestions for packing for a two week doula volunteer trip:

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  • Super comfortable shoes.  You will be doing a lot of walking during clinic hours and your time exploring the country you are volunteering in.  Comfortable shoes = packing item numero uno!
  • Journal and pen.  You are certainly going to want to take some time to write down your experiences.  It’s a great way to unwind at the end of a busy day and carve out some time for yourself.
  • Cards with birth/ doula related sayings in the native tongue of the country you are visiting.  This will help you feel more confident in approaching persons who may not speak the same language as you.  It is also respectful to try to speak their language first and can really open up body-to-body trust when speaking isn’t the primary form of doula support.  Having these in Tanzania helped me huge when trying to remember Swahili.
  • Snacks.  I often bring cliff bars and my favourite herbal teas.  If you are a picky eater, or want to eat often, then having a quick “grab and go” snack in your bag is a great idea.
  • A bag big enough for awesome things.  When you travel abroad you often have some exploring days that bring you to artisan markets.  Having the space to grab up a few amazing items for home is a good idea.  Or plan to bring old clothes and leave them there to create space!
  • A doula name badge.  Many immersion programs (like our amazing friends at Wombs of the World) request that you wear a name tag that says DOULA on it during clinic days.  Have fun and create something with your picture, name and DOULA on it.  You may also want to add some of those doula sayings mentioned above onto a lanyard with this badge.
  • Photocopies of your passport, travel documents, and locations you will be staying.  This will help you feel prepared and safe for anything that may pop up (good travel tip in general!).
  • Lastly… an open mind!  Packing and preparing for two weeks away can feel overwhelming when you are heading to a country that you haven’t visited before, and maybe working in environments you are not fully aware of.  Keeping an open mind and remembering that you are there to learn not save is super important.  The opportunities that volunteer immersion programs provide are long-lasting and profound.  Going with an open mind, a lust to learn, and a heart full of compassion is what should fill most of your packing time!

[/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1563462371907{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Interested in learning more about volunteer support as a doula?

Check out Wombs of the World (a great example of a professionally organized option) and feel free to email info@doulatraining.ca at any time with questions![/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Categories
balance Business Labour Doula Lifestyle Mentorship Postpartum Doula Uncategorised

Finding Balance: Working and Doula Life

The question often comes up in doula circles “how do people manage to swing doula work and family or other jobs”. It can be especially hard for people, like me, who are just starting out and aren’t in a place yet where they’re able to give up their other job for financial reason. I’m here to tell you, as a new doula in an area with no other doulas yet, a full time paramedic, a first-time mom-to-be, a DIY home builder and the Doula Canada Provincial Liaison for Newfoundland, it’s not an easy task.

There are two things that every doula must have, no matter their life situation. They must have a good support system and a love and deep desire for this work.

I took my training with Doula Canada in the spring of 2017. After having the time to set up my business, I took on a client due in January, and left a full time work schedule to accept a casual position working as a paramedic. I live in a province that is in heavy need of paramedics, so I have been able to work full time hours, but have the flexibility to take time off as needed. I know that this is a great luxury that is not available to everyone, and I have grateful for the position that I’m in. Having that flexibility was wonderful, as I took off time while on call for my doula client, and then returned to work again after her birth. This also coincided with my first trimester of pregnancy, so it worked out well in that I probably wouldn’t have been able to manage on call life while sick and exhausted from this pregnancy.

I would never be in the situation that I’m in without the unwavering support from my partner. When we decided that I would pursue this line of work, he supported me 100%. Even though we have had to tighten our shoestrings a bit in order for me to be on call periodically, he has recognized that for me to do work that will fill my cup, at times we will need to make some sacrifices in other areas of our lives. He also tags along to events with me, and listens to my many rants about the amount of work left to be done here! He’s a pretty good listener. I know moving forward with a child, he will allow me to take the time I need to focus on this business in whatever capacity that I need.

The second piece to the balancing puzzle is the love and desire for this type of work. It’s a lot easier to find the motivation to make those contacts, reach out to potential clients, and ask questions to the people in the community, when you see the potential. I’m so excited to have the opportunity to be a real part of the shift in birth culture here in Newfoundland. There are lots of struggles, but so much potential, which really lights my fire. After every positive meeting, I find myself motivated to keep moving forward. After every negative encounter, I find myself driven to help make that change. It’s hard to look at how far we have to go and to know, realistically, how long it’s going to take to get there. But each assignment that gets submitted, each new like on my Facebook page, every acknowledgement by a once skeptic gets us closer to providing the right support to the families in our area!

So how does this translate to you and your doula business?

First of all, find your support team. It’s hard to support people through their pregnancy, birth and postpartum without being supported yourself. Whether you need family to take care of your kids when you get called to a birth, a reliable babysitter for your prenatal visits or postpartum shifts, a partner who helps to manage times of lower income, a friend to enjoy a cup of tea with or a Doula Canada counterpart to vent and debrief with about hard situations, we all need to build our support team.

Figure out what you’ll need in order to make this a successful venture and then find the people to who will help you do that. Also be sure to add yourself to your support team.

Self-care is vitally important if we are to remain an active member of this birth culture shift. Fill your cup in order to continue filling others. That love and passion for the work, which I think you need to be a truly good and effective doula, is only sustainable if we take care of ourselves.

Samantha is the Provincial Liaison for Doula Canada and the owner of Nesting Owl Doula Services in Newfoundland. She is originally from Nova Scotia, but has been living in Newfoundland for the last 7 years. She had been working as a paramedic for the last 10 years before having her first child this summer. She is passionate about bringing midwifery care to Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Equity Mentorship

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:

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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…

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