Tag: canada

Postpartum Doula I ONLINE I February 5-6

Join our experienced Doula Canada instructors for two days of virtual learning!

Client-centred and trauma-informed this workshop will go over the materials covered in our typical two-day “in-person” workshop and creates the opportunity for DTC members to sit and hold space with our experienced team of instructors.

The workshop will be held via Zoom from 10:30am to 5:30pm EST.  Login details will be sent one week prior to the Virtual Workshop date.
All sessions are closed-captioned.
Sessions are recorded for DTC internal purposes only.

Regular certification rates apply and members can request to join a physical in-person workshop when we are next in their area (no additional cost applies).  Members may also choose to take part in the 1 day Advanced Comfort Measures as an alternative to their in-class workshop attendance (as required by some doula associations).

*Those who register for the Dual Stream (Labour Doula, Postpartum Doula) will take part in 2 separate virtual trainings.

*Those who register for the Triple Stream (Labour Doula, Postpartum Doula, and Educator OR Fertility Doula) will take part in 3 separate virtual trainings. *Please specify whether you wish to take Educator OR Fertility in the comments section of your registration.

Those who are already registered with DTC can email info@doulatraining.ca to be added to this session (fee included in original registration).

$150 fee applies if a student does not attend a workshop that they have registered for.  No exceptions will apply.  If you cannot attend please email two (2) weeks prior to the scheduled event.  All students must participate in an online or in-person to qualify as a component towards their certification under DTC.

By registering for this training, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

Your presence at the live webinar in its totality, agreement to be recorded, and present during the session with your camera on.  No partial credit can be awarded.

Training Information & Eligibility:
You have read through the Resources & Policies at www.doulatraining.ca, including but not limited to our Cancellation Policy, Equity & Inclusion Policy, Harassment & Discrimination Policy, and Complaint Policies & Procedures prior to registering.  You acknowledge that all materials are taught in an online format and that the online training is a part of the full course, including modules, quizzes, practicum, and exam.

There are no age or educational pre requisites for taking this program and DTC works with providers across many countries, with only limited exceptions.  If you are a provider outside of Canada or the United States we recommend that you contact any local doula associations to ensure that our programs can be used for any required authorization.

Professionalism:
You will show up on time and be fully present for each live session that you attend, acting in a professional manner.  You will reach out to our faculty or any staff if any unexpected issues arise.  You agree to take full responsibility for addressing your needs in the area of accessible learning, self-care, and compassionate treatment of peers and DTC staff.  The faculty and staff reserve the right to remove trainees at any time if the trainee creates an unsafe or unprofessional environment for you or other trainees, or for any reason that does not represent the policies of DTC.

Accommodation: 
Doula Training Canada follows the Accessible Canada Act (ACA).  We ask that if you are in need of any special accommodations that will allow you to take your training with us online, please email us with special requests at least fourteen days before the scheduled training.  If, during the training, a need for an accommodation arises, you are expected to contact your instructor and/or DTC staff immediately and we will work with you to discuss the best possible solution.

Confidentiality:
You are asked to respect the confidentiality of other trainees and our staff during your time with DTC.  Confidentiality with clients will be discussed by your trainer/s.  Trainees who observe a problem with another trainee are asked to bring the problem to the lead trainer for the specific session or DTC administration, as per the set policies and guidelines.   Similarly, if a staff member acts unprofessionally we ask that you email DTC administration as soon as possible.

Preparedness for doing your own work:
Throughout your training you will be expected to participate in working through the online training activities as representative in the role of doula support or perinatal support.  You are responsible for your own scheduling, discipline, and follow through on projects and module expectations outside of this training session.  In registering you recognize the set amount of time that you have access to the program and agree to work towards completion in the timeframe set forth by DTC and its vocational expectations.  Mentoring can be accessed by emailing our staff at info@doulatraining.ca and we are always prepared to assist you if you communicate your questions or needs.  Each program at DTC may have a slightly different timeframe and we encourage you to review these details prior to registering.

Labour Doula I ONLINE I January 29-30

Join our experienced Doula Canada instructors for two days of virtual learning!

Client-centred and trauma-informed this workshop will go over the materials covered in our typical two-day “in-person” workshop and creates the opportunity for DTC members to sit and hold space with our experienced team of instructors.

The workshop will be held via Zoom from 10:30am to 5:30pm EST.  Login details will be sent one week prior to the Virtual Workshop date.
All sessions are closed-captioned.
Sessions are recorded for DTC internal purposes only.

Regular certification rates apply and members can request to join a physical in-person workshop when we are next in their area (no additional cost applies).  Members may also choose to take part in the 1 day Advanced Comfort Measures as an alternative to their in-class workshop attendance (as required by some doula associations).

*Those who register for the Dual Stream (Labour Doula, Postpartum Doula) will take part in 2 separate virtual trainings.

*Those who register for the Triple Stream (Labour Doula, Postpartum Doula, and Educator OR Fertility Doula) will take part in 3 separate virtual trainings. *Please specify whether you wish to take Educator OR Fertility in the comments section of your registration.

Those who are already registered with DTC can email info@doulatraining.ca to be added to this session (fee included in original registration).

$150 fee applies if a student does not attend a workshop that they have registered for.  No exceptions will apply.  If you cannot attend please email two (2) weeks prior to the scheduled event.  All students must participate in an online or in-person to qualify as a component towards their certification under DTC.

By registering for this training, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

Your presence at the live webinar in its totality, agreement to be recorded, and present during the session with your camera on.  No partial credit can be awarded.

Training Information & Eligibility:
You have read through the Resources & Policies at www.doulatraining.ca, including but not limited to our Cancellation Policy, Equity & Inclusion Policy, Harassment & Discrimination Policy, and Complaint Policies & Procedures prior to registering.  You acknowledge that all materials are taught in an online format and that the online training is a part of the full course, including modules, quizzes, practicum, and exam.

There are no age or educational pre requisites for taking this program and DTC works with providers across many countries, with only limited exceptions.  If you are a provider outside of Canada or the United States we recommend that you contact any local doula associations to ensure that our programs can be used for any required authorization.

Professionalism:
You will show up on time and be fully present for each live session that you attend, acting in a professional manner.  You will reach out to our faculty or any staff if any unexpected issues arise.  You agree to take full responsibility for addressing your needs in the area of accessible learning, self-care, and compassionate treatment of peers and DTC staff.  The faculty and staff reserve the right to remove trainees at any time if the trainee creates an unsafe or unprofessional environment for you or other trainees, or for any reason that does not represent the policies of DTC.

Accommodation: 
Doula Training Canada follows the Accessible Canada Act (ACA).  We ask that if you are in need of any special accommodations that will allow you to take your training with us online, please email us with special requests at least fourteen days before the scheduled training.  If, during the training, a need for an accommodation arises, you are expected to contact your instructor and/or DTC staff immediately and we will work with you to discuss the best possible solution.

Confidentiality:
You are asked to respect the confidentiality of other trainees and our staff during your time with DTC.  Confidentiality with clients will be discussed by your trainer/s.  Trainees who observe a problem with another trainee are asked to bring the problem to the lead trainer for the specific session or DTC administration, as per the set policies and guidelines.   Similarly, if a staff member acts unprofessionally we ask that you email DTC administration as soon as possible.

Preparedness for doing your own work:
Throughout your training you will be expected to participate in working through the online training activities as representative in the role of doula support or perinatal support.  You are responsible for your own scheduling, discipline, and follow through on projects and module expectations outside of this training session.  In registering you recognize the set amount of time that you have access to the program and agree to work towards completion in the timeframe set forth by DTC and its vocational expectations.  Mentoring can be accessed by emailing our staff at info@doulatraining.ca and we are always prepared to assist you if you communicate your questions or needs.  Each program at DTC may have a slightly different timeframe and we encourage you to review these details prior to registering.

Perinatal Educator I VIRTUAL I November 27

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1624839874005{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Join our experienced Doula Canada instructors for a day of virtual learning!

Our comprehensive and educator created certification program is live and online.

This workshop will go over the materials covered in our typical “in-person” workshop and creates the opportunity for DTC members to sit and hold space with our experienced team of instructors.

The workshop will be held via Zoom from 10am to 5pm.  Login details will be sent one week prior to the Virtual Workshop date.

Regular certification rates apply and members can request to join a physical in-person workshop when we are next in their area (no additional cost applies).

*Those who register for the Triple Stream (Labour Doula, Postpartum Doula, and Educator) will take part in 3 separate virtual trainings. *Please specify whether you wish to take Educator OR Fertility in the comments section of your registration.

Those who are already registered with DTC can email info@doulatraining.ca to be added to this session (fee included in original registration).

$150 fee applies if a student misses a workshop that they registered for and wish to be added to a date at a later time.  All students must participate in an online or in-person (min. 2 days) to qualify as a component towards certification under DTC.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Labour Doula I Virtual I November 6/7

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1624840038024{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Join our experienced Doula Canada instructors for two days of virtual learning!

Our client-centered and trauma informed Labour Doula certification program is live and online.

This workshop will go over the materials covered in our typical two-day “in-person” workshop and creates the opportunity for DTC members to sit and hold space with our experienced team of instructors.

The workshop will be held via Zoom from 10am to 5pm.  Login details will be sent one week prior to the Virtual Workshop date.

Regular certification rates apply and members can request to join a physical in-person workshop when we are next in their area (no additional cost applies).  Members may also choose to take part in the 1 day Advanced Comfort Measures as an alternative to their in-class workshop attendance (as required by some doula associations).

*Those who register for the Dual Stream (Labour Doula, Postpartum Doula) will take part in 2 separate virtual trainings.

*Those who register for the Triple Stream (Labour Doula, Postpartum Doula, and Educator OR Fertility Doula) will take part in 3 separate virtual trainings. *Please specify whether you wish to take Educator OR Fertility in the comments section of your registration.

Those who are already registered with DTC can email info@doulatraining.ca to be added to this session (fee included in original registration).

$150 fee applies if a student misses a workshop that they registered for and wish to be added to a date at a later time.  All students must participate in an online or in-person (min. 2 days) to qualify as a component towards certification under DTC.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Categories
About Us Health Care

COVID-19: Letters and Documents

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1584558259241{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Doula Canada has created a number of documents for use by registered members with our organization.

Please feel free to use any of the documents if you are a member in good-standing with Doula Training Canada.  ONLY members of DTC are permitted to use documents bearing the name or logo of Doula Training Canada.

Legal action may be taken if non-members are found to be using any of the following materials without permission.  Copyright, Doula Training Canada Inc (2020).[/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_btn title=”Letter for Doulas (For Institutional Use)” style=”classic” shape=”square” color=”mulled-wine” size=”lg” align=”center” link=”url:%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2Fdtc-covid-19-letter-for-doulas-to-use-1.pdf||target:%20_blank|”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_btn title=”DTC Statement re: COVID-19″ style=”classic” shape=”square” color=”mulled-wine” size=”lg” align=”center” link=”url:%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2Fdoula-canada-inc.-covid-19-statement-03_11_20.pdf||target:%20_blank|”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_btn title=”Hygiene & Safety Measures by DTC Doulas” style=”classic” shape=”square” color=”mulled-wine” size=”lg” align=”center” link=”url:%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2Fhygiene-safety-measures-dtc-2020.pdf||target:%20_blank|”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_btn title=”Hand Washing Protocol INFOGRAPHIC” style=”classic” shape=”square” color=”mulled-wine” size=”lg” align=”center” link=”url:%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F03%2Fdtc-hand-washing.pdf||target:%20_blank|”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_btn title=”April 6: Research and Practice Guidelines (Evidence Based Birth)” style=”classic” shape=”square” color=”mulled-wine” size=”lg” align=”center” link=”url:%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F04%2Fapril-6th-practice-guidelines-from-ebb.pdf||target:%20_blank|”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_btn title=”Transcription Ontario Ministry of Health & Long Term Care re: Essential Services and Doulas (04/06/20)” style=”classic” shape=”square” color=”mulled-wine” size=”lg” align=”center” link=”url:%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F04%2Ftranscription-from-ontario-ministry-2nd-tier-re_-doula-support-and-essential-services-ontario-2.pdf||target:%20_blank|”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_btn title=”COVID recommendations – list of resources” style=”classic” shape=”square” color=”mulled-wine” size=”lg” align=”center” link=”url:%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F04%2Fcovid-recommendations-list-of-resources.pdf||target:%20_blank|”][/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.

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.

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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.