Tag: doula

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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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Lifestyle Mentorship

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

Do the research. 

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

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

 

ABOUT SHANDELLE:

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

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

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

Check out her services at Blossom and Birth Doula Services

Categories
Mentorship

Top 5 Doula Bag Items

“What should I have in my doula bag?” 

As seasoned doula trainers this question presents itself at nearly all of our labour and postpartum doula trainings.

Feeling prepared to support clients helps to build confidence, but will also build trust from your clients and longevity as a doula.

We often speak of ‘assertive language skills’ at Doula Canada, and having a rock’in doula bag is a perfect example of showing off your assertive professional preparedness in any situation!

Here are our Top 5 Doula Bag items for any labour or postpartum doula on the go:

  1.  Fuzzy socks.  Plain and simple.  Regardless of the environment you are supporting clients, having a pair of super cozy socks that you can pull out and on is a great addition to your doula bag.  Clients will remember that feeling of having you pull them on for them after welcoming their baby, or during a long feeding session.  Plus, if you need a change of socks in a pinch (hello, spontaneous rupture of membranes all over your feet!) then you know there is an extra pair in there with your name on them!
  2. Affirmation cards.  We are big on positive power at Doula Canada and an interesting deck of positive affirmation phrases or words is a perfect way to change a “not-so-sure” into a “sure-I-can.”  We asked our Doula Canada members to come with the phrases and words on our Doula Canada deck, but there are many awesome options out there that may call your name.  Pull them out during a clients labour to practice present moment thoughts, or introduce them to clients during postpartum transitions.  Believe you can…. and you will!
  3. Roller Ball or Tennis Ball.  Nothing fancy here.  Having something that can smoothly move beneath your hand while offering a client some gentle touch/ massage will provide comfort for all parties involved.  The less expensive option is a 4 pack of tennis balls that can be disposed of, but we really love the rollerball options often found at larger department stores or fitness stores ($8-$15 generally).  Find something that fits snuggly in the palm of your hand and allows for movability and washability (sanitizing after use is an important step to take after each client use).
  4. $20 in funds.  There is nothing more frustrating than finishing an all-nighter support with your client and then finding out that the hospital debit or parking lot machines are broken.  Having a spare $20 in your bag to call a cab or find a location to make change is key!  There may be times as a postpartum doula that you meet your client in a location outside their home (i.e. doctors office) and need money for parking or coffee (perhaps your debit card was left at home!).  Having an additional few dollars stowed away in your doula bag is a great way to ensure you get to where you need to go 24/7.
  5. Something of power.  What brings you energy or reminds you of why you started this compassionate journey to support others?  We often think of doula bags and think “what can I bring for my client,” but taking care of you is important too!  Perhaps you have a Mala, a picture, a stone from a beach, or a mantra that you can put away in your bag for those moments you need a boost.  Our Director at Doula Canada has a heart-shaped stone she once pulled out of Lake Superior.  The stone has been pulled out and pocketed during long births or difficult experiences.  It has been held by dozens of clients who have also felt connected to this simple, yet powerful “tool.”  What brings you clarity, strength, and power?  THAT is a perfect thing to include you your doula bag.So, there you have it, our Top 5 Doula Bag Items we wouldn’t be without.Leave a comment with items you love to have in your Doula Bag.  We would love to hear from you!

Infant Pregnancy Loss I Toronto I June 2-3

This on-site training is a component of the full Infant and Pregnancy Loss support training program.
This program will focus on multiple stages of loss in pregnancy and the labour and birthing experience. It will discuss how support persons impact the experience and the environment of loss, as well as place emphasis on communication and the expression of individual grief.

Advanced Comfort I Vancouver I April 29

This one day workshop will help birth workers develop a deeper knowledge of the multiple ways they can encourage comfort for labouring clients.

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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.

Categories
About Us Mentorship

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

 

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

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

I think not!

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

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

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

Because…

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

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

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

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

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

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

This will be a good year.

Shaunacy
​Director, Doula Canada

Categories
Labour Doula

The Seeds of Trauma – Part I: Supporting Birth Trauma as a Doula

 

This series of blog posts is brought to you from our East Coast instructor Jillian Hand. Jillian shares her perpesctive on trauma from the lens of social worker and doula in this 3 part series we will benefit from her personal and professional experiences.

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I suppose it’s no surprise that over the past seven years, I have gravitated toward providing therapeutic support to birthing persons, their partners and birth professionals in the area of birth trauma processing and recovery. My master’s degree in social work combined with my passion for birth work has provided me with the education and skill to facilitate these therapeutic conversations toward healing. Of course, as with all experiential learning, I’ve gained a lot of insight into this topic over the years and it has influenced how I work with doula clients while wearing my doula hat.
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I have developed this three-part blog series with the intention of trying to provide some answers to three questions that are posed to me on a regular basis by other doulas. First, as a doula, what can I do to help minimize the risk of birth trauma; Second, How can I best support my client after they have had a traumatic birth experience; and third, how can I protect myself, as a birth professional, from vicarious trauma? There are no quick, easy answers, but I will do my best to share what my experience has taught me, beginning with how a doula can minimize the risk of birth trauma.
In the early days of this work, one thing I struggled to understand was how two people could have very similar birth experiences and yet, one will describe their experience as traumatic, while the other seems to have taken it all in the stride. For example, I have had the experience of working with two different birth doula clients on separate occasions. Both had the same obsterician, the same doula (me), the same induction procedures, the same complications down to the letter, and in the end they both ended up giving birth by cesarean. In debriefing with the first client, it was obvious that she was devastated. She used the following words to describe her experience – “violated”, “just a file number”, “cut open”, “robbed”, “disrespected”. I supported her in the best way I could in those early days, and as a new doula, I remember feeling that I had somehow let her down since she didn’t get the experience she hoped for.Fast forward to my second client with the similar experience. I had prepared myself for the same feelings of loss, trauma, and anger afterward that I assumed this client would also experience – but surprisingly, her attitude was completely different. She was disappointed, sure, but she felt like there was nothing more that could have been done and she was happy to have the experience behind her and move on.  These two practically identical births but vastly different reactions started me on my quest to seek out how this could be so. If the actual events themselves didn’t create the feeling of trauma, what did?

My own research, inquiries, and experience has taught me that one of the biggest influences in birth trauma is the focus, attitudes, and preparation of the birthing person/couple.

How outcome-focused are they in their vision of their birth experience? Are they rigid in their birth planning? Do they express an unwillingness or resistance to acknowledge and appreciate the ‘unknowns’ in labor and birth? Are they open or closed to learning ways of coping with a deterrence in their birth plan (for example, are they skipping the chapter on cesareans because “that won’t happen to me”)?

​ It appeared to me that the more attached a person was to the outcome of their experience, the more likely they were to feel traumatized after the fact if it didn’t go the way they hoped. I consider rigid expectations and lack of well-rounded preparation to be seeds of birth trauma. Once planted, they can take root and grow if other unexpected events are added to the mix – like the client who is adamant that she will give birth at home but ended up needing a transfer; or the client who refuses to acknowledge the possibility of a  cesarean, and yet fails to progress.

What is a doula to do?

So, as a doula, what can you do to help minimize the risk of birth trauma? First of all, it is important to emphasize that, as doulas, we are not responsible for outcomes. We cannot make promises to clients that hiring a doula will mean less interventions, a natural birth experience, a shorter labor, etc. Sure, the research suggests that we can make a difference, but in the end, our role is to provide support and encouragement, to facilitate good communication, and to assist in comfort – NOT to guarantee a client gets what they hope for. Doulas new to the profession are particularly more likely to feel the pressure to promise a certain experience and to feel responsible when they cannot deliver. Be conscious of this impulse.
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Here are some things you CAN do:

  • Facilitate discussions with your clients about the things they have control over (care provider, place of birth, classes they take, books they read) versus the things they cannot control (how long labor will be, when labor will begin, how baby will cope with labor, how their bodies will respond).
  • Take a non-outcome-focused stance in prenatals – acknowledge what their wishes are, but also emphasize the importance of planning for how to cope with those unwished-for events, should they arise. Focus on how they can feel satisfied and supported no matter what the outcome.
  • Prepare them for the possibility of a cesarean birth or the use of pain medication, even if they believe they will not need the information. I call this the “it won’t happen to me” phenomenon. It is a breeding ground for trauma.
  • Suggest they take a non-outcome focused childbirth preparation class. Birthing From Within™ is a good example of a class that focuses on preparing for all possible outcomes.
  • Explore not only their hopes but also their fears when it comes to birth. Ask solution-focused questions like “How would you cope if that were to happen?”
  • Assist in the development of a clear but flexible birth plan. Watch for unrealistic expectations and address them as they arise.
  • Avoid using clichéd affirmations like “Trust Birth” or “Trust your Body” that are outcome-focused and absolute– these can imply to the birthing person that if they just trust enough, they will get the outcome they wish for. This is often not the case, and can lead to feelings of failure and shame when their birth does not go the way they hoped.

As doulas, we have a lot of influence over our clients. They often see us as being ‘in the know’ and look to us for guidance and support. We have the opportunity to make a significant difference in how our clients perceive their birth experiences based on how we approach the preparation phase of our work together. Prepare them. Tackle the hard topics. Encourage them to keep an open mind. Otherwise, I believe we do them a disservice.

Stay tuned for parts two and three of my Birth Trauma series. .

 Jillian Hand, MSW, CD/PCD(DONA) Birthing From Within® Mentor
Jillian is a certified birth and postpartum doula through both Doula Training Canada and DONA International and has a Masters Degree in Social Work  She is one of the original founders of the Doula Collective of Newfoundland and Labrador. Over the years, Jillian has been actively involved in the doula movement both at a local, national and international level. As a Certified Birthing From Within® mentor and doula, and she facilitates childbirth preparation classes that embrace birth as a rite of passage. You can find more information about Jillian here http://www.handtoheart.biz
Categories
Trauma

Supporting Birth through a Trauma Lens

 

This week Theresa Fraser, Doula Canada Certifying Doula and Trauma and Loss Clinical Specialist lends us her voice to share the importance of working as a Trauma Focused Doula and the importance of understanding Trauma in this work.

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 ​So what is a trauma focused doula? Some might comment- why do we have to use a label? Is there such a thing? Do we need to have such a specialization?

I would counter that in the Doula role we all need to acknowledge that trauma is an important area for all Doula’s to be aware of. Trauma reactions can result from many experiences including emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect and domestic violence.
For the purpose of just sharing some statistics, let’s look at just sexual assault.

Sexual Assault.ca states that

  •  “Of every 100 incidents of sexual assault, only 6 are reported to the police
  • 1 – 2% of “date rape” sexual assaults are reported to the police
  • 1 in 4 North American women will be sexually assaulted during their lifetime
  • 11% of women have physical injury resulting for sexual assault
  • Only 2 – 4% of all sexual assaults reported are false reports
  • 60% of sexual abuse/assault victims are under the age of 17
  • over 80% of sex crime victims are women
  • 80% of sexual assault incidents occur in the home
  • 17% of girls under 16 have experienced some form of incest
  • 83% of disabled women will be sexual assaulted during their lifetime
  • 15% of sexual assault victims are boys under 16
  • half of all sexual offenders are married or in long term relationships
  • 57% of aboriginal women have been sexually abused
  • 1/5th of all sexual assaults involve a weapon of some sort
  • 80% of assailants are friends and family of the victim?

So this means that even if this topic doesn’t come up in an intake session, all Doula’s need to remember that many victims of sexual assault do not report being violated for many reasons. I have met woman and men who have kept their secret (even from their partner) thinking that it can be buried /forgotten and they can move on because they want to move on.  They want to forget.

Trauma however, is a sensorial experience and is stored in the part of the brain that stores sensory experiences. This means that it can be triggered by sensory experiences and you can get anymore sensory – than birthing your baby or watching your loved one birthing a baby.

Birth can make any birthing parent and their partner feel all of those things.  So if a potential birthing parent shares that they are afraid of feeling helpless, vulnerable, unsafe  or not feeling in control- it makes good sense that a Doula’s can share their knowledge and expertise.

This is intentional sharing so the birthing parent doesn’t feel helpless. We want birthing parents to feel empowered because they have a sense of a birth plan and they trust that their Doula will share this information if they cannot. We want birthing parents to be reminded that as their Doula we will stay at their side (if that is what is wanted) where we will share information, comfort measures,  ideas and tools . We want our birthing parents to feel that there is some predictability in the birthing process. Ultimately, this will help the birthing parent feel like they have some control over the experience. However, when the experience doesn’t go as planned (as births sometimes can)- the relationship that a Doula establishes with the birthing family will provide the foundation of safety.

So whether we know if a trauma history is present or not, as a Doula we want our birthing parents to feel that the birth experience we share with them is not traumatic. The analogy I share is that I want birthing parent to drive the car but I will be the gas. I will share what I can so they have a voice, have a map and go in the direction they planned to go in all along.

Theresa Fraser holds a CYW diploma, Diploma in General Social Work, Life Skills Coach certificate, is a certified Child Psychotherapist Play Therapist Supervisor, Trauma and Loss Clinical Specialist, and Treatment foster parent of 20 yrs. Theresa is sought after to  present in Canada, the US, Wales, Ireland and England on topics related to Trauma, Child Development, Play Therapy, Sand Tray Therapy, the Brain, Attachment as well as LGBTQ issues. She is also trained in Theraplay and EMDR. You can find more info about her here http://www.changingsteps.ca/home.html​
Categories
Business

Be YOU in Business. Why Authenticity matters.

 ​Birthwork is personal.
Everyone comes to this work with some level of personal investment. Clients may be drawn to your logo, website or social media but who they hire is you.
Imagine you are following a company on Instagram and Facebook. The images are warm and cozy feeling. The person in the images is wearing relaxed clothing and a big smile. So you set up a meeting. You are excited to connect with the person you see every day online.
When you arrive to meet with this person you walk into an office with modern décor and are greeted by a person in a business suit. How do you feel? Do you stay? Do you continue to want to work with this person?This persons marketing was not representative of who they are. For whatever reason they were trying to be someone else in the marketing of their business.
Finding your voice in this business can be hard. You want to stand out, you want your ideal client to find you. The best and most effective way of finding your market is by showing up. Being vulnerable and honest about who you are.Does this mean baring your soul on social media? Not necessarily. Authenticity is more important than transparency. Clients are not looking for every detail of your life. They are however wanting to meet you, not who you think you should be.So what is authenticity? It means staying true to who YOU are, what YOU do, who YOU serve and, most importantly, why YOU do what you do. To quote Simon Sinek of Start with Why, “It means that the things we say and the things we do are things we actually believe.”
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Authenticity is the basis of the trust clients develop in your business. A client wants to have some sense that the beliefs and values you express in your business, align with theirs. People are drawn to others who are similar to them in certain ways.  What it means is finding your voice. Finding your people and letting them get to know who you are.

Where do you start?

Confidence (even if you have to fake it till you make it)
This means believing in the power of you. Trusting that what you offer is so much more than the number of births you have attended, clients you have supported or classes you have taught. That who you are is unique, and your clients are excited to meet you.

Connection.
Getting yourself out there matters, but what matters most is relationships. Relationships with clients, caregivers and other professionals are what business is built on. Through relationships all things are possible. Who you are matters in these relationships. Your business depends on your integrity of self.
Find a way to position yourself as the expert in your field. Find where your ideal clients hang out, what groups they are in, where they go to shop and build those relationships. Talk to the business owners, organize speaking events, be visible.

Clients are seeking connection. They want interaction, transparency and relevance. They want to feel special. If a client likes your Facebook page or gives you their email they are saying “hey I like you!”. How can you say that back? How can you connect with them? Maybe that is as simple as shout out on your social media platform or maybe that is a gift with purchase.

Consistency
This is more than just regularly posting on social media. This means that who you are and what images and ideas you are sharing align. All the time.  That your brand is consistent. Being authentic doesn’t mean you have to post every day and rack up 1000 likes. It just requires you to deliver a consistent, compelling identity that gets clients talking.

It also means that if you are changing your marketing materials you need to be transparent as to what is to come. People have a hard time with change. Something as simple as a new haircut that makes you appear different from the headshot shown on your website, can effect a client’s trust in your business.

Collaboration
Going back to speaking to other business owners. We have a saying here at Doula Canada. There is no such thing as competition. WHAT?! Shocking I know. Here is the thing. Competition breeds contempt. Collaboration build business. Your market, your clients are unique to you. Visibility matters. The more birth professionals out there (in a small town or big city) the more clients there are out there looking for service.
Find like-minded individuals and collaborate. Put on a talk, share space, and find ways to build a market through and with each other.  When you collaborate, you build connections. Connections bring clients.

Confidence, connection, consistency & collaboration. All of this to say authenticity matters. It really does. So how will you show up in your business today?