Doula School Canada

Tag: doula

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

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

     

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    So why Doula?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • What happens when a Doula crosses the room?

    What happens when a Doula crosses the room?

     

    What happens when a Doula crosses a room?

    CONFIDENCE!

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     Doula Canada recently attended the Birth & Beyond conference in London, Ontario.  Birth professionals from across Canada came to build skills and awareness on hot topics circumventing the North American scene… oh, and to rub shoulders with the “who’s who” of birth and baby related goodness.  Hey there Ina May!

    There were many inspiring moments at the conference; when you’re in the same room as Gena Kirby or Ina May Gaskin it is difficult not to be inspired!  *fan-girl moment of the year!*

    However, the Doula Canada team recognized something more about this event and its importance to our students and alumni.  What was wonderful about Birth & Beyond was its ability to create confidence in our Doula Canada students and alumni.

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     One of the keys to success and competency as a Doula or Childbirth Educator in Canada = confidence.

    Doula Canada knows that feeling self-assured is an important player in feeling ready and able to instill those same qualities in the expecting or new families we support.  More “I know what to do” and less “I’m really not sure what the hell I’m doing!”

    At Birth & Beyond those who were awestruck by being in the presence of some of the great birth minds eagerly walked across the room and shook hands with the persons they were at first uncomfortable approaching.  With confidence.  With stride.  With the knowledge that they, like their mentors, believe in making a difference.  With the recognition that they knew WHAT to do and WHY they were doing it!

    At Doula Canada we wholeheartedly work to mentor our students in order that they overcome these insecurities and ROCK their DOULA or CBE CONFIDENCE.

    We believe that certification is the first step to pulling those shoulders back as you confidently move towards the “I am a good Doula,” mantra we embrace.

    We also believe that challenging you to move forward, despite criticism from other organizations or practicing stakeholders is proof of YOUR CONFIDENCE.  Naysayers gonna hate or, as our favourite famous Jennifer Lawrence so eloquently put it “Don’t worry about the Bitches!”

    So whether you are in this Doula or CBE journey with us already, or have been pondering taking the leap to joining our growing DTC family, we encourage you to take those steps confidently.
    See those goals across the room and confidently move towards them.  With trust, with belief, with credence, and with conviction (oh look…. synonyms for the word confidence!).So what do you get when a Doula walks across the room?            A confident opportunity.

  • Can Canada employ more Doulas?

    Can Canada employ more Doulas?

    Doula Canada takes a look at whether Canada can employ and train more Labour Doulas…

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    The Canadian birth and parenting scene is strengthened by organizations and personalities who recognize the difference each province dictates.

    We are not homogeneous, and as such our training and practices should be different than certain, ahem, friendly neighbours (“howdy-ho there neighbor!”).

    As an organization focused on Canadian birth and perinatal experience we make it Doula Canada’s mission to imbue ourselves in an open discussion with Doulas and Childbirth Educators in each Province and Territory.

    We are curious about how others feel in our profession, what is working for them, what are their struggles, and how an organization like DTC can positively encourage those experiences.  ​

    One of the main concerns we hear from Doulas across Canada is that the market feels saturated.  Many have shared that they can sometimes feel deflated and unsupported in an economy where Doulas can still be misunderstood.

    These comments got our wheels spinning!  Is the Canadian market saturated?  Can training organizations, like ours, sustain themselves as Doulas increasingly certify and support families?

    YES.

    The answer is that simple.  ​

    Can you be a full-time Doula in your community.  Yes.

    First, let’s look at the numbers:

    In our initial studies we have focused strictly on Labour Doulas, as it’s the most common certification program in our country, and the one we discussed most with Doulas from B.C to Newfoundland.

    The Canadian birth rate has increased.  Slowly, but it has still increased (good work little buddy!).  Following the diagram below you can see how many births per a province were registered for 2015/16, and how many Labour Doulas each province could argubly sustain if each Doula were working full-time (48 births a year… which is like, whoa, A LOT!).  Now let’s also consider that some of these Doulas may also be Postpartum Doulas or Childbirth Educators…. or both (full-package perfection!).   Busy Canadian Doulas unite!

    The argument that Canada cannot sustain more Doulas, let alone government subsidized or employed Doulas, is false.  In fact, many Provinces (we’re looking at YOU Western Canada) could see tremendous opportunity in this profession!Booking flight….now….ok…..check…. (guilty plug of 2017 training schedule HERE).

    So how can YOU success as a Canadian Doula?

    At Doula Canada we know that the key to Canadian Doula success for our students and alumni is diversifying their offerings.  Many Doulas and CBEs offer further value added services that offset the slower months of client support.  Workshops or encapsulation, sleep consulting or belly binding,  whatever your jam is, knowing that you have an opportunity to reach potential clients through more than an on-call schedule is an important business PEACE OF DOULA MIND.

    Perhaps you may consider diversifying your certifications?  We strongly feel that becoming a Childbirth Educator is a sure-fire way to build any birth/baby related business; you meet families eager for education and then eager for continuous support.  Our expert trainers are living proof!

    We also believe that cross-certifying with numerous organizations through your Doula career assists in building expert knowledge, while allowing you to connect with other like-minded Doulas (connection is KEY to success… see HERE)

    We’ve seen Doulas and CBEs in communities of less than 40,000 persons THRIVE.

    How?

    A strong support system, business minded practices for the CANADIAN market of our profession, and EDUCATION.

    IMPORTANT TO NOTE: our initial studies have shown that Canada can sustain a deeper growth of Doulas, HOWEVER Doulas seem to be more successful when they look to external supports.  This means strong certification agencies, available government or systemic funding for their business and for potential clients, networking opportunities with community stakeholders and yes, even supporting other Doulas.   *insert sound of shock*

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    “But I’m not getting enough clients so why would I support other Doulas?”Because it will build your confidence.

    It will move YOU, to move FURTHER.

    It will keep one snow covered toe in best business practices (like not trash talking the competition!) while the other is off to support the abundance of clients that presents themselves on your (email)doorstep.

    It’s also the nice, ahem, Canadian way!

    Can Canada sustain more Doulas.  Yes, please!

    (And we haven’t even started to chat about Perinatal Support or CBE opportunity…. whoa!).

  • Canadian Doula Olympics!

    Canadian Doula Olympics!

     

    In the Spirit of 2016 Rio Olympics!
    Canadian Doulas kickass because…

    Have you been watching any of the 2016 Rio Olympics on Facebook (let’s be honest… who watches TV anymore?!).  ​

    The inspiring display from our Canadian swim team and Women’s rugby over the past few days has started a fun little conversation about how Canadian Doulas would fare as an Olympic sport (Hello!  We have stamina to stay up for hours on end!) AND about what makes Doula Training Canada unique as a purely Canadian run and focused organization.

    Here are some of our student and alumni comments on why Canadian Doulas and DTC are specimens of unique athleticism in the world of Doulas:

    “It’s all about community, eh.  A giant Olympic Doula village coast-to-coast 365 days a year!”

    “Canadian Doulas are birth athletes!”

    “DTC isn’t governed by a large organization.  That’s pretty rad – we haven’t sold our Doula athletes to corporate sponsorship yet!”

    “Our “coaches” are wonderful.  *now please give me a pass on my verbal presentation*”

    “DTC Doulas are going the distance!”

    “Each of our “athletes” brings passion for their “game” and determination for “success” to their clients (sort of like a gold medal of honour around their neck!)”

    “Canadian Doulas are worth their weight in Gold.”

    “Canadian Doulas look really great in sports gear.  I love my track pants and runners for those long births!”

    “We don’t advocate, we empower.  All the families we support are part of a team that build each other up to create strength and unity.”

    “Our support goes the distance.  I don’t mean just one end of the country to the other.  I quite literally mean I am learning from a distance.  Self Study for the win!”

    “We sit, stand, and squat for thee Canada!  We’re like birth gymnasts!”

  • The Juggling Doula  

    The Juggling Doula  

    One of the most common questions we receive at Doula Training Canada by interested registrants and students is…
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    HOW DO YOU JUGGLE LIFE AT HOME WITH LIFE AS A DOULA?
    As a busy full-time Doula, childbirth educator, national instructor for DTC, business owner, mother-of-two, wife-of-one, and official puppy walker (what was I thinking?!) my life thrives on routine…and maybe a cup of coffee or five!  Balancing an on-call schedule is more easily led when I know who, what and where things are happening if I am called to a birth.  For some unknown reason (*cough* I take on too much) if our household lacks our daily routine life tends to lack équilibre.

    Our team have shown that life as a successful full-time Doula and childbirth educator is possible, and it starts with learning how to balance as you juggle.

    Here are some things to consider as you learn where Doula life lies in the balance of your life’s journey:

    TIME.  How much time can you give to your Doula goals? To networking? Client consults and visits? Updating websites?  Scheduling classes?   Committing time to your Doula or CBE dreams each day is important.   TASK:  Write out your weekly calendar of works, tasks, responsibilities (and a little fun time too!) hour by hour.  How would certification and Doula/ CBE work fit in?  Finding a balance with your perhaps already busy schedule is a great way to start your Doula/ CBE journey!

    ​INSPIRATION.       Ask yourself “When do I feel most inspired?”  Perhaps this seems like an odd question.  However, if you wake up a 5am itching to get those wheels spinning (no, we aren’t chatting Spin class) then THAT is the time you should devote to your Doula agenda.  Me?  I’m a night owl (hoot) and think, write, create best between 9pm-1am.  THIS  period gives me time balance my thoughts uninterrupted.   And the occasional 3am email – just to keep you all on your toes!  I also find inspiration in our Doula family daily, in conversations with my closest friends, and the odd Pinterest bubble bath solitude (haven’t lost a phone to date!).  ​

    SUPPORT.      Picture this:  Me, up on a yoga ball, holding 4+ clients on my shoulders, a stack of paperwork in both hands, two children on each leg, and a furry little black dog doing the “I need to pee” dance on my head.  The ball?  That is my husband, my immediate family, our on-call babysitter, my kickass backup team, the Doula Training Canada team, and our amazing students and alumni across Canada.  I could not, in no way or form, take on the volume of clients and workload I welcome into my life without the balance of a strong support system.  They keep the ball from slipping out from underneath.  I may carry the weight but they keep my feet steady.    IF you were called away in the middle of the night or had a scheduled prenatal class…. who would be there to support the other aspects in your life?  Balance that and you’re pretty much there!
    EAT< SLEEP< SMILE <REPEAT.
    Self care… this is HUGE as a Doula!  Us mothering types (which we include Doulas under, whether you have a child or not) tend to put others before ourselves and call Doritos dinner if need be.  First, Doritos are not a meal (I know… I’m sorry!).  Running here and there as a Doula or CBE means finding a balanced diet – one that will leave you feeling full and energized.  May I introduce you to my friend breakfast?Second, sleep debt is a real thing and so is anxiety caused by said sleep debt.  Catching some Zzz’s before, after (and maybe even during) our support of clients is OK.  Did you hear that?  It was the bell of epiphany.  Doulas DO NOT need to stay up for 51 hours without sleep.  Would you work at McDonald’s for 8+ hours without a break of some sort.  Nope.  Nope. Nope.  Balancing rest and sleep with Doula work is a priority of doing this work full-time (*confession:  I LOVE sleep).  If you feel anxious about your decision to start your Doula journey or your current certification/ business status, ask yourself, have I got enough sleep lately?  *light bulb moment?*

    Lastly, I LOVE my job.  A second does not go by without my feeling grateful for the honour I have been given to work with my clients and all the DTC students and alumni.  This, along with my son telling me he will name his child Jingle one day, makes me smile… A LOT.  Does this work inspire you?  Does it leave you smiling when you book a client, or find an amazing resource for a workshop you’re teaching?  Doula success lies with YOU… and YOU must be happy with the work and experiences ahead. ​

    Balancing life as a full-time Doula is possible.  Examine your life at home and reflect on how you can access time, support, inspiration and a healthy lifestyle while you work towards your certification and business goals.  Keep in mind that balance is not an end goal but an on-going process.  There will be moments when you will need to prioritize some things over others and this may take you away from your Doula/ CBE work.  That’s ok!  Be gentle with yourself and recognize that learning to juggle doesn’t often happen in a day.

    ​Ready to Doula Canada with us?  We would love to have you join our proud Canadian Doula family!

  • Doula Little Dance…​ENCOURAGING COMFORT THROUGH MOVEMENT

    Doula Little Dance…​ENCOURAGING COMFORT THROUGH MOVEMENT

    Shaunacy King, BD, CBE & Director for Doula Training Canada

     

    One of the my earliest Doula memories is from taking the Dancing for Birth program with the fantabulous Stephanie Larson.  In her program she discussed how elephant mothers do not lie on their back, with their feet in the air, awaiting the birth of their elebabies.

    Over time I have taken this image with me and used to ask…

    Have you ever seen a dog in labour, lying on its back with its legs straight up in the air?  No!  How about a cat?  A horse? A cow? Ok, ok…. how about any mammal?

    The answer is a definitive NO WAY!

    What is with the history and expectation that human women should labour and birth while lying down?  Blasphemy I say!

    Nature dictates that it is most comfortable for animals (including human animals) to labour standing up, so that gravity and motion can work to facilitate progression and comfort.

    Comfort?!  How is that possible you might ask.  Well, there is comfort in knowing that you are in control of your body.  That if you use motion and gravity to open the hips and bring the baby down that this experience (ahem, the fun of labour) could be over more quickly.

    Paulina Perez in “The Nurturing Touch at Birth” states it perfectly when she write “changing positions frequently is a very important labour support technique.  Changing positions frequently and using positions such as standing, walking, and hands-and-knees stimulates the joint receptors, which are large receptors that adapt slowly but are also slow to habituate.  Usually the mother changes positions spontaneously,”  (pg. 100).  In other words…. SCIENCE tells us that moving around isn’t just a comfort technique, but that it is necessary.

    Encourage your clients to get their birth bottoms shaking, moving and grooving.  And if none of those ideas seem to resonate here are some other suggestions:

    Walking
    Standing
    Stair climbing
    Sitting
    Leaning
    Side-lying
    Squatting
    Hands and knees

  • To Certify or not to Certify? That is the Question.

    To Certify or not to Certify? That is the Question.

     

     Guest author: Sondra Marcon.  DTC alumni and instructor. Doula with Sisterhood Wellness Collective in Toronto, ON, Canada.

    So, you have taken Doula Training Canada’s workshop.

    You love birth or the postpartum period (come on!  Who doesn’t love bellies and babies?!).  You love client-centered care, supporting the birthing person physically and emotionally, and helping them voice their needs to their care providers is your jam.

    ​You are engaged and excited.

    Then as often happens on route to certification. Life gets in the way.  You stop reading, you can’t seem to find the time to finish the paperwork or take that final course. Maybe you start to doubt yourself and your ability to do this work. Completion of your requirements for certification gets farther and farther away. You begin to wonder if certification is even worth it?

    ​You can do the work of a doula without being attached to an organization or bound by their scope of practice. Currently in Canada, there is no registering body that you need to be a part of to actively work as a Labour or Postpartum doula.

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    So why Certify?

    Completing the training workshop is exciting, but let’s get real, it is only part of the process.

    • It expands your knowledge base. By completing the requirements you learn more, and are challenged to think critically about the material you are accessing.

    Let’s face it. You can only cover so much about labour, birth and postpartum in a 2 day workshop.

    • You are encouraged to continue learning. Knowledge and information about birth and postpartum is constantly evolving. Continued learning is vital, however it is also easy to become complacent in what we know if we are not reminded to keep growing.
    • Eventually, likely sooner than later, Doulas will be forced into regulation in Canada. This is not necessarily a bad thing as it will make doula care more accessible to all. However, this does mean that if you are not certified, it will be illegal to practice and you will not be able to get insurance to cover your liabilities.
    • Having that piece of paper to frame and put on your wall is cool. It is a reminder to yourself of all you have accomplished. It is also peace of mind for your clients.
    • Scope of practice = boundaries. They are important. They keep us all safe
    • It is a ready-made tribe. Here at Doula Training Canada our certifying students have access to a wonderful community online, that shares information, supports one another, and generally just rocks. If you choose not to complete your certification you lose access to this community.
    • Mentorship; The Instructors and certified doulas in the Doula Training Canada community are amazing. Reach out. Ask questions. Ask for support.
    ​I have to admit I am biased. I love the Doula Training Canada Community. I never want to leave it behind.  I will however, confess it took me longer to certify then I would have liked. Life got in the way. However here I am saying, just do it. Find a way. It is totally worth it.

  • An Open Letter to the Canadian Minister of Health

    Good afternoon Honourable Jane Philpott, MP, Minister of Health,

    I am contacting you about fully recognizing Labour and Birth Doulas as a therapeutic and provincially covered profession across Canada.

    The World Health Organization recently reported that the support of Doulas through Labour and Birth is best practice and that Doulas should become covered by our government.

    Specific to that report dated March 23, 2016:
    “All hospitals should implement programmes that offer continuous support to women during labour. The presence of a companion of the woman’s own choice should be permitted and encouraged. An alternative to this may be to integrate “doulas” in maternity wards for the provision of continuous support to women during labour. Doulas are lay women who have received special training to provide non-medical support to women and families during labour, childbirth and the postpartum period (7, 9). Policy-makers and administrators should recognize that the best outcomes are achieved when continuous labour support is provided by non-staff providers, especially doulas. This is particularly important where policy-makers wish to reduce high caesarean rates in their hospitals or country.

    The costs of doula services, where available, are usually passed on to the mother’s family. These costs could be a barrier to the provision of continuous support. Considering all the advantages and possible lower costs to the health system associated with the presence of a doula (less likelihood of cesareans sections and analgesia use), covering the cost of doula services should be considered by policy-makers. Programmes for training and accreditation of doulas should be available in all regions of the country. Courses and programmes can be offered by public hospitals and primary health services for training community doulas.”

    For the full study please click here:
    (http://apps.who.int/…/routine_care/cd0003766_amorimm_com/en/)

    As the Director and Program Coordinator for one of Canada’s Doula certification programs I see this as a great opportunity to work together. I would like to speak to someone about how we can implement Doula training and programs into current birth practice across the country.

    I look forward to hearing from you.

    Mrs. Shaunacy King, BD, CBE
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    Director & Program Coordinator
    Doula Training Canada

  • Doula Shaming: How to Spot the Professional Bully

    Doula Shaming: How to Spot the Professional Bully

    There’s a pandemic of shame happening in the Doula world right now and it’s time we cleared the air on the adult bullying and elitism currently running course.

    The Doula profession has taken off in the past decade, with more people acknowledging the overall value in the attendance of a Doula through labour and into the postpartum period.

    Big certification agencies are now competing with boutique certification agencies, all making claims that they are “premier,” “modern,” “professional,” and “comprehensive.”  Each vy for the attention of potential students who are searching for the “right” certification agency for them.  Their “Doula family,” if you will.

    Loyalty to a Doula organization, no different than loyalty to a family member, runs thick.  Students and alumni square off to defend their own and herald the joys of their experiences.  This is to be expected – after all they did choose them in the end!

    Unfortunately as a result of this need to choose we have seen a number of our Doula sisters become subject to a stream of bullying that is uncalled for and completely unprofessional.  The explicit questioning of ethnicity, language, and choice of certification agency by some of the “leaders” in certain organizations is, to be blunt, disgusting.  These same people are teaching their students that it is important to book clients by being nurturing and professional, yet in the same breath demanding their audience “do what I say” or “hit the highway.”

    ​Um, what?!

    Watching some of these conversations go down over social media is like watching the mean girls in fifth grade pass notes back in forth at the expense of their bullied victim.  Like, super mature (insert eye roll).

    Here’s the thing.  The mean girl eventually just becomes known as a bully (I actually thought of another 5 letter ‘b’ word… but I’m playing nice today friends!).  The bully’s game becomes tiring and no one wants to play anymore.  As Doulas become recognized by policy makers, and regulatory associations grow collaboration will prevail over competition.  The mean girls may even find themselves on the outside looking in.
    There is no “right” or “wrong” way to Doula.  There is YOUR way.  Can certification organizations give you training and mentorship to move you toward success?  We hope so!

    However, what you do with the information you are given lies no where but with you.  There is no magic bag of tricks to guarantee that you are going to be the most successful Doula in your community.

    Do we want to mentor you to make it happen?  Absolutely!

    Can a certification agency guarantee it at the expense of others?  No flipping way.

    We applaud the growing body of certification options available to incoming Doulas.  Personal choice and satisfaction is an important component to successfully fulfilling your Doula goals and living your passion each day.  However, what we (insert I) do not condone is the tactics of bullying and elitism that some of these options are employing.
    So, in stereotypical Canadian fashion.  It’s time to play peacemaker.  It’s time to play nice.  No one likes to be bullied.  It’s time for the Doula world to grow up and work collaboratively together.  Are you ready to Doula Canada?

    Here is a fantastic article by Amy Gilliland from “Doulaing the Doula” about things to consider when choosing a Doula Certification organization:  Click Here.