Tag: doulas

Doulas for Reconcili-ACTION: Fostering a Call-in Culture: Interpersonal Skills for Tough Conversations

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Doulas for Reconcili-ACTION: Fostering a Call-in Culture: Interpersonal Skills for Tough Conversations

Join EDI Co-lead Kayt Ward, BSW for a circle exploring interpersonal skills for allies. This discussion-based workshop will focus on creating resources within ourselves to handle critical feedback and call-ins, and a roadmap for navigating uncomfortable conversations.

When we transform our minds from feelings of guilt, shame, and moral perfectionism to a place of growth mindset and accountability, we become better allies ready to assist with the issues in front of us. Join us to learn how.

Suggested Reading: White Tears Brown Scars 

Please note to create a container of safety for participants to engage fully and vulnerably with the content, DFR holds a no recording policy, and recordings will not be made available after the event.

All proceeds will go to Aunties on the Road, an unaffiliated Indigenous organization in Eastern Ontario that provides full spectrum doula care and doula training to Indigenous youth in the Ottawa area.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Categories
community connection Equity LGBTQ2S+

Bisexual Visibility Day

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1695560834217{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]According to national data, bisexuals make up the lion’s share of the LGB population. Yet, we are also the most invisible. This is because sexual orientation is usually interpreted based on relationship status and household composition, rather than on how an individual experiences their sexuality.

My wife and I have been together for 16 years, and co-parenting together for 11 years. We are both bisexual. Rarely is our family interpreted accurately by the outside world. I am Black, she is white, our kid is mixed race and presents as Black. We are also both femmes. As a result of these factors, we have been in countless interactions where my wife has been interpreted, and treated as “my friend who helps me out with my kid”. She has actually been a part of every moment of his life since he was an ultrasound image.

If she takes him to medical appointments she is asked to substantiate who she is in relation to him, or now that he is older, he has been asked to confirm her identity. This doesn’t happen when I take him to medical appointments. It is a good practice to confirm the relationship between adults and children at medical appointments. However, this seems to be happening based on race, sexual orientation, and gender-based assumptions about families, rather than as a universal safety precaution.

We’ve come a long way in terms of normalizing same-sex households, but as recently as this past school year, our kid came home with a form that had spots for “mother” and “father”. It is so easy to create a form that has two spaces for “parent/guardian”. Outdated forms such as this one exclude a lot of families that aren’t “same-sex households”. 

In general, we’re not very surprised by these microaggressions as we navigate a heterosexist world. What often lands more painfully are the microaggressions from within the LGBTQ community in relation to our bisexuality.

Recently, we were at a comedy night that was heavily attended by queer and trans people. Despite the largely queer crowd, one of the comedians made a biphobic joke. We groaned and gave each other knowing eye-rolls. This reaction sparked a conversation with a lesbian couple that was seated at the same table. We got to chatting with them and when we revealed that we have been together for the better part of 2 decades and are raising a child together, they made a remark that we have heard in lesbian spaces before: “Oh, well it’s like you’re lesbians then”. 

Like many microaggressions, the intention was clearly complimentary, but that’s definitely not how it landed. We are proud bisexual women. Our relationship with each other doesn’t change that. In these conversations, we find ourselves resisting the temptation to disclose being polyamorous and our relationships with men as a counterargument. No one should have to justify being Bi. That is just what some people are. We all understand that a person who’s been celibate for an extended amount of time isn’t necessarily asexual. It’s the same thing really. My sexual orientation is the one I was born with. Relationships are choices I make over time.

Not all same-sex couples are gay and lesbian. Not all different-sex couples are straight. Many of us raise children using a variety of family and community structures. Being told we are not real or that our identity is a phase hurts. 

A great way to make the world less painful for bisexuals and their families is to normalize and represent different family structures. Right now, there is a culture war over when it’s okay to start talking to kids about LGBTQ+ people. 

Who among us can remember receiving an explanation about marriage and families? We take for granted that there is no need to explain these concepts. We learn about these and other institutions by observing the world around us. LGBTQ+ people are part of the world. Representing queer and trans folk in a child’s world from day one is how we present an accurate portrait of reality.

There is content that affirms family diversity for all ages. Independent children’s publisher Flamingo Rampant offers an excellent selection of children’s books that show race, sexual, bodily, ability, and gender diversity with people and families doing all sorts of fun and magical things. Super Power Baby Shower by Toby Hill-Meyer and Fay Onyx tells the story of a queer, polyamorous family of superheroes preparing to have a baby! 

 Keira Grant (she/her) brings a wealth of experience to her EDI Co-Lead role. She is a Queer, Black woman with a twenty-year track record in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) education, projects, and community-building initiatives. As a mom and partner, she uses her lived experience to provide support and reflection for her clients and her work. Keira is the owner of Awakened Changes Perinatal Doula Services.

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Labour Doula | St. John’s NL | April 22nd & 23rd, 2023

Join our experienced Doula Canada instructors for your IN-PERSON training!

Client-centred and trauma-informed events teach students through dynamic materials and live demonstrations!  Our workshop events create the opportunity for DTC members to learn, hold space, and boost their confidence alongside peers and our experienced team of instructors.

The workshop will be held from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm local time.  Venue and event details will be sent approximately two (2) weeks prior to the workshop date.

***Those who register for the Dual Stream (Labour Doula, Postpartum Doula) must also complete the training for the second component of their stream.  To add your additional training date please check out our online calendar and email info@doulatraining.ca to request your registration for the second stream event.

***Those who register for the Triple Stream (Labour Doula, Postpartum Doula, and Educator OR Fertility Doula) will take part in training days for labour doula, postpartum doula AND 1 day of educator training at a later date of the registrants choosing. ***Please specify whether you wish to take Educator OR Fertility in the comments section of your registration. Fertility training is done online only.***

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

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

Your presence at the event in its totality, agreement to provide DTC staff proof of vaccination, and to participate in a professional manner throughout the training.  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 in-person format and that the 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 all days that you are expected to attend, and always in the spirit of professionalism  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.

$250 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.

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, please email us with special requests at least fourteen (14) days before the scheduled training.  If, during the training, a need for an accommodation arises, you are expected to communicate with 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 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.

COVID Protocols and Venue Policies:
Provincial and venue policy related to COVID-19 will apply.  All participants will be encouraged to wear masks and follow proper hygiene practices related to COVID-19 protocols for local health units and provincial guidelines.   Persons who are not comfortable attending an in-person event at this time can opt to attend a DTC virtual workshop, as listed at www.doulatraining.ca.

Webinar: Supporting Young Parents, an event with Lorena Murialdo of Planned Parenthood Toronto

This 60 minute webinar will host Lorena Murialdo, from Planned Parenthood Toronto, who will lead a discussion about supporting young parents in today’s birth and parenting climate.

What will this webinar cover?

We took it to our DTC crowd to ask them what they would like to learn most about!
When we asked our members about what they would like to see covered, some of the answers included:

-What support young parents need in the early postpartum period
-What it feels like to become a parent when you (may or may not) still be being “parented”
-Resources best suited to youth in terms of things like continuing education, housing, age appropriate support, and community services,
-Mental health for young parents and how unplanned parenthood impacts labour, birth, and postpartum times

-Fostering healthy relationships with doulas and others in the absence of parental support

Lorena will address many of these and speak to what she feels is pertinent to her work and important for modern birth workers to be aware of.

This 60 minutes is sure to be packed full of thought-provoking suggestions and points for growing competencies when supporting young parents!

When:  Tuesday October 18th @ 1pm EST via Zoom
*recorded for playback (registrants only)/ closed-captioning available at all DTC events*

Cost:  $20 per participant

For more information about Planned Parenthood Toronto please visit:  https://ppt.on.ca/

__________________________________________________________________________

Lorena Murialdo is a Community Health Promoter with over 25 years of experience
working with diverse youth and young parent communities. Lorena specializes in
mental health, sexual health, life skills, personal development and parenting. Lorena is
also owner of b_mindful and over the past decade has focused her work on advancing
mindfulness based stress reduction and intervention programs as well as social and
emotional learning opportunities in educational, health care settings and a range of non-
profit and for profit work place environments and organizations. Lorena has a genuine
interest in community health and health promotion initiatives that enable youth and
young parents to gain greater control over the decisions and actions that affect their
overall health and wellbeing.

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]