Birth & Parenting News

Doula legislation in Michigan–Let your voice be heard! Experience from similar efforts in other states has demonstrated the importance of doulas being at the table when these discussions occur (e.g., Oregon, New York). Also in this issue: pelvic floor resources; an upcoming Doula Business Development Workshop, and more! Read the newsletter.

The power of hormones ~ a cat nurses ducklings (amazing video!). The hormones that govern the processes of labor, birth and breastfeeding possess a delicate synergy, referred to by the famous French obstetrician and author, Michel Odent as a “love cocktail.” Fear, trauma and anxiety inhibit these hormones. Doulas help to keep these stressors at…

It’s time to let your inner doula out of the closet! Let 2021 be the year you invest in a new career that doesn’t feel like going to work. Online training works especially well for breastfeeding mothers and those for whom travel back and forth to in-person training presents a hardship. (Plus, it has the…

See the many opportunities we have to help get you through the looming winter months and position yourself to achieve your goals. Our upcoming Doula Business Development Workshop (December 12) will provide you with the tools and encouragement needed to begin implementing your vision. Registration includes a copy of The Doula Business Guide Workbook: Tools…

The Center closes after 21 years (but training continues!). If I had imagined the day when I would be closing Center for the Childbearing Year, it would not have looked like this. There would have been a party. Though we no longer share space, all businesses that shared space here–Lifespan Doulas, the Breastfeeding Center of…

Teaching aids FOR SALE! Weighted dolls can be used for hands-on teaching of babywearing. A total of 7 dolls, each weighing 8 pounds, mixed races, available. Online training makes doula work (and therefore doulas!) more accessible. No need to travel, stay at a hotel or leave your breastfeeding infant behind. Winter/Spring 2021 Live Online Training…

Can we build community in a virtual training? “All of my expectations were exceeded and I felt that the workshop was well worth the money, even not being able to be there in person.” Join Patty Brennan in Fall 2020 for live online doula training. DONA International Birth Doula Workshops, Postpartum Doula Workshops and Doula…

Can we build community in a virtual training? “All of my expectations were exceeded and I felt that the workshop was well worth the money, even not being able to be there in person.” Due to pandemic-related restrictions, all our summer trainings will be live virtual trainings on Zoom. Also in this issue: building a…

LIVE VIRTUAL DONA Postpartum Doula Workshop will be held May 14-17 on Zoom, with Patty Brennan & Guest Instructors. You no longer have to travel or pay for hotel rooms to become a postpartum doula. This is your chance! Also in this newsletter: the evidence on natural techniques for induction of labor; “Making More Milk”…

COVID-19 updates, strategies and resources for doulas. Effects on infant mental health, distance labor support, saving our weekends, working ON your business while home bound, training updates and more. Also see March of Dimes’ new Birth Equity Locator tool. Read the newsletter.