January - Comfort Techniques: Teaching and Using
Learn tips for teaching comfort techniques in the classroom as well as applying
these techniques in the delivery room.
February - Controversy night!
Come and discuss the things we usually tippy-toe around - circumcision,
vaccinations, formula feeding, etc.
March - Role-Play Night
scenarios will be provided, and those attending will "role play" what they might
do in each situation. Good for childbirth educators, doulas, and breastfeeding assistance.
April - Alternative Therapies (types to be announced)
Learn about different Alternative Healing Therapies - from massage therapy to
Mayan Abdominal Massage to acupuncture and Chiropractics. (guest speaker: Multiple)
May - Helping the Breastfeeding Family
Tips for teaching breastfeeding. Scope of practice for a birth or postpartum
doula. Common concerns and ways to help. Local resources. (guest speaker: Breastfeeding
Counselor)
June - Local Resources
The importance of having referral lists - midwives, obstetricians, pediatricians
- also lactation consultants, chiropractors, massage therapists… BRING YOUR
RECOMMENDATIONS AND REFERRALS LIST!
July - Home Labor and Role Play!
Should it be done by doulas? What are the safety concerns? Why is it recommended?
When it is not recommended? Precautions that can be taken. Emergency childbirth procedures -
role playing different scenarios. (guest speaker: Midwife)
August - Cesareans and VBACs
Preventing the primary cesarean. Teaching about cesareans in the classroom.
Concerns about VBACs (legally and medically). Emergency -vs- unplanned cesareans -vs-
planned cesareans. VBAC issues - emotionally and how to help as the doula.
September - Alternative Therapies (types to be announced)
Learn about different Alternative Healing Therapies - from massage therapy to
Mayan Abdominal Massage to acupuncture and Chiropractics. (guest speaker: Multiple)
October - Epidural - educating, avoiding, and supporting with an epidural
How to teach the information in creative ways that remain unbiased. How to help a
mother go unmedicated - and how to support a mother who is laboring with an epidural.
November - Mentoring and Apprenticing: A Work in Progress
The value of mentoring new doulas. Do's and Don'ts for apprentices.
Incorporating apprentices into the client/doula relationship. Ways to deal with conflict
within the relationship.
December - Burn Out!
Common caused for "burn out" in the childbirth educator and doula. Ways to avoid
burn out - and what can be done if it occurs. End of the year PARTY! Gift exchange, food,
drinks, and lots of fun!
