Many doulas come to the profession after an incredibly empowering birth experience. Others come to the profession after a difficult birth experience hoping others will never face the same circumstances without support. But what if you’ve never had a baby? Can you be a doula? In short, absolutely! In fact, there are many benefits to […]
Common Pregnancy Complications
As doulas, we provide non-medical support to clients. We do not diagnose, perform any clinical tasks, and we do not give any medical advice. However, we do hold space, educate, and help clients find evidence-based information so they can make informed decisions. For those reasons, it’s important we be aware of common pregnancy complications. For […]
Early Signs of Pregnancy
As a birth doula, many people will see you as an expert on all stages of pregnancy. While your primary role is birth preparation and labor support, it is important to be aware of many pregnancy topics. Many families trying to conceive, or wondering if they are pregnant, like to know about early signs of […]
Nutrition Support and Education For Birth Doulas and Childbirth Educators
At the International Doula Institute, we are committed to helping students be fully prepared to offer holistic support to their clients as soon as they complete their program. One of the most important things during pregnancy and in the postpartum period is proper nutrition. At IDI, we recognize that to truly support families we need […]
Postpartum Nutrition For The Doula
As doulas, our role is to provide holistic family support. This means that as professionals, we aren’t simply holding people’s newborns during recovery. This means we encourage evidenced-based healing, bonding, and postpartum wellness. And of course, postpartum nutrition education. A major factor for postpartum wellness is adequate nutrition. During the previous nine months, a birthing […]
What Is Hyperemesis Gravidarum?
As a doula, you are a non-medical support for pregnant, birthing, and postpartum families. While you are not a clinical provider, it is important you are familiar with common medical issues which impact the people you work with. Understanding hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is important so you can provide evidenced based support to clients suffering from […]