International Doula Institute | Doula Blog

Providing Virtual Doula Support

September 16, 2020

Due to the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, many doulas began offering virtual doula support. While virtual doula support grew in popularity this year, it’s actually a service some doulas have been providing for years.

Given the reach of technology, and more hands-on partner support, virtual doula support provides a wonderful service to clients. While in-person doula support obviously has its benefits, virtual doula support is a great way to provide support to clients regardless of any restrictions.

Whether you’re wondering about virtual support purely to care for clients during covid-19 restrictions, or you’re planning to add this to your regular services, here are our top FAQs about virtual doula support:

#1: What Is Virtual Doula Support?

Perhaps you’ve heard of virtual doula support but you’re not quite sure what it entails. Truthfully, it can actually look like a lot of different things. Each client’s needs, preferences, and restrictions may vary.

For many, virtual doula support looks like a zoom, Google hangouts or Facetime support. Just as many doulas typically offer an interview or consult, and then around two or so prenatal visits, virtual doulas offer these as well. Depending on your local restrictions, these may be done in-person or strictly virtually.

During prenatal visits, many of the same things occur virtually as they would if you were in person. Doulas often provide a listening ear for concerns, brief overview of what to expect, and learn more about what a client’s preferences are.

When it comes to actual labor, again dependent upon your local restrictions, some doulas offer in-person support at the client’s home. Then, when the client prepares to go into the hospital, they offer virtual support.

If local restrictions, geography or preference have you as a completely virtual doula, you’ll likely spend time offering support via a video call. You might also be used only for text or phone support. It’s going to depend on how labor unfolds, client preferences and just what they find most beneficial.

Just as with any birth a doula needs to be flexible, a doula providing virtual doula support must be flexible. Communication with your client about their preferences is important as their preferences may change as labor progresses.

#2: What Does Virtual Doula Support Look Like?

As you saw above, it really varies based on restrictions, preferences and how things unfold. The good news? Most of us are video call professionals by now! This means doing what we typically do for clients should be a fairly easy transition to the screen.

While it’s harder to demonstrate, you can have an assistant or use a doll to teach clients positioning, options, and comfort techniques. It’s a great way to help their support person become comfortable and confident in providing hands on support and encouraging words.

In some ways, the virtual doula becomes an encouragement for the laboring mom and a coach for the support person. Remind the laboring mom she’s doing great, inquire about how she feels, and then guide their support person in providing that physical support.

You can support with guided relaxation and visualizations for comfort. You can provide lots of position suggestions. And ultimately you remind the client she is doing wonderfully!

Being virtual also makes it easier to remind your clients to advocate for themselves and remind them of their options. As a doula, it’s out of your scope to question the healthcare providers but you can guide your client in asking questions. You can help your client make informed decisions by providing evidenced based information and support.

Providing virtual doula support might look like:

Before Labor

Providing extra support and prenatal education
Making and loaning out birth bags which include commonly used doula items like a rebozo, tennis ball, rice sock, etc.
Offering an extra prenatal session for their birth partner to help prepare them for offering physical and emotional support
Giving extra handouts or having more discussions about birth options, informed decision making and more
Help parents understand they can be an active participant in their care. Remind them to keep open lines of communication with their midwife or doctor so they can make truly informed decisions they’re confident in
Remind them to check with their birthing facility often as guidelines on visiting policies and such frequently change

During Labor

Be on call as you normally would and be ready to video chat, take a call, or quickly respond to texts
The support person may want to wear earbuds so they can chat with you and easily hear your instructions with the least amount of distraction for the laboring woman (great option during transition)
Some doulas and clients are comfortable with and have the midwife or doctor’s okay to have in-person support at home. If that’s the case, some doulas provide more traditional doula support before the client goes to the hospital
Let clients know you’re available and holding space. They’re likely to stay in contact, but you can text to check in and remind them occasionally you’re available if they need. It’s important to have the support person’s number as they’re more likely to be checking their devices.

During The Postpartum Period

Check in and allow her to process her birth story if she desires. Let her share the positive, the scary, whatever feelings she has so she can process the experience without judgement
Be available for common questions and concerns and know where to refer for any questions which fall outside your scope
Provide a video call if desired to help with initiating feeding, or to answer common feeding questions
Hold space and remind your clients about the common postpartum adjustments and expected newborn behaviors

While virtual doula support is less hands on, it still provides excellent support for new and expectant parents.

#3: Will Clients Value Virtual Doula Support?

As a doula, you know that it’s important to provide valuable services to your clients. While doula work is a passion, it’s also a career. Doulas can’t typically afford to work for free, in-person or virtually.

The good news, as mentioned above, many of us are used to and comfortable with video communication. It’s likely that your current and prospective clients have gotten used to doing many tasks virtually.

Given the lack of in-person availability in many places, and personal preferences for extra precautions, many expectant parents are seeking support. Parents are finding virtual support invaluable and are willing to cover doula fees. Having a professional support on call for your questions, concerns and to guide you through the birth experience is an excellent service. It can help provide a calming presence during these hectic times.

Many parents are extra anxious about giving birth during covid-19 concerns, making your support even more valuable than you might be aware of!

Not a trained doula yet? Be sure to learn more about our professional doula trainings which will prepare you for both in-person and virtual doula support.

COVID19 and Doulas- We are here to help.

March 26, 2020

Doulas and Covid-19 — Photo by Polina Tankilevitch from Pexels

The International Doula Institute strives to support doulas, clients and communities by promoting best practice information. It is our responsibility as professional doulas to heed the advice and guidelines set forth. We should follow the CDC, ACOG and local authorities (including but not limited to individual hospital policies).

What does this all mean with covid-19 and doulas?

As doulas, it isn’t uncommon for us to review policies through the lens of supporting birthing rights. We often question things which could contribute to a negative birth experience. However, as of March 2020 we are living through an unprecedented global pandemic. Covid-19, also referred to as the novel coronavirus, is presenting immense challenges. They impact our healthcare providers, including midwives, obstetricians and nurses.

At IDI, we want you to know that we realize the difficulties you’re facing. As a doula, pregnant person or birth partner, 2020 is hard. Covid-19 and doulas presents a lot of challenges for our profession.

For our doulas, we want to provide you with ongoing support and education. We want to help you best serve your clients during these unprecedented times. IDI wants to help you understand why these policies may be in place in your area. Also, how you can continue to serve your clients while practicing any necessary physical social distancing.

Covid-19 And Doulas – Why Are Birthing Facilities Making Restrictions?

Chances are you hear “flattening the curve” multiple times a day. This refers to our attempt to slow down the rate covoid-19 spreads. Most individuals who contract this virus will recover. However, unlike other illnesses, the percentage requiring hospitalization appears to be higher. Ventilation support is also higher with this virus. This virus also appears to spread quickly.

Flattening the curve is an important goal. We need to protect the most health care providers, reduce the spread to our vulnerable populations. Ensuring adequate availability of hospital rooms and ventilators is important too.

We spoke with experienced labor and delivery nurse, Gabrielle Deardorff of Royersford, PA. Her words help us understand current recommendations in some US states. She was able to provide us with more information. As well as understanding and reassurance during this unusual time.

Deardorff said:

“I’ve had three midwife attended births in the hospital where I work. Each time surrounded by my ‘squad’. Over the years this squad was a mix of my husband, my mother, my dear friend and mentor as a labor nurse, my photographer, who after the first birth became my one of my best friends (obviously), my midwife and my doula.

“With each child, as my labor began, I was comforted and empowered knowing the squad would be there. Navigating pregnancy is such a mix of emotions, to be early in a pregnancy and have no idea what the world will be like when the baby is born is terrifying. To be in your third trimester, ready to go with your own squad, and then getting the news only one person can be with you, is heart breaking.

“This is something we as OB nurses are very much aware of. We know we’re with our patients on one of the most important days of their life and know they may also be grieving the loss of the birth they have been planning and dreaming of. There really is no greater honor than the privilege we have as OB nurses to attend birth and guide families in their journey as parents from the moment their babies are born.

“Covid-19 Is New”

“Covid-19 is new, but birth challenges aren’t new to us. For example, our hearts have always ached for our patients who can’t visit their babies in the NICU after emergencies. So, we snuggle their babies close when they can’t, just like we will continue to do so now. Like that, we know how and why we need to provide extra emotional support during these difficult days. The experiences our patients have while laboring, birthing and during the postpartum period forever impacts their lives. This is not something we take lightly.

“My social media algorithm ensures my feed is full of birth, boobs and babies. I’ve seen the posts of outrage and fear that visitation has been restricted at hospitals. I’ve seen the posts that state doulas are first responders and encouraging clients and doulas to call local hospitals to express their outrage and hashtags trending to let the doulas in. I love doulas. I know firsthand that they improve outcomes. However, I fully support my hospital’s visitation restriction.

Covid-19 and Doulas – “This Is Not The Time To Push”

“As birth workers we tend to push. Push to advocate for our patients. Push back when we hear words like “allow” and “policy”, but this is not the time. Hospital administrators are responding to a deadly global pandemic. To push now, would do more detriment to the hospital doula relationship in the future than benefit. I don’t foresee the restrictions being lifted anytime soon. I hope with every fiber of my being that we don’t get to the point they are at in New York, where birthing people do not have their support people with them. But we just don’t know.

“The truth is, there is such limited evidence on the Covid-19 pandemic. We don’t know its effects on pregnant people and their children. This is unprecedented, we just don’t have the facts yet. We are used to looking to the evidence to push outdated practices that do not benefit pregnant people and their families. However, we simply do not have that information available right now. The evidence available is very limited. These new restrictions are not to punish families, but to protect them. No one wants to do anything that ‘is probably okay’ with any pregnant person or newborn.

“Families Need Doulas”

“I do think expecting families need doulas now more than ever. These families need doulas to prepare them, to support them to hold space and nurture, to empower their clients, to make them feel like they have the tools they need to beautifully birth their babies without their physical presence. As the saying goes, every storm runs out of rain. Hopefully someday soon all birthing people will have their squad back with them. With them as they welcome their children into this world.”

While Deardorff can’t speak for all L&D nurses, as doulas we can rest assured that many, many nurses share her experience and feelings. This isn’t a scenario of doulas or birth advocates against birthing facilities and medical providers. Covid-19 and doulas is an unprecedented time. We all need to work together to support and protect those birthing and their families.

With Covid-19 and Doulas, How Can I Provide Support For My Clients?

As doulas, everyone at International Doula Institute empathizes with the current struggle. We all want to be hands on and caring for our clients. As doulas, we listened to our client’s fears, concerns, dreams and birthing preferences. We know their desires, including that of continuous support. Our hearts truly hurt when we can’t be there for them.

However, while we can’t physically be present, as Deardorff said, families need us more than ever! We want you to know that your work matters and remains a vital part of a birthing family’s needs. Covid-19 and doulas is a very difficult thing to navigate. However, it isn’t impossible.

As a professional doula adhering to current guidelines, you can still provide adequate support by:

Before Labor:

Provide extra prenatal education and support
Video prenatal sessions with their birth partner, when applicable. You can provide more information about how they can provide physical and emotional support during labor
Provide extra education about options, informed decision making, etc. Include handouts they can stick in their birthing bags for quick reference
Consider offering loaner “birth bags” to your clients. Include a rebozo, aromatherapy options, tennis ball for counter pressure, birth balls, peanut balls, etc. Also, quick reference books (Birth Partner is great!)
Encourage clients to keep an open discussion with their providers. Current policies, recommendations, options, etc. are frequently changing

During Labor:

Be available via text, call or video chat for real time support, suggestions, etc.
If you and your client have both been practicing social distancing, discuss early labor support at home. Be sure they’ve talked to their provider. It is important that if you offer this service you only do not go against current local mandates. It’s important that a client discuss the benefit vs risk with their providers. The risk of covid-19 during pregnancy, postpartum and for the newborn remains unclear.
If desired, partners can wear earbuds throughout the labor so the doula can easily provide ongoing support, suggestions, etc.
Let clients know you are available and holding space

During The Postpartum Period:

Be available via video chat, text and calls to provide ongoing early postpartum support. You can also answer early parenting questions and be an ear to hear their birth story. Validate their feelings, frustrations, etc.
Provide early breastfeeding initiation support within your scope as a doula from a distance. Video support is great option
Be available to partners for support, answer their questions, and help them help their partners
Consider postpartum support care package with items you might typically bring with you to a shift. Perhaps a loaner baby carrier, personal care items for mom, etc.

Unfortunately, we may not be able to be physically present with our clients during these unprecedented times. While covid-19 and doula work is hard, we can continue to provide invaluable support to our clients.

How Will My Doula Business Survive These Restrictions?

We know that your clients and their safety, and the safety of your community is a top priority for you. However, we also understand how much work and time you put into your doula business. We know how scary covid-19 and doulas can be when learning about restrictions.

We know that any loss in income is frightening and there are concerns about the future of your industry. At IDI we are here for you! We want to assure you that while this is a challenge for our profession, our work is still valuable! It will continue to stand the test of time as birth truly benefits from support.

To help your business withstand consider the following:

Check the wording of your contracts. Ensure you have a plan for situations such as this. Just like your inclement weather, “acts of God”, etc. Be sure you’re compensated for the time and services provided even if you aren’t physically at the birth
Consider how you can continue to provide valuable support in your community. You might provide prenatal education via video support, blogging, virtual doula support during labor, etc.
Use this time to further your education. For example, consider a childbirth education certificate, something you can easily use to support clients from a distance
Increase your online presence and network with other birth professionals

This is a difficult time for birth workers like doulas. However, our services still provide much needed support for our clients. While we figure out these difficult times, know that birthing families and staff likely miss the continuous support we provide. L&D nurses are prepared and willing to go above and beyond to care for our clients’ emotions during these difficult times. However, they will likely be more than ready to welcome the support of doulas as soon as it is safe. We will be able to provide support to our clients and weary medical providers. Those providers who will have spent weeks, potentially months, having to work extra hard during these incredibly difficult times.

As a professional doula, adapt and continue to provide support while respecting the needed current guidelines. And remember, the International Doula Institute is here for you! Please reach out for support and with any questions and concerns you have at this time. Together, we can all help slow the spread and hopefully get back to supporting our clients in person soon.

UPDATED: Official Response to Bill S03344-B

December 13, 2019

response to governor cuomo doula bill

Update

I am writing today with an update on House Bill A00364B, Senate Bill S03344-B

We have great news for doulas: Governor Cuomo has vetoed the NY doula bill today. After many doulas reached out to Gov. Cuomo and to the sponsors of this bill, the sponsors approach Cuomo and recommended that he veto it in favor of making changes to it before passing the bill. Thank you to our representatives who heard doulas out. We appreciate the representatives open to dialoge

Being open to starting a dialogue before passing any laws surrounding doula support is appreciated.

IDI’s Response To Bill S03344-B

Dear Governor Cuomo,
On June 18, 2019, the doula profession became aware of that New York Legislators approved the House Bill A00364B and its counterpart in the Senate S03344-B.

While the doula profession commends New York state for attempting to address maternity care, unfortunately, we have concerns. We appreciate you seeing the serious impact of poor maternal and fetal health outcomes, especially in relation to racial disparities. Poor outcomes also impact our society. However, we have major concerns about some of the chosen language in the bill.

We would like to invite you, Governor Cuomo and all sponsors of this bill, into a conversation. Let’s discuss how to achieve these important goals. We need to see how doulas can be a part of this. But, without inadvertently having an adverse effect on doulas and the community. We know that you are trying to help, let’s be sure this bill is helpful.

Times Have Changed

In the passed, women supported other women from the start of labor through the postpartum period. Eventually, modern obstetrics became the norm. Giving birth in a hospital with only the support of staff became the social norm for birth.

In just a few generations, women lost continuous labor support. Our current maternal health statistics reflect the lack of proper and continuous support for laboring and postpartum women.

Doulas, professional labor support, have sought to be part of the solution to poor maternal health outcomes and increased risks related to racial disparities.

We strongly believe every woman who desires a doula for continuous labor support be given access to one. Unfortunately, there are many circumstances which funds simply aren’t available.
Once again, we commend the effort to find a solution to grant more access to doula support, which is proven to improve outcomes, but we must address some concerns. Concerns which we feel could further limit access to doula care.

Our concerns about Bill S03344-B include:

The Concerning Definition of ‘Certified Doula’

The current language is concerning. It reads: “It provides the definitions of certified doulas and certified doula services and states that only a doula certified under this article shall be authorized to use the title of certified doula.”

Currently, the United States does not regulate doulas. Several training and certification agencies exist to help bring a level of professionalism and education to the doula community.

Women certified by training organizations regularly refer to themselves as certified doulas as they have completed professional, peer-approved requirements.

Doulas provide non-medical support and thus to date, there have been no certification requirements in order to provide doula services. While this means consumers should do their due diligence during the hiring process, it means those with skills to provide continuous labor support are able to provide such services regardless of access to state certification programs.

Providing an opportunity to become state certified is a great step towards professionalism. However, will this language set the stage for potentially criminalizing doulas? What happens to those who do not pursue certification under the state of NY?

We feel different language provides more protection from unnecessary requirements to provide labor support. Perhaps, ‘State Certified Doula’ is an option? While allowing other certified doulas to continue referring to themselves appropriately as they have completed peer-recognized certifications.

The Potential to Further Disparities Among Minorities

Women of color have severe disparities in birth outcomes, especially African American women. Data collection has proven this.

Regardless of their education, employment and age, African American women have the highest maternal mortality rate and at no fault to them.

Systematic racism plays a role in these outcomes. Racism in the US and poor maternity outcomes are connected. While we aren’t certain exactly how and why, nor do we know the exact solution to end this, we do know changes need to be made.

It is imperative that more women of color be able to provide professional labor support for other women of color.

The language in this bill currently reads: “being of good moral character as defined by the department.”

What is the definition of good moral character? Will the board deciding who is approved be diverse and reduce the risk for discrimination or biases?

Will this exclude anyone with a previous criminal history? We know for a fact that women of color are disproportionally criminalized. This puts them at a disadvantage in building a career. Women of color are best suited to support other women of color. This is a vital part of the effort to reduce disparities in maternity care.

What negative impact will this have on the very population we need to improve outcomes for?

The Impact on Those in Poverty and With Other Disadvantages

Exam and fee requirements to become certified through the state should this bill pass. Will these requirements reduce the number of women in poverty able to pursue certification? What will happen to the community doulas already serving women if they’re unable to afford exams and fees?

Doulas are non-medical providers. Many certification agencies require submitting proof of knowledge regarding evidenced based birth practices and clear understanding of scope of practice. However, none currently require a supervised, formal exam.

For a non-native speaker, is the exam intimidating despite her doula skills? Will this exclude an extremely qualified and skilled doula who happens to have a learning disability?

Adequately skilled doulas should be able to continue to practice. Adjusting these requirements could be vital in ensuring that. Skilled doulas should be able to provide support within their own communities. It’s vital they be part of the solution to our poor maternity care outcomes.

The Bill Is Modeled After Struggling Pilot Programs

Several community doula and Medicaid covered doula programs have attempted to provide continuous labor support. For these programs, their goals were to support as many women as possible, and regardless of personal ability to pay. Unfortunately, many of these programs are not sustainable.

The pilot programs haven’t worked, making modeling this bill after them a poor idea. However, if the programs are not sustainable, is modeling this bill after that style program a benefit to anyone?

While many doulas enter the profession as a calling and desire to help, they cannot practice without proper compensation. The nominal reimbursement of many pilot Medicaid programs became a hurdle to these programs lasting long-term. Modeling this bill after such programs may set up the entire doula profession in the state of NY to struggle.

This Bill Is Lacking

The bill does attempt to address the need for continuous labor support for women. We feel very strongly that changes need to be made. We appreciate the goal of improving maternity outcomes.

In conclusion, any bill which leaves the opportunity for further racial disparities is a problem. Allowing socioeconomic discrimination is problematic. Encouraging poor compensation for doulas, is not a bill which can have a positive impact on maternity care.

We ask you, Governor Cuomo, and New York State Legislators to consider the importance of language in this bill. Please consider how we can protect birthing women, women in all communities, and doulas.

On behalf of all of our New York Members,

Sincerely,

Aliza Bancoff, Director,

International Doula Institute

484-278-1648 x402

Dear Fuller House, Thank You For Having A Doula…

December 11, 2019

Fuller House Doula
Photo by Ross Joyner

Dear Fuller House, Thank You For Having A Doula…

As a doula, I spend a good portion of my professional life responding to, “Huh, a dooolla? What’s that, what do you do?” This means anytime I hear about a doula on TV or in a movie I get a bit excited. I think that finally, more people are going to understand what I do.

As someone born in the 1980s, I grew up watching Full House and I love getting to share Fuller House with my kids. As we started season five, I couldn’t believe they hired a doula. What a joy to see a doula portrayed on Fuller House. Thank you for including the role of the doula in Stephanie’s special journey home with her little one(I won’t give away the name in case you haven’t seen it yet!) You just made one mistake, probably in the attempt at humor, which, if you aren’t a doula, might have been funny, but to us doulas, it was frustrating.

Fuller House writers, you were so close to shedding light on the amazing work doulas do. Unfortunately, you quickly undid some of the hard work we doulas do to help the community know we exist and what we do by poorly portraying our profession. We understand the storyline, the need for tension, but there are still many people who don’t understand what “doula” means, which made your humor a little harder to understand for some.

Doula Isn’t A Household Name

Doulas aren’t well known like teachers or doctors. If a viewer sees a terrible teacher on a show, they assume they’re just that, a terrible teacher. Yet for the lesser-known doula profession, we fear many viewers will believe the doula was acting as most doulas would. If this is the first time a viewer heard the word doula, they might easily make a negative association with the profession.

A lot of what was shown is the complete opposite of what a professional postpartum doula does to support families welcoming a new baby. Your doula exhibited every attitude, interaction, and behavior we at the International Doula Institute teach doulas NOT to do!

You see, doulas are there to support parents as they adjust to life with a new addition. Doulas don’t boss parents around. Doulas don’t shush clients. And doulas absolutely do not interfere with parental bonding.

The Fuller House Doula

The family called their doula terrible, and that was a great thing to mention regarding the doula care during that episode. So, for that, we doulas thank you. Thank you for pointing out she was terrible. However, we fear your portrayal of a terrible doula will send the message to millions of families that doulas are generally terrible, overbearing and interfering, and that couldn’t be further from the truth. I actually wonder if your writers assumed that the audience is young, hip and well educated on doulas, since humor is often based on something being unexpected, and so the portrayal of an overbearing bossy doula was just your way of surprising the audience with something so unexpected since doulas are known for just the opposite.

Thank you for making doula even more of a household name!

We thought we’d take the time to let you know what a real doula, especially a properly trained doula like one from IDI, does to support families. Here are a few ways that doulas are not the way you portrayed them:

Fuller House Doula Portrayal #1: Doulas Are Overbearing

The first impression Stephanie’s doula gives is busting in the door, grabbing the baby and walking away. She makes an overbearing relative look like a walk in the park to deal with as she grabs the baby and runs.

Doulas are not bossy, at least not a professional one. Doulas do not take babies from relatives. They do not rush off to another room. And a doula definitely does not bust into a joy-filled family moment and interrupt family bonding.

What doulas really do: #1: Doulas Let Parents Take The Lead

A professional doula’s role is to help parents adjust to life with a new addition. What that looks like is as unique as each family. A doula takes time to learn about your family structure, your goals for support and your preferred parenting style.

Some parents want the support of a doula so they can safely explore their parenting options and styles. They like to discuss their lifestyle and goals with their doula and make informed decisions with her input and guidance.

Other families have specific parenting styles or needs and will tell the doula what support they need. They may have a routine or schedule in mind, they may be following specific postpartum practices associated with their culture or religion and their doula will come alongside to support them.

Regardless of the specifics of each family, the family takes the lead, not the doula. A doula is trained in typical postpartum adjustment, newborn and infant development, sleep patterns, etc. and can offer education and guidance but at no point is a professional doula overbearing.

Fuller House Doula Portrayal #2: Doulas Take Over Infant Care

Not only does the Fuller House doula grab the baby from DJ’s arms, she frequently takes over the care Stephanie is trying to do. Doulas do not take over, unless the parents desire that. They provide infant care as a parent wish, but they do not take over when a parent is wanting to learn how to do something, such as swaddling.

Doulas are not infant nannies. They are not babysitters. Doulas are not overbearing, grabby and bossy infant care providers.

What doulas really do: #2: Doulas Support Parents

A doula does not takeover and just swaddle because a parent is taking too long or doing it ‘wrong’. Doulas models how to do it, shows how to do it, or if asked she will do it for parents who simply need some rest.

A doula doesn’t tell a parent she’s doing it wrong. Doulas models to parents how to do something a bit more efficiently or with more ease. A doula is a patient teacher, guide and support.

A doula may takeover infant care when parents need rest. However, she never takes over when a parent desires to be with their baby. A doula is all about encouraging hands on parenting to help parents build their confidence in caring for their newborn.

Fuller House Doula Portrayal #3: Doulas Interfere With Family

The Fuller House writers were actually spot on with Stephanie’s reasons for hiring a doula. She desired support as she gained her footing in parenting and she wanted to do it without a slightly overbearing relative (DJ) hovering. She wanted the opportunity to find her own way, but she didn’t want to do it alone. That was a great moment in the show when Stephanie expressed her feelings about it to DJ.

However, how doulas help with that wasn’t exactly illustrated well on this episode.

You see, many first-time parents feel judged, uncomfortable or unable to speak up for themselves in the presence of family. It’s hard to tell your big sister you don’t want her to help too much, that you’d like to come into your own as a parent. It isn’t a myth that people hire doulas for this reason, but it is a myth that a doula will grab babies from relatives’ arms, shush them and be generally rude to your family members.

What doulas really do: #3: Doulas Support The Changing Family Dynamic

A doula is an impartial person without family relationship baggage who can provide unbiased support as you learn to parent. Doulas can help you build your confidence so you can say to a relative, “Thanks for offering your help, but I’ve got this.” Professional doulas won’t judge how you feed, swaddle or put your baby to sleep.

A doula can help you explore your options without confusing her opinion with evidence. She can help you understand that you’re not being selfish or rude for setting boundaries with your family. She will remind you that self-care is vital in the early weeks of parenting and bonding and that it’s okay to say no to extra visitors. A professional doula will tell you it’s okay to hold your baby as much as you desire regardless of how many relatives are seeking a baby fix.

A doula doesn’t create extra family tension. She isn’t rude to your family. A doula supports you as you navigate new family dynamics.

So, Fuller House, thank you for bringing a doula into your home and ours, and we do hope you and your viewers know that she was, in fact, a terrible doula who was rightfully fired. If you would like more information about hiring a competent, caring, professional Certified Doula, please visit www.internationaldoulainstitute.com… maybe not from Bonnaroo this time!

There’s Nothing Spooky About Online Doula Training!

October 31, 2019

There's Nothing Spooky About Online Doula Training!

Late Fall is the perfect time to start your online doula training with IDI. We promise there’ll be no tricks, just lots of treats!

Here at the International Doula Institute, we have created a helpful check list to make sure you have the best Halloween possible:

Carve your jack-o-lantern
Pour yourself a glass of apple cider
Turn on some spooky music
Go trick or treating
Sign up for online doula training!

Today, October 31st, is the perfect day to pursue the career of your dreams, and here’s why:

Do What You Love

The most important reason to begin your online doula training is so you can pursue your passion! Whether you want to be a birth doula, or a postpartum doula (or both!) we’ve got you covered. When you complete your online doula training, you’ll be making a difference in the lives on moms and babies every day. Not even your favorite candy bar is sweeter than that!

Go at Your Own Pace

Online doula training allows to work at your own pace. By starting on Halloween, you could have your doula certification by the holidays. Can you imagine kicking off the New Year with a new career? Alternately, we know that people have busy lives. Online doula training allows you to fit in your course work when you can. Either way, with cooler weather moving in, it’s the perfect time to grab a pumpkin spice latte, open your laptop, and get started.

Collaborative Curriculum

At the International Doula Institute, we believe in a whole-family, multidisciplinary approach to becoming a doula. This is why our online doula training utilizes experts in complimentary fields – in other words, people who work with mothers and babies every day – as contributors to our comprehensive curriculum. Just like a plastic pumpkin filled with treats, you’ll get a taste of everything.

Business Basics

It takes more than passion to get your doula business off the ground. In addition to learning about pregnancy, postpartum, and baby basics, our online doula training also teaches business basics for doulas. You’ll learn about contracts, conducting client assessments, and how to get started building a website, among other things. Think of it like the adding the perfect finishing touch to your Halloween costume. We want you to feel fully prepared!

Help is Just a Phone Call or Email Away!

Just because our doula training is online, does not mean you’re alone! Once you sign up for your online doula training, you’ll have access to our trainers via phone and email if any questions arise. We want to see you succeed! Aside from that, you’ll have your peers to help you out. IDI’s learning platform allows for group discussions with other students, and you’ll have access to our exclusive Facebook community for IDI doulas, and doulas-to-be.

So, what are you waiting for? Don’t be afraid to begin your online doula training. Make this Halloween your most memorable yet!

Why Amy Schumer Is Thankful She Used A Birth Doula

May 12, 2019

Why Amy Schumer Is Thankful She Used A Birth Doula

If you follow celebrity news, it’s no surprise Amy Schumer is more than thankful her pregnancy is over. Schumer reportedly suffered from hyperemesis gravidarum throughout her pregnancy; meaning she had relentless nausea and vomiting necessitating hospitalization and IV treatment.

And while she’s more than relieved her pregnancy is over, she didn’t simply suffer through the birth process like some believe is the only option. Schumer, like many other celebrities, made use of a professional birth support known as a doula.

Schumer can even say she went the royal route, as Meghan Markel the Duchess of Sussex reportedly hired a doula to welcome her first born, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor.

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Ok here’s my post baby annoying post and my takeaway from pregnancy. Women are the shit. Men are cool and whatever but women are fucking warriors and capable of anything. I was lucky enough to get to have a doula. Her name @domino_kirke @carriagehousebirth what do doulas do? I don’t totally know But what she did was make me and Chris feel totally secure and supported throughout my pregnancy and the birth process. I really recommend getting one if you can. Doctor Brill and all the nurses and pediatricians at Lenox Hill and all the other hospitals i spent time in this year, thank you for everything. I did Pilates with strong women and went for walks. I threw up violently and felt sick mostly every day of my pregnancy. Hyperemesis is real and it’s awful. But fuck, what they say is true. The second you give birth it’s gone. @hgmoms has the best research I found on the condition The only thing that helped me with my nausea was products from @thelordjones I learned that globally 1 in 5 births take place without the assistance of a skilled birth attendant. @everymomcounts is a great place to donate $250 equips a midwife with a bag of medical equipment needed to provide care to hundreds of women and babies in Guatemala. All my friends. Friends I’ve had for 30 years or people who encouraged me to “keep going” or telling me “it will be worth it”. Thank you. Every woman I encountered is so willing to help and advise you and I felt all their strength. And you were right. Thank you ladies from my family. Chris, Gene and of course Tatiana #titsleaking #wearingadiaper
A post shared by @ amyschumer on May 11, 2019 at 11:13am PDT

Why Having A Doula Was Completely Worth It

Schumer faced a horribly challenging pregnancy. For many women facing HG, giving birth can be extra hard as they’re already feeling defeated by pregnancy. Many wonder if they’re going to be defeated by birth too.

Rather than waiting to see, Schumer made an excellent choice to set herself up with amazing support. With doula Domino Kirke of Carriage House Birth, Schumer was able to go through her birth set up to have a positive birth experience after a harrowing pregnancy experience.

What’s most amazing about doulas, you don’t even need to understand exactly what they do to fully benefit from their care.

Schumer wrote, “…what do doulas do? I don’t totally know. But what she did was make me and Chris feel totally secure and supported throughout my pregnancy and the birth process.

“I really recommend getting one if you can. Doctor Brill and all the nurses and pediatricians at Lenox Hill and all the other hospitals I spent time in this year, thank you for everything. I did Pilates with strong women and went for walks. I threw up violently and felt sick mostly every day of my pregnancy. Hyperemesis is real and it’s awful. But f***, what they say is true. The second you give birth it’s gone.”

A doula is support. A doula brings security. A doula is there throughout your pregnancy, your birth and during the postpartum period. Schumer may have had an incredibly hard pregnancy, but she had the best support available.

The most amazing thing about doulas, whether you’re a royal, a celebrity or an every day mom-to-be, you receive the same professional and personalized support.

Why Are Doulas Recommended?

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently shared a Cochrane Review comprised of 26 randomized controls including more than 15,800 women.

The WHO reported, “The authors found that women who received continuous labour support were more likely to give birth vaginally, and had fewer caesarean, forceps or assisted vacuum births. In addition, women were less likely to use pain medications, were more likely to be satisfied with their birth experience and had shorter labours. It was also found that newborn babies were less likely to have low ‘Apgar’ scores – a test for the vital signs of health and well-being in infants. No harms of continuous support were identified.”

Whether Schumer utilized medicinal pain relief or not, for a woman who battled HG for nine months, the extra support to reduce the risk of interventions could have been vital in helping her have a healthy birth.

Some research indicated an increased risk of perinatal complications in women suffering from HG, especially for those who suffer beyond the second trimester.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) released Approaches to Limit Intervention During Labor and Birth, a committee opinion. They wrote, “Evidence suggests that, in addition to regular nursing care, continuous one-to-one emotional support provided by support personnel, such as a doula, is associated with improved outcomes for women in labor.”

While anyone can hire a doula, access can vary in different communities. As professional support for births, most doulas do have a fee as it is their profession and livelihood. Continuous labor support is proven to improve birth outcomes, so slowly we’re seeing more initiatives to make doulas available to more women.

Should I Hire A Doula?

There are few times in most of our lives where we can say we hired or experienced something like a royal or a celebrity. By hiring a doula, you could say you did both.

Of course, for most birthing mothers, that’s the furthest thing from their minds. Most birthing mothers hope for a healthy birth and a positive experience along the way. While a doula can’t guarantee anything, evidence truly shows they improve birth outcomes.

Women who give birth with the non-medical support of a doula (alongside their medical care providers) can experience:

A reduced likelihood of a c-section birth or assisted birth (forceps or vacuum)
A reduced likelihood of using medicinal pain relief such as an epidural
Reporting a positive birth experience, even when medical intervention is chosen or necessary
A shorter duration of labor
Increased breastfeeding success

Be sure to read Should I Hire A Birth Doula? Evidence, ACOG, And Celebrities Say, ‘Yes!’ to learn more.

And to Amy Schumer, happy first Mother’s Day warrior mom!

(embed – https://www.instagram.com/p/BxVPcp1l9jd/ )