Being honest, just a short time ago, I could never have imagined teaching doulas virtually.
I love facilitating DONA Doula Workshops and meeting people from different communities throughout the world. It’s the reason why I’ve been a doula trainer for over 30 years – continually learning, listening to stories and sharing in traditions. I’ve had the opportunity to learn and grow as I’ve been mentored by our elders, traditional midwives, and women and men from so many cultures and regions, people like Penny Simkin who has devoted her own life to birth work.
So when the world changed with COVID-19 it was a challenge for me to consider how to bring our stories, connection and skills to the online world.
But I jumped right in, and ran my first ever online DONA Birth doula workshop in March of 2020 with the Doulas of Austria and my dear friends, Angelika and Jaqueline.
I prepared many extra hours to find new fun ways to share doula skills and wisdom through a screen…and it was so worth it!
UPCOMING
LIVE Q&A October 21st at 1PM EDT
Virtual DONA Birth Doula Training - December 2020
It was so much more fun than I ever could have imagined. We were all filled with connection – a doula circle full of oxytocin, love and care.
We created a doula community in the same way as we do in person – so connected to one another.
If you are skeptical about an online doula workshop like I was, I hope these insights will put your mind at ease. I invite you to set your fears aside and join me.
One day we will be able to be together again, but since the time is now to learn and share doula skills ~ virtual is a fun, safe, and inspiring option.
Right now, we need more connection, nurturing and support – a doula workshop will recharge you and connect you to others who share your passion for a better world where every MotherBaby-Family is support and cared for in childbirth and postpartum.
I am waiting for you!
Upcoming 4 Day Virtual Workshop (+ Intro. session)
- Nov. 30th – Introduction Session: 4:00-5:00 PM
- Dec. 1st & 2nd
- Dec. 8th & 9th
5 Common Questions about Virtual Doula Training
- Will this workshop count towards the DONA certification process?
- Yes! DONA approves this online doula workshop as one step towards certification. Please read the additional certification requirements here.
- How will we learn hands on comfort skills virtually?
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When possible we ask you to have a partner, friends or maybe a doula classmate who lives nearby that you feel safe with to join you for the comfort measure portion of the workshop. This will give you an opportunity to practice together.
If this is not possible, I welcome you to watch and learn. Then, when you do feel comfortable practicing the skills, you are welcome to record yourself and send to me for feedback.
Another option is to contact a DONA Certified Doula in your community and ask them to do a private 3-4 hour session on comfort measures with you. The doula will receive 3 Continuing Education Credits towards their recertification - you will both gain practice and a connection to the doula community! - Do I have to be present and on camera for the full workshop or can I watch a recording if I miss parts?
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You must be present and on camera the whole time to receive a certificate of completion for the DONA Birth Doula Workshop. Our workshop is very interactive so having your camera on and participating will be easier than you can imagine and so much more fun. Participants often say they didn’t think they could attend a full day online and at the end of each day would say how surprised they were it was over - that the time flew. Participants are engaged with one another, meeting their new circle of friends and being present for one another.
There is no recording to maintain privacy. - Can I attend the workshop from my cell phone?
- Yes, any device that can connect to Zoom can be used. Many people prefer to use a tablet or laptop to have a bigger screen and more flexibility. Having good wifi, and as quiet an environment as possible is important. You will stay muted when you are not talking so that everyone can hear well and that background noise such as family and virtual/home schooling does not interrupt. If you are able to have a quiet, private spot, you will enjoy the ability to engage fully.
- Why now, can doulas even support people in this time of COVID-19?
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Many doulas are considered an essential part of the birth team by some states and facilities. In these situations, if the doula and the client feel safe, doulas are attending births. In most situations, doulas are allowed at birth centers and of course at home births.
In other regions, doulas are being restricted. In this situation, many doulas work with clients who have them come to their home for support in early labor, and then continue to provide virtual support once the client enters the hospital.
Other doulas are providing 100% virtual support!
We will be discussing virtual doula support during the virtual DONA Doula Workshop.
Now more than ever, doulas play a valuable role in helping people prepare to give birth in these uncertain times. Whether virtual, in person or a hybrid combination, doula skills will be valuable skills you will use in many facets of your life. Right now, we can all use a circle of people listening, sharing, learning, and caring. This doula circle will make a difference in your life and I know you will pass this on in many ways to people in your life.
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