The word “scope” is a controversial word in birthwork. At times, it has also been used to reprimand doulas. The confusion has largely come from doula organizations using the word “scope” as their perspective of how the doula of that organization should practice. While one organization says that their doula “scope” cannot use essential oils, …
As a doula, one of the very first questions I ask my clients is what is their belief system around birth? What are their birth experiences? What do they know about their own birth? I want to understand their perception of birth in their birth culture. What the majority of families describe is a hands-off, family-centered, …
Traci was recently featured on the “Birth Monopoly” podcast! In episode 11, Traci joined host Cristen Pascucci to discuss providing moms with information to make their own choices about their birth experiences. Traci talks about her unique role as an advocate and educator.
I recently read a fascinating article in Romper called, “My Husband said no to a Doula & I’m still pissed.” Writer Kelly Green openly discusses her frustration about her partner’s decision “quasi-unilaterally” that they did not need to hire a doula for the birth of their child, a choice that Green writes should have been hers to …
DADS, SHE DOESN’T NEED A DOULA TO HAVE A BABY, BUT YOU DO. Read More »
How many times have you heard — or even said yourself — “just switch providers,” after someone has a difficult prenatal appointment? This response makes a lot of sense on the surface when your client is clearly mismatched with their provider, their goals and choices are not being supported, or they are not being treated …
DOULA, WHY YOU SHOULD STOP TELLING CLIENTS TO SWITCH PROVIDERS Read More »
Advocacy in the doula world is an ever-evolving conversation. Do you believe that advocacy is part of your role as a doula? What does that look like when you’re faced with busy care providers that are rushing through options and not really hearing what your client wants or needs? Or when your client comes back from …
DOULA ADVOCACY ATTITUDE VS BELIEF (AND WHY YOU NEED TO CARE) Read More »
You’ve seen the evidence and know you want doula support for your pregnancy and birth. So you hop online and do a quick search for doulas in your area – should be simple right? The short answer is no, depending on your local birth community. You might be facing a long list of doulas with …
How many times have you seen (or maybe even posted) pleading questions in online doula groups that sound something like, “My client’s provider is showing all kinds of red flags! What do I do?” Maybe a client comes back from a prenatal appointment and reports that their provider won’t “allow” them to eat during labor. …
What happens when you show up to a prenatal appointment and your favorite care provider in the practice says something that leaves you feeling stunned, betrayed, or feeling helpless? You have built what felt like a respectful, trusting relationship with this provider, and they’ve been so nice up to this point. Maybe you misheard it? …
HOW TO SPOT COERCIVE LANGUAGE AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT Read More »
Is your birth plan helping you connect to your power and confidently advocate for yourself and your goals? Birth plans can be a strangely divisive topic in the birth world. Some people believe they are rigid lists of what you do or don’t want done during your birth. But a birth plan done right can help you …
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