September 02, 2021 | by: Sharon Muza, BS, LCCE, FACCE, CD/BDT(DONA), CLE
The American Academy of Pediatricians just a released an updated list of answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on the topic of bodyfeeding. There were several questions and answers that were updated and I think that perinatal professionals serving in all capacities might find this information helpful when working with new families. You can find the new statement with all of the questions/answers here.
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May 18, 2021 | by: Sharon Muza, BS, CD/BDT(DONA), LCCE, FACCE, CLE
Many important perinatal topics are recognized during the month of May. It is a busy month in that regard as some topics have a day designated for them, others take place over a week and still others continue for the entire month. We cover many of these recognition periods here on the blog, In regards to birth and postpartum doulas, the period of time that doulas are “recognized” can be a bit confusing. In fact, some individuals and organizations recognize and honor doulas on March 22. Alternately, a full week beginning March 22 is celebrated. The entire month of May has often been called “International Doula Month” and now, I have just become aware that in the United States, the Senate just passed a resolution recognizing the Week of May 9th as “National Doula Week.”
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March 23, 2021 | by: Sharon Muza, BS, CD/BDT(DONA), LCCE, FACCE, CLE
The world just passed the one year anniversary of the declaration of the COVID-19 global pandemic, and vaccinations are being rolled out in many countries with varying degrees of access and participation. In the meantime, birthing parents continue to welcome their babies, and many families have done so with a doula by the side. This week is also World Doula Week. Birth doulas support the family with emotional, physical and informational support during labor and birth, with prenatal and postpartum visits on either side. There are also postpartum doulas who support families after the baby is born.
I wanted to share my experiences as a birth doula throughout this pandemic, and how this pandemic has impacted birth doula support. I want to acknowledge that I live in Seattle, WA, USA and this part of the country is very “doula friendly” and we have many, many doulas here. Doulas practicing elsewhere in the world, may have different experiences than mine.
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January 20, 2021 | by: Cara Terreri
Covid has changed so many things. What it hasn't changed is a pregnant/birthing/new family's need for support and resources. Thankfully, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum professionals have stepped up to the challenge and now, nearly everything can be provided virtually.
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July 30, 2020 | by: Sharon Muza, BS, CD/BDT(DONA), LCCE, FACCE, CLE
There is something that all of us can do that can support Black doulas and midwives as they train to serve families. It is called the Doula Book Project. The concept is simple, easy to participate in and supports Black perinatal professionals. Black doulas and midwives make a “wish list” on Amazon of the books they need in order to continue their training. Once they have created their list, they can be added to the Doula Book Project website. Individuals who would like to support the program simply choose a doula or midwife, peruse their public Amazon wish list and purchase the book(s) that are need, which get shipped to the individual promptly. Simple, easy and effective.
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