Celebrating the Doula Training with Midwife Roots

I am thrilled to be able to say "Happy 30th Anniversary" to toLabor, the oldest national doula training program.  In 1983, Rahima Baldwin began offering birth assistant trainings through the organization Informed Homebirth/Informed Birth and Parenting.  Originally a course for midwives' assistants, the program evolved into a doula training offered throughout North America.   In 1995 the organization's name was changed to ALACE, and in 2009 it became toLabor (The Organization of Labor Assistants for Birth Options & Resources).  I was proud to serve as Assistant Director of the program for seven years, which is how I met Thérèse Hak-Kuhn.  Thérèse is the mother of six children, a doula trainer for sixteen years, an assistant midwife, and the organization's current Director.  The toLabor program is treasured by participants who resonate with the midwifery model of care.  As for myself, I knew little about birth when I began my doula career, but the more deeply involved I became with the organization, the more I discovered that its woman-centered approach to birth fit my values perfectly.  To locate an upcoming training or find a toLabor doula, visit http://tolabor.com/.  Below, Thérèse Hak-Kuhn explains the life-changing impact of the program.

Supporting the Births of Plus-Size Mothers

A wonderful Web site titled Plus Size Birth aims to empower plus-size mothers in many ways.  The site offers articles on topics ranging from finding a size-friendly midwife or OB, to locating good-fitting baby carriers; links to many resources; an inspiring pregnancy photo gallery; and a directory of doulas in the U.S. and around the world who have experience working with mothers 200 pounds or more (doulas who would like to be listed, or mothers who would like to find a doula, can click here).  I encourage everyone to spend time exploring the Plus Size Birth site, and to be enlightened by its message of embracing a positive body image for all mothers regardless of size.  Founder of the site Jen McLellan shares her birth story, and her experience laboring as a plus-size mother, below.

Everyone can support African American doulas and mothers

I want to let everyone know about the International Center for Traditional Childbearing, an organization that trains doulas and midwives throughout the USA, with a special emphasis on preventing infant mortality and promoting breastfeeding in the African American community, where infant mortality rates are the highest in the nation.  Any person is welcome to attend an ICTC doula training or conference, locate a doula trained by ICTC, apply for membership in the organization, and make donations to support their work.  (For more information about the role of doulas in reducing prematurity and infant mortality, see pages 9-11 of my book, The Doula Guide to Birth.)

DoulaMatch.net has great doula referrals

One of the best resources I know of for referrals to doulas across North America is the Web site DoulaMatch.net created by Kim James, who explains the service below.  (For further information on finding a doula, including community doulas available at no charge to low-income mothers, doulas outside North America, and how to interview a doula, see chapter 5, "Find Your Doula!" in my book The Doula Guide to Birth.)