So I wanted to talk about language. Doulas, this one is for you. Why does the language we use matter? The medical community frequently boils individuals down to their disease, condition or diagnosis on a regular basis. The kidney stone … Read More
There’s a buzz happening on the doula community, a buzz that doulas offering free services hurt other doulas. There is no doubt that for many doula work is heart work. Historically most doulas seem to enter the profession from a … Read More
“When you hear hoofbeats behind you, don’t expect to see a zebra.” Dr. Theodore Woodward (1940) When doulas hear the word “posterior” or OP during labor, often they immediately think “problem that needs fixed”. It is essential for doulas and … Read More
My Client’s Body is Broken It happens all the time in doula forums. A doula comes to the group and is desperate for ways to help make a client’s labor efficient. The breakdown goes a little something like this: “My … Read More
Metamorphosis: any complete change in appearance, character, circumstances, etc. The other day I was at a coffee shop for an interview with a prospective client. I had arrived a bit early. I took a quick look around and didn’t … Read More
There are a few statements that I often hear that have been bouncing around in my head today. “Buy the hospital ticket, and you buy the hospital ride.” “You can’t go to McDonald’s and order a steak. “You can’t plan … Read More
I stumbled across a post a few years ago that really seemed to sum up the evolution that my practice style as a doula has taken. You can read it here: Holding the Space: A Doula’s Best Gift. The author, … Read More