Doula Encouragement Group

Join Us!

Who?

Birth and Postpartum Doulas at all levels of experience welcome, keeping in mind that we are all learners and we are all teachers! In-arms nursing babies are welcome; please find childcare for your other children.

When?

First Monday of the month, 7-9 pm

  • October 1st-The value of birth art (from Birthing from Within)
  • November 8 (Thursday)-Our Doula Appreciation Event will take the place of the November support group.
  • December 3rd-Group B Strep (guest speaker Dr. Kathleen Hanlon-Lundberg)

SAVE THE DATE-Doula Appreciation Event! Thursday, November 8th 6:30-9pm. Join us for a special celebration of you and your valuable work. The evening will begin with a spread of delicious refreshments and time to connect with other doulas. We will have massage therapists on hand to spoil you, drawings for free gifts, a professional photographer providing free head shots, and more! In addition, postpartum doula Allison Sponseller will be leading a short session on “Mindfulness for Doulas: How Meditation can Improve your Professional Practice.” You do not need to have trained at the Center to join us. This FREE event is open to all birth and postpartum doulas. More details to come!

Where?

At the Center for the Childbearing Year, 722 Brooks St., Ann Arbor, MI 48103

Why?

The purpose of this group is to provide a safe space where doulas can come for emotional support, renewal, encouragement, and learning from their colleagues. Listening to other doulas’ birth stories, challenges, and business mistakes (we have all made them) can serve as valuable continuing education. As entrepreneurs, it is essential that we develop an outlet for professional and emotional support. While adhering to strict client and group confidentiality, respect, and professionalism, we will discuss any topics related to the work, challenges, and joys of the doula’s trade. A set topic will be announced for each month, but we will be sure to leave unstructured time as well in order to address whatever is top of mind for you. One goal of the group is definitely to have fun together! Finally, this is a great networking opportunity to meet other doulas (backup?) in the community.

Cost?

Free!

Our Facilitators

Dawn Bussey also known as “Doula Dawn” is a birth doula (DONA International) and owner of My Doula Dawn, LLC (www.mydouladawn.com) serving greater Ann Arbor. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology from the University of Michigan in 2010. Dawn believes in the immediate and long-term public health benefits of her doula work and has passionately empowered women and families through childbirth since March 2011. She teaches a class titled “What is a Doula Anyways?” — highlighting the fabulous benefits and non-magical techniques of the doula’s work — around greater Ann Arbor and in the local universities as a guest lecturer. She proudly serves on the Board of Directors of the Michigan Doula Connection, a non-profit charitable organization.

Allison Sponseller, postpartum doula, has been an active ally to low-income families for the past five years. While working with mothers living in a shelter in Roxbury MA, she made a commitment to continue to partner with women, Latinas, and low-income populations to organize, support each other, and advocate for social change. A student of Social Work at the University of Michigan, Allison is an intern with Michigan Doula Connection and will be with the non-profit through 2012. She has a BA from the University of Michigan and a certificate in Organic Farming from Michigan State University. Allison is bilingual (English/Spanish) and can assist Spanish-speaking families in accessing doula services and other resources.

More information?

Feel free to contact Dawn directly if you have any questions at (734) 408-1484 or dawn.bussey@yahoo.com. Allison can be reached at allison@michigandoulaconnection.org or at the Center, 734-663-1523.