Center for the Childbearing Year

MONTHLY DOULA SUPPORT GROUP

WHO: Doulas and aspiring doulas.

COST: Free!

WHY: So you don't feel alone in the work that you do. Connect with other doulas and form a support network that can include finding a back-up doula (or two). Enjoy a safe forum for discussing difficult cases and do some group problem solving. Identify topics for future training needs. Learn from each other's mistakes.

WHERE: Center for the Childbearing Year, 722 Brooks St., Ann Arbor

WHEN: The first Thursday of each month, from 7-9 pm.

BABIES: In-arms nursing infants up to six monthes old are welcome; please find childcare for your other children.


 

2005 SCHEDULE

Encore Presentation: Unplanned Cesarean and VBAC Issues
With Gretchen Humphries
June 2
Gretchen is the mother of four, the Midwest Regional Coordinator for ICAN (International Cesarean Awareness Network), and co-leader of the Ann Arbor ICAN chapter. ICAN's mission is to improve maternal-child health by preventing unnecessary cesareans through education, providing support for cesarean recovery, and promoting Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC). Gretchen will be leading an informal discussion on the role a doula can have in supporting a woman during and after a cesarean.

Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga
With Marlene McGrath
July 7
Marlene is a former psychiatric social worker and yoga instructor. During her first pregnancy and birth she became inspired and called to work with other moms by teaching yoga for pregnancy. Marlene completed prenatal and postnatal yoga teacher training in Seattle and has been teaching both in Ann Arbor since 2001. She will describe how her classes are structured and will talk about the uses and benefits of practicing yoga during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. She will also demonstrate some poses and support participants as they practice some poses together.

Infant Massage
With Gabrielle Tazzia
September 1
Gabrielle is a massage therapist in Ann Arbor. She will discuss the benefits of infant massage and demonstrate some useful strokes.

Caring For Birth: Doulas In Touch
With Harriette Hartigan
October 6
Harriette will guide us through a photography presentation of the lived experience of birth, as well as the interactive sharing of doula birth stories, insights, and questions.

Working with Lesbian and Gay Couples
With Leseliey Welch
December 1
Leseliey, one of our Doulas Care volunteers, will discuss the unique needs of lesbian/gay couples and the role of the doula in supporting them.