Support Group & Continuing Education

Doulas Care is connected to two amazing events coming up next week that are fundraisers for our work to support women and families:

Thursday, August 14th 7-9pm “Working with Survivor Moms” This workshop will provide an overview of post traumatic stress, trauma and the evidence-based studies of the effects of sexual abuse on childbearing. The presenters will discuss issues of confidentiality and the importance of boundaries, as well as outlining how maternity and mental health professionals can collaborate to facilitate healing and post traumatic growth. Onsite sales of the presenters new book, Survivor Moms will benefit the Doulas Care Program. Presenters are Mickey Sperlich MA, CPM and Julia Seng PhD CNM.

This event will be held at Center for the Childbearing Year, 722 Brooks St., Ann Arbor, MI 48103

Fee $10; 1.5 Nursing and Doula CEUs approved (add $20 to fee for CEU processing); free to Doulas Care Volunteers. Books for sale: $35 for community members, $25 for Doulas Care volunteers. Please plan to bring cash or check for fee and book purchases. A portion of the proceeds benefit Doulas Care. Call Doulas Care at 734-332-8070 to RSVP and reserve a book.

Sunday, August 17th, 6pm Orgasmic Birth film showing in Monroe. A group of doulas from NW Ohio are showing this film in Monroe, MI with proceeds going to Doulas Care. This documentary examines the intimate nature of birth and the powerful role it plays in women’s lives when they are permitted to experience it fully. Please spread the word about this great opportunity to check out the film while also supporting our efforts to support women and families in Michigan.

“Orgasmic Birth”, directed and produced by Debra Pascali-Bonaro, film showing by the Holistic Doulas of Northwest Ohio with guest speaker Linda Johnson, CNM of Mothers Own Birthcenter. Location: 2470 Blue Bush Rd., Monroe, MI 48162.

Admission $5, profit to be donated to Doulas Care

For more information about the event email ncb_advocate@live.com To learn more about the film see: http://www.orgasmicbirth.com/

Hope to see you at these events. Thanks for all your support!

–The Doulas Care Team

Support Group for Doulas

The doula support group is an excellent venue for sharing information, comparing experiences, and meeting colleagues. This free group meets the first Thursday of every month from 7–9pm. *Please note there are two exceptions during the summer months.

May 1: Body Mechanics for Doulas

This workshop will include information and massage techniques for physically supporting clients before and during labor. While supporting clients it is also important for Doulas to use safe body mechanics for themselves, thus safe body mechanics and self care tips for doulas will be covered. Amy Brewer, Certified Pregnancy Massage Therapist

June 5: Sensitivity Training for Working with Low-Literacy or ESL Clients

Washtenaw Literacy will cover the challenges faced by individuals struggling to read, write and speak English. We will talk about how to problem solve solutions to make them successful in their lives. Megan Jenkins, from Washtenaw Literacy

*July 17th: Support Group for Spanish Speaking Doulas

This is a chance for Spanish speaking Doulas to come together and share experiences and problem solve. Joliba Honzaki will be sharing tips and information for providing culturally appropriate services to Spanish speaking clients, as well as bringing client suggestions and feedback. Joliba Honzaki, Latina Outreach Coordinator for Doulas Care

August is a With Women CEU Presentation (see below)

September 4: When a Baby Has its First Drink Before Birth
This presentation will describe how alcohol can affect the developing fetus, offer suggestions for discussing drinking habits with pregnant clients, provide information about local resources, including substance abuse treatment and advocacy programs and the University of Michigan’s Fetal Alcohol Diagnosis and Intervention Clinic. Personal experiences parenting a fetal alcohol affected child will be shared. Marie Heys, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Betsy and Vern Soden, adoptive parents of a fetal alcohol affected young man. All are staff members of the U of M’s Fetal Alcohol Diagnosis and Intervention Clinic.

October 2: Community Resources Information Session

This presentation will share information about community resources available for clients, specific services offered through different programs, and the requirements in place for benefiting from these services. Examples of programs discussed are Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and the Department of Human Services. Nelda Murphy, Doulas Care Social Work Consultant

November is a With Women CEU presentation (see below)

December 4: Doula Appreciation Night

A night of pampering to thank the wonderful volunteers of the Doulas Care Program! Hosted by the Doulas Care Staff and Board of Directors.

To register, call 734-332-8070 or email Doulas Care (this email is being protected by spam bots; you will need Javascript enabled to view it).

Continuing Education Opportunities

Numerous opportunities are provided for volunteers to increase their knowledge base and enhance their skills as doulas.

A quarterly educational series called With Women: Emerging Issues in Care for the Childbearing Year is offered each year. This forum is open to other professionals in the community for a fee, but is free for our volunteer doulas. It is approved for 1.5 nursing and doula CEUs.

  • Fee $10; 1.5 Nursing and Doula CEUs approved; add $20 to fee for CEU processing; free to Doulas Care Volunteers

The 2008 With Women Series Schedule:

August 14th “Working with Survivor Moms” This workshop will provide an overview of post traumatic stress, trauma and the evidence-based studies of the effects of sexual abuse on childbearing. The presenters will discuss issues of confidentiality and the importance of boundaries, as well as outlining how maternity and mental health professionals can collaborate to facilitate healing and post traumatic growth. Onsite sales of the presenters new book, Survivor Moms will benefit the Doulas Care Program. Presenters are Mickey Sperlich MA, CPM and Julia Seng PhD CNM.

November 6 Signs of Healthy Mother/Infant Attachment. This presentation will provide informationon how to recognize healthy maternal infant attachments, what to look for and how to support a mother if signs of healthy attachment are not present. Presenter Maria Muzik, MD psychiatrist, University of Michigan.

The Center for the Childbearing Year offers a number of other programs for a fee, all carrying CEUs for doulas to use toward their re-certification. These include:

  • Professional Education in Breastfeeding & Lactation
  • Small Business Development Training
  • Postpartum Home Vists: Adjustment Needs, Depression Screening, & Support Strategies
  • Rebozos, Palpation, Baby Mapping, & More!
  • Alternative Therapies for the Childbearing Year

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