Doula Association of Edmonton

🚨Big Announcement!! 🚨
We are kicking off World Doula Week by giving YOU a chance to meet our Doulas in person!!

For anyone who is looking for a Doula or would like to know more about how a Doula can support your prenatal, birth and postpartum journey, WE HAVE AN EVENT FOR YOU!!

✨️Doula Connect: A day with the D.A.E Doulas ✨️ will allow families to meet a variety of our Doulas in a casual networking setting.

Come Sip, Shop & Socialize with us at The Fourth on Friday March 22nd between
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm.

📮If you RSVP by Tuesday March 19th you will be entered to WIN a $50 gift certificate to The Fourth!! 📮

Busy schedule, not sure if you can make it? No sweat, you can pop on by without an RSVP.
Please note you can only be entered into the draw if you RSVP.

Come mingle with our Doulas and get all your questions answered. If you find someone you connect with you can book a future Meet & Greet interview to get to know each other better.

We can't wait to see you there!!

We are so excited to announce some of the amazing classes offered by our D.A.E Doulas this month!!

Here are our March Community Classes!
Are you looking for Prenatal, Pregnancy, or Postpartum related classes happening in Edmonton and the surrounding area?

Swipe to check out what our Doula Association of Edmonton Doulas are offering this month!

Infant first aid


Birth & Postpartum Prepgentlekind

Baby & Me Yoga


Yoga for Soulpreneurs


After loss Pregnancy & Childbirth Education


Pregnancy Circle gentlekind

Doulas, set your clocks for tomorrow night at 7:00 pm MST !

We couldn't be more excited to welcome the guest speaker for this month as Dr. Oluwakemi Amodu from the University of Alberta!

Her current research project spans both global and local contexts, with a focus on reproductive and maternal health access for marginalized women-particularly immigrant-refugee women within community-based organizations. The project she’s in aims to bridge the gap in healthcare disparities by evaluating existing programs and developing evidence-based strategies to enhance cultural safety and promote equitable access to reproductive healthcare services. By gaining insight into the project and where it’s currently at, this presentation aims to give doulas a lens into how they can support the perinatal journey of marginalized populations, and open up opportunities to get involved in the community.

‼️Not a D.A.E member but still want to hear from
Dr. Oluwakemi Amodu? Great News!

We are opening this meeting to ALL DOULAS/BIRTH WORKERS ‼️

D.A.E members - this meeting is included in your membership
Non D.A.E members - there will be a $10 fee

Tomorrow night is sure to be an informative & impactful evening for us all. We can't wait to see you there!

DM for more info on registration

We hope you are all enjoying the start of 2024!! Here are our February Community Classes!
Are you looking for Prenatal, Pregnancy, or Postpartum related classes happening in Edmonton and the surrounding area?

Swipe to check out what our Doula Association of Edmonton Doulas are offering this month!

Prenatal Yoga


Infant Health & Safety


Lactation Basics workshop


Baby & Me Yoga


Prenatal Personal Training


Prenatal Yoga

Have you been considering hiring a Doula but not sure where to start? How do you choose the right person for your family? Are you wondering where to start?

We can help with that!!

We can help you with:
✨️ Figure out what type of support you're looking for
✨️ What type of background you're looking for
✨️ Who fits within your budget
✨️ Who services the area you live in
✨️ Who has availability for your due date.. and more!

Let us help you find the Doula that your family deserves.

Message us on Social media or fill out our intake form on our website *link in bio* to get started.

Happy New Year!! Here are our January Community Classes!
Are you looking for Prenatal, Pregnancy, or Postpartum related classes happening in Edmonton and the surrounding area?

Swipe to check out what our Doula Association of Edmonton Doulas are offering this month!

Lactation Basics workshop


Childbirth Education


Prenatal Yoga


Circle of Care (grief & loss support gathering)


Pregnancy Circle
& .gentlekind

Happy New Year!! Here are our January Community Classes!
Are you looking for Prenatal, Pregnancy, or Postpartum related classes happening in Edmonton and the surrounding area?

Swipe to check out what our Doula Association of Edmonton Doulas are offering this month!

Childbirth Education


Circle of Care (grief & loss support gathering)


Pregnancy Circle
& .gentlekind

Lactation Basics workshop

Happy Holidays and Merry Everything from the Doula Association of Edmonton ♡

December Community Classes!
Are you looking for Prenatal, Pregnancy, or Postpartum related classes happening in Edmonton and the surrounding area?

Swipe to check out what our Doula Association of Edmonton Doulas are offering this month!

Pregnancy Circle
& .gentlekind

Childbirth Education

November Community Classes!
Are you looking for Prenatal, Pregnancy, or Postpartum related classes happening in Edmonton and surrounding area?

Swipe to check out what our Doula Association of Edmonton Doulas are offering this month!

Lactation Basics Class


Partner Support Workshop


Prenatal Yoga
(Facebook only)


Drop in Yoga, Embracing Childbirth classes & Pregnancy Circle
gentlekind

Circle of Care, Grief & Support Gathering

of Love (on Facebook)

Mama and Me Program

🚨We have some exciting news to announce! 🚨

Have you been considering hiring a Doula but not sure where to start? We have created an event just for YOU!

✨️Doula Connect: A Day with the D.A.E. Doulas✨️ will allow families to come and meet a variety of our Doulas in a casual networking setting.

Did you know that Doula's aren't just for birth? We have Doulas who specialise in fertility, postpartum, perinatal education, and more!

Come and mingle with the Doulas and get all of your questions answered. If you find someone you connect with, you can book a future Meet and Greet interview to get to know each other better.

We look forward to seeing you there!

LAST CHANCE DAA MEMBER & INSURANCE RENEWAL

Last Chance to Renew or Extend Insurance Coverage We are in the final hours of renewal for your membership and/ or insurance coverage. We are eager to see you renew and continue to receive all the benefits of DAA membership. This email is being sent to members who have not yet completed their renewal for the upcoming year, or have cancelled their m...

October Community Classes!
Are you looking for Prenatal, Pregnancy, or Postpartum related classes happening in Edmonton and surrounding area?

Swipe to check out what our Doula Association of Edmonton Doulas are offering this month!

Prenatal Yoga
(Facebook only)

Birth Prep Workshop


Child Birth Education & Newborn care


Drop in Yoga, Embracing Childbirth classes & Pregnancy Circle
gentlekind

"If a Doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it" - John Kennel

The power of having a supportive birth team and having access to a Doula can radically change the way that we experience birth.

Having a supportive birthing team should be a standard practice for all families, and we are here to help find the right Doula for your team!

Fill out a form on our website or DM us here if you are looking for a Doula in the Edmonton & surrounding area.

Hello September 🍂🧡 and Hello to the new Executive Board 2023 - 2025 Term!!

This term, we have both new and familiar faces! All of them are excited to bring the Doula Association of Edmonton Doulas and growing families together to provide support, education, and connection in our community.

Please help me welcome our new Executive Board 👏👏👏

Chair: Karena


Assistant Chair: Kristy


Admin Coordinator: Emma

Membership Coordinator: Michelle

Treasurer: Dajana doula

Public Relations Coordinator: Asha .gentlekind

Social Media Coordinator: Candase

We will be sharing more about our team and new and exciting things to come in the near future! Can't wait to share with you ♡

To celebrate International Day of the Midwife, we wanted to highlight some of the amazing benefits of midwifery care!

Studies have shown that midwifery care can result in:

- Improved maternal and newborn health outcomes
- Fewer interventions during labor and delivery, such as use of pain medications or cesarean birth
- Reduced risk of preterm birth and low birth weight
- Increased rates of breastfeeding initiation and success
- Increased satisfaction with the childbirth experience

At the Doula Association of Edmonton, we are so grateful for the incredible midwives in our community who provide evidence-based, patient-centered care to families. The partnership between midwives and doulas is so important in ensuring that birthing people have the support they need to have a positive birth experience.

On this International Day of the Midwife, let's celebrate and appreciate the important work of midwives all over the world!

📸

Are you a doula in the Edmonton area who's passionate about supporting maternal and infant health, promoting evidence-based care, and advocating for doula rights? Do you want to get more involved in your local doula community and help shape the direction of our professional organization? Then consider nominating yourself or someone else for one of our open executive positions!

We have a number of exciting opportunities available, please check your email for DAE Members or visit the private DAE Facebook group for all available positions .

All eligible members in good standing are welcome to nominate themselves or others by May 7.

As an executive member, you'll have the chance to work alongside other dedicated doulas to help advance the profession, connect with other birth workers, and make a positive impact on families in our community.

Interested? Learn more about the nomination process and the responsibilities of each position by visiting our private Facebook group or reaching out to us directly.

Let's work together to make a difference in the lives of Edmonton’s birthing families!



📸 .yourk

Attention all members of the Doula Association of Edmonton!

We have an exciting event coming up that you won't want to miss. Join us for an online Zoom event on April 24th at 7:30 pm.

This is an opportunity to connect with fellow doulas, share experiences, and support each other on this incredible journey.

As part of this event, we'll have breakout rooms where you can connect with fellow doulas and participate in discussions. You'll also have the chance to ask questions, share your ideas, and contribute to this vibrant community of doulas in Edmonton.

We're excited to offer this event and can't wait to see you all there. Prepare for an amazing evening of connection and knowledge-sharing.

See you soon!

- DAE

Now that you know how to find a doula, the next step is the initial contact!

Generally people will call / message the doula to learn about their availability. If you are looking for a birth doula, your due date and the timing of your call make a difference in whether or not a doula will be available.

The earlier in your pregnancy you look for a birth doula, the better to ensure that you have more doulas to choose from and the time to build a strong relationship with your chosen doula. However, if you are close to the end of your pregnancy, there will likely still be an available doula who can help!

Your initial phone / in person / online conversation is also the time to learn about the doula's philosophies surrounding birth, parenting and her personality.

Your first contact with a doula can often foster your bond with her. Be prepared to ask questions and be open. You will know which personality or style suits your needs best after consulting with a few doulas.

Who do you feel most comfortable with inviting into your birth space ?

📸

LETS CHAT ABOUT FINDING YOUR DOULA!

Doulas advertise themselves in a variety of different venues.

• WEBSITES
• SOCIAL MEDIA
• WORD OF MOUTH

You can find your very own perfect doula a few ways too! Here is some ideas on where to start:

🤍 Ask friends or local online parenting groups for recommendations.

🤍 Searching : EDMONTON DOULAS in your search bar

🤍 Using the Hashtag in your favourite social media.

🤍Going to our website to browse our membership doula directory!

https://www.edmontondoula.org/our-doulas

🤍 Ask your doctors and midwives, they may have doulas they recommend.

🤍 You can also visit CAPPA, ProDoula or DONA to locate certified doulas in your area.

✨Are you a doula serving YEG? Tag your name down below!

Is 2023 your birth year ?

HIRE A DOULA!

If you are looking to hire a birth or postpartum doula, we recommend that you set up a consultation with one or more doulas. Most doulas offer a free consultation or primary interview. But be prepared, after meeting these wonderful doulas and learning about their services, you might be hooked!
​
WHAT IS A DOULA? A birth doula is a professional who:

🤍 Recognizes birth as a key life experience that the birthing person will remember forever.
Inform clients and answer their questions with accurate information.

🤍Provides emotional support by being encouraging, validating, safe and reassuring.
Provides physical comfort with massage, touch, breathing, relaxation techniques and suggesting positions.

🤍 Stays by the side of the labouring person throughout labour and delivery.

🤍 Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of the birthing person.
Assists the birthing person and their partner in preparing and carrying out their plans for birth.

🤍Facilitates communication between the labouring person, their partner and other care providers.

🤍Encourages self determination.

🤍 Compliments the care provided by the birthing person's partner, other family members and friends.

Our website is a great place to get you going and you very well may find just the doula you are looking for. The birth and postpartum doulas listed there have all met the requirements for becoming a listed DAE member.

📸

LEARN MORE HERE @ www.edmontondoula.org

Merry Christmas to the L&D staff working hard to support Edmonton & area families today!

Christmas coffee and donuts were sent to all the units on behalf of the DAE membership THIS MORNING!

- Sturgeon
- Misericordia Covenant Health]
- Grey Nuns Covenant Health]
- RAH

☕️ 🍩 with much appreciation & love - MERRY CHRISTMAS

-DAE

So happy for all the midwives and clients who Enjoyed their first day at Beginnings Midwifery ‘s new beautiful Clinic space ! 💙✨

First day in the new clinic space 💜

DAE MEMBERSHIP:

✨✨ UPCOMING EVENTS ✨✨

💙 SEPT 12 @ 8 PM - TOWN HALL MEETING. It is very important that ALL membership joins this meeting has very important topics that members should be present for. ( more details in private Facebook group)

💙 SEPT 26 @ 8pm - DAE AGM MEETING- DAE MEMBERS WILL BE VOTING ON WHAT the 2022/2023 DAE YEAR WILL LOOK LIKE.

ZOOM LINKS IN FACEBOOK GROUP & WILL BE EMAILED OUT TO MEMBERSHIP THIS WEEK!

- DAE EXEC

☀️✨How was your summer?! Tell us below

So proud of midwifery here in ALBERTA!

Across our province, is growing!

5,323 babies came with the care of an in 2021. That's over 10% of the total that year.

Congratulations to all of and around our province!

"Your ideal support person (maybe it's a partner, family member, or a birth doula) will hold space for you. What does it mean to hold space for another person? It means to walk alongside someone and give unwavering
nonjudgmental support. Your space holder shouldn't be trying to fix you or make suggestions for you based on
themselves or their ego." -

If you are looking to hire a birth or postpartum doula, we recommend that you set up a consultation with one or more doulas. Most doulas offer a free consultation or primary interview. But be prepared, after meeting these wonderful doulas and learning about their services, you might be hooked!
​
Doula Association of Edmonton
Our website is a great place to get you going and you very well may find just the doula you are looking for. The birth and postpartum doulas listed below have all met the requirements for becoming a listed DAE member.

🔗 IN BIO:
www.edmontondoula.org

📸

・・・
⪡ ROLE OF A DOULA ⪢

If you’re thinking of hiring a doula, or don’t know what a doula is then this post is for you! A doula’s primary role is to provide continuous support to the birthing person/couple throughout labor and birth. Doulas are well versed in the physiology of pregnancy and childbirth, as well as the emotional needs of a birthing person. A birth doula's role is to educate, support (physically, mentally + emotionally) & advocate for the birthing person and their partner throughout pregnancy, birth, and the early postpartum stage. Doulas help you gather evidence-based information for you to make informed decisions around your pregnancy and birth, create a birth plan, facilitate communication with medical staff, and help advocate for you and your birthing desires. Doulas can be a helpful and comforting resource for new parents during the early postpartum stage as well, offering support, knowledge, and advice.
〰️
Need more convincing? Evidence shows that having a doula during labor can:
⌓ decrease the relative risk of having a Cesarian by 39%
⌓ decrease the need for pain medication during labor by 10%
⌓ decrease the use of Pitocin
⌓ decrease baby’s risk of a low 5 min APGAR score by 38%
⌓ decrease risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience by 31%
(*source: Evidence Based Birth)
〰️
Doulas are absolutely amazing, and speaking from personal experience I don’t know how I would have done it without mine, ! If you’re interested in hiring a doula and need help finding one in your area, check out our free practitioner directory (link in bio) or check out
📸 via of

………….

💙🤍VISIT OUR WEBSITE! 🤍💙

https://www.edmontondoula.org/

TO FIND LISTINGS OF YEG & AREA DOULAS FOR YOUR UPCOMING BIRTH!

・・・
It's International Women's Day 🎉

This is a time to celebrate the contributions of women and girls everywhere, recognize women who inspire us all and renew discussion about the importance of gender equality in Canada and worldwide.

Today, as we celebrate the progress made, it's also a time for us to reflect on the oppressions that women continue to face in our society. International Women's Day is an opportunity to celebrate the successes and strides that women have achieved worldwide throughout time.

Let us celebrate all of the women in our lives and work in solidarity so we can continue to fight for equal rights and equal opportunity for all.