BirthWell Partners’4th Annual Doula Retreat

Friday, March 17th, 2017

2:00 - 4:30pm Arrival/Check-in

4:30 - 6:30pm Craft: Sips ‘n’ Strokes for Doulas (Jill Jones)

6:30 - 7:00 pm Icebreaker Activity (Anne Pautler)

7:00 - 8:00 pm Potluck Dinner

8:00 - 10:00 pm Show & Tell: “Doula/Educator Tips & Tricks”

10:00 – 11:00 pm Campfire (if weather permits) & S’mores

Saturday, March 18th, 2017

9:00– 10:00 am Breakfast

10:00 – 11:00 am Doula Self-Care: Creating Healthy Boundaries

Group Discussion led by Anjanette Robinson

11:00 –11:15 am Break

11:15 am –noon Self-Care Practices

Meditation and Activities led by Joanna Deuser Mann

noon – 1:30 pm Potluck Lunch

1:30–2:30 pm Spring in the Woods

Hike facilitated by Ashley Lovell

2:30-2:45 pm Break

2:45 - 4:00pm The Challenges of Empowering Clients Who Don’t Know

What They Don’t Know

Group Discussion led by Courtney Sirmon

4:00 -4:15 pm Break

4:15 - 6:00pm What Can We Do in the Face of Obstetric Violence?

Discussion moderated by Emma Bertolaet

6:00 – 6:30pm Closing Ceremony

6:30 pm Clean Up/Departure

Doula Self-Care: Creating Healthy Boundaries

Presenter:Anjanette Burkett Robinson, MA, LPC-S, NCC,

Birth Doula, Postpartum Doula, Therapist

Objectives:

  • Learn the importance of self-care
  • Recognize when to put self first
  • Recognize boundaries as a part of self-care
  • Learn how to set appropriate boundaries

Presentation Description:

The purpose of this presentation is to help attendees take better care of themselves through setting appropriate boundaries and to help attendees stay motivated and encouraged to continue their work as doulas.

Teaching Method: Facilitated group discussion

Doula Self-Care: Practices

Presenter:Joanna Deuser Mann, LMT

Licensed Massage Therapist, Yoga Instructor, Reiki Master, Doula

Objectives:

  • Understand why self-care is needed in nurturing professions
  • Learn means of self-care
  • Practice meditation skills as a means of self-care

Presentation Description:

“You cannot pour from an empty cup.” Self-care is necessary for those in the doula profession. Participants will practice various self-care practices such as breathing, massage, and meditation.

Teaching Method: Demonstration practiceMaterials: Yoga mats, yoga blocks

“Spring in the Woods”

Presenter:Ashley Lovell, MS, LCCE, CD(DONA)

Childbirth Educator, Doula, Wildlife Biologist

Objectives:

  • To engage in physical activity as a means of self-care
  • Learn how plants signify the start of their reproductive cycle
  • Draw connections between the innate abilities of all mammals to give birth

Presentation Description:

This hike will re-affirm to doulas that human procreation and birth are normal, physiological events. We will have an interactive discussion linking what we see in the woods to the birth room. When in the birth room in a stressful situation, doulas may think back to this hike and gain some reassurance from it.

Teaching Method: Lecture/Hike

The Challenge of Empowering Clients Who Do Not Know What They Don’t Know

Presenter:Courtney Sirmon, CD(DONA), CLC

Birth Doula, Lactation Counselor

Objectives:

  • Identify the challenges of working with clients unfamiliar with their birth options
  • Brainstorm ways to communicate the concept of self-advocacy to clients
  • Discuss the signs that a client may have unclear ideas about doula scope and healthy boundaries

Presentation Description:

Many times doulas are hired by clients who have fully researched their birth options and are empowered to advocate for themselves during labor and birth. Sometimes, however, clients hire a doula in the mistaken belief that hiring a doula IS preparing for birth. How can we recognize the signs and work to empower those clients?

Teaching Method: Facilitated group discussion

What Can We Do in the Face of Obstetric Violence?

Presenter:Emma Bertolaet, M.A.

Birth Doula, Childbirth Educator, PhD Candidate in American Studies

Objectives:

  • Engage in a discussion about the role of a doula during and after an incident of obstetric violence
  • Learn what resources are available for clients who experience obstetric violence
  • Learn what resources are available to assist doulas who witness obstetric violence

Presentation Description:

What is our role when our client is the victim of obstetric violence? Participants will discuss how a doula can stay within scope of practice and identify whatcare can she provide for her client--and for herself--both during and after witnessing obstetric violence.

Teaching Method: Facilitated group discussion