NW Doula Conference
T-Elle photography & PPMD @ NW Doula Conference
Today I offered massage at the NW Doula Conference, which was sponsored by PALS Doulas & NAPS (Northwest Association for Postpartum Support). They had motivational speeches by Soleil Hepner and Rose De Dan (my Reiki Master Teacher).
There were lots of Doulas there, networking, connecting, being inspired. It was nice to give massage to those who care for women during their incredible journeys into motherhood and beyond. Birth doulas are labor support professionals experienced in childbirth who provide continuous physical, emotional and informational support to pregnant woman before, during, and just after childbirth. Doulas assist women giving birth in hospitals, birth centers and at home.
I personally had a doula during my pregnancy and labor. I am so glad I did, it felt like having an extra coach in my corner. The hospital nurses and midwives came and went during my labor (okay I had a long labor) but my doula, just like my partner, was always there 24/7. I didn’t always trust what the nurses and midwives told me, but I always trusted my doula, I can’t imagine doing it without her!
I spoke with a few doulas about the importance of postpartum support. Did you know a postpartum Doula can help you with breastfeeding, bottle feeding, birth recovery, newborn care, developing new born sleep patterns, even housekeeping, laundry and meal preparation!
I learned about a great Postpartum support hotline, that offers free support to women suffering from postpartum depression and/or anxiety…
www.ppmdsupport.com
There was also an amazing baby photographer, several pregnancy support services and other pregnancy massage specialists. We are so lucky in the Northwest to have so many healing professionals supporting women’s health in fertility, pregnancy and postpartum…I have joined a group in Seattle that focuses on such issues, it is called Red Tent, for those of you who have read the amazing novel Red Tent by Anita Diamant you will know why it’s called that (for those of you who have not read it, I highly recommend it, I read it in college as part of my Women’s Studies coursework & it is one of my all time faves!) check it out @ www.redtentseattle.com
- What Doula Conference would be complete w/out a BABY?T-Elle photography & PPMD @ NW Doula Conference
