DONA International Conference

Sessions Continued...
104 Being a Doula for Women Living in Conditions of Risk: Understanding, Solidarity and Boundaries
(will be translated into Spanish)
105
201
202
203
Presented by Eva Bild, MA, CD(DONA), LCCE and Jacquelin Green, BA, MDiv
In this session we will discuss social determinants of health and basic needs for pregnant women. We will examine how the lack
of basic resources affects physical and emotional health during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. Participants
will be invited to examine how the doula’s own assumptions about women living with conditions of risk affect their ability to
be in solidarity with the client and to examine their own boundaries in that solidarity. This session is for doulas who are new to
outreach work with women living in conditions of risk.
Sleepless Nights: What’s All the Fuss about Sleep Training?
Presented by Teresa Pitman, B.Sc., LLL Leader
Sleep and sleep training are hot topics among doulas and new parents, with strong feelings on all sides. In this session, we will
cover research, biology, breastfeeding and the realities of infant sleep.
1:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. - General Session Two (will be translated into Spanish)
Breastfeeding and the Doula: How to be a Part of the Breastfeeding Team
Presented by Teresa Pitman, B.Sc., LLL Leader
When you know how breastfeeding works and how to make the most of babies’ innate abilities, you can help the mothers you
work with overcome challenges and meet their breastfeeding goals.
3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. - Concurrent Sessions (Choose one)
The Mayan Midwife: Rescuing Traditions for the New Millennium (Part II)
Presented by Elena Carrillo, LCCE, FACCE, CLC, CD(DONA), BDT(DONA) and
Guadalupe Trueba, LCCE, FACCE, CLC, CD(DONA), BDT(DONA), Midwife
This session will continue to explore the ancestral wisdom of traditional Mayan midwifery. With the participation of native
Mayan midwives, session participants will observe traditional health practices and navigate through time exploring ancient
traditions, beliefs and cultural practices, which they will be able to incorporate into their professional practice. These new
skills will give doulas, childbirth educators, doctors, nurses and midwives a new perspective of the traditional wisdom of one
of the most admired cultures in the world. Hopefully, they will be able to carry it on in this new millennium.
Traumatic Birth: a Therapist’s Perspective (will be translated into Spanish)
Presented by Phyllis Klaus, MFT, LMSW
Caregivers working with women and their families in vulnerable situations must have some sensitivity to their emotional
needs. The levels of stress in experiencing a traumatic or negative birth can have a serious impact on the parents’ relationship
to the baby and to each other, and affect long-term their emotional and physical health. One does not have to be a therapist
in order to be therapeutic. A therapist’s view can give some insight into the skills needed by doulas and other maternity
caregivers during this sensitive time.
Pregnancy, Babies and Birth, OH MY! Working with Anxious Clients
Presented by Patti Treubert, BS, ICCE-CPE, CD(DONA), BDT(DONA), CLC
In this session, we will discuss how the different anxiety disorders from the DSM-IV-TR criteria may manifest itself in the
perinatal period as well as help doulas identify strategies to assist their clients in coping with the transition from pregnant
to parent while caring for themselves as a doula. We will further discuss areas that may be of concern and would require a
referral to a professional who can assist the family in the transition.
204
205
Birth Class on a Yoga Mat: Doulas in the New Birth Frontier
Presented by Sarah Longacre, BS, RYT and Gail Tully, BS, CPM, CD(DONA)
Yoga studios are on every block and where are the doulas? In this session, we will share the success of pre- and postnatal
yoga, wellness and education, inversions for fetal positioning and the benefits of a doula/yoga collaboration. Experience a
fun yoga sequence building birthing skills and the doula/mother relationship. Bring a mat if you can.
Ways Doulas Can Help Dads to be Powerful Birth Partners
Presented by Joe Valley, MA
Dads are being called to show up for their birth partners today, but the problem is that there hasn’t been a clear history of
their role or how to support their role. Doulas are at the leading edge of daddy support, and it’s doulas who make contact
with the dads to make the greatest impact. This session reviews the daddy perspective of birth and how
best to align with their needs and desires.
Sessions
18