Blog
We know doulas. As a leader in the doula field for over 25 years, DONA International is your trusted authority for evidence-based information and resources for the doula profession.
From families considering hiring a doula to the thousands of doulas worldwide who support them, so many people want to learn more about doulas. Here on the blog, we provide evidence-based information specifically for professional doulas and the families we serve. Doulas play a unique role in the lives of the families we support and need specialized resources to grow and thrive as professionals. Stay up to date and informed with the organization that put doulas on the map!
But What About the Postpartum Doula? ACOG’s New Recommendations for Postpartum Care
By Sharon Muza, BS, CD(DONA), BDT(DONA), LCCE, FACCE, CLE The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) released an updated committee opinion last month titled Optimizing Postpartum Care. This opinion was endorsed and supported by fellow...
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A Book Review for Father’s Day: Man Vs. Baby by Matt Coyne
By Sharon Muza, BS, CD(DONA), BDT(DONA), LCCE, FACCE, CLE With Father's Day right around the corner in the United States (this Sunday, June 17th) I thought I would share a book review of a recent nonfiction book I just finished reading. Man Vs. Baby by Matt...
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Series: What Say You? – What Does “Natural” Birth Mean to You?
By Sharon Muza, BS, CD(DONA), BDT(DONA), LCCE, FACCE, CLE I have a question and maybe you can help me out? When I started working as a doula and a childbirth educator almost 15 years ago, I had a lot of terms to learn. In my doula training, I learned it was important...
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Happy 80th Birthday to DONA Founder Penny Simkin
By Sharon Muza, BS, CD(DONA), BDT(DONA), LCCE, FACCE, CLE Today, May 31st is Penny Simkin's 80th birthday. I am confident that you join me in being so glad that she was born on this day in 1938. Penny is one of the five founders of DONA International and an icon in...
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Meet DONA Summit Keynote Speakers – A Simply Amazing Lineup!
By Sharon Muza, BS, CD(DONA), BDT(DONA), LCCE, FACCE, CLE The 2018 DONA International Summit (the annual conference) is just shy of eight weeks away and the keynote lineup has been announced and it is simply spectacular. This year there are options for both in-person...
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A Review of the Film “Tully” Through the Eyes of a Postpartum Doula
Reviewed by Krista Maltais, AdvPCD/PDT(DONA) Please note: This review may contain movie spoilers and/or plot points. *While the subject matter involves a night nanny and not a postpartum doula, we are aware that people in many circles unknowingly equate the two roles....
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Doulas’ Children Share What They Think Doulas Do
By Sharon Muza, BS, CD(DONA), BDT(DONA), LCCE, FACCE, CLE In honor of Mother's Day, which is being celebrated today in the United States, I asked doulas to ask their children "what does a doula do?" The kids' answers are very funny, but also, often remarkably...
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DONA International Joins March for Moms to Advocate for Maternal Health
By Sharon Muza, BS, CD(DONA), BDT(DONA), LCCE, FACCE, CLE This past weekend was the second annual March for Moms event and DONA International was proud to be a sponsor and partner in the weekend's happenings. This important gathering of leaders in the field of...
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May Is International Doula Month – 31 Fantastic Ways to Celebrate
By Sharon Muza, BS, CD(DONA), BDT(DONA), LCCE, FACCE, CLE May is International Doula Month (IDM) and we need to celebrate big time. Last year, I suggested ten things that doulas could do to honor IDM, but this month I say, "Go big or go home!" I want to suggest...
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Best of the International Doula – March for Moms Organizer: Doulas Play a Critical Role
By Jessica English, AdvCD/PCD/BDT(DONA), LCCE, FACCE This article originally appeared in the March 2018 issue of the International Doula. The International Doula is DONA International's quarterly magazine sent to each member's home as a member benefit. They are also...
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New York State Enlists Birth Doulas to Reduce Maternal Mortality in People of Color
By Sharon Muza, BS, CD(DONA), BDT(DONA), LCCE, FACCE, CLE Governor Andrew Cuomo shared on Sunday that New York State would be enlisting the help of birth doulas to reduce the rate of maternal mortality for people of color in the state. In the United States, people of...
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Doula Me This #3 – Should I Stay or Should I Go?
By Sharon Muza, BS, CD(DONA), BDT(DONA), LCCE, FACCE, CLE Today is the third post in the occasional series, “Doula Me This!” Each post in the series provides a common scenario that a birth or postpartum (or both) doula may face. The “correct” answer (if there is one)...
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DONA Supports Black Maternal Health Week 2018
By Sharon Muza, BS, CD(DONA), BDT(DONA), LCCE, FACCE, CLE The first ever Black Maternal Health Week begins today in the United States. Black parents and babies face significantly increased maternal mortality and morbidity compared to their white counterparts. The goal...
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Seven Ways the DONA Website Helps You Be a Better Doula!
By Sharon Muza, BS, CD(DONA), BDT(DONA), LCCE, FACCE, CLE The DONA website is a great resource The DONA International website was redesigned about 18 months ago and shared with DONA members and the public at the 2016 DONA International conference in Bellevue, WA. At...
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New DONA International Training to Add Canine Labor Support to Your Doula Practice
By Sharon Muza, BS, CD(DONA), BDT(DONA), WOOF(DONA), LCCE, FACCE, CLE Are you a doula looking to add a skill to your current doula skillset? DONA International is pleased to offer a groundbreaking continuing education opportunity that you can take back to your doula...
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DONA Partners with March for Moms to Advocate for Families
By Sharon Muza, BS, CD(DONA), BDT(DONA), LCCE, FACCE, CLE When doulas are working one on one with their clients, whether during pregnancy, birth or postpartum, the doula's role is one of helping families to find their voice, build their confidence and respect their...
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World Doula Week 2018 – “Doulas Make It Happen”
By Sharon Muza, BS, CD(DONA), BDT(DONA), LCCE, FACCE, CLE Today begins the 8th Annual observance of World Doula Week. World Doula Week is celebrated every year March 22- March 28, and corresponds to the spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere. Initially founded by...
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Do Doulas Need to Follow HIPAA & What You Should Know about Client Confidentiality!
By Sharon Muza, BS, CD(DONA), BDT(DONA), LCCE, FACCE, CLE The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA - Not HIPPA!) became a law in 1996 by a sweeping vote of Congress. You can read more about what this law does (and does not do) here in this great...
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