Blog / DONA News
Find out more about DONA International, the world’s largest, longest standing and most respected doula organization in the world.
Our training and certification are recognized world-wide as the standard for the doula profession. We are a growing, not-for-profit, member led organization dedicated to the advancement of doulas. Stay up-to-date on DONA International and see the difference we make for doulas and families.
Call for Session Proposals – 2017 Virtual Conference
It may only be January, but DONA International is already gearing up for the 2017 Annual Conference Cultivating Connections: It Starts With Us. This year’s evidence-based learning opportunity from the world’s largest and longest standing doula organization is online....
The inspiration behind DONA’s new brand identity
This article was originally published in the International Doula magazine. This version includes a photo of the meeting with DONA International founders Penny Simkin, Annie Kennedy, and Phyllis Klaus to discuss the new logo. -- Adrianne Gordon, MBA, CD(DONA), Blog...
Conference Sneak Peek: Advanced Peanut Ball Techniques
Photo courtesy of Premier Birth Tools Cheri Grant is known as The Peanut Ball Lady, and her mission is to teach the world about the effectiveness of peanut balls (peanut-shaped exercise balls) in labor. She trains other professionals to become authorized peanut ball...
Conference Sneak Peak: Saturday Night Performance by Melissa Bangs
Photo courtesy of Nichole Peterson/NP Images Hearing someone’s story is one of the best ways to deepen our understanding of their experience. Storytelling can play a powerful role in healing for the teller and provide perspective to the audience. One brave woman will...
Is Homebirth Safe?
The safety of homebirth has been much discussed in the birth community over the last few months following the publication of a study in the New England Journal of Medicine at the end of 2015. At the upcoming DONA International Annual Conference, Dr. Michael Klein, a...
10 Reasons You Should be at the 2016 Conference!
In just a few weeks, the DONA International Annual Conference: ENGAGE will take place near Seattle, WA. Here are 10 reasons you should be at #DONA16! 1. Learn new skills and evidence based information. Continuing to grow your skillset and stay up-to-date on the...
Sailing Through Certification: Packet Reviewer Tips Part 2
This is the second installment in our Sailing through Certification: Tips from a Packet Reviewer series. Birth doula certification packet reviewer, Julia Schetky, posts tips on DONA International’s Facebook groups each week with tips for those preparing that precious...
Sailing through Certification: Tips from a Packet Reviewer Part 1
Obtaining those CD(DONA) or PCD(DONA) credentials comes from a combination of training, experience, independent learning and reflection. Doula certification demonstrates proficiency, professionalism and dedication to the field. The documentation of all of the...
Deadline Approaching for Advanced Doula Applications
Are you working to advance the maternal-child field? Know a doula who is? The deadline to submit for the Advanced Doula designation is fast approaching! Apply by May 31, 2016 for consideration. Your next opportunity to apply won’t come again until May 2017, so don’t...
Staying Connected: DONA International Publications & Social Media Channels
We’ve recently shared an updated list of who you can contact at DONA International to answer questions and get support. Here, we’re sharing the communication channels and publications available from DONA International offering resources, inspiration and community....
Get to Know Your New DONA International Board Members
DONA International’s leadership team has some new faces! Members have received an email about new members of the DONA International Board of Directors who have stepped up to fill vacant positions. We are thankful for the time and energy these women are giving to...
Help! I need somebody. Help, not just anybody! — 2016 edition
Sometimes a doula needs a little help and not just from anyone, but someone with specific knowledge to solve our challenge or get us the resource that we need. In our work, we know the value of having a trusted source of information. There are many people at DONA...
What I Learned on the Board of DONA International
Editor’s Note: Wondering what it’s like to serve on the DONA International Board of Directors? Read on to hear Eva Bild share her experience serving as a Regional Director. Feeling inspired to serve your fellow doulas? Applications are now being accepted for Eastern...
Meet DONA International’s President HeatherGail Lovejoy
DONA International was founded by doulas and throughout its 24 year history has continued to be lead by doulas. In recent years, a professional management team was brought on to better meet the needs of nearly 6,000 members in 54 countries. As a non-profit...
International Doula Preview: Spring 2016
The next issue of the International Doula features an article written by Missy David titled “Birth Plans Don’t Work. Did They Ever?” This article offers a very interesting discussion about the use of birth plans and how we can help guide our clients in a different...
Writer’s Block: Getting Past “I don’t have anything to say.”
“Oh, I don’t have anything interesting to share with other doulas.” “I couldn’t do that. I’m not a great writer.” “I don’t have any earthly idea of what I would write about.” Have you said any of these things in the last week, month or year? Thought them? Would...
Reflections on the 1st Annual Trainer’s Retreat
Recently a group of dedicated doulas gathered in sunny Florida for DONA International’s 1st Annual Trainer’s Retreat. One attendee, Rina Crane, AdvCD(DONA), BDT(DONA), LCCE, FACCE, shares her experience at the retreat and some of her own story of meeting and working...
Call for Speaker Proposals: 2016 Annual Conference
In just six short months the international doula community will gather in Bellevue, Washington for ENGAGE, DONA International’s 22nd Annual Conference. The Conference Committee is now accepting submissions from those interested in providing a 90 minute concurrent...