May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month and, you, birth professional, strongly contribute to the mental wellness of others!

This month we’re sharing some ways that doulas participate in raising awareness about maternal mental health.

✔️ Highlight the emotional pillar of doula support on your social platforms
Doulas offer emotional support to clients experiencing mental health challenges during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Paint the picture of what this looks like. Shine a light on the emotional support you provide. For example active listening, validating feelings, and providing a nonjudgmental space for clients to express their concerns.

✔️ Feature a vetted mental health professional or resource
Create a post, blog, or video highlighting a local mental health professional or a list of resources you can share with your following. This may include licensed therapists, support groups in your community, and/or the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.

✔️ Practice what you preach.
Prioritize your own mental health and well-being to effectively support your clients. This may include rest and restorative practices, seeking support from a mental health professional, or engaging in self-care to prevent burnout.

51 BIRTH WORKERS COMPLETED PRODOULA CERTIFICATION IN APRIL 2024!

Certified Postpartum & Infant Care Doula: 31

Certified Labor Doula: 14
⭐ Certified Labor Doula Elite: 1 ⭐

Certified Postpartum Placenta Specialist: 1

Certified VBAC Specialist: 4

ARE YOU PREPARED TO SUPPORT YOUR CLIENTS THROUGH A MENTAL HEALTH EMERGENCY?

Through this Doula Learning Channel course, you will gain essential knowledge on postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, learn to identify mental health emergencies, and acquire the tools needed to respond effectively.

Take actionable steps to prepare yourself and your business to support clients in crisis and make a meaningful difference in maternal mental health.

Created by Educator, Kelly Rutan (she/her), this online learning module is 32 minutes in length.

PRODOULAS MAKING A DIFFERENCE!

Ty Roberts of Gennisi Charitable Birth Services is making a difference in her community by hosting a community baby shower each year!

These events include gifts, giveaways, food, fun, childcare, and so much more! Last month saw the 3rd Annual Community Baby Shower which was their largest attendance to date!

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT PRODOULA

“I have done 2 trainings, Labor and Postpartum & Infant Care with Aisha Fanning. She is absolutely amazing!! She sees your insecurities and self doubt and pulls them out of you and helps you to see that not only can you do this but you can thrive and be such a positive impact on others at such a critical time in their lives. The curriculum is very thorough and the time goes by so fast. I have recommended this training to several people who would make excellent doulas.” – Rochelle Straight

Postpartum & Infant Care Doula Training – Educator, Aisha Fanning (pictured above) – Omaha, NE

FEATURED BLOG POST

Maternal Mental Health Emergencies – Doulas, Are You Prepared?

WHAT WE ARE WATCHING

ProDoula CEO, Randy Patterson, and ProDoula Trainer, and Founder of Vegas Family Doulas, Aisha Fanning, discuss the benefits of teaching infant feeding education in your community!

Doulas of the Roundtable Podcast
Episode 57: Preeclampsia Awareness

As doulas, we are bound to encounter clients facing preeclampsia.

What essential knowledge is required to assist a laboring client during delivery with preeclampsia?

How can you provide optimal support to a family coping with postpartum preeclampsia following delivery?

Join Eva and Angela as they explore what to anticipate and how to aid laboring and postpartum clients who are navigating preeclampsia.