doula get togethers

MothertheMother · 03-11-2006, 09:48 AM

I am thinking about organizing a very casual get together since there are now 6 trained doulas in our area (Val was the only one when I started my training last fall). Has anyone done this and do you have any suggestions. Upon suggestion, I was thinking of something simple, maybe the library, everyone bring snacks and bring something relevent to share. Any ideas on keeping it fun and exciting? I would like to start something we could do at least 4 times a year so I want it to be fun enough for those invited to come back. Plus I would like to invite any childbirth/lacation professional to attend. ANY SUGGESTIONS WELCOME. I am in the brainstorming phase of this.

raspberrymoondoula · 03-11-2006, 11:34 AM

i would go i dont think you're that far from me

03-11-2006, 01:12 PM

I joined a yahoo group for doulas near me and they get together once a month. I thought I missed it, but it turns out it is the last weekend not the first, so I have a chance (unless it is during my work hours or we're out of town). I might be able to help after I go to a meeting, but I won't know until then.

I recommend having an online group (yahoo, msn, invisionfree, etc) so you can have a virtual calendar, etc.

fearlessbirth · 03-11-2006, 01:30 PM

I think that's a GREAT idea. There's a doula group about an hour from me who has monthly meetings. If it weren't for school and work I'd be there! (and if it wasn't so far away)

tlcdoula · 03-11-2006, 03:10 PM

There is a doula/birth group in my area that meets monthly. I have gone many, many times and it is so great to get together with all of the ladies. In our group, typically there is a planned topic of some sort

Kalamazoo Doula · 03-11-2006, 08:13 PM

Great Idea Christy!

I have done one in the past (October) and I'm planning another one for this spring! We had about 6 of us there, and we had more that wanted to come, but could not for what ever reason. We should have a better turn out this time around! I opened the meeting to all doulas, regardless to which organization, or certified or not. It was so much fun. I held it at one of the libray's branches, because it is fairly cheap in price, it only cost me $20 for four hours! We all brought a snack to share. We all got to know each other, and to lean on each other. I can't wait till the next one! We may have it at one of the doula's house! We decided to move this around, so it will allow for the 'where' to be fair! LOL

Keep us updated!

heathenmamaof5 · 03-12-2006, 03:59 PM

I'm really lucky, we have a professional group of doula's and have a phone line and web site and everything. Our meetings alternate between a doulas home and various hospital cafetaria's in our area.

Like I said I'm lucky!

They're called the Valley/Foothill Doula Collective. They're toll free number is 1-888-Doula-4-U and our website is www.doulacollective.bizland.com

They're open to all doulas and childbirth professionals. On another thread I mentioned their tagline and that I'd like to use it, then have their link. The tagline is "The Newest Advancement in Childbirth is Thousands of Years Old"

Anyways, my computer guy just walked in. Gotta go!

Girls!

raspberrymoondoula · 03-12-2006, 04:48 PM

we have that here as well. how far are you from charleston? we meet once a month you'd be more than welcome to stop in once in a while.
http://charlestondoulas.com/

capandcradle · 04-06-2006, 02:29 PM

6! How awesome! That's too cool, our city of 1M doesn't have 6 active doulas but I wish we did.

A few years ago when our local birth-group was more active than it is today, we had monthly meetings with food. Topics, like continuing education, were assigned, such as "Physical Therapy Balls in Labor," "How Childhood Sexual Abuse Affects Pregnancy and Breastfeeding," sort of thing. We were credentialed to offer nursing CEUs at the time, and nurses loved the inexpensive CEUs.

You can do this, too. Email me for more details.

sjistarr · 04-06-2006, 03:01 PM

I'm fairly new to the doula world, especially compared to the doulas in my area... a few have been doing this for decades. Would it be presumptuous of me to throw a doula get-together?

fearlessbirth · 04-06-2006, 06:34 PM

I don't think so at all! It would be a great way for the 'seasoned' doulas to get to know a fresh face. I was hesitant and intimidated to meet any of these ladies in my area since I was new. They are great!!! A couple of ladies have called me for back-up or are referring volunteer work to me. I won't get paid, but I don't mind benefitting just from the experience of it all. It's also a great way to get referrals in case someone is booked.

DO IT!!

DL · 04-06-2006, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fearlessbirth

I don't think so at all!...
DO IT!!

Good advice and DITTO!!

capandcradle · 04-07-2006, 08:15 PM

Starr and Fearless, As an old-timer, I welcome new doulas and aspiring doulas in my community. Fresh faces are always welcome. Burnout is rampant -- notice how few members on this board have been at this for 10+ years. I believe you would be doing everyone a huge favor by organizing a doula potluck. If you lived in my community, I'd come!

sjistarr · 04-07-2006, 10:12 PM

Thanks for all the encouragement!! It will likely have to wait until my semester at school ends, but by then the weather will be nice enough for me to do something outdoors!