Meeting Other Doulas

[Need2read]

It was just a thought of mine...but seeing as I just moved here and I don't know anyone, specifically doula's or even women who have similar interests as mine I wanted to have a get together. The library has a room I might be able to rent (possibly). And if I could I wanted to contact all the Doula's in my area and invite them.

I don't necessarily want to do a lot of formal speaking more like saying "hello" getting to know women & their families.

Should it be a doula + her family thing?
what activities would there be?
time of day?

I've never really done something like this and I'd like it do go well. I would of course plan some things out and e-mail/call around and speak to the women I would be inviting first to hear their take, and of course find out their availibility.

suggestions anyone? what would you want it to be like?

[Kalamazoo Doula]

I just organized a doula get together that was held two weeks ago. It went really well! Invited all doulas in my area, no matter what organziation they were from, if they were certified or not, and if they were just some one who was tossing the idea around on becoming a doula.

I originally had about 15 that were supposed to attend, but only 6 of us were able to come, but everyone who could not make it wanted to updated if we were going to do another one!
This one was very informal, we just sat around eating the snacks that we all brought to share, and just got to know each other. Answered questions that needed to be addressed and talked about issues regarding birth in our area! It was alot of fun, and very needed. We all kind of decided that this was something that we all wanted to become a regular event, and we are planning for the next one for next spring! We live in Michigan, so it could be a pain for travel for some of the ladies.

I held the meeting in one of our public library branches, and it was very inexpesive, it only cost me $20 for a 4 hour block.

If I would suggest anything from my experience is to just let the first meeting be very casual and informal. If you want to have the meeting more offical, you could always work up to that. Some doulas may just want a place to come and talk and unload. More like a support group for birth junkies!

Hope this helps, just wanted to add my