Do you speak any other languages?

[Tiffany]

And have you supported a client who spoke that language?

I had 5 years of spanish in highschool (grade 8-12) and I've supported two clients who have spoke only spanish. Now, I admit, after not using it for years I am not a converationalist.. I have to let them speak for a while before I even try, but I can understand them mostly.

I think it is so interesting to support women through birth who have a totally different background, and a totally different language! Share your experiences please.

[bright_birth]

I speak Russian, and about half of my clients speak Russian. I am the only russian speaking doula in Toronto as far as I know. It is nice to have an opportunity to discuss things with the client without being understud by the nurse or a doctor.

Yelena

[Tiffany]

Yelena - That is awesome, and probably pretty helpful.

[Matrescence]

no... I want to learn so bad... the only other language I'm fluent in is gibberish and piglatin There are a lot of Spanish speaking families here, I'd love to learn to speak and understand it well enough to be able to communicate effectively with them as a doula. Maybe one day

[tlcdoula]

I speak only English, but have helped a few clients with spouses who spoke only Spanish. It was pretty difficult to communicate with the fathers, but I was hired to make sure mom's needs were met so it worked out okay.

[AussieDoula]

I'm still struggling through French (although I'm not sure it would be very useful for clients in my area). I'd like to learn sign language next year, re-take some Italian, and maybe pick up some basics for labour support with Filipino and Aboriginal families.

[jesscardona]

I'm fluent in spanish, and have helped people that only speaks spanish, and not only in labor but in other things too.

[victoria sunshine]

I am hearing impaired (hear 2 behind the ear hearing aids)and know ASL (american sign language) and ESL (english sign language) I support many deaf mothers, as i am the only doula in town with this ability. I highly recommend any of you taking a course to learn! You can then reach a client base you could not before!

[rootsandwingsdoula]

I'm learning ASL right now. I've been practicing at home, but I'm planning on taking a class soon! I can't wait to be fluent (or at least somewhere in between fluent and where I am right now, beginner!!) so I reach out to more women in my area. I'd also LOVE to learn Spanish, but probably won't start with that until my daughter is more verbal and can learn with me.

[bcarrera]

Español
Actually english is my second language.
I did 3 years of French in high school and a basic ASL...but need to re-learn them again

[MyDoulaStacia]

Not that it ever comes into play with my doula work but I am bilingual English/Danish.

[piwackit]

I live in Taiwan so have learned some Mandarin. It's good enough to live and have conversations but not fluent. I have a hard time with TV and can't read many characters.

I hope to improve my Chinese so I can help local women, once they know what a doula is!!

[MindfulBirth]

I speak a little Spanish. I'm trying to learn more and I'm not afraid to try to communicate in Spanish if I see someone who needs help. Just last week a man stopped me on the street and struggled to ask directions, so I gave them to him in Spanish and he gave a huge sigh of relief. I feel it is important to know another language. I have supported a postpartum client who is Portuguese by using my Spanish as a way of communicating. My 5 yr old has special needs and I am trying to learn ASL with her. It is my goal to become fluent in both Spanish and ASL.

[AmandaB]

I am bi-lingual in French and English.

I am from a French family (my mother's side), heck my grandmother ancestors were one of the first settlers in Canada. Name is in the history books, pretty cool! Although my speaking could use a tune up and my writing have always been atrocious in French, but I get by.

[amymaew]

I speak French, but there's very few French speaking people in my area. I should learn Spanish.