Doula training course is a success!

I drew from my experiences at my own doula training workshop and the Midwifery Today conference as I lit candles, arranged birth books, made coffee for the doula workshop participants last Saturday morning. I recalled the warmth of the instructors and the intuitive workshop spaces that promoted dialogue among its eager students. This would be a day like no other because I was about to embark on eight hours of teaching in Romanian about a concept only recently pioneered in the country: doulas.

The eight women who came were brilliant, each with a fascinating career and a passion for women. Included in the group were: a midwife student, two psychologists, a doctor (who is also an expectant mom), a philosopher, a physical therapist, a nurse and a secretary. We were able to discuss scenarios and engage in learning activities from multiple unique perspectives! They also were very kind in offering me grace in my grammar and occasional lack of words in Romanian!

We divided the day between didactic sessions, group 'jigsaw' teaching, hands-on practice, and question/answer sessions. The biggest request on the evaluation was for more hands-on experience in future workshops. In addition, several of the women were interested in starting the certification process with DONA International to become midwives. God-willing I will attempt to get certified to be a doula instructor in Seattle so that when we return I can provide 'certifying' workshops for local women. The top two items mentioned as 'practical things we will take away' were: rebozo (birth scarf) techniques and hip squeeze/pelvic opening labor support methods.

One of the day's participants summed the day up this way, "Thank you for reminding us that what we are doing is important, that we are not crazy and that we can bring change for the women of this country."

Thank you to Clinica Pro-Vita International who graciously allowed us to host the entire day in their beautiful facility!