Birthing From Within Inc. is presenting "Doula From Within," a holistic training for birth and postpartum companions. The training will be held in Albuquerque September 17-19. The facilitators are internationally renowned Pam England, CNM, MA, the midwife who developed the BFW method and co-authored "Birthing From Within," and Palmer Scheutzow, certified BFW Mentor and Doula from Tacoma, Wash.

Most parents agree that no amount of preparation and planning could have completely prepared them for the intensity and surprises of labor. Nurses and nurse-midwives rarely offer continuous emotional support and encouragement throughout labor, and the inexperienced father-to-be doesn't know how. In the labyrinth of labor, both mother and father need gentle words of encouragement, for example, they need reminders to drink juice and how to cope with the pain or fear that comes with every labor (including normal labor), and how to heal postpartum or soothe the crying baby.

Doula, (pronounced doo-la), is a Greek word that conveys the idea of woman helping woman in birth and postpartum. Women assisting women relatives or neighbors in labor were once commonplace in western culture. Then birth moved from home labor rooms and, for decades, women labored alone. A novel idea was introduced in the 1970's: fathers could support their partners, the mothers in labor. Although this was an improvement, new fathers are just as inexperienced and nervous in labor and early postpartum as the mothers - new fathers deserve support and guidance, too. This is why the revival of woman companions in labor makes good sense.

Highlights from the upcoming training include:

-- Doula-related research
-- How to teach a "five-minute pain-coping class" in labor
-- Compassionate support for mothers who use drugs or epidurals in labor
-- Postpartum care
-- In-depth processes to cultivate an understanding of the sacred, soulful work of being a doula

"Doula training weekends tend to inspire and pump up new doulas. They leave excited and ready to make a difference," England observed. "But they soon find out that taking a weekend workshop and reading a few books isn't enough to develop their confidence or prepare them for the complexities that arise in labor. After witnessing the first hard labor or two, many new doulas feel lost and disheartened because they couldn't make the difference they had imagined - and many quit."

"BFW Doula Training developed a unique certification program that provides our candidates with extended emotional and didactic support from a facilitator and doula-peers," explained Scheutzow. "After taking the Doula From Within workshop, candidates in our certification program receive ongoing training with our online seminars and also learn from their peers on the Online Doula Discussion Board."

The Doula From Within training is open to aspiring and experienced doulas, childbirth teachers, nurses and midwives. A free brochure and registration information is available by calling 505-254-4884, by writing P.P. Box 4528, Albuquerque, NM 87196 or online at www.birthingfromwithin.com.

     
   President
   Birthing From Within, Inc.
   Albuquerque,    NM,    87106
   USA
   505-254-4884 (phone)
   pam@birthingfromwithin.com
   www.birthingfromwithin.com
  

     
   Manager of BFW Workshops
   Birthing From Within, Inc.
   Gig Harbor,    WA,    98335-6016
   USA
   253-265-6170 (phone)
   BFWworkshops@aol.com
   www.birthingfromwithin.com