Do you command the right kind of attention with clients and their families?  Participants in this workshop are invited to engage in a process of deconstructing how they project themselves as a doula in a range of situations. Using several frameworks, each participant will learn how to assess their own presence and what may be holding them back from more effective relationships, leadership, and powerful results. We will explore the key elements that drive presence and leadership effectiveness. In this workshop, participants will explore the following: 

• Understand what Executive Presence is and why it is important 
• Identify the key elements in your own presence that will make a difference in your critical relationships and leadership effectiveness 

Each participant will walk away with tools to strengthen their self-confidence, messages, and relationships to support a more powerful executive presence

Elena Carillo, AdvCD/BDT(DONA), LCCE, FACCE, CLC, CLE

Rena Henderson Mason, MBA, BA

Nikia Lawson, MA, BSW, BDT/CD(DONA)

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There has been growing concern from the public and policymakers regarding unacceptably high rates of maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity in the U.S. and the wide Black/White disparities in these negative outcomes. Doulas have been suggested as one of the interventions that might lower both overall rates and disparities. This talk will initially focus on maternal mortality and severe morbidity in the U.S. to clarify misunderstandings concerning these outcomes and then examine some of the challenges and opportunities faced in expanding doula services to address these problems.

Eugene Declercq, Ph.D, LCCE

Danielle Donaldson, CD/PCD(DONA), LCCE

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Learn how the International Childbirth Initiative’s 12 steps align with DONA’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. Discuss actions steps you can take to ensure you are providing MotherBaby-Family support, and choose the three most important steps that are needed for your community.

Elena Carillo, AdvCD/BDT(DONA), LCCE, FACCE, CLC, CLE

Rae Davies, BSH, LCCE, AdvCD/BDT(DONA)

Debra Pascali-Bonaro, LCCE, AdvCD/BDT/PDT(DONA)

Michelle N Therrien,

What if doulas flipped the cultural competence script to help our clients navigate the medical system and advocate more effectively? Using the four features of cultural competence, this presentation will discuss the culture of medicine to explain how it influences care and interactions. Which cross-cultural skills do our clients need? How can doulas, as cultural brokers, help our clients find their own path for pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and early parenting?

Hillary Melchiors, PhD, MPH, LCCE, CD(DONA)

It’s challenging to provide a doula for every person who wants one when there’s a global pandemic happening. Adding virtual postpartum doula services to your offerings is a wonderful (and socially distanced!) way to continue to serve families at this time. The Doula Darcy was skeptical of virtual postpartum doula support back in March of 2020 but soon saw the beneficial aspects and impact that it provided. Darcy will share what she has done to continue to support families virtually since then.

Darcy Sauers, PCD (DONA)

Birth and postpartum doulas are in a unique position to help debrief a client’s birth experience; doing so can help a client normalize and integrate their birth experience and ultimately lessen or even prevent lasting birth trauma. 

Selena Shelley, MA, LMHC, CD(DONA), LCCE

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Up-skill and expand your offerings to your pregnant clients with evidence-based practices using the birth ball. Add purposeful movement to your prenatal meetings – in person or virtually. You will learn 7 strengthening and stretching exercises for pregnant people in all stages of pregnancy, as well as best practices for use in labor and birth for optimal client experiences. Have your own birth ball ready and a mat and get ready to roll through this fun session with laughter and purpose!

Emily Wannenburg, DNDM, CLC, HBCE, AdvCD(DONA), AFAA

Diana Zacharin, HBCE, CD/BDT(DONA)

Technology plus COVID-19 has radically changed birth support — Zoom meetings, coaching via phone, and participating in birth virtually. In this session, we’ll cover simple strategies on how birth workers can use technology to better connect with and engage with their clients. We’ll also share some tips on using digital tools to ease busy work and make your business more sustainable. All with the goal of increasing access and providing better outcomes for birthing people.

Naima Beckles, MA, LCCE, CLC

Jenn D’Jamoos, CCCE, CHC

Shannon Field, MBA, MA

When we talk about perinatal mental health, we think of new moms, and maybe dads. But we don’t think about the health care providers and support systems involved. But when things go wrong, it is not only the family who is affected. Other caregivers are affected too. The Nurse. The Midwife. The Physician. The Doula. Bearing witness to loss and trauma can have a significant effect on our well-being. Doulas support women and families at their most vulnerable times. Through pain. Through joy. Through medical complications. Through unplanned interventions. Through fetal distress. Through stillbirth. And now through a pandemic. Vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue are real. Know the signs. Create a resilience plan. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Recognizing and starting the healing journey from compassion fatigue or vicarious trauma does not show weakness, it shows courage. This presentation will outline the signs of vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue. You will be provided with tools for self-screening, and resources to use for prevention when you need it most. As a doula, you get to support families through some of the most powerful and emotionally charged moments of their lives. Let’s make sure you are taken care of too.

Amber Laing, MScOT, BScPsych

Millennials are entering parenthood! Have you noticed a shift in your communication success with potential clients? Let’s explore the generation of new parents – millennials! Paper communication = no way! Text message = Okay! Denise Bolds provides a safe space to explore the generational nuances in communication and outreach. With hilarious stores and approachable solutions, your office space can be condensed to a flash drive. No longer will you hear “What did they say?” Instead, get increased engagement with solid interactions that close the generation gap for good! Get ready to get rid of that VHS player and DVD’s!

Denise Bolds, MSW, AdvCD (DONA), CLC, CBE

Tikvah Wadley, AAS,CCE CD(DONA) BDT(DONA)

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DONA Leadership invites DONA members to our annual membership meeting!

As a not-for-profit membership organization, DONA International leaders offer a member meeting once a year.  The member meeting often takes place during our annual conference.  It is a live event, however the recordings are offered for members via our online webinar platform, Elevate. 

Live Attendees and On-Demand viewers will receive 1 DONA Contact hour for attendance at the membership meeting.

Topics Discussed:

• State of DONA International
• Reports from all areas (Membership, Education, Certification, and Financial, DEI, Advocacy etc.)
• Highlights from the past year
• Highlights of current and upcoming projects
• Ways to get involved and help your voice be heard

Denise Bolds, MSW, AdvCD (DONA), CLC, CBE

Kelli Brien, CD(DONA), CLS, LCCE, SpBCPE

Elena Carrillo, AdvCD/BDT(DONA),LCCE,FACCE,CLC,CLE

Angela Daniel, MSSW, CD(DONA), CLC, ICCE

Danielle Donaldson, CD/PCD(DONA), LCCE

Dorothy Haines, CD/BDT(DONA), LCCE

Melissa Harley, Adv/BDT(DONA), LCCE, CLC, FACCE

Nikia Lawson, MA, BSW, BDT/CD(DONA)

Augie Rigual, Adv/BDT(DONA), LCCE, IBCLC

Tikvah Wadley, AAS,CCE CD(DONA) BDT(DONA)

Robin Weiss, PhD, MPH, BDT/AdvCD(DONA), LCCE, CLC, FACCE Treasurer

Jose Segarra,

Diana Zacharin, HBCE, CD/BDT(DONA)

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Implicit biases are the foundation of negative health outcomes for birthing people of color and particularly Black birthing people. As birth professionals across the spectrum, it is necessary to understand, identify, and manage bias to ensure the best quality of care for those we support. While implicit bias cannot be eliminated, it can be managed. This session will provide guidance on these three action steps along with resources of birth professionals to reduce implicit bias and raise the quality of care.

Denise Bolds, MSW, AdvCD (DONA), CLC, CBE

Brandynicole Brooks, Ph.D, LICSW