NEIDA News

Handouts distributed at this One Day Doula Conference are now available online in the Members Only area.

The Northeast Illinois Doula Association (NEIDA) one-day conference was held Saturday April 29 in Winfield Illinois. About 20 doulas from all over the Chicagoland area and 2 from as far away as Madison, WI joined together to share skills, discuss doula ethics and to work on strengthening the regional doula community. The day included 2 panels on doula ethics and scope of practice, a workshop of birth positioning techniques and a roundtable discussion on doula self-care. One newer doula who attended the conference stated that “the positioning workshop was the most fun and interactive part, but it was also helpful to make ethical practice a central point of discussion. I think focusing on scope of practice and ethics sets a powerful precedent that we view ourselves as professionals and that we deserve respectful treatment from clients, families and practitioners.”

NEIDA will continue to work on organizing events where doulas can safely discuss important issues and support each other professionally and emotionally. Alissa Catalan, NEIDA Chair of Operations, told the group that the association is working to make participation easier and more fun for members. “We want everyone who is a member to participate on some small level, that’s the only way we can really build this community in a way where everyone can take ownership of the process and feel empowered by the outcome.” NEIDA is currently planning a doula picnic and other educational and social events.

~ Cassandra Burrows, NEIDA Member
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I would like to express my thoughts about the Doula Conference that took place last Saturday at Central DuPage Hospital. In the Doula business, it's always good to learn from our peers. I think Allissa and Deb did an outstanding job of putting it together. The presenters were also very informative. I was very pleased at the over-all presentation and the sharing that took place. Meeting other Doulas and getting acquainted is always fun. There was plenty of questions answered and demonstrations that will help me in the future. GREAT JOB LADIES!!.

p.s. I almost forgot the yummy food. Thanks Deb

~ Maria Villicana, NEIDA Member
   Spanish/English Labor & Postpartum Doula
   Breastfeeding Peer Counselor
   Serving the Western Suburbs

2/10/06 - Summary of Jan 2006 Evening Lecture Topic - The Feldenkais Method of Somatic Education

     The Feldenkrais Method® (pronounced “fel-den-k-rice”) is a form of somatic education that uses gentle movement and directed attention to improve movement and enhance human functioning. Using movement to explore our possibilities for action in the world, the Method is a unique and innovative approach to learning and change.
     Developed by Moshe Feldenkrais, DSc, the Feldenkrais Method synthesizes ideas from diverse fields, including physics, biomechanics, the martial arts, and human development. Using movement to bring attention to all parts of the self, Feldenkrais students become more aware of their habitual neuromuscular patterns and learn to expand their options to develop new ways of moving and acting.
     Developed by Moshe Feldenkrais, DSc, the Feldenkrais Method synthesizes ideas from diverse fields, including physics, biomechanics, the martial arts, and human development. Using movement to bring attention to all parts of the self, Feldenkrais students become more aware of their habitual neuromuscular patterns and learn to expand their options to develop new ways of moving and acting.
     The Method is utilized in clinics and hospitals, primary schools and universities, athletic clubs, dance, music, and theater programs. It consists of two compelling and versatile applications: Awareness Through Movement® and Functional Integration®. Both modalities harness the nervous system's ability to self-organize towards more effective and intelligent action. The Feldenkrais Method is useful for people of all ages and abilities. It can be used to restore function lost through aging, injury, or disease. It can also be used by anyone to move and act more gracefully, with increased fluency and effectiveness and less pain and discomfort.

Flexibility – a flexible mind and a flexible body
Pleasure in improved ease of moving and breathing
Freedom from stress and muscular aches
Relief from pains
Improved self-image in movement
Grace and skill – for performers, dancers, athletes, musicians and everybody

How the Feldenkrais Method may be applicable to pregnancy and the birth process
     During pregnancy the body is changing daily - the belly is expanding, the bones of the pelvis and ribs are widening, the organs are moving and, of course, there is weight gain. The Feldenkrais Method can help mom's to be first of all become aware in a sensorial way of the changes that are taking place in their bodies and then provide options to adapt and compensate for those changes thereby resulting in better balance, the alleviation of pain and discomfort that can accompany pregnancy, and a sense of well-being and awareness throughout the process.
     Feldenkrais during pregnancy can also help in having a more comfortable labor, delivery, and post-partum experience. There are Awareness Through Movement® lessons that focus specifically on the muscles of the pelvic floor, or perineum, to help them become strong, supple, and useful. Understanding how to use these muscles can result in a quicker, more comfortable delivery, more possibilities in avoiding an episiotomy, more rapid recovery, better bladder control, and a quicker return to sexual activity.
About Moshe Feldenkrais
     Moshe Feldenkrais (1904-1984) was educated at the Sorbonne in Paris as a mechanical engineer. As a semi-professional soccer player and the first European black belt in judo, he was an active person who was intensely engaged with his environment. Sport-related injuries to his knees led him to a comprehensive self-study to see if improvement was possible. The Feldenkrais Method, which he subsequently developed, is a method of LEARNING, which uses simple, gentle body movements as the means of developing self-awareness. Widely used by musicians, singers, actors, dancers, and athletes, the Feldenkrais Method also has applications in the field of physical therapy, and in the improvement of neurological disorders.
~ Kristine Karavelas, Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner

1/18/06 - Our 2nd Anniversary, October 15th 2005

Dear Neida members,
      I am wanting to share with you a bit about what you missed at the anniversary event at St. Francis Hospital in October!!
      It was a crazy evening but fun, lots of traffic problems and births made the gathering very intimate! And who can forget the volunteer at the info desk that could not, for the life of her, get directions to the room we were in right!! After we all gathered and got settled in, we got down to the business and hand. The board meeting was quick and painless!!
      And then we got to enjoy wonderful food from LuLu's noodle house!! my favorite place! There was plenty to go around and the conversation was great! While we were eating out Keynote speaker Sean Manning wow 'ed us with a bunch of great information on how and why chiropractic care is so important to pregnant women both before and then after childbirth!
      Then we let the dancing begin!! Alissa arranged the entertainment for the evening, and had a group of traditional Mexican dancers, Comparsa de Chinelos , in their full costumes, dance for and with us. I am not sure how they managed to get all of us and dancing but it was great fun to see all us doula's trying to dance like the pro's!! It was great fun!
      Then it was time to call it a night! We missed all of you that did not make it, but sure had fun with the all who were there.

~ Abigail Lynn LMT
   Birth Doula
   Licensed Massage Therapist
   Certified Pre- and Perinatal Massage Therapist
   Infant Massage Instructor
   NEIDA Member

7/25/05 - NEIDA Picnic and Pool Party

      Sunday July 17th, NEIDA members and their families had the opportunity to enjoy each other's company at the Annual Family Day event. This years event was held at the lovely Jefferson Park Pool in Villa Park and was proceded by a picnic at the adjoining park. It was a typical hot summer day but members chatted under the shade of the trees and the children ran and played nonetheless. While it was primarily a family event, there was ample time for networking and sharing doula experiences over some excellent summer food.
      To the delight of the eager children, the pool gate swung open at 8pm and the party moved over to the pool. It was a very welcome relief from the day's heat. There was a wading and splash pool for the youngest, water slides for the daring and a big pool for everyone else. The remainder of the evening was spent in a casual time of swimming, floating and splashing!

~ Lana Doxtater
     NEIDA Member

10/21/04 - About our Anniversary

      Just a little recap on some of the happenings at NEIDA's one year anniversary event:
    I would like to start by giving a big huge CONGRATULATIONS to all of the founders and board members of NEIDA. You have all put forth a tremendous effort in getting NEIDA off the ground! What a special year this must have been for you all. Keep up the amazing work!! The community looks forward to many more years of NEIDA.
    Jo Anne Lindberg from Birthlink gave a wonderful and very informative discussion on Marketing. Lots of wonderful ideas and tips shared - Thanks Jo Anne!!
    Introductions were given by both board members and NEIDA members. Of course all of the very stylish board members were sporting beautiful rebozo's to complement their outfits (Wow, Im sounding a bit like a tabloid) It was wonderful to see both new and familiar faces.
    During the business portion of the meeting Malik spoke about NEIDA's Bylaw amendments that are in the process for change. Unlike our U.S. Presidential voting process NEIDA's member votes actually count (ouch)...so lets get to voting on those Bylaws everyone!!!
    Dinner was fabulous - NEIDA board members put on a fantastic and yummy dinner provided by Zig Zag restaurant. There were also several vendors selling wonderful products and giving away amazing five minute mini energy/bodywork sessions - My fav!!! Lots of talking, networking, and having fun.
    Thanks again NEIDA for putting together this wonderful event - Happy one year anniversary to NEIDA !!!!!!

~ Kimberly McCarty, CD (DONA)
   NEIDA Member

9/13/04 - An evening with Julie Victor,LCSW

Our evening lecture on the transition to motherhood turned out quite nicely. Julie Victor covered a wide range of experiences that impact a new mother. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and we had lots a good input from the group.

~ Natalie Evans
NEIDA Chair of Membership Services

7/01/04 - The NorthEastern Illinois Doula Association did it again

      Planned for weeks, our latest conference was a big success. Presenters presented and doulas gained valuable insight and a great time was had by all.
      The first area explored was how a doula business might be run. Several business owners talked about the various structures they used. Malik Turley and Dori Conn gave us an in depth look at how they conduct their day/night shift labor doula business. Peggy Healy described the way she works alone, running a thriving postpartum doula business. Julia Izquierdo shared information about the way All About Birth of Grayslake meets the needs of its clients utilizing the talents of multiple partners/employees.
      The second area discussed was marketing strategies. Kim McCarty of Inner Birth and Isabelle Badili of Carry Me Close discussed their marketing successes and learning experiences. Conference attendees contributed their experience and lots of questions were answered. Creating a brochure, cards and a website were popular recommendations, with `Being a Good Doula' the best strategy for attracting business.
      After lunch participants were treated to the legalistic stylings of Charles K. Cowdery. An entertaining and informative presenter Mr. Cowdery gave a detailed talk on contract agreements with clients. He offered guidelines on structure, specificity, and execution. He went over how courts view contract agreements and various ways of enforcing contracts should a dispute arise. Lots of questions were asked and answered. Please check with NEIDA for extra copies of the outline for this informative presentation.
      The day was capped off with a round table discussion about the trials of juggling our busy lives with doula work. We were joined by Ruth Sterling a family consultant who understands the dynamics of creating healthy families. Lots of ideas were shared with the most resounding being that we must take care of ourselves first if we want to be effective doulas and be happy in our everyday lives. We also determined that careful scheduling and back-ups should be utilized to protect special family events.
      NEIDA would like to thank all our presenters and participants for making our third One Day Doula Conference a meaningful experience for all. NEIDA wants to continue to provide these excellent opportunities for doula education and community building, please get involved in helping to create NEIDA events.

~ Collette Love
   NEIDA Region 2 Representative

3/22/04 - NEIDA's March One Day Doula Conference was a Hit

      In case you missed it, NEIDA held its Spring One Day Doula Conference March 14th in Streamwood, IL. The day began with new faces and old acquaintances mingling and shopping at the various vendors' tables. The first session was a panel discussion on postpartum depression and what we as doulas can do to help. Ann Tharayil, a licensed clinical social worker, began by discussing the normal emotional and psychological adjustments of the postpartum period. Catherine Wood, also a LCSW, spoke about what is not normal - postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis. Catherine focused on how to determine the difference between "baby blues" and the more serious mental health disorders. She also spoke about some of the treatment modalities for PPD, including psychotherapy, pharmaceuticals, and herbs and homeopathics, so that we as doulas may be aware of what our clients' options may be. The next session was a round table discussion on doula ethics. Conference attendees shared their thoughts on how we as doulas define our ethics and boundaries.
      After lunch Lisa Moy, IBCLC and Lactation Consultant Coordinator at St. Alexius Medical Center gave an enlightening talk entitled "OK, we have the baby out. Now what? Or how a Doula can best help new mothers during the first week." Lastly, Linnea Jewett, Certified Pre/Postnatal Fitness Instructor taught us about the ancient art of Belly Dancing, and how it is ideally suited as a prenatal, birth and postpartum exercise form. After teaching us about the history and physiology behind the art form, everyone got up for some hands and hips-on learning!
      NEIDA was proud to be able to bring a day of learning and fun to Northeastern Illinois doulas. We hope you will join us for our next One Day Doula Conference!

~ Emily Casselbury
   NEIDA Region 1 Representative

2/22/04 - NEIDA Proudly Announces Alliance with BirthLink

      Birthlink is the Chicago area professional network of providers who believe in gentle birth, the midwifery model, bonding and breastfeeding. Through the alliance of these two organizations, we will work together to accomplish our common goal of building and supporting community among Chicago area birth professionals. Visit BirthLink's website for more details about the organization.
      As a feature of this alliance, NEIDA members will be eligible for a preferred NEIDA status in BirthLink's provider directory and also a one time $20 discount off of their Sole Practitioner or higher BirthLink membership.
      Be sure to mention to BirthLink that you are a NEIDA member to take advantage of these special benefits!

1/24/04 - NEIDA Response to a Wall Street Journal Article on Doulas

      This letter is in response to the January 19th Wall Street Journal article by Suein Hwang regarding the presence of doulas in childbirth. As Chairwoman of Standards and Practices for the North Eastern Illinois Doula Association (NEIDA at www.neidadoula.com) serving the greater Chicago area, I would like to respond on behalf of our members.
      NEIDA encourages birthing women to actively participate in their births.
      The selection of a woman's birth team is a crucial, but often overlooked, part of preparing for labor. We encourage birthing women to be educated consumers of their healthcare. To that end, we stress the importance of finding a primary caregiver (doctor or midwife) that supports the philosophy of birth they subscribe to. We promote a thorough dialogue between the expectant mother and her medical provider regarding approaches to common birth situations. Having this dialogue early in the pregnancy, at the very least prior to the onset of labor, can greatly reduce the possibility of conflict during labor. It is also very important that women select a doula that she feels will support the decisions she chooses to make during birth.
      Doulas everywhere appreciate the reference you made to informed consent on behalf of patients. Patients do have the right to decide for themselves which procedures they want and need. The burden is on the primary caregiver to provide the risks, benefits, and alternatives (including non-interventive alternatives) of any medical procedure. In fact, that concept is detailed in most \"Patients Bill of Rights\" posted in hospitals.
      As your article pointed out, most doulas are not medically trained, however most are trained in the normal physiological processes of birth. There are exceptions to this, including doctors and nurses who have trained as doulas, and each doula can explain the extent of her training. Most often we are there to provide non-medical support to laboring mothers. Non-medical support means using position changes to let gravity help labor progress, to encourage drinking fluids to remain hydrated, using massage, hot / cold therapy, positioning, focused relaxation, and constant positive encouragement to help with pain. (This is by no means an exhaustive list of the role of a doula.)
      As doulas our primary goal is to help women have a positive experience with the realization that every labor is unique and medically necessary interventions may be appropriate. The overriding goal of the birth team is the end result of a healthy baby and healthy mother.
      We promote early communication to facilitate positive birth experiences. The birthing room is no place for hostility, tension & turf wars, and no one knows that more than a doula.

~ Marybeth Waldorf CD(DONA)
   Chairwoman Standards and Practices, North Eastern Illinois Doula Association