The Birth Enrichment Workshop: An Advanced Doula Training The Birth Enrichment Workshop is designed for birth doulas, childbirth educators, maternity nurses and other careproviders who interact with women during their childbearing period. Doulas who have completed a DONA approved basic birth doula workshop or other comparable training course are welcome to attend, regardless of certification status. This workshop is most beneficial for those participants who have attended, or plan to attend, births in the role of a labor support companion and not in the capacity of a clinical careprovider. During each day of the two-day workshop, participants will have an opportunity to enrich their skills and become more confident and self-assured in their roles through experiential exercises and group dynamics. Discussions will be devoted to processing the more complex issues that may arise in the course of our work. Facts and statistics will be interspersed with renewing and reaffirming exercises that promote self-awareness and a greater appreciation for our instinctive qualities. Participants will practice techniques for nurturing themselves as they nurture their clients and facilitate positive birthing.

Agenda -- Part I Part I of the workshop will be held from 8:45 am to 6:00 pm and includes the following sessions: • The Ins and Outs of Induction: Medical and non-medical reasons for induction; the various techniques for inducing labor; and the interventions inherent to a medically induced labor; • The Cesarean Debate Continues: The underlying issues regarding patient choice cesarean; and the profile of a woman who might choose an elective cesarean surgical delivery; • Grief and Loss Associated with Childbirth: The range of perinatal losses; the stages of grief; and how the participant can support parents through the grief process; • Abuse and the Birth Experience: Behaviors common to sexual abuse survivors and women in abusive relationships that may arise during pregnancy and childbirth; and strategies for supporting such women; • Clearing Our Cluttered Minds: The basic components of burnout and the steps that can be taken to relieve symptoms.

Agenda -- Part II Part II of the workshop will be held from 8:45 am to 6:00 pm and includes the following sessions:• Working in Harmony -- The different roles of the maternity nurse and the doula; and influences on our perceptions and beliefs about birth; • Disabling Dystocia -- The various types of dystocia that may be responsible for lack of progress in labor, demonstration and practice of postures and positions to encourage labor progress, videotape presentation; • Breaking Through Cultural Barriers -- The fundamental needs of all birthing women and the risks of stereotyping; the participant’s responsibilities while working with women from all cultures; • Birth Planning -- The benefits of writing a birth preference plan and the elements of an effective birth preference plan. • Self-Hypnosis Techniques for Birth -- An overview of how to assist the mother who has prepared for her birth with self-hypnosis techniques, why it is different and what you need to know.

Advanced Doula Training Registration Information See the News and Events page for a list of scheduled workshops. Early registration is encouraged. Registration fees are $150 for Part I or Part II or discounted at $250 for both Parts I and II. The registration deadline is one month prior to the scheduled workshop. Late registrations will only be accepted if space is available and will incur a $25.00 late registration fee per workshop day. Participants will receive a confirmation letter, a map to the workshop location and lodging information no later than one week prior to the scheduled workshop, with the possible exception of late registrations. Continental breakfast, snacks and beverages are provided. Refunds will not be granted unless requested at least ten days prior to the scheduled workshop. Send refund requests in writing, postmarked before that date, to Sunday Tortelli, 19006 Stony Point Drive, Strongsville, Ohio 44136 or SunTdoula@aol.com. A $25.00 processing and materials fee per workshop day will be retained. A registration may be transferred to another participant without penalty up to three days in advance of a scheduled workshop. If The Doula Experience must cancel a workshop, full refunds will be awarded to all registered participants.

Register to Attend Use this link to register by Pay Pal or to find mailing information for checks or money orders. Please also complete and submit the Workshop Registration Form. Register to Attend

Workshop Location In the Greater Cleveland area, the workshop may be held at Womankind Maternal and Prenatal Care Center in Garfield Heights or at the Hampton Inn in Middleburg Heights, whichever is available. Information on the location of a workshop held outside of Greater Cleveland will be provided separately. A detailed map will be included along with the registration confirmation letter. Out-of-town participants will receive lodging information along with their registration confirmation letter.

Breastfeeding Mothers and Babies Breastfed infants-in-arms are welcome at the workshop with the understanding that consideration must always be maintained for other participants in the event that the baby might become distracting. Special arrangements for attendance, such as a companion careprovider for the baby, can also be made to support and nurture breastfeeding mothers and babies.

Suggested Complementary Reading You may wish to read one or more of these books in advance of attendance, although it is not required. • “Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth” by Gaskin; • “Understanding the Dangers of Cesarean Birth" by Jukelevics; • “Rediscovering Birth" by Kitzinger; • “The Labor Progress Handbook” by Simkin and Ancheta; • “When Survivors Give Birth” by Simkin and Klaus; • “Creating Your Birth Plan” by Wagner