Session List
Full Schedule
Date/Time Session Room
8/7/2015 11:00 AM -to- 11:15 AM President's Welcome
Sunday Tortelli
 
Room 1
8/7/2015 11:15 AM -to- 12:15 PM Code Red: Perinatal Anxiety Disorder and Doula Interventions
Walker Karraa
Doulas can be first responders for women experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. PMADs are debilitating and under diagnosed mental health issues in pregnancy and postpartum--having long term effects on mother and child. Through lecture and hands-on practice, attendees will learn how doulas can recognize symptoms and risk factors of PMADs in birth and postpartum clients, integrate screening into doula services, and become invaluable resources for women, providers, and communities dedicated to maternal and child health and wellness.
Room 1
8/7/2015 12:15 PM -to- 12:45 PM Extras!
Break 
 
Room 1
8/7/2015 12:15 PM -to- 12:45 PM Break
Break 

Room 2
8/7/2015 12:15 PM -to- 12:45 PM Break
Break 

Room 3
8/7/2015 12:45 PM -to- 1:51 PM Childbearing in the Social Context
Penny Simkin, PT
Learn what was happening in maternity care from the 1950s to the present, and also discuss some highlights in US culture for each decade: historical events and politics, women's lives, the environment, pop culture, and of course birth. Look back to when you were born and gave birth to recall what was going on in our culture. You'll be able to see how birth is affected by current social trends of the day.
Room 1
8/7/2015 12:45 PM -to- 2:11 PM Language Sensitivity
Maria Andreoulaki
Language is considered a most important means of communication. In our work supporting the perinatal period we rely on it a lot to share vital information. In this presentation we will look at the meaning of native language in our communications, how some languages may oppress others (and therefore their speakers), how language can connect or disconnect us from people and meanings, how the use of language can be seen through the lens of social, economic, racist, sexist parameters.
Room 3
8/7/2015 12:45 PM -to- 2:15 PM Doulas and the Life Continuum: Lessons Drawn from Birth and Death
Amy Wright Glenn
Doulas hold space for birth and, at times, bear witness to death. What lessons can be gained through a deeper reflection upon this fact? This session highlights lessons gained from birth and death and outlines the best practices required of doulas as they offer skillful support for individuals and families. Specific attention is given to examine areas of overlap in the training of birth professionals and hospice/hospital chaplains.
Room 2
8/7/2015 1:51 PM -to- 2:45 PM Extras!
 Break
 
Room 1
8/7/2015 2:11 PM -to- 2:45 PM Break
 Break
 
Room 3
8/7/2015 2:15 PM -to- 2:45 PM Break
 Break
 
Room 2
8/7/2015 2:45 PM -to- 3:45 PM The 10 Things You Need to Know about VBAC
Jen Kamel
Even though major medical organizations deem vaginal birth after cesarean a safe, reasonable and appropriate option for most women, a disconnect remains between what these organizations recommend and the care that women receive. Non-medical factors and conventional wisdom greatly influence medical decision making rather than national guidelines and the evidence on which they are based. Whether you serve pregnant women, or are personally considering your options, these are the 10 things you need to know about VBAC.
Room 1
8/7/2015 2:45 PM -to- 3:45 PM When Student Nurses Are Trained As Birth Doulas Amazing Things Happen
Barbara Hotelling
Johns Hopkins trained student nurses as birth companions during the early 2000s and surveyed the population for experiences and outcomes. Duke University School of Nursing has offered birth doula training since the fall of 2013 and the students clinical nursing experiences have been enhanced by that training in all clinical areas. We surveyed students who attended the training and have comments from their reflective writings demonstrating the benefits of birth doula training that we will share. We will also show a video comparing the student nurse trained as a birth doula and one who isn’t trained.
Room 2
8/7/2015 2:45 PM -to- 4:02 PM Supporting the Childbirth and Breastfeeding Continuum
Ngozi D. Tibbs
This session will discuss the definition of continuum and how it relates to birth and breastfeeding. We will discuss how birth practices can interfere with breastfeeding and how to help mothers make an informed choice regarding pain medications and interventions. We will also discuss the importance of cultural competency and how that relates to supporting mothers. Lastly we will investigate how special circumstances, family and returning to work can help or hinder mothers from reaching their breastfeeding goals.
Room 3
8/7/2015 3:45 PM -to- 4:00 PM Extras!
Break 
 
Room 1
8/7/2015 3:45 PM -to- 4:00 PM Break
Break 
 
Room 2
8/7/2015 4:00 PM -to- 5:01 PM Hospital-Based Doulas: What's the Difference?
Amy L. Gilliland
In this original research presentation, Dr. Gilliland compares and contrasts the work and attitudes of independent practice (IP) and hospital-based (HB) doulas. By analyzing in-depth interviews using grounded theory methodology, the unique skills, challenges, and work conditions of HB doulas are revealed and explored. Clinical implications of doula programs and conditions for their success are explored.
Room 1
8/7/2015 4:02 PM -to- 4:17 PM Break
Break 
 
Room 3
8/7/2015 5:01 PM -to- 5:03:43 PM Day 1 Closing
HeatherGail Lovejoy
 
Room 1
8/8/2015 11:00 AM -to- 11:15 AM President's Welcome
Sunday Tortelli
 
Room 1
8/8/2015 11:15 AM -to- 12:15 PM The Source of Energy Within Ourselves
Naoli Vinaver
We all have within ourselves the original spark of energy that brought us into being, which came forth through our parents`sexual union on the day of our conception. Everyday of our lives we must summon that energy to propel us forth in our everyday lives, especially during special and unique events, such as becoming pregnant and the act of giving birth to our children. Other life projects that we human beings undertake can be just as demanding of our every maximum physical, mental and spiritual potential. Naolí will address the topic of accessing the source of that energy.
Room 1
8/8/2015 12:15 PM -to- 12:45 PM Extras!
Break 
 
Room 1
8/8/2015 12:15 PM -to- 12:45 PM Break
Break 

Room 2
8/8/2015 12:15 PM -to- 12:45 PM Break
Break 

Room 3
8/8/2015 12:45 PM -to- 2:01 PM An Enthused Perinatal Team Collaborates to Form a Hospital Based Doula Program
Sujata Gami
As birth doulas we support our expectant couples through labor, and nurses work diligently to provide clinical support to laboring women while the providers use their knowledge and expertise to manage labor and delivery. However, all of us at the best of times end up working in our silos. Each of our bottom lines is different and hence an integrative team approach amongst healthcare professionals, though desirable, may not be the priority in an acute-care hospital setting.

Through this presentation we will explore, share and learn "How a Hospital Based Doula Program" was conceptualized, planned and implemented through a collaborative effort between the administration, nurses, providers and educators by an "Alternative Birth Methods" team in Greenville, SC.
Room 2
8/8/2015 12:45 PM -to- 2:21 PM 101 Ways to Attract Clients
Jessica English
Are you a new doula? An experienced doula looking to ramp up your birth business? Business coach and agency owner Jessica English will walk you through 101 ways to attract clients. We'll talk about networking, blogging, community partnerships, social media, old-school tactics and more. Join us for inspiration and motivation on your path toward rocking your birth business!
Room 1
8/8/2015 12:45 PM -to- 2:22 PM Supporting the Grieving Sibling after Perinatal Death
Christine Knefley
Children have unique needs in regards to death and the bereavement process. A solid foundation in a child’s developmental understanding, possible reactions and potential needs can allow a caring adult to support a sibling through the experience of the death of a sibling. This session will cover developmental considerations, communication strategies, and legacy building activities.
Room 3
8/8/2015 2:01 PM -to- 2:45 PM Break
Break 
 
Room 2
8/8/2015 2:21 PM -to- 2:45 PM Extras!
Break 
 
Room 1
8/8/2015 2:22 PM -to- 2:45 PM Break
Break 
 
Room 3
8/8/2015 2:45 PM -to- 3:45 PM Understanding A Womans Choice To Use Hypnosis For Childbirth
Amy Neuhedel
This presentation is an overview of how hypnobirthing can help a family prepare for a comfortable birth – including how the female body is perfectly built to birth, the link between words and the construction of our birth reality; the relationship between fear and expectation and the role of fear in birth. Knowing this information consciously is not enough due to our society’s extreme fear of birth and distrust of the female body. Enter – hypnosis for childbirth! Call it – a return to our default settings; a way back to what we have always known.
Room 1
8/8/2015 2:45 PM -to- 3:47 PM Woman-Centered or Baby-Centered: The Truth of Being a Doula
Kerry Francis
The question of whether a doula should be woman-centered or baby-centered is explored. While being woman-centered is important, the baby should not be forgotten. Interventions at birth can negatively impact the baby and have repercussions later on in the baby’s life. Evidence of the sentience of babies is provided. A doula approach that advocates on behalf of the mother-baby system is suggested; biological and physiological needs of the mother-baby system are discussed.
Room 3
8/8/2015 2:45 PM -to- 4:01 PM The Pelvis and Positions: How can we help to make birth better?
Mandy Rempfer-Kuncio
A woman’s body has the amazing ability to birth her baby! However, not everyone has an amazing birth story. Far too many women suffer traumatic birth experiences, or are left with unwanted symptoms after birth like incontinence or prolapse. Could there be another way for doulas to make birth better? In this presentation, get to know the pelvis and learn how birthing positions can make a difference (suitable for all birth settings).
Room 2
8/8/2015 3:45 PM -to- 4:00 PM Extras!
Break 
 
Room 1
8/8/2015 3:47 PM -to- 4:02 PM Break
Break 

Room 3
8/8/2015 4:00 PM -to- 5:21 PM Epigenetics and the Microbiome: The Latest Buzzwords in Maternity
Penny Simkin, PT

Room 1
8/8/2015 4:01 PM -to- 4:16 PM Break
Break 

Room 2
8/8/2015 5:21 PM -to- 5:23:25 PM Closing-Dona Nobis Pacem
 Closing
DONA Virtual Choir singing Dona Nobis Pacem
Room 1