Central Iowa Doula Association

08/26/2022

Yesterday marked the beginning of Black Breastfeeding Week. Read the post below to learn why Black Breastfeeding Week exists and why it is so important.

If you would like to share your experience as a Black parent who breastfed/chestfed, check out this event happening next week! https://fb.me/e/aVXPKFDJ7

Happy Black Breastfeeding Week!

Black Breastfeeding Week was created to address disparities in the breastfeeding world regarding support, resources and representation of the Black experience.

Here are 5 facts related to why Black Breastfeeding Week exist:

5) To celebrate those in the Black community that persevered in their breastfeeding journey amidst the barriers.

4) To celebrate the Black resources, leaders, support represented to grow the representation in the breastfeeding world.

3) To educate with evidence based facts to dispel some of the unique cultural barriers and generational traumas related to breastfeeding that undermines our understanding within the Black community.

2) To create awareness regarding the lack of diversity in the breastfeeding field leaving hardcore barriers related to cultural understanding, racial biases both explicit and implicit, and lack of representation in these spaces that offers support discourages Black breastfeeders to not reach out for aid when problems arise.

and

1) To raise awareness of the quality of care received to Black families as it relates to the high Black infant mortality rate and how breastfeeding can keep Black babies alive. Black babies die at twice the rate of white babies.

07/23/2022

Have you heard of B.R.A.I.N? It's a wonderful tool to keep your power in pregnancy/birth. It can feel overwhelming to be faced with so many situations during this time, but B.R.A.I.N helps you to slow down, take a breathe and really think through what is presented at the moment. True informed care is knowing all the benefits, risks and alternatives in each situation, so you can partner with your birth team for the best outcome possible.

04/02/2022

BIG NEWS!! Starting April 24, I am expanding prenatal yoga to a second location and time! Join me at Sacred Health Studio B at 3:30-4:45pm or in Ankeny at at 6:30-7:45pm on Sundays. Ankeny series is nearly full! Register soon at www.empoweredpregnancyandbirth.com.

03/23/2022

Doula work is the act of embracing, empowering, respecting, comforting, informing, educating, advocating, holding space and walking with you during pregnancy, labor and post-partum.

No matter what type of birth you have we are here to support. ❤

03/22/2022

Doulas are a continuous support while you are in labor. We hold space, offer comfort techniques, partner support and so much more. Check out EBB's article on research for doulas. https://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/

03/09/2022

A message from our friends at Count the Kicks:

We want to hear from you! If you are pregnant or have had a baby in the last year and live in Central Iowa, please take a few minutes to complete our Maternal Health Survey. Share your thoughts and experience today: bit.ly/CTKMaternalHealthSurvey

02/20/2022

Did you have a favorite affirmation or mantra for your birth that kept you encouraged throughout labor? Let us know!

02/07/2022

We just learned of a DHS Listening Session happening Wednesday afternoon (2/9) from 3-4:30pm. In this session they will be listen to folks about Maternal Health issues.

"Beginning January 18, 2022, Iowa Medicaid will hold listening sessions with members on several areas of focus. The goal of these listening sessions is to hear from members who have experience in these topic areas and have ideas for ways in which to improve processes and outcomes.

Each listening session will be facilitated to capture areas for improvement and proposed solutions from participants. If you have feedback prior to the listening sessions that you would like to be considered, please submit to [email protected].

These are virtual meetings, but there is a call-in option available for those unable to stream live video. The meetings will be held using Zoom; login information will be sent to registered attendees the week of the meeting."

If you are available, please consider registering to speak in favor of SF2013 - expanding Medicaid coverage to reimburse for Doula services. DHS is currently registered as 'undecided' on the bill and this could be a great opportunity for education and testimonial.

You can register by clicking here: https://www.tfaforms.com/4954963.

Let us know if you are able to go and share!

02/04/2022

In case you hadn't heard, a bill (SF2013) was introduced at the Statehouse this year that would expand Medicaid to cover Doula support! While this is great news, the bill has yet to move out of subcommittee. This needs to happen before 2/18 before it can move forward in the legislative process. This is where YOU can help! The subcommittee members need to know there is support and great need for this bill to pass. Email your support and let us know if/when you hear back!

Subcommittee members are:

Senator Garrett: [email protected]
Senator Costello: [email protected]
Senator Edler: [email protected]
Senator Trone Garriott: [email protected]

Some talking points you could include are:
- What a Doula does and why it is important for birthing people to have support during their pregnancy and labor.
- When a subcommittee meeting is scheduled
- Any personal stories you have about receiving or giving support during labor.