A doula is a trained professional who accompanies a woman, a couple, through labor with continuous physical, emotional and informational support.
We offer non-medical care with comfort and focusing measures and support the woman’s desires in goals for the birth of her child in both hospital and home environments.
Just over 12 years ago, I trained to become at doula- labor coach, if you will, via the Seattle Midwifery School. One of my decisions to return home to Louisville was Birth Care Network was getting organized and I wanted to become a part of the birth advocate community in Kentucky and southern Indiana.
When a women gives birth, it can be her finest hour and best work. Being part of a labor and delivery team as a doula is mine.
There is a lot to celebrate this weekend as the 7th Annual Doulapalooza will bring parents and practitioners back together again as well as offering information on achieving apositive, informed childbirth experience. Not to mention music, food and children’s activities!
Non-profit organization Birth Care Network turns 11 this month and will be partying down with as many of its members of the Kentuckiana birth community as possible. This would include birth and postpartum doulas, midwives, childbirth educators, lactation consultants, massage therapists, chiropractors and more.
If you had a doula by your side during labor or if you’d to meet and interview doulas and other professionals — this Saturday, Oct. 15 is the ground zero of pregnancy, birth and postpartum info in Louisville . Festivities run right alongside the incredible Douglass Loop Farmer’s Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is all on the grounds of Douglass Blvd. Christian Church at 2005 Bardstown Road in the Highlands.
It is a free event and open to the public. There is something for everyone.
The festival and fundraising atmosphere of Doulapalooza welcomes the finest local musicians, educational exhibits, craft vendors, children’s activities, food and prizes. Just a few feet away is the market where freshly prepared breakfast, lunch and desserts as well as locally grown produce and gift items.
Everyone is encouraged to arrive before noon — to recognize National Babywearing Week, this is when the scene might get “mobbed!”
Updates and details on musicians, activities, exhibits and food are on the Doulapalooza event page on Facebook.
Acoustic performances will be from 10:00 am. – 2:00 pm. Performing artists in order of appearance are:
Danny Flanigan, Leigh Ann Yost, The String Chickens (Molly McCormack and Bettie Keeling), Kri & Hettie, The Howards, Maiden Radio.
Exhibitors include Babyology, Bird & Bee Boutique, Birth Louisville, Birth Care Network,The Diaper Fairy, International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN), Louisville Family Chiropractic, Louisville Postpartum Doulas, Louisville and Southern Indiana La Leche League, Mama’s Hip, Kelly McCarthy LMT, NZA Photography, Owltree Yoga, SPROUTS, Heidi Howe’s Wee Rock, WomanCare @ Clark Memorial
In October, Birth Care Network celebrates 11 years of service to women and their families with its diverse membership. It is a non-profit organization of midwives, doulas, childbirth educators, breastfeeding support professionals and other family support professionals dedicated to providing options for positive, informed childbirth in Kentucky and southern Indiana.
For more information contact Cindy Lamb at CoolDoula@aol.com or call the Birth Care Network info and referral line at 499-4418.
