Many people are drawn to becoming doulas after experiencing pregnancy, birth, and postpartum as a parent or birthing person themselves. The care they received, or in some cases, the lack of care, can inspire them to be part of the change they want to see. While it’s not necessary to be a parent to be a great caregiver, these experiences can shape a doula’s approach and bring a unique perspective.
For any current or previous clients who refer new families that book with Brood, we are offering a $50 cash reward. Alternatively, referrers can choose to donate that amount to our Brood for Equity Fund, which supports families in need across the Lower Mainland. It’s a win-win situation where you can both do good and feel good.
Giving birth to a child is one of the most physically and emotionally challenging experiences a person can go through. The period after giving birth, known as the postpartum period or the 4th Trimester, can be both overwhelming and rewarding. As a new parent, taking care of your baby can take up most of your time and energy, but it is also important to prioritize your own mental health and support during this time.
A cesarean or c-section (also known as a belly birth), is a surgical procedure in which a baby is delivered through incisions in your abdomen and uterus. Scheduled c-sections may be suggested if your baby is breech, you have placenta previa, you are expecting multiples, or you need a guaranteed delivery before you reach full-term gestation. Unscheduled cesarean sections are when there is a reason for imminent birth and it is necessary to have a surgical birth within the next few minutes to hours.
While c-sections can be life-saving for parents and babies in certain situations, they are also associated with higher risks of complications compared to vaginal birth. Additionally, c-sections and its ensuing healing can have long-term health consequences for both the parent and baby. In saying this, belly births continue to be one of the most stigmatized journeys to birth a family can take.
As our friend, LC and doula Allie Mennie says, “A doula is someone who is there for you. The medicine is out of our scope, so we are there as someone supporting you and your partner. We make sure you’re fed and hydrated, you’re remembering to pee, your room/environment is calm and supportive for the birth process
The name Brood was inspired by visions of a large group of squishy babies, toddlers and kids — sunkissed, muddy and laughing. It’s also inspired by the concept of creatures caring for their own, in order to survive – and thrive. Collectively caring for one another through knowledge sharing and hands-on support while finding joyful moments along the way — that’s the spirit of our Brood. It was co-created by two new parents and a full-spectrum doula who not only saw, but intimately understood how in-person care during pregnancy and early parenthood can positively transform the family AND the care worker.
At Brood, we believe that parent’s know best — for their babies, families and themselves. This includes how parents and their babies sleep for the duration of the parenting relationship. For some parents this includes sleep training, co-sleeping, night nurses, sleeping in shifts and much more! Sleep arrangements tend to shift based on your own needs and your babies’ ability — this blog post outlines some of the ways this can look, while using sleep training as a tool.
We’re thrilled to be one of the first doula care agencies to become a certified Living Wage Employer one of the 400 Living Wage Employers in BC. A living wage is the baseline hourly amount for families to be able to afford a decent life. With recent economic pressures, especially in the care economy, this movement is powerful and important. And it’s made even more relevant by the City of Vancouver’s recent end to their commitment as a Living Wage Employer.
I don’t know about you, but I would rather save lives than complain about how difficult it is to make a switch in language. If gender affirming language means I have to go through mental shifts in order to learn how to be more of a respectful person who is rooted in community care – then count me right in.
We work and live on the unceded and occupied territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations. Since time immemorial, the original peoples of these lands have cared for their families and communities. We are committed to honouring their teachings, legacy and their sovereignty.
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