Dear Reader, thanks for taking the time to check in with us this month. Below is the December newsletter!

A question we often get during the first days of Birth Doula training, is 'how do I support someone who is getting an epidural?' There can sometimes be a misconception that a doula's role is minimized when a client gets an epidural, but in reality it can actually be the opposite. While the medical team focuses on the clinical aspects of pain management, as doulas we continues to provide emotional reassurance, advocate on behalf of our client and physically support them with comfort measures. We're also helping the client navigate their emotions about the epidural.

Once the epidural takes effect, we help the birthing person stay comfortable, supported, and informed. This can include assisting with position changes that promote room in the pelvis, facilitating rest, and helping maintain a sense of connection between the birthing person, their partner, and the medical team. Think of our role as the 'glue' of the team, keeping everyone interconnected and pulling in the same direction.

Here is what else is coming up in the newsletter:

• What you NEED to know before attending a birth
• Justin Bieber's doula experience
• Upcoming trainings
• and more!!

Thanks for reading,

Stefanie & Julia 💫

Co-Directors, Doula School

Justin Bieber Clashes with his Doula

The reality of doula work is that each and every client is unique, which can pose new challenges and scenarios to work through. News recently broke that Justin and Hailey Bieber had a doula for their baby's birth, but that Justin felt the doula was taking over some of his duties as the father.

This is a common fear that partners can have about adding a doula to their support team. The key is to communicate with your clients ahead of birth, to help them understand your role and hopefully address any concerns in the early going. Ultimately Justin ended up apologizing to their doula for his behavior. You can read the full story below.

BLOG: What Every Doula Needs to Know Before Attending a Birth

(Written by: Asma Rahman, DS Instructor)

When we step into this work, we’re often drawn by the all-encompassing nature of birth, the sacredness, the strength, the transformation, the beauty. What every doula needs to know before attending births is that no amount of reading or training can fully prepare you for what it means to live birthwork: to be called at 3 a.m., to witness both triumph and heartbreak, and to hold space for stories that mirror parts of your own.

Looking back at almost a decade of walking with clients on their birth journey, here are five lessons I wish I knew when I first started attending births. Consider these a reminder to ground yourself not just in skill, but in sustainability and spirit.

What Trainings Are Coming Up at Doula School

With 2025 drawing to a close, we know that many of you are starting to plan out your training goals for 2026. We've got a number of programs on the horizon! You can see some key ones listed below, or visit our website for the FULL list of options.

• Full Spectrum Doula Training - Online - Begins Jan 23 - (Canada Register, International Register)
• Guatemala Retreat - Full Spectrum - In-Person- Jan 24-31 ON SALE NOW $400 OFF!! (Canada Register, International Register)

If you're in Canada, we are stopping by a number of cities in the new year.

• Ottawa, ON - Birth & Postpartum Doula Training - Jan 17-21 - Register​
• Vancouver, BC - Birth & Postpartum Doula Training - Feb 19-23 - Register​
• Toronto, ON - Birth & Postpartum Doula Training - Feb 27-Mar3 - Register​

You can see all our programs by clicking the buttons below.

VIDEO: Interview with Greer Kirshenbaum

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In this video Stefanie sits down with Greer Kirshenbaum, PhD, author of The Nurture Revolution. Greer is a neuroscientist, doula, infant and family sleep specialist. She attended a doula training with the Doula School many years ago and we were so thrilled to see that she had published a book! Not just ANY book...one of the best books on this topic that we've ever read!

Greer does an amazing job of summarizing how baby brain development happens, and more importantly how parents and support people can foster the BEST brain development in babies. Check out the full interview below.

85 Hour Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga Teacher Training

This is a training program that we're super proud of. The curriculum was designed in partnership with Awakened Spirit Yoga and is Yoga Alliance approved, with a methodology that seamlessly integrates traditional Hatha and Vinyasa practices with a therapeutic framework.

This training is perfect for:

• Yogis passionate about women’s health, pregnancy, and conscious birthing.
• Expectant parents seeking deeper connections through yoga
• Yoga instructors looking to enhance their teaching abilities
• Educators, counselors, midwives, and healthcare professionals invested in reproductive health and women-centered yoga.
• Doulas looking to expand their practice and career

You can study online from the comfort of home through our state-of-the-art learning platform. Click below to learn more.

Hear from Our Doula Trainers and Staff

Some words of wisdom from our amazing team at Doula School.

Shandelle "Don't stress too much about designing a logo for your doula business. There are SO many tools online that can generate you a bunch of options for free!"

Andrea "Whenever you are meeting with a potential doula client, ALWAYS have something you can leave behind. It could be a pen, a magnet... anything that has your name and contact info"

Julia "Don't get discouraged if your career isn't where you want it to be TODAY. Map out the next 3 years and start to look at small, incremental steps you can take in the weeks and months ahead"

We're back with another birth riddle. Can you guess the answer? (answer at the bottom of this email)

Apparently there are A LOT of different doula stickers you can buy. We're going to be busy on Etsy this month :)