Indigenous Full Spectrum Doula training

I recently had the privilege to undertake a week-long training program to become a Full Spectrum Indigenous Doula. Most Doula programs focus on birth, or postpartum care, but this program was different.

Not only did we cover birth and postpartum care, but we also learned about helping our future clients with a range of issues such as loss from miscarriage or abortion. We learned why intergenerational trauma and matrilineal DNA are important, while also discussing how different Indigenous nations view and honour birth, adoption and end of life ceremonies.

Each day in our 30 hours of training was intensive. At the end, though, I couldn’t help reflecting on our teachings as something our ancestors would have learned naturally, prior to colonization.

I am grateful for the opportunity to accept the teachings I received and to share those teachings with others, which is a condition of the Indigenous Full Spectrum Doula Training.

This training allows me to share teachings with my daughter about Moontime and how those cycles and rhythms directly connect her to Turtle Island, traditional creation stories and to all the women in her family who came before her.

Understanding the science of matrilineal DNA as it relates to our Indigenous identities is one way women in our communities can feel strong and connected, despite decades of adversity.