The Inspired Student Doula Program

Inspired Birth & Families announces another brand new program. The decision to facilitate this program was born out of seeing the need for more doulas and, specifically, student doulas in our community. While we do have fabulous experienced doulas in Albuquerque, including Doulas of the Southwest, there is always a need for a larger, stronger doula community. Our desire and purpose is three fold-

1. To give the community access to student doulas.
2. To give student doulas access to excellent education, support and experience.
3. To keep the birth community in Albuquerque stronger overall.

Doulas attend and support women in labor and birth, providing strength (physical, emotional, sometimes spiritual) from which women draw during this most difficult and powerful experience. They support the entire family, helping fathers participate in the birth of their child and showing all family members present how they can help the birthing mother.

Numerous clinical studies have found that a doula’s presence at birth results in shorter labors with fewer complications, reduces the need for pitocin and and other interventins, including cesarean sections, as well as the mother's request for pain medication and produces an overall more positive feelings about the childbirth experience. Parents overall feel more secure, are more successful in adapting to their new family, have greater success breastfeeding, less postpartum depression and more self-confidence in the whole birthing process. So the benefits of more available douls to birthing moms are numerous. Our program hopes to not only increase the number of doulas in our community, but also to provide ongoing education for ALL doulas and pregnancy and birth professionals in the community.

Are you an Expecting Mom or Dad? Join us at the Student Doula Teas to learn if a student doula is a good match for you. The next one is Wednesday, June 3rd at 5:30pm.

Are you a Pregnancy or Birth Professional? See our calendar of continuing education classes (below) and join us to improve your knowledge and skills.

Are you a mom looking to supplement your income and/or begin a career in the pregnancy/birth fields? Consider our affordable student doula program as an accessible way to enter this exciting, fulfilling world.

To find out more about Inspired Student Doulas and how you can participate in any of the above ways, contact Amity Johnson.

Monthly Classes and Workshops

Second Thursdays, 6-8pm
Parenting Series: Become the Parent You Want to Be

Second Saturdays, 10-11am
Meet the Doulas of the Southwest

Third Thursdays, 10-11am
2nd Nine Months New Parent/Nursing Tea
Dads and non-nursing parents very welcome!

Third Thursdays, 11:30am-12:45pm
Music, Movement and Massage

Last Mondays, 11:30-12:30
Belly After Baby

Last Wednesdays, 10-10:45am
Signing Playgroup
CANCELED FOR MAY!

THIS SATURDAY - Intro to Infant ASL at 10am

Menu Planning for Busy Families - May 6

Birth Hypnosis 101 - May 13

BIRTH CLASS INTENSIVE - May 23rd. The only one until AUGUST. Sign up now!

Herbs for Kids - June 3

Practical Hypnosis - May and June series (AMAZING offer just for Inspired families. Do not miss out on this opportunity! FREE for Inspired Parents members!)

Great Expectations Early Pregnancy and Preconception Class - May 27 and June 13

Classes For Pregnancy and Birth Professionals
For professionals who work with pregnant and/or new moms and expecting families

Sat, May 16th, 9am-4pm
Birth Doula Intensive-Basic Labor Support and the Business of being a doula. For those interested in becoming a doula or birth professionals who want to brush up on techniques. $50

Sat, June 13, 12-3pm
General Health and Nutrition during pregnancy and Education and Support for Interventions/Unexpected Outcomes. $30

Sat, July 18, 9am-1pm
Breastfeeding, Newborn care, and postpartum support. $30

Sat, Aug 22, Dealing with Grief and Loss, Supporting Survivors and Teen Moms. $30