THURSDAY, JULY 19TH

4:00 pm – 8:30 pm

Conference Registration Begins

5:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Exhibit Hall Opening

6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Welcome Reception in the Exhibit Hall

7:15 pm - 8:15 pm

Conference Volunteer Orientation

FRIDAY, JULY 20th

7:00 am – 10:15 am

Conference Registration continues

7:00 am – 8:00 am

Continental Breakfast in Exhibit Hall

8:15 am – 8:45 am

Welcome and Conference Opening

8:45 am – 9:45 am

GENERAL SESSION

Call Upon the Feminine: Intuitive Power and Authenticity
presented by Jeanne Watson Driscoll

This presentation will inform and reconnect doulas with the importance of supporting feminine intuition and promoting authenticity in their clients/patients. Using Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT) as the foundation, issues of connection, reconnection and communication will be presented.

101 - Postpartum Depression: Educating the Parents & Tools to Support the Family
presented by Jeanne Waton Driscoll

This presentation will provide the doula with an overview of postpartum depression: symptoms, risk factors and treatment strategies. Screening tools will be discussed in addition to psychosocial management strategies to support the new mother and her family living with postpartum depression.

102 - A New Role for the Doula
presented by Marshall Klaus

Many women are not able to afford doula services or are unable to find a volunteer doula. A study was undertaken to see if there could be a beneficial effect either obstetrically, or emotionally and behaviorally, if the mother chose a close female relative or friend who would be trained in labor support methods by a professional doula. The results of this impressive study will be presented. (A recording of this session will not be available for purchase).

103 - The Doula as a Leader: Changing Systems and Culture to Help Women Breastfeed
presented by Susan Minear

Although more women are choosing to breastfeed, most hospitals use policies which block breastfeeding success. This workshop addresses the unique professional relationship of the doula with the mother, providing key information and support to promote breastfeeding. Through contact with healthcare professionals, the doula can use these relationships to help transform systems and culture one person at a time and to serve as a leader to help make the peri-partum environment truly Baby-Friendly.

104 - Extraordinary Care for Extra-Ordinary Women
presented by Pamela Lesser, Sue Stephens and Kim Amos

This free program at The Barnes-Jewish Hospital is available to all birthing women, including many who are medically and socially high risk. Scenarios will be presented of extraordinarily creative care for women who are not usually recipients of doula support, including young teens, incarcerated women and women placing the baby for adoption. The focus is always on one-on-one continuous support of mother and baby regardless of all other extenuating circumstances.

105 -Integrating Services
presented by Debbie Young and Tammy Ryan

Doulas often have a heart to serve women for free if their lifestyles could afford it. Some women have to give up this dream because it doesn't pay the bills or isn't possible with a full time job. The presenters of this session will share a way they serve women as doulas along with offering other related services that benefit clients while increasing their income. They will help other doulas find similar ways to incorporate other services into their practice.

106 - The Roots of our Work: The 3 Rs, Breath, Focus, Comfort Measures
presented by Ann Tumblin
(This session is required for Lamaze Workshop registrants.)

This presentation will include a variety of support techniques and delve further into the use of breathing, imagery and other physical comfort measures. Also included will be discussion of the doula's appropriate inclusion of more "hands-off" support, allowing the woman to find her inner wisdom to guide her through labor.

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12:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Lunch
Meet with others from your geographical region.

12:45 pm- 1:20 pm

Exhibit Area Open

1:30 pm – 2:30 pm

GENERAL SESSION

New Mothers Speak Out: Results of Childbirth Connection's New National Surveys on Women's Childbearing and Postpartum Experiences
presented by Maureen Corry

The Listening to Mothers II and New Mothers Speak Out landmark surveys offer an unprecedented look at women's pregnancy, labor and birth, and postpartum experiences. Survey results and women's verbatim quotes reveal vivid and moving accounts of what it was like to give birth in U.S. hospitals in 2005. Learn what they said about topics including maternity care, labor support, postpartum care, informed consent, cesarean views and experiences, control and choice, breastfeeding, postpartum physical and emotional health, social support, employment and more.

2:30 pm - 3:05 pm

Refreshments in Exhibit Hall

3:15 pm – 4:45 pm

CONCURRENT SESSIONS (Choose one)

201 - Pediatric Craniosacral Therapy: Evaluation and Treatment
presented by Benjamin Shield

This session will describe the importance and implications of pediatric craniosacral therapy for all who work with newborns and infants. The discussion will involve how pediatric craniosacral therapy is a caring, common sense approach which honors the consciousness of the infant.

202 - Epidural Analgesia: Education and Support
presented by Penny Simkin

Most laboring women use an epidural. Penny will focus on the epidural "package" - all the precautions and interventions required to keep the epidural safe. She will discuss outcomes, side effects and emotional stressors associated with epidurals and describe how educators, partners and doulas can improve normal outcomes and emotional satisfaction.

203 -Birth Chronicles: The Midwife, the Doula and the Doctor
presented by Ricardo Jones

Learn about the enthusiasm and transformation of a collaborative team of a midwife, an obstetrician and a doula during eight years working together. The ability to offer continuity of care, even when interventions such as cesarean births are needed, makes the pregnant women feel confident with the support they are receiving. The inclusion of family members, focus on women's needs and reliance on evidence-based medicine are natural consequences of this model.

204 - Doulas: Global Models of Care for Labor, Birth and Postpartum Care
presented by Debra Pascali-Bonaro

Walk through history from ancient times to present, observing the role of continuous female support in labor, birth and postpartum care. Some countries have taken steps to implement doula programs; while in others, controversy continues around the role of the doula. Take a visual journey around the world, exploring models of doula care, benefits and concerns.

205 - Why Don't These People Listen to Me? Evidence-Based Advice to Help Perinatal Change Agents Be Heard and Spread their Ideas
presented by Ruth Ancheta

It has happened to most of us. We know something, we share it and people continue on as if we had never spoken. Diffusion of Innovations (D of I) Theory provides research-based advice for having our ideas listened to and adopted. Spend an active learning session to focus on applying D of I Theory to childbearing issues.

206 - Joining the Dance - The Interplay of the Hormones of Birth
presented by Patricia Predmore
(This session is required for Lamaze Workshop registrants.)

Learn how the interplay of the hormones of normal birth - oxytocin, prolactin, endorphins and catecholamines - impact labor, birth and mothering behaviors, and how a doula and other childbirth professionals can promote the positive interplay of these hormones to enhance the birth experience.

5:00 pm – 6:00 pm

DONA International Membership Meeting

7:30 pm – 10:00 pm

Sharing Circles –Sit at a round table and casually share your thoughts, ideas, joys and challenges with each other. Between 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm, you will have the opportunity to share a table with one of the DONA International Founders for informal discussion.

SATURDAY, JULY 21ST

7:00 am – 8:00 am

Continental Breakfast in Exhibit Hall

7:30 am – 8:15 am

Conference Registration Continues

8:15 am – 9:30 am

GENERAL SESSION

Canadian Doulas: What Are Their Attitudes Toward Birth and How Are They Accepted in the Maternity Care System?
presented by Michael Klein

Learn about a survey of Canadian doulas' attitudes toward birth and a comparison of their birthing attitudes with those of Canadian obstetricians, family physicians, midwives, obstetrical nurses and the women that they serve. A comparison of Canadian doulas' attitudes with those of their American counterparts will also be presented.
 

9:30 am - 10:05 am

Coffee/Tea in Exhibit Hall; Silent Auction Closes

10:15 am – 11:45 am

CONCURRENT SESSIONS (Choose one)

301 - Cesarean on Request: Is Vaginal Childbirth Becoming Obsolete, an Arcane Activity Limited to Extreme Sport Enthusiasts?
presented by Michael Klein

Cesarean on request is becoming normalized. How did this come about? The evolution of the so-called cesarean section on maternal request debate will be traced from its origin in the early 1990s through the explosion of information on the maternal and newborn consequences of vaginal births compared with cesarean deliveries, including short and long term pelvic floor effects.

302 - Helping Women with Pain Relief, Deep Relaxation and Self-Hypnosis
presented by Phyllis Klaus

This session will explore the increased understanding and evidence today of how the power of the mind can affect body processes. Participants will learn some mind/body techniques in relaxation and visualization as well as self-hypnosis to help women in childbirth.

303 - Doulas and Dogs - Making the Connection
presented by Jennifer Shryock

The dog is an essential member of many families, especially those with children. This session will highlight the special circumstances doulas may encounter when interacting and supporting new and expecting families with dogs. Topics will include: questions to ask at client intake, basic dog body language, preparing before baby, how doulas can increase safety during family visits and much more!

304 - Good Grief: Caring for Yourself After a Client's Loss
presented by Ann Grauer

As doulas, we bear witness to other people's greatest joys and, at times, their greatest sorrows. Much has been said and written about caring for families experiencing death. This session is designed to help the doula to explore her own feelings and care for herself after working with a family who has experienced loss of a baby or birthing mother.

305 - Marketing Your Birth-Related Business
presented by Susan Toffolon

This workshop will address some of the best-reaching and frugal ways to promote a birth-related business. It will explore internet marketing secrets and how to create a business card campaign with bold information that educates and connects expecting families with you. All of the tips are free or low-cost ways to market your birth-related business including more money-saving tips than you can possibly write down, but bring a notebook anyway. (A recording of this session will not be available for purchase.)

306 - Teaching and Supporting the Tuff Stuff
presented by Ann Tumblin
(This session is required for Lamaze Workshop registrants.)

In this session a variety of interactive teaching strategies for presenting medical interventions will be discussed while still focusing on the normalcy of birth. You will have the opportunity to explore how you can support and advocate for the mother and family when difficult decisions must be made.

11:45 am – 1:45 pm

Founders' Awards Lunch

12:45 pm - 1:35 pm

Exhibit Hall Open; Pick Up Silent Auction Items

1:45 pm – 2:45 pm

GENERAL SESSION

When Pain Becomes Suffering in Labor
presented by Penny Simkin

One third of women suffer in labor, describing birth as traumatic, even with an epidural. To differentiate pain from suffering, we need to apply the comprehensive Neuromatrix Theory of Pain, rather than the less complete Gate Control Theory. This presentation will include a comparison of the theories and show how labor support can be instrumental in preventing suffering and Post Traumatic Birth Stress.

2:45 pm - 3:20 pm

Refreshments in Exhibit Hall
(Last chance to visit exhibits)

3:30 pm – 5:00 pm

CONCURRENT SESSION (Choose one)

401 - Preparing Siblings-to-Be: A New Baby in the Family
presented by Penny Simkin

Penny has enjoyed teaching classes for siblings-to-be for over 30 years. She has two goals: to provide children with a wholesome attitude toward birth and to prepare children for life with their new sibling. In this session she will explore the following: educating children about birth, children's attendance at birth, adjustment to the new baby, ways for children to interact with the baby and the content of the sibling class.

402 - Toning and Singing for the Doula Kit
presented by Giselle Whitwell

Toning and singing is intimately connected to our breath and brings us into a state of relaxation. The practice strengthens the diaphragm muscle and supports birth labor. Women in labor can express the whole range of pain and joy through their voice. Singing during pregnancy bonds parents with their child, also stimulating and nurturing the baby. Songs used during pregnancy form a bridge to the perinatal period helping the baby adjust during the fourth trimester. (A recording of this session will not be available for purchase.)

403 - Understanding the Effect of Previous Pregnancy Loss through Abortion on the Birth Experience
presented by Vicki Thorn

Approximately 43% of women in the U.S. will have an abortion by age 45; therefore many doulas will serve women with past abortion loss. This session will discuss: an increased likelihood of premature delivery, high anxiety perinatally, abortion recollections that may interfere with normal labor progress and grief reactions that may interfere with bonding during the postpartum period. Practical suggestions will be made for gathering information and provision of support.

404 - Orgasmic Birth
presented by Debra Pascali-Bonaro

Explore the sensuous, ecstatic and orgasmic possibilities in normal labor and birth. This session will take participants on a journey around the world as women show what birth can hold for mothers, babies, families, doulas and health care providers.

405 - What Does the Research Say Today: 2007 Update
presented by Patricia Predmore

This session explores recent research findings that can impact a birth and/or a postpartum doula's scope of practice, and how a doula might address these findings with their clients.

406 - From Fun to Functional: The Tools of Teaching & Supporting Breastfeeding
presented by Teri Shilling
(This session is required for Lamaze Workshop registrants.)

This session will review the most effective tools that will fit in a doula or educator bag when supporting women as they decide how to feed their baby through to intervention in the the early days of postpartum. This presentation will be accomplished using visual aids, DVDs and interactive activities. (A recording of this session will not be available for purchase).

Saturday Evening

Enjoy an informal evening with new acquaintances, long-time friends or special family in the hotel plaza right outside the door or travel a short distance to see what the city of St. Louis has to offer.

SUNDAY, JULY 22nd

7:45 am – 8:30 am

American Breakfast Buffet

8:30 am – 9:45 am

GENERAL SESSION

Childbirth in Brazil
presented by Ricardo Jones

The health system in Brazil faces the lack of resources and the adoption of a technocratic paradigm of childbirth that never presented good outcomes when implemented. The excess of cesarean sections and dramatic death rates of mothers and babies are problems. Discussion will include strategies to reach goals of humanized birth and improved outcomes while implementing modern evidence-based protocols and considering individuality and women's autonomy.

10:00 am – 11:30 am

GENERAL SESSION

Why Breastfeeding Matters: What You Need to Know & What You Can Do to Help Women Achieve Their Breastfeeding Goals
presented by Kathie Lindstrom

Breastfeeding is more than a feeding choice. Breastfeeding can be empowering for women, helping them to gain confidence, and at the same time providing lifelong health benefits for them and their children. It can also become a catalyst for women, enabling them to create positive changes for themselves, their families and their communities. Learn how we can do our part to educate families and to help promote, protect and support breastfeeding.

11:30 am – 12:15 pm

2007 Conference Photo Review, 2008 Conference Preview and Closing with Traditional Round of Dona Nobis Pacem