I attended the birth of a baby girl (these days, I only go with family and very close friends). We harmonized and sang - she sang through her contractions. He sang to her while she was pushing. That baby was born into love and songs of the Greatness of G-d. We sang of thanks, psalms and faith. This Sabbath-born baby was born in loving faith.

I cried at this birth- the first tears of joy at birth- since my own, 12 years ago.

Harness the strength, beauty and love in song- birth is beautiful. Birth is powerful. Birth is praisworthy. Fear not, the power harness in music heals and can provide a protective shield around the heart of a laboring woman.

Attending professional conferences and meetings are crucial to the success of your efforts towards increasing the number of great outcomes from your services.

Continuing education is a vital component to your responsibilities towards your clients. You stay ahead of the trends, you are able to offer the most updated services and you might be able to approach your clients needs with a fresh eye. There is a lot of value in the enthusiasm gleaned after you have aquired new information.

Professional networking is a great way to increase your client base and referral lists, also you will meet others working towards the same goals you are. Hearing fresh approaches and dicussing ways to get through different situations, creates unity - which is priceless.

Don't be afraid of competition, allow your drive to succeed in your endeavors to be contageous, create more enthusiasm for your work- and your clients great outcomes. There is much work to do and many people willing to share in the effort. Connect and grow in strength.

I have been working on a formal proposal for government funding for doula care. This was one of the most frequently discussed topics when I spoke with the Doula organizations in the states. They were curious as to how a socialized system, like ours, is implementing doula care.

The first and most important thing, is to understand that the gov't and kupot cholim need to be aware of the service (especially the standards of practice and care), it's benefits and it's cost savings compared to the expense. At this point, the hospitals are wary, the public see doula care as an option that is a luxury. (Except for those who actually have used doula care!) And when doulas are involved, there are those who are not interested in taking up the banner, publicizing and working toward this goal.

One of the major issues for this is regulation and "licensing" - if doulas are trained and certified, there will have to be government regulation, fees for a license to practice and all the bureaucracy to go with it. This will also cause doulas to be subject to govt funding changes- being a new and "experimental" program - it's the first one that goes under the bus. Basic dental care for children is not being agreed upon, we want the govt to subsidize doula care? Both are important, both should be included in the sal briut.

I know I just highlighted some of the many roadblocks to this great effort, but when embarking on a course, one really should get to know what the hurdles might be. This way we can prepare to bring the proper "gear" for the journey.

I started Binah Baby to increase access to doulas for couples, and now, I am working to help you as a doula, cbe, ibclc, whatever you do in birth. This is for you and your efforts to bring about improved outcomes for couples on their way to parenthood.

If anyone is interested in working alongside me in this, please contact me.

Professionals, I have back pages that are just for you. They are password protected for your access only. Please contact me for the password to enter. Professional Pages

If you take this wonderful energy and put it into a grown woman- that's how I feel about the work I do. Watch below.