Dear Reader, As we commemorate World Doula Week, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to all the doulas around the world who are tirelessly making a difference in the lives of women and all expectant families during pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum. Reflecting on my own journey, I recall the early days when the term "doula" was not yet widely known. It was back in 1984 when I first stepped into the role, offering support and care without even realizing the profound impact it would have on me and countless others. In 1987, reading the very first article about doulas in a lay journal, I had a transformative moment of realization—I am a doula. Fast forward to 1992, when Penny Simkin extended an invitation that would shape the trajectory of my career. Attending the inaugural meeting of DONA International in Boston, MA, I couldn't fathom the incredible journey that lay ahead. From serving on DONA's first board to becoming one of their inaugural group of Doula trainers, and eventually having the privilege of teaching doulas in over 40 countries worldwide, the evolution of the doula movement has been nothing short of awe-inspiring. I am at the airport today returning home from leading our 12th annual Eat Pray Doula Retreat in Bali where doulas joined us from 19 countries, spreading doulas even further around the world. Today, as we witness the doula movement continuing to spread its wings across the globe, I am filled with a profound sense of pride and joy. Each doula, in their own unique way, contributes to the tapestry of birth support, enriching the experiences of families and helping to shape positive birth outcomes. In celebration of World Doula Week, I invite you to join us in spreading the love and wisdom of doula care. If you've had the privilege of experiencing doula support, please share your story by tagging us @OrgasmicBirth and using the hashtag #doulasmakeadifference. Let's amplify the voices of those who have been touched by the transformative power of doula care. And to my fellow doulas, I encourage you to share why you are a doula—what inspires you, drives you, and fills your heart with passion for this noble calling. Together, let's illuminate the world with our collective wisdom, love, and dedication as we honor the profound impact of doula support. Thank you, doulas, for your unwavering commitment to nurturing and empowering families through the journey of birth and beyond. Your presence makes all the difference in the world. With heartfelt appreciation and love, |
Debra Pascali-Bonaro is a world-renowned inspirational speaker, podcaster, filmmaker, doula trainer, childbirth educator, and author. Debra’s podcast, Orgasmic Birth heals barriers and opens the door to share secrets to more love and intimacy in birth and parenting. She brings together her passion for pleasure in every aspect of life with her Jersey-Girl attitude of talking about what no one is talking about! Debra is a mother, grandmother and featured expert in parenting journals and media around the world. Debra is also Co-Chair of the International Childbirth Initiative and Chair of the International MotherBaby Childbirth Initiative both of which promote safe, respectful maternity care. She is a Lamaze International childbirth educator, birth and postpartum doula trainer with DONA International, Director of the award-winning documentary Orgasmic Birth: The Best-Kept Secret and co-writer of “Orgasmic Birth: Your Guide to a Safe, Satisfying and Pleasurable Birth”, Author of The Ultimate Guide To Sex After Baby: Secrets to Love and Intimacy and the Founder & President of the revolutionary online childbirth class Pleasurable Birth Essentials which prepares expectant mothers, fathers, and partners to be positively prepared for birth and focuses on the intimate and sacred nature of birth. Debra’s passion comes from her over 30 years of working with women, men, midwives, doulas, physicians and nurses in over 40 countries bringing comfort, love, and pleasure to birth and life!
Have you ever considered how those of us who advocate for gentle respectful care for birth, and put people over profits have to work extra hard to market and bring out a message of safe respectful equitable birth and parenting? I'm sure you know, Reader, it's not easy, but it's so worth it!My guest today has an important message to share, and one that we have in common is that we are both part of Marie Forleo’s B-School. Together, we are part of an amazing group of birth entrepreneurs who...
Dear Reader, Pleasure is the most holistic birthing tool there is and yet it is rarely integrated and taught as a viable option in birth by practitioners to their clients.Sheila Kamara Hay of Ecstatic Birth and I are on a mission to change that!Join us for a complimentary Masterclass tomorrow at 1 PM ET where we will be sharing concrete tips and tools to elevate birth with pleasure. Register here to receive the zoom link.In our hour together, you will receive: Orientations and strategies that...
“Your body belongs to you. Your body isn't for someone else's pleasure. It's not an ornament.” —Christine Mason It's no secret that pregnancy and childbirth can profoundly change a pregnant mother's body. As the womb expands to nurture new life, the body's shape and functions are transformed. Despite these incredible transformations, societal attitudes have often been unsupportive, subjecting pregnant and postpartum women to criticism and shame. Recently, however, there has been a growing...