Home  A history of the Scottish Doula Network |
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The Scottish Doula Network
(SDN) was originally founded in 2001 by experienced childbirth
companion, Lesley Ann Patrick, as an informal peer support group for the
handful of women undertaking her doula preparation course at that time.
As an early Doula UK member and committed gentle birth supporter, Lesley mindfully laid the foundations for the way doulas work in Scotland today.
It
was with her blessings therefore, that ex-midwife, educator and then
new doula Adela Stockton of Birth Consultancy Services took over the
Scottish doula ‘training’ programme in 2003. While keeping Lesley’s
essence of the doula close to its heart, Mindful Doulas
has since developed to become ‘approved’ by Doula UK, attracting around
25 participants per year. Traditionally Scotland based, in response to
increasing numbers of women attracted to its philosophy from further
afield, the course now also offers core workshops in York and London.
By 2007, with Scottish doulas numbering around 40, SDN
members took a vote to formalise the group with a yearly subscription
of £20; the idea was to generate funds for a website and some
advertising, thereby promoting the role of the doula in Scotland. An ethical statement was mutually agreed and currently anyone working as a lay childbirth
companion in Scotland or cross border with the north of England is
welcome to join. Criteria for membership is based on our commitment to
peer support rather than ‘training’ or experience; as a new doula,
support is offered through mentorship from an experienced doula, or as
an experienced doula in partnership with a doula buddy.
Once a year, SDN
members gather for a retreat in the wild Scottish countryside. The
weekend is also open to others working in the field of childbirth
support such as midwives and educators, or mothers considering becoming
doulas. We run workshops, tell stories, make labyrinths, sew placentas,
share food and open our hearts with laughter, tears and hugs.
There is no hierarchy within the SDN,
every member’s voice is counted and heard in all decisions. But we do
have three admin volunteers, a webmistress, a treasurer and responder
for info@ enquiries. We are pleased to link with our doula sisters
across Europe as a member organisation of the European Doula Network, and to support our ongoing learning through experienced doula Nicola Goodall’s Wysewoman workshops. |
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