March has been a very special month; as we celebrated both Social Workers and Doulas, and reflected on the ways that care workers influence some of life’s most challenging periods and transitions. As we reflect on how far we have come, we must also think forward to the places we hope to go. To all doulas and social workers, we see you, we hear you, we celebrate you!
March 22-28 marked World Doula Week. We rejoice in the strength of those that support families informationally, emotionally, and physically during the stages of family adjustment; fertility, birth, loss, postpartum, and adoption. Doula’s, also known as birth-workers, offer an eclectic approach to caring for individuals, with specific attention to each family’s unique needs and values. Doulas seamlessly integrate into the family context to offer advocacy, planning for birth and postpartum, and offer education relative to the stages of reproductive change. Doula’s will hold your hand through the highs and lows, hold your baby, and expand advocacy and communication in birthing and parenting spaces. Doulas increase access to community resources, support in screening for perinatal mood disorders, and ultimately reduce stress and enhance pleasure in the birth experience. This unique companionship and care support families in each stage of their pregnancy and parenting journey. This model of companioning has been recognized through history, and is becoming increasingly popular.
March also marked National Social Work Month. The theme of this year’s social work month was centred around social workers’ contributions to “Breaking Barriers”. Social workers in your community wear many hats, and you may be curious about what a social worker really does. The answer: A LOT! Your psychotherapist, school counsellor, disability or housing worker, hospital team members, educators, and frontline workers may be, or be supported by, a social worker. Social workers strive to broaden access to community resources and support, and hold expertise in unique areas including mental health, family and children, social justice and diversity and gerontology. We must acknowledge the triumphs and hardships associated with this work, and call social workers to reflect on some of the harsh and unruly adaptations of the profession over the decades. A key component of social work practice is reflecting on the past, present, and future, and our place in forming the directions communities are headed.
So, why talk about social workers and doulas at the same time?! Well, because Bloom Well Therapy specializes in perinatal mental health, which includes supporting clients through their infertility, pregnancy, birth and postpartum journey! In addition, the professions are founded on similar pillars, and share a desire to support, nurture, and advocate for those they work with. Many individuals engaging in this work have experienced societal challenges, and have waded through the isolation produced from major life transitions. We acknowledge the power in doulas’ approach to caring for individuals and families, centring voices, culture, and client goals as a bridge to expanding networks of care. We celebrate this foundation in creating connected and meaningful relationships, and urge anyone and everyone to familiarize themselves with the power of resistance in both doula and social work.
Today, we urge you to reflect on your knowledge of doulas, social workers, and the legacies of care that have carried you through. We reflect on the benefits of community care and mental health, and those working tirelessly to show up and deliver support. We extend our gratitude to those supporting and upholding the community; we see you, we hear you, we celebrate you!
Written By Hannah Marsala
M.S.W., R.S.W., RP (Q)
