Book List For Doula Certification

I put together a list of  the books we sell at Venus Envy that are on the certification reading lists for DONA and CAPPA. All of these books are available elsewhere but if you’re interested in supporting a local bookstore and getting your book right away instead of 6 weeks from now here’s the list:
The [...]

The Business of Being a Doula Part 2

Hi everyone,
We will be meeting at my house on June 30th at 3:30 to talk about “The Business of Being a Doula”. We will be talking about contracts, fees, accounting, partnerships, anything related to the businessy side of doulaing (is that a word?)
I have set up a FB event page if you’d like to RSVP. [...]

The Business of Being A Doula

I am hosting a gathering on Tuesday July 6th to discuss the Business of Being a Doula. We will be meeting at my house, at 3:30.
We’ll talk about fees, contracts, accounting, insurance and all things businessy.
As a new doula, having mentors who were willing to share their paperwork and knowledge with me was invaluable, so [...]

Perineal Massage

A lot of clients  (and random people who find out what I do for a living) ask me about perineal massage. So here’s the 411…..
First, decide whether you feel more comfortable going solo or with a partner.
Next, the person performing the massage should wash their hands and trim their nails.
Gather up your favourite lube and a hand towel. [...]

Woman-positive Porn!

“Is there woman-positive, sex-positive porn and where can I find it?” is one of the top 5 emails I receive.
The answer is yes, lots! To find it you can check out Candida Royalle, Nina Hartley, Crash Pad and anything by Femme Fatale Productions to name a few.
 Here’s a link to the 2010 Feminist Porn Awards, http://www.goodforher.com/feminist_porn_awards, for even more [...]

My name is Shannon and I AM A FEMINIST

I have sex with men (one man in particular)
My first crush was on Jessica Lange
I have never burned a bra
I have stomped on a misogynistic, strapless, underwire contraption
I have 2 children
I often feel like my husband cooks, cleans and parents way more than I do
Sometimes I feel like a single parent, trapped in the laundry [...]

The Breast is Best Campaign- is it working?

I used to believe that breast is always best. I gave the stink eye to bottlefeeding moms, I towed the Breast is Best partyline.
I was wrong.
I still think breastmilk is the optimal food for your baby. That part is based on science and economics, not opinion. But is feeding your babe at the breast really best [...]

My Amazing Parents

My parents just called to ask when I was getting off work, not because they needed anything, but because they wanted to take the bus home with me. It blows my mind that my parents like hanging out with me and I love hanging with them (this is also very fortunate because we live in [...]

The First Rule of Doula

The First Rule of Doula: Life happens. Schedules change, babies get sick, cars break down and buses don’t show up. You can be stressed by it or you can just accept it and carry on.

Becoming a Doula

Calling all potential doulas!
A few of us are getting together on  Feb. 9th & 11th to talk about how to become a doula in Halifax, what’s involved in becoming a doula, the difference between a volunteer and a private doula, etc.
It’d be great to have a big group so please stop by on the the [...]