In celebration and solidarity with World Doula Week, birth workers and advocates have come together around the globe. Conferences and celebrations are building bridges to promote positive childbirth experiences and outcomes:

In the United Kingdom, the Doula UK Conference featured speakers and workshops to empower and inspire (and to raise funds to support free doula care for those in need).

In Michigan, Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared March 22-28 as Doula Appreciation Week. The statement recognized that thousands of doulas around the world – across 50 countries and all 50 states in the US – improve the psychological and physical health of newborns and expecting families.

In Australia, birth workers gathered at the Ebb and Flow Conference on the lands of the Kabi Kabi people and the Jinibara. Speakers addressed approaches to support birthing people, including honoring natural cycles and indigenous practices.

World Doula Week started in 2011, led by the pioneering Israeli doula Ruti Karni Horowitz. Over time the event grew to include doulas around the world. World Doula Week is happening right now, from March 22- 28.

The dates coincide with the spring equinox, reminding us of new life.

In the Duluth, MN area, birth professionals gathered on March 20 in honor of World Doula Week at Empower Ortho & Pelvic Health in Hermantown. Doulas, lactation specialists, physical therapists, body workers and other birth supporters came together to connect and share appreciation for the rich community of carers in our region. Doulas in our region build bridges.

The team at Doulas of Duluth invites our community to share in gratitude for doulas and birth workers who work tirelessly to empower women and birthing people. We change the narrative around pregnancy and birth to promote choice and consent. We serve at the sides of birthers, their newborns, and their families day and night, every day of every year.

For more information on World Doula Week, visit https://www.worlddoulaweek.com/.