Doula Training Held at Kawehnoke Recreation

Throughout this past week, October 16th to 20th, the Aboriginal Midwife Program held a one-week Doula training. The intensive training began Monday October 16th and continued until Friday October 20th. The individuals, who completed the 5-day training, can go further with their training to become a certified doula. After the one week training, it is up to the participants to attend 3 births, read a book pertaining to doulas and write an essay to be submitted.

Jasmine Benedict, who has been a Midwife for the past 11 years, organized the training. She was able to receive funding through the Akwesasne Area Management Board to hosts the training. She was accompanied by fellow Midwife Joyce King who assisted and supported the participants throughout the training.

Jasmine Benedict stated, "We hope to be able to do future trainings, if we can get the funding."

Konwahentawi, who was a participant in the Doula Training stated, "14 years ago was the first time I witnessed the miracle of labor and birth. Ever since then I've always kept a dream of helping families through pregnancy, labor, birth and breastfeeding. Just letting all you know I am here to help if you need it, there are more of us in Akwesasne."

The women who finished the doula training were given the knowledge to be support new mothers through pregnancy and labor. The training was well attended and to see so much interest in becoming a doula providing support throughout one of the biggest changes a woman will experience. Now, Akwesasne has plenty of support for any expecting parents.