UP Doula Support Network
A space for current, new, and aspiring doulas in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan
UP Doula Support Network (UPDSN) is open to current, new, and aspiring doulas throughout the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The UPDSN is facilitated by Doulas of Marquette in partnership with Upper Peninsula Health Care Solutions and the Region 1 Perinatal Quality Collaborative.
UP Doula Support Network - Goals and Commitments:
· Bi-monthly meetings for current, new, and aspiring doulas
· Training and continuing education opportunities
· State, regional, and health systems policies updates
· Sharing of resources
· Relationship building – within the group and with local organizations
· Referral pathways
· Medicaid enrollment and reimbursement
· Sustainability in doula work
· Creation of projects to increase access to doula services in the UP
UP Doula Support Network - Non-Discrimination and Community Agreements:
In alignment with MDHHS, the UPDSN does not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of race, national origin, color, sex, disability, religion, age, height, weight, familial status, partisan considerations, or genetic information. Sex-based discrimination includes, but is not limited to, discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sex characteristics, and pregnancy.
Discriminatory language, hate speech, bullying, or harassment are not permitted.
Take care of our own physical, mental, and emotional needs.
Center confidentiality – lessons leave, stories stay.
Honor and celebrate our collective wisdom – together, we know a lot!
Challenge assumptions, respect our differences, and speak from our own experience.
Meet each other where we are. Showing up is enough, and listening is participating.
Be mindful of our individual power, privilege, and how much space we are taking up.
Take responsibility for impact, regardless of intent.
“In 2010 when I started my career as a doula, one of the things that was the hardest for me was the lack of doula community and feeling like I was on my own little island. Now, fourteen years later, to be able to create the UP Doula Support Network is truly a dream come true. The UPDSN offers a space where doulas can connect, grow together in knowledge, and each be held as we do the important work of supporting UP families. It’s my hope that the work we do through UPDSN not only creates community, but also sustainability in doula work that continues for generations to come.”
- Melinda Britton, Doulas of Marquette
