Doulas Learn Mental Health First Aid

               Last Fall we decided that doulas needed more training about when and how to address cases with clients who have mental health issues. We are trained in CPR for the body, why not CPR for the emotional state? After doing research we discovered Mental Health First Aid. I love the principles they teach. "Identify. Understand. Respond. Mental Health First Aid is a skills-based training course that teaches participants about mental health and substance-use issues."

                    In February we were so excited to host our first Mental Health First Aid training for doulas. Our trainer, Johnny was fabulous. He kept the class fun and engaging, even when discussing heavy topics like suicide. He was a trooper as he listened to all of our birth talk and kept us on topic (we tried to derail him, but it did not work). This is a great class and very relatable. We walked out of the class with many mental health skills to help our neighbors and birth clients. 

                     Thanks to a state grant, during April and May we will have several doulas become trainers in Knoxville, Nashville, and Memphis so that we can continue to offer this class to doulas as we feel this is a valuable training for everyone. Keep watching our page for when our classes start and grab your spot.