Doula Divinity Spring Equinox Healing Event in Denver
Nurturing community, resiliency and wellness of Black Birthing People in Colorado
RSVP Today Here!
The work of doulas has never been more important and this spring season we have two of Denver’s finest doulas as our guest facilitators. It has been an honor to connect with these two humans and deepen my understanding of the history and role that doulas play as conduits to some of the most monumental transitions in a human’s life. We are stronger in community than the sum of our parts as individuals. As we spring ahead into this new season of uncertainty, let us remember who we are, what we stand for, and connect to our dreams as individuals. Let us nourish those dreams and set intentions with the support of community.
Are you curious to learn more about the role of a doula?
Could you use a nourishing afternoon in community?
Are you a person-of-color and/or a provider who is actively nurturing an anti-racist identity?
Do you support the equitable care rights and wellness of black birthing people?
Event Details: On Friday, March 21st we will be meeting from 12:30-2:30p for an afternoon of connection. Renel with Straker’s Kitchen will be providing lunch. There is free two hour parking on all surrounding streets, and therefore you should be able to find a spot within a block or so. The structure of the event will be flowy and include an activity connecting us all through the vibration of sound, an empowering conversation related to the theme of the doula, and a spring intention setting activity in the garden.
Flow of the event:
12:30 - 1:15pm (arrive, mingle, enjoy food and drink)
1:15 - 2:15pm (Pia and Mel will facilitate a group discussion and activity to honor the divine doula and spring equinox)
2:15 - 2:30pm (a closing spring equinox activity)
Meet the Facilitators:
Melissa Ivey’s doula-journey started in 2006 when a co-worker simply requested she play guitar in the delivery room while she was in active labor. After several hours, Melissa found herself holding her co-worker’s leg beside the actual doula and experienced her first birth. Years later she applied for training and a scholarship through Denver Health and spent 8 months volunteering next to midwives, nurses and doctors. She’s also taken workshops specializing in bereavement, prenatal massage, essential oils, and legalities of being in a birth support role. Since 2010, Melissa has assisted with 31 births to date in hospitals, home births and in birthing centers. She continues her education through a native and Indigenous lens focusing on herbs, sacred teachings from Mexican midwives, techniques of the rebozo and use guided meditation and breath work to prepare the laboring parent and the co-parent/support team.
Pia Long is a Full Spectrum Doula who works with Elephant Circle, while also amplifying community voices in policy work. She practiced as a community midwife & Certified Lactation Counselor. She’s bilingual, a Montessorian, Registered Yoga Teacher & Prenatal Yoga Certified. Pia is a certified Peer Specialist, Mentor & Trainer with UC/Boulder's Alma Program.