Upcoming events
Doula to Doula Chat - a Monthly EvenT
Doulas draw on their presence at the birth, their detailed observations, and their understanding of emotional and physical rhythms to help parents piece together the story, explore feelings, and gain clarity.
Join us in this sharing circle. A circle where stories are held softly. Where we speak freely, listen deeply, and rest in shared understanding. No fixing, no competition. Just presence, trust, and care.
We hope to see you at this deeply moving session.
This event is free for SJDA members. We ask that non-SJDA members bring a $5 donation.
Doula to Doula Chat - a Monthly Event
Doulas draw on their presence at the birth, their detailed observations, and their understanding of emotional and physical rhythms to help parents piece together the story, explore feelings, and gain clarity.
Join us in this sharing circle. A circle where stories are held softly. Where we speak freely, listen deeply, and rest in shared understanding. No fixing, no competition. Just presence, trust, and care.
We hope to see you at this deeply moving session.
This event is free for SJDA members. We ask that non-SJDA members bring a $5 donation.
Strong Roots, Strong Mothers: How OT Supports You and Your Clients
Join Paula Bradley, owner of Strong Roots Occupational Therapy, as she explores the role of maternal health occupational therapy (OT) and how it complements the care you already provide as a birth worker.
This training is free for members and $15 for the general public.
In this 60-minute virtual workshop for doulas and other perinatal professionals, participants will learn how occupational therapy helps moms navigate physical recovery, emotional adjustment, daily routines, and environmental challenges during the prenatal and postpartum periods.
Through interactive activities, real-life case examples, and practical referral strategies, attendees will gain actionable insights on collaborating with OT to enhance outcomes for the families they serve.
Paula Bradley is the owner of Strong Roots Occupational Therapy. As a licensed bilingual (Spanish/English) Occupational Therapist, Paula provides maternal and pediatric Occupational Therapy services. She has been an Occupational Therapist for 10 years in a variety of settings such as inpatient adult rehabilitation, homecare, outpatient pediatrics and school based settings. Paula is a wife and mother of three amazing children, and she is passionate in providing education and support to mothers and their little ones as they navigate through the season of motherhood.
Soft Tissue Strategies for Optimal Pelvic Movement with Rachel Clark, DC, CSCS
In this two-hour workshop with Rachel Clark, DC, CSCS, owner of Gaitway Rehab & Performance, we will dive right in to full body mechanics that affect the prenatal/laboring patient. We will look in detail at the anatomy and learn how to maximize pelvic mechanics through hands-on soft tissue therapies and positioning.
This course pairs brilliantly with other movement-based education for the laboring patient, as it will focus on the soft tissues that prevent normal joint movement.
Why this workshop is a game changer: In order for movements like inversions, side-lying positions, tucks, and hip engagement to be effective, the joints we intend to open must be able to move. If the soft tissues (muscles/ligaments) prevent the joints from opening, the movements are not nearly as effective.
In this workshop, we will push the limits on how much we can learn and laugh about all things soft tissues - from pecs to intercostals, hip flexors and gemelli! =)
Come in comfortable clothes - although not required, you will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on training/demonstration.
This event is $50 per person ($20 for members). Space is limited.
Rachel Clark, DC, CSCS, owner of Gaitway Rehab & Performance and is a chiropractor specializing in prenatal and postpartum care. With a background in sports medicine and a decades experience, she integrates manual therapy, and rehabilitation strategies in addition to pelvis-focussed adjustments. Her work focuses on supporting perinatal individuals with safe, effective, and movement-informed care using an evidence-based, team-centered approach.
Winter Happy Hour
Come to chat and enjoy food and drinks together!
Please bring a dish or mixed drink to share.
Beyond Birth: Doula Skills for Supporting NICU Families
When birth takes an unexpected turn, families need steady, informed, and compassionate support.
Join this trauma-informed training designed to help doulas hold space, advocate and navigate hospital systems, and care for themselves while supporting clients with babies in the NICU.
This virtual event is free for members.
Time: 7:00pm - 8:15pm
Led by Alex Flanagan of A Beautiful Birth NJ, with special guest speakers Kasey Hewitt of Full Circle Doula and Harmony McQuillan of Birth With Harmony, this session is designed to strengthen your skills while holding space for the emotional layers of NICU care—for both families and doulas.
SJDA Holiday Social
Mix and mingle and enjoy some holiday cheer while socializing with other birth workers.
Doula Birth Reflection Session
Doulas draw on their presence at the birth, their detailed observations, and their understanding of emotional and physical rhythms to help parents piece together the story, explore feelings, and gain clarity.
T
his Birth Reflection Session is a chance for the doula to validate the parent’s experience, offer compassionate insight when welcomed, and help them integrate both the powerful and challenging moments of the birth.
Join us for this deeply moving session.
Presented by Dania Daniels of Heartfelt Hands Doulas
Location: Mystical Blossoms Gift Shop & Tea Bar, 65 East Route 70, Marlton, NJ 08053
Time: 6:30pm
Light refreshments will be served
Gather and Grow: an Autumn Birthworker Social
Join us for Gather and Grow: an Autumn Birthworker Social—a cozy afternoon of connection, conversation, and community. Open to all perinatal professionals.
Lactation Updates: Birth Worker Edition
To celebrate World Breastfeeding Month, SJDA is offering a virtual webinar for both newer and seasoned doulas and perinatal professionals, presented by local IBCLC Kara Thornton. This training will highlight updates in the lactation world and expand your knowledge of lactation best practices.
This event is $10 for members, $20 for general public.
During this one-hour session, you will learn the latest on topics such as:
Golden Hour Tips – Maximize bonding and breastfeeding success right after birth
Using Baby Reflexes – Harness newborn instincts to support effective latch and feeding
New Mastitis Protocol – Stay up-to-date with the latest evidence-based guidelines for treatment and prevention
You will leave feeling better-equipped to help your clients navigate lactation challenges. We hope you can join us!
About Kara Thornton, IBCLC
Kara Thornton is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and owner of Via Lactea Lactation Services, offering home and office visits in the South Jersey metro areas. Kara graduated from Drexel University’s intensive lactation program, learning from some of the best IBCLC’s in the field, and gaining experience in hospital, NICU, pediatric and community-based settings. She provides compassionate, non-judgmental, wholistic care for parents and babies in all stages of infancy and beyond.
Birth Worker Summer Social
Come mix and mingle with other local birth workers! All perinatal professionals in the community are welcome.
Please note: this is a “pay your own way” event. Feel free to bring business cards to share with others.
Birth Center Bound: How to Support Clients from Home to the Center
Learn how to confidently support your clients through the unique flow of a birth center experience.
This training covers:
Early labor guidance from home
Timing the transition to the birth center
Understanding common birth center protocols, and
Navigating transfers when needed.
With this training, you will feel confident in your ability to provide seamless, informed care from a client’s home to a birth center setting.
Healing Frequencies: Grounding & Restoration for Birthworkers and Caregivers
Allow yourself to be bathed in the healing energy and frequencies through the sound of Crystal singing bowls.
During this session you will learn techniques to ground yourself as you enter and work within the birth space. This practice will prepare you to protect your own energy as you endeavor to care for others.
Then, enjoy a crystal sound bath experience for relaxation, clarity, and awareness as you release stress, negative energies, and imbalances in the body. The benefits of sound healing will unblock the chakras in the body bringing forth balance and restoration to the mind, body, and spirit.
Brewing Inclusive Birthwork: Doula Tools for Supporting Queer & Trans Families
In a time when LGBTQ+ rights are increasingly under attack—through anti-trans legislation, restricted access to gender-affirming care, and systemic erasure—affirming birthwork is a celebration of possibility and autonomy. Queer and trans families deserve to be seen, cherished, and protected in bringing new life into the world on their own terms. This work honors every family’s right to thrive.
In this webinar, we will:
Review essential concepts around inclusive terminology for queer and trans parents
Offer strategies for asking thoughtful questions and responding to mistakes with humility
Provide tips on tailoring support to a wide array of family structures
Gain insight into the challenges queer and trans clients may face in the birth room—and how you can help
We’ll hold space for questions at the end, with an emphasis on collective learning.
This coffee-hour event is based on a sliding scale:
The standard fee is $15. You may also choose the $10 solidarity rate or $25 to pay it forward.
Location: Virtual
Time: 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Ari Eisen (she/they) of Hearth Doula Support. Ari is a Certified Full Spectrum Doula (Cornerstone Birthwork Training) based in Philadelphia. She is committed to uplifting and empowering birthing people of all identities. Their artistic background and passion for research inspires them to bring a unique blend of creativity, compassion, and evidence-based knowledge to their work as a doula.
SJDA Members-Only Happy Hour & PotLuck
Join us for a cozy, connection-filled evening just for SJDA members! Let’s unwind, share stories, eat good food, and enjoy each other’s company.
Bring an appetizer or dish to share (store-bought welcome!).
This is a relaxed space for birthworkers to gather, vent, laugh, and be held in community. We’d love to see you there!
Must RSVP for address.
The Doula’s Role in Maternal Mental Health Awareness
As birth and postpartum doulas, we play an important role in supporting the mental and emotional health and well-being of new parents. The more we learn about perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), the more we can raise awareness, educate our clients, and connect them with resources as needed.
You Oughta Know (The Evidence): How to Have an Evidence-Based PracTice
Guiding our clients with evidence-based information empowers them in their decision-making, helps us advocate for beneficial practices, and strengthens our professional integrity. Learn how to incorporate evidence-based information into your practice.
Black Maternal Health Week: Honoring Our History, Celebrating Our Impact
Join South Jersey Doula Alliance for a powerful Black Maternal Health Week (BMHW) event, where we honor the legacy of Black birth workers and highlight the changemakers shaping maternal health in our community today.
The Top 3 Most Overlooked Pelvic Floor Issues in the First 40 Days
The early postpartum period is a crucial time for healing, yet many pelvic floor challenges go unnoticed—leading to long-term issues for new moms. In this workshop for doulas and birth workers, we’ll explore three commonly overlooked perinatal concerns: pelvic pressure, perineal healing, and abdominal strength in the first 40 days.
Rebozo Wisdom: Traditional Support for Labor
Using a rebozo wrap, a traditional Mexican shawl, is a wonderful way to provide comfort, support, and pain relief during labor. Join us to deepen your skills and enhance the birthing experience with this time-honored practice.
South Jersey Doula Alliance Meet and Greet
Join us for an afternoon of connection, networking, and community-building with local doulas and birth workers, and learn more about how you can be part of the SJDA’s mission.
Have an idea for an event?
If there’s an event you’d like to attend, or perhaps even host, drop us a line!