Upcoming events
Doulas Supporting the Breastfeeding Family
Doulas play a vital role in supporting families during one of the most transformative seasons of early parenthood. This in-depth
workshop offers tools and information that will give you the confidence to guide clients through the early days of breastfeeding.
This event is $15 for members and $30 for non-members
Location: Audubon, NJ
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Marcella DeRosa, founder of Born with Love Doulas, began her journey as a birth doula in 2013 after the births of her first two children. She later became passionate about postpartum doula work, helping new parents navigate the challenges of the transition into parenthood.
In 2023, Marcella became an IBCLC and supports clients as a lactation consultant on their breastfeeding journey, while still running a doula practice with a team of doulas who make up Born With Love Doulas by her side!
Breathwork for Birth Workers
Breathwork helps move stuck energy in the body. This deeply healing practice can release hidden stressors in the body, creating massive energetic shifts, allowing more space for calm, ease, creativity and self love.
This meditation is done lying down- mats and blankets are provided. If you need more support for your back, bring a thicker mat with you. Dress comfortably, bring water, eye pillow optional.
This event is $15 for members and $30 for non-members
Location: Haddonfield, NJ
Time: 4:00pm - 5:15pm
This event is $15 for members and $30 for non-members
Location: Haddonfield, NJ
Time: 4:00pm - 5:15pm
Sheila Humphreys (LMT, E-RYT), owner of Remedy Body & Breathwork, has 20 years of experience in the healing arts, with a journey of continuous education that has led her through various paths. Her healing approach integrates Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD), breathwork meditation, and yoga.
Our issues are in our tissues! Sheila utilizes multiple modalities to encourage healing in the mind and body- these comprehensive remedies foster both physical and mental well-being, emphasizing the need to address emotional states of consciousness alongside physical pain that resides in the body.
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.
This event is $50 for the public and $20 for members. Space is limited.
Location: A Beautiful Birth
108 West Merchant Ave
Audubon NJ 08108
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
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.
Doula Karaoke Night
Join us for Doula Karaoke Night, a fun and relaxed evening for doulas, birth workers, and maternal
health advocates to connect and unwind. This event, hosted in collaboration with TruDoulas of New Jersey, is an opportunity to build community, enjoy music, and celebrate the work we do supporting families.
What to expect:
• Karaoke and music in a welcoming environment
• Connection and networking with fellow birth workers
• A chance to relax, laugh, and recharge
Admission is free. Food and drinks will be available for purchase at the expense of the individual. Come ready to sing, cheer others on, and enjoy a night of community!
Jodie Sessoms is a certified birth doula and executive director of TruDoulas of New Jersey, a nonprofit dedicated to improving maternal and infant health outcomes through advocacy, education, and community support. With over four years of leadership in birthwork and maternal health programming, she works to expand access to culturally responsive care for families. Jodie is passionate about building community among birth workers and creating spaces for connection, support, and joy.
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.
6:30pm
Presented by Dania Daniels
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.
Everything Placenta Encapsulation: For Doulas
Get ready for an unfiltered, comprehensive deep dive into placenta encapsulation with Tiff the Placenta Girl. We're going all in on the who, what, when, where, why, and how of placenta processing, from the science to the logistics to the client conversations that matter.
What to expect:
Evidence-based information on placenta encapsulation benefits and risks
Detailed safety protocols and contraindications
Hands-on understanding of the encapsulation process
Practical guidance for client conversations
Open Q&A with an experienced encapsulation specialist
Attendees will leave with:
How to identify appropriate candidates for placenta encapsulation
Safety protocols, storage requirements, and handling procedures
Contraindications and when placenta encapsulation should be avoided
How to present balanced information about benefits and risks
Confidence to advocate for clients and their placentas
This event is free for members and $15 for non-members
Location: Cherry Hill, NJ
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Tiff D’Amico, the Placenta Girl, is South Jersey's OG placenta encapsulation specialist with over a decade of experience, serving families through placenta processing since 2012. Trained through International Postpartum and Placenta Association as a placenta encapsulator, and through Postpartum Support International as a perinatal mental health specialist, she's on a mission to keep more placentas out of the trash while providing the holistic postpartum support that birthing parents deserve. A South Jersey mom of three (two with her on Earth, one in her heart) and proud ADHD advocate, Tiff brings authentic passion and lived experience to her work.t stand out
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.
This event is free for members.
Location: Virtual
Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
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.
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.
6:30pm
Presented by Dania Daniels
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.
Business for Birth Workers: BookKeeping 101
Join Daniela for this practical and straightforward workshop that will help you build strong practices around bookkeeping for your business. In this session, you will learn:
The basics of bookkeeping and organizational strategies to help streamline the bookkeeping processes
Simple systems for tracking income and expenses so you can manage your finances with greater confidence and accuracy
Practical solutions to set up your business for long-term sustainability
Whether you are just starting your business or looking to strengthen your current systems, this training will give you the confidence to keep your finances organized and your business on the right path.
This event is free for members.
Location: Virtual
Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Daniela Natali is a doula and childbirth educator but also a former financial internal auditor. She holds a BS in Business and Accounting and an MBA in Strategic Management and International Business. Daniella’s expertise in financial systems, organizational strategy, and operational development has been instrumental in building and scaling her own successful doula business. She is passionate about helping other birth workers and small business owners develop sustainable, well-structured practices by sharing practical tools for financial literacy, systems development, and long-term business growth.
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.
6:30pm
Presented by Dania Daniels
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.
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!
This event is $10 for members, $20 for general public.
Location: Virtual
Time: 7:00pm - 8:15pm
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!