Published in the Brattleboro Reformer, November 22, 2018
BRATTLEBORO — Turning Point of Windham County, in conjunction with the Brattleboro office of the Vermont Department of Health and the Winston Prouty Center for Child and Family Development, is offering a training opportunity in December for Postpartum Recovery Doulas — individuals who support new parents affected by substance-use disorder after the birth of their baby. It is open to people who work with expectant families and families with new babies, as well as to people in recovery and those who want to support them in their efforts.
Postpartum doulas are trained to help women at a critical time in their lives. They can also play an important role in providing physical and emotional supports for new parents who are in recovery.
“A post-partum doula can help them enjoy their new parenthood and succeed in their substance-use disorder recovery in many ways, for example, by decreasing isolation and creating a sense of solidarity. When our families thrive, our community thrives,” said Susan Walker, executive director of Turning Point of Windham County.
The Postpartum Recovery Doula training will be led by Registered Nurse Jessilyn Dolan. Topics include community resources and supports, postpartum mood disorders, and the special needs of newborns affected by opiate exposure. The training is made possible through a grant from Building Bright Futures. The training is free and open to the public. Food, snacks, and childcare will be provided.
The program will be held Saturday, Dec. 1, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 2, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Winston Prouty Center, 209 Austine Drive. Registration is required by Saturday, Nov. 24. To register, contact Deb Kitzmiller at Debra Kitzmiller@vermont.gov or 802-251-2102.
