Dr. Doula Mentoring & Services
UMDLEZANE (NEW MOM) RENEWAL SESSION
Belly, baby and beyond...
Umdlezane is the isiZulu word for "new mother" and when a woman is umdlezane it is understood that she is in her postpartum period, breastfeeding and in need of certain support. Traditionally, the umdlezane would sit and do nothing, especially while she is still bleeding. Those around her cater to her as one who who needs rest and has completed a major work. For her first birth, she would go back home to her mother who would teach her how to take care of herself and her umntwana (baby). The umdlezane has people that cook for her and bring food to her in her room. She does not worry about cleaning anything. Often there will be a younger or older woman sent to look after the mother, called umzanyana (companion, which is also the word for placenta), to take care of whatever needs she has, including caring for the baby so that she can sleep and allow her body to be fully restored.
While in modern culture, the umzanyana would be a service that people pay for, like a postpartum doula, in traditional cultures these roles that people played within the community were reminders of UBUNTU. Ubuntu is an isiZulu word meaning I am because we are. Following this principle allowed every person to feel purposeful as contributors to the community by looking for ways that they could contribute so that everyone helped each other.
Belly, baby and beyond...
Umdlezane is the isiZulu word for "new mother" and when a woman is umdlezane it is understood that she is in her postpartum period, breastfeeding and in need of certain support. Traditionally, the umdlezane would sit and do nothing, especially while she is still bleeding. Those around her cater to her as one who who needs rest and has completed a major work. For her first birth, she would go back home to her mother who would teach her how to take care of herself and her umntwana (baby). The umdlezane has people that cook for her and bring food to her in her room. She does not worry about cleaning anything. Often there will be a younger or older woman sent to look after the mother, called umzanyana (companion, which is also the word for placenta), to take care of whatever needs she has, including caring for the baby so that she can sleep and allow her body to be fully restored.
While in modern culture, the umzanyana would be a service that people pay for, like a postpartum doula, in traditional cultures these roles that people played within the community were reminders of UBUNTU. Ubuntu is an isiZulu word meaning I am because we are. Following this principle allowed every person to feel purposeful as contributors to the community by looking for ways that they could contribute so that everyone helped each other.
Umdlezane Renewal Sessions involve a Postpartum Session to include:
|
Dr. Doula encourages the new mother to invite one or two individuals to the session that would like to learn ways that they can support her. New Mom Umdlezane Renewal Sessions are available for abadlezane (new mothers) in Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana.

SANKOFA TRIBE SESSIONS, WORKSHOPS & INTENSIVES
Helping get back to the basics of "building birth legacy" and "re-establishing cultural postpartum rituals"
Umsizi is the isiZulu word for helper. During efforts to establish norms and standards for integrating traditional midwives into the broader culture, umsizi was the word that was chosen to describe some of the people that assist the ababelethisi (midwives). Traditional healers (izangoma) and abalelethisi across South Africa described the work that she and other types of abasizi (helpers) and abazanyane (companions) do. Dr. Doula shares what she has learned about basic expectations of helpers and companions during birth and postpartum through Sankofa Tribe sessions and workshops. Understanding the basic roles and expectations of abasizi and abazanyane during the childbearing year, from an African perspective, is one way to re-establish the indigenous knowledge and practices that have been lost, stolen, forgotten, surrendered & abandoned in the African Diaspora.
Helping get back to the basics of "building birth legacy" and "re-establishing cultural postpartum rituals"
Umsizi is the isiZulu word for helper. During efforts to establish norms and standards for integrating traditional midwives into the broader culture, umsizi was the word that was chosen to describe some of the people that assist the ababelethisi (midwives). Traditional healers (izangoma) and abalelethisi across South Africa described the work that she and other types of abasizi (helpers) and abazanyane (companions) do. Dr. Doula shares what she has learned about basic expectations of helpers and companions during birth and postpartum through Sankofa Tribe sessions and workshops. Understanding the basic roles and expectations of abasizi and abazanyane during the childbearing year, from an African perspective, is one way to re-establish the indigenous knowledge and practices that have been lost, stolen, forgotten, surrendered & abandoned in the African Diaspora.
|
"SANKOFA WAYS" MENTORING INTENSIVE
In person mentoring in traditional Birth & Postpartum practices In traditional, indigenous cultures, women would not be left to manage alone after they give birth. They would be surrounded by women who knew ways that they could support her and restore her as she sought to adjust to her new life with her baby, a time when women are most vulnerable. "Sankofa Ways" Mentoring Intensive involves practices that are used in the New Mom Renewal Session. The mentoring session is approached from a mind/soul/body/spirit perspective and Dr. Doula facilitates an environment that encourages abasizi (helpers) and abazanyane (companions) to incorporate their own unique gifts, skills and expertise into their work. Birth and postpartum techniques practiced during the in-person, hands-on intensive:
|
You can begin to "reclaim your birth rites" and build legacy as a part of the SANKOFA TRIBE with a Video Sessions, In-Person Workshops, or Hosted Group Intensive.
"SANKOFA" BIRTH AMBASSADOR WORKSHOPS
BEFORE THERE WERE DOULAS, there were mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters and friends...
BEFORE THERE WERE DOULAS, there were mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters and friends...
Sankofa Birth Ambassador Workshop (SBA) is answering a bigger need than only training Black doulas. Sankofa Birth Ambassador workshops were created EQUIP BLACK WOMEN TO BECOME WHAT WE NEED FOR OURSELVES ONCE AGAIN. In order to change our situation, we need Black women to be what we were when we were excluded from institutions. We ALL need to have knowledge and skills so that we can lose the fear that has taken hold of us about birth. We ALL need to be reacquainted with birth, whether it is chosen as a career or not. This virtual workshop introduces individuals to the modern birth world, while honoring traditional, indigenous contributions, and helps you to find the right fit in the big picture of birth work.
|
VIRTUAL BIRTH SUPPORT FOR MOMS
PRIVATE VIRTUAL BIRTH MENTORING
Virtual prenatal support that begins as soon as you know you are pregnant Beyond basic information, some mothers desire Birth Mentoring and Birth Preparation, but are limited by the number of people allowed in the birthing room. Or mothers might prefer only specific people to be in their birthing environments. Private Virtual Birth Mentoring undergirds mothers’ and support persons’ efforts to become better equipped for birth, while also allowing them to have a personal resource for information and virtual assistance throughout the childbearing year. For those who may need less support, but desire to be connected to a resource
|
Private Virtual Birth Mentoring
Full Pregnancy/Birth/1 Month Postpartum includes:
|
Private Virtual Birth Consulting
Includes:
|
FOR BIRTH WORKERS
PRIVATE VIRTUAL CONSULTATIONS
Are you a birthworker challenged about how to navigate modern birth culture and looking for support, encouragement and mentorship as you seek to provide support for birthing families. Dr. Doula provides 50 minute private consultations by phone or video call for birth workers. She would love to connect with you. |
Dr. Andrea Little Mason (Dr. Doula) offers transforming presentations at workshops and conferences. You can arrange to have her speak at your next event by clicking the button below to inquire.
|
Services |
Information |