Tree Town Doulas

05/12/2024

Happy Mother's Day to all of the amazing mothers that have let us be a small part of your journey. We are honored to walk alongside you. May your day be full of love and a well deserved rest.

04/11/2024

💔😭

In Memoriam: Penny Simkin, PT

With profound sadness and a heavy heart, DONA International announces the passing of our esteemed co-founder, Penny Simkin, PT, after a brief battle with cancer. Her departure on April 11, 2024 marks a tremendous loss not only to our organization but to the global doula community, childbirth educators, perinatal researchers, families she supported, and the countless lives she touched through her pioneering work in childbirth and maternity care.

Penny's unwavering dedication to supporting families during one of the most significant moments of their lives has left an indelible mark on the field of labor support and childbirth education. Since 1968, Penny, a skilled physical therapist, embarked on a mission to transform the childbirth experience, making it more empowering, informed, and supported. Her tireless commitment to this cause led her to prepare over 15,000 individuals, couples, and siblings for childbirth, directly assist hundreds of families through labor as a doula, and author several influential books that have become staples in the field that have been translated into several languages.

Penny was a visionary and a luminary in every sense. Her work has paved the way for a new generation of doulas and childbirth educators, instilling in them the values of compassion, evidence-based practice, and relentless advocacy for birthing people and their families. Through her profound contributions and co-founding of DONA International, Penny has revolutionized doula care and childbirth education across the globe, leaving a legacy that will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.
Her book, The Birth Partner, remains a beloved resource for anyone involved in the childbirth process, illustrating her commitment to not only the physical but also the emotional well-being of doulas and families during childbirth.

Though she recently stepped back from her professional endeavors to focus on her family, Penny's legacy continues to thrive through the work of the many doulas she trained, the families she supported, and the impactful works she left behind. Her life was a testament to her passion for making childbirth a positive and supported experience for all.

Penny's life was rich not only in professional achievements but also in love and joy. She and her husband, Peter, were blessed with four grown children, eight grandchildren, four many grandchildren-in-law, four great-grandchildren, and a beloved dog, Casey. Her family was her pride and joy, and she cherished the time spent with her loved ones.

As we mourn the loss of Penny Simkin, we also celebrate her extraordinary life and the countless ways she has enriched ours. Her legacy will continue to inspire and guide us as we carry forward her mission to improve childbirth and support families around the world. Penny's spirit lives on in the work of DONA International, in the lives of the families she has touched, and in the hearts of the many who loved her.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to DONA International in Penny Simkin's memory, to continue her life's work of supporting and educating doulas and families. For more information on how to make a contribution, please visit https://www.dona.org/impactprogram/

We invite all who knew Penny, were touched by her work, or wish to share their thoughts and memories to do so by sending them to [email protected]. Your stories and memories will be a great comfort and a cherished collection for her family during this difficult time.

We extend our deepest sympathies to Penny's family, friends, and the many individuals whose lives she has touched. May her soul rest in peace, and may her legacy of love, support, and education continue to flourish in the years to come.

03/09/2024

Stronger together.
We're creating a community where every voice is heard, every story valued. With the Irth App, we're not just sharing experiences; we're protecting and informing Black and brown families. Join us in building a future where every birth is respected and empowered.🤎
Artwork by

03/07/2024

Happy IBCLC day to all the amazing humans supporting all the parents and their feeding journeys!!!!

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

01/01/2024

Our friend Emma is leaving this group and it looks so great. This looks like a fun way to spend time with your little one this winter.

Newborn Music Therapy Group with Birthplace Music Therapy starts THIS SATURDAY at 11:15am at Nest and Nurture.

Reserve your spot here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1vl0wYMV9k9t7XRzAMTcHsOoaPz_fHlj0fZ7MfZbzx2c/edit

12/07/2023

Toni and Erica both have openings in their classes this weekend. Let us know if you want to join us!

11/16/2023

One of our Treetown babies arrived early and the family could use some preemie clothes! Please comment here if you have any to give, we'll be happy to pick up.

11/01/2023

We are so honored to be a part of this family's journey.

10/14/2023

There was a fun Birthworker Soirée tonight and Tree Town Doulas Liz took home a trophy for her "crowning" costume.

09/26/2023

Apparently it's Daughters Day. Tree Town saw the birth of 3 daughters and one son this month. If you are willing to share, we would love to see those parent/daughter moments. The silly selfies, the candid moments, and the baby snuggles are all welcome.

09/16/2023

URGENT UPDATE!
Due to ongoing water disruptions at the school, today’s event is canceled. So sorry for the inconvenience!

Edited to add:
Thank you so much to everyone who shared this post, and to everyone who signed up. I have enough volunteers, so I’m closing the sign up sheet! Next class will be in March 2024!

It's that time again! I'm looking for volunteers for our Prenatal Massage class at Irene's Myomassology Institute on Sunday, September 17 at 3:30pm!

In this class volunteers will receive hands-on massage from experienced students who are learning to adapt their skills and techniques to work on pregnant bodies safely and effectively.

We are looking specifically for pregnant people who are in their second or third trimester.

Sign up here! https://forms.gle/Pub1kSmWhN57HBXK7

Irene's Myomassology Institute is located at 26061 Franklin Rd. Southfield, MI 48033.

08/14/2023

One of our doulas found this— will
You ever hear hospital beeps without it now?

666.2K likes, 2471 comments. “Labor 🤝🏼 ABBA”

08/05/2023

A lot of people ask if they should bring gift baskets for their nurses. Showing your appreciation does not require money or planning. Bonus tip: take a picture of the board on the wall with the names of your providers so you can remember them later!
https://www.facebook.com/reel/268502645702228?sfnsn=mo&mibextid=gq7zp7

07/30/2023

There’s no right way to postpartum!

PostPartum.
Some women bounce right back. Some women never do. Some women loose half the weight while the other weight just hangs out.

Some women deal with crazy emotions. Some women are chipper and happy. Some women cry every day.

Whatever it is. Know it’s a journey.

The women who lose the weight immediately, are probably dealing with crazy emotions. The women who don’t loose any of the weight could be feeling completely normal and happy.

There is no right or wrong to postpartum. So don’t compare yourself to others.

Happy Monday ♥️

07/27/2023

UNIVERSAL MOTHER

07/24/2023

Did you know that our doula, Toni, has been teaching Newborn Care for the the last 8 years? Join her next series at Nest & Nurture on August 12.

Our last Newborn care class was so much fun. To join the next session, email me at [email protected]
For info on our other classes, go to https://nestandnurture.org/?page_id=33

07/21/2023

This is a cool drawing! The human body amazes me!

Just a little picture of how things look when you’re carrying another human. ❤️

07/07/2023

What are girl names that folks are considering these days?

06/02/2023

Check out the Pride Party at Nest and Nurture on Sunday at noon. Most of our doulas will be there!!

05/20/2023

Yes to all of this!!

05/19/2023

We love working with the IHA midwives.

05/14/2023

Do you have a favorite mother's day meme? I've seen some good ones today.

05/08/2023

Great opportunity to be involved in the improvement of Maternal Health - Next Monday, 5/15 is the Region 9 Town Hall! MDHHS is hosting the regional town halls to solicit feedback on the next version of the Mother Infant Health + Equity Improvement Plan. We hope to see you there and encourage you to share your feedback! Registration is here. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe3h3WQCsIUEgJiTdjJTqj7GXBBm6q6bJWYpvAuxtqAYct1iw/viewform

National Doula Week

HHS Celebrates the Role of Doulas in Improving Maternal Health Outcomes

During National Doula Week, join us virtually on May 10, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. ET as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services celebrates the role of doulas in improving maternal health outcomes.
register here:
https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_t-2VAXLOQy-KGCrodqzICQ
The Biden-Harris Administration recognizes the contributions doulas make toward improving pregnancy, birth, and postpartum outcomes. Come celebrate with us and hear from Government leaders about the Federal resources and initiatives in support of the doula workforce.

Feel free to invite others!

MDHHS is hosting in-person Regional Town Halls this spring across Michigan. The purpose of these town halls is to engage with community members and perinatal professionals and provide an opportunity for feedback on the Mother Infant Health and Equity Improvement Plan (MIHEIP), maternal and infant he...

04/10/2023

Join Tree Town Doulas for our next birth series at Nest & Nurture!!

We are finishing up our childbirth series tonight and the next one will be starting before we know it! Registration is open for May 2-June 6. Class is Tuesdays from 5:30-8. Email [email protected] for info.

04/06/2023

Thank you so much to all of our friends that shared their photos for this post. We would love to see pictures of your burrito baby!

04/03/2023

Deaf storyteller and mom of two, Sonya, will be teaching signs, reading stories, and more every Wednesday at 10am at Nest & Nurture. Email [email protected] for more info!

03/24/2023

We've been so busy this week, that we almost missed that it is World Doula Week. Did you have a doula at your birth? Did you have a postpartum doula to help you with the transition into parenthood?

02/23/2023

What will this ice storm bring?

Yes, really.