Affirming childbirth education for queer families
Rainbow Roots:
Foundational Prenatal Education
A foundational course designed specifically for 2SLGBTQIA+ parents and taught by two queer birth and postpartum doulas who have seen it all!
We strive for connection and community, not efficiency.
Inclusive of all queer families (bi and pan parents welcome!) regardless of sexuality, ethnicity, and birth goals.
We create time for all the silly questions, and hands on learning for birth support and newborn care.
Based on our Roots of Birth course, with additions for the unique needs of queer families (conception stories, advocacy, and chosen family support)
Why Rainbow Roots?
“My wife and I attended Willow River Doula Collective's Rainbow Roots birth prep course and we had a wonderful experience! The facilitators created an inclusive, supportive, and affirming space that was tailored to the needs of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. The information was clear, practical, and empowering, and we left feeling much more confident and prepared for birth!”
- Gabrielle W, Fergus
Get ready to learn!
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The science of labour
Stages of labour and birth
What to expect from natural childbirth
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The impacts of conception on birth
Medical technologies of birth (including induction of labour, pain management, monitoring, and risk management
Birth planning and advocacy for queer families
Navigating microaggressions in birth spaces
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Medical technologies of birth (including Cesarean birth, assisted delivery, and emergency situations)
Mental preparation for birth by breaking the Fear / Tension / Pain cycle
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Hands on practice with comfort tools for labour
Positions for labour
Counter pressure practice
Pushing positions
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Newborn procedures immediately post-birth
Postpartum healing
The first days with a newborn
Chosen family support
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Infant sleep
Infant feeding (including breastfeeding / body-feeding, pumping, formula feeding, bottles, and combination feeding)
Considerations for body dysphoria
Hands on practice with diaper changes, swaddling, burping, etc.
Upcoming Dates
Wednesdays May 13th to June 17th, 6-8pm
Wednesdays September 30th to November 4th, 6-8pm
Location: Whiteway Plumbing 55 Rankin St. Waterloo
Accessibility Note:
there is one step on the way into the building
water, coffee and tea is available
please bring your comfort items
Straight?
Join Roots of Birth
Our comprehensive prenatal education program for all families
Coming soon:
not your first sapling: Childbirth education for experienced parents
Growing beyond: Birthing After trauma
rooted in support: Childbirth education for High Risk Pregnancies
To get updates on our progress developing these courses and to be the first to know when we launch them!