In this section we have gathered some of the most popular information sources, such as trade journals, magazines, blogs, and association websites. Industry information is always changing. For the latest news, current issues and popular opinions, try following one or more of these sources. In addition, interacting with the websites that provide this information through commenting and asking questions may also provide you with more information.
Associations
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for your business plan. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
Doulas Services Association (BC) | The DSA's mission is to raise awareness about the role of Birth and Postpartum Doulas, to provide a referral service to BC families, and to deliver continuing education to its members, health care professionals, and the public at large.
Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association | The Canadian branch of CAPPA, a worldwide organization that aims to train childbirth educators, lactation educators, labour doulas, antepartum doulas and postpartum doulas.
DONA International | The largest worldwide association representing doulas across the globe. Offers advocacy, professional development and directory listings.
The National Aboriginal Council of Midwives (NACM) | As active members of the Canadian Association of Midwives, NACM represent the professional development and practice needs of Indigenous midwives to the responsible health authorities in Canada and the global community.
End of Life Doula Association of Canada | Our approach is holistic, individual, person-centered quality care. We see death as a process rather than an event that takes place over time.
Canadian Association of Midwives | A national organization representing midwives and the profession of midwifery in Canada. They advocate for community-responsive midwifery and contribute to progressive health policy in Canada.
The Midwives Association of British Columbia (MABC) | The professional association for midwives in BC and is registered under the Societies Act. MABC supports the mission and mandate of the Canadian Association of Midwives.
TIP: Use ASAE Gateway to Associations Directory to search for an association by name, interest area, or international geographic location (including Canada and BC). You can also search using a combination of various fields.
Magazines & Trade Journals
Trade journals (often called magazines or trade publications) can be very useful in helping you find current articles relating to business research. Contact your local research library to determine which trade journal subscriptions they have. There are also free trade publications that you can access online.
eDoula Newsletter | You must be a DONA member to access this newsletter. Published by DONA International, this resource will keep you informed about news about the organization, the doula profession and much more. Published 12 times per year.
International Doula Magazine | You must be a DONA International member to access this newsletter. Also published by DONA International, this print magazine features professional articles, personal opinions, tips and even book reviews. Subscription is free for members of DONA International.
The Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health | the official journal of the American College of Nurse-Midwives. This peer-reviewed journal includes new research and current knowledge across a broad range of clinical and interprofessional topics.
Midwifery | Midwifery publishes the latest peer reviewed international research to inform the safety, quality, outcomes and experiences of pregnancy, birth and maternity care for childbearing women, their babies and families.
Canadian Journal of Midwifery Research and Practice | Canada’s national, peer-reviewed midwifery journal. It is the official journal of the Canadian Association of Midwives (CAM) and is supported by midwives from all regions of Canada, and international subscribers.
BioMed Central Pregnancy and Childbirth | An open access, peer-reviewed journal that considers articles on all aspects of pregnancy and childbirth.
Blogs
Slow Birth | A blog written by Jacquie Munro, a practicing Doula and Doula educator in Vancouver since 1987.
Radical Doula | A blog by Miriam Zoila Pérez, a writer, blogger and reproductive justice activist. She works with the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health and is an Editor at Feministing. Miriam was trained as a doula in 2004.
Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA) | A blog published by CAPPA Canada, brings together news and opinions pertaining to the doula industry in Canada.
JOURNEY WITH DEANNA | Quality of Life Care, LLC has been devoted to easing suffering at the end of life since 2005. We believe that with information comes empowerment, and with excellent training and experience comes confidence.
Midwife Thinking | The MidwifeThinking platform was created in 2010 with the aim of sharing free evidence-based information about birth with parents and anyone involved in providing maternity care or education.
Discussion Forums
Mothering Forums – Doulas | A large online community for general and specific doula discussions.
Consultant & Other Websites
Statista
How to access: If you are a UBC student, staff, faculty or in-person library visitor you can access this resource.
A simple to use statistics portal that integrates statistics from thousands of sources, on topics related to business, media, public policy, health and others. Statistics can be exported in PPT, XLS, PDF, and PNG formats. Some basic content available for free.
MarketWatch - Industry Analyzer | The Industries section contains current data on Dow Jones Industry Sectors. Aggregate data as well as company-specific data is available.
PriceWaterhouse Coopers Canada (PwC) | Global consultancy firm that produces reports on the state of various industries.
Firsthand | A free source of industry information. Use the Industry Profiles to research growing industries and best industries by major, and Company Rankings and Profiles to find news, company information, and industry-specific sample professions. Basic monthly membership is free and offers access to blogs, discussion forums, and job listings.
TIP: As with all sources, news articles and blogs should be carefully evaluated. For information on how to evaluate your information, watch video tutorial Module Five: Using Information Responsibly.