Last week, Kris Haycraft and Hailey Schaefbauer completed the final in-person portion of their 100-hour Community Birth Doula training offered by San Antonio Birth Doulas, a program of Catholic Charities San Antonio. This incredible training, sponsored by Catholic Charities USA, brought together Catholic Charities staff from across the country. The program focused on serving “resilient” populations—women who may be navigating challenges such as chemical dependency, trauma histories, or socioeconomic barriers. You might be wondering, “What is a doula, and what does this have to do with the Pregnancy, Parenting, and Adoption Services program?” A birth doula is a trained professional who provides non-medical support during pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period. Throughout this training, we explored everything from anatomy and physiology to pain management, comfort techniques, and breastfeeding support. One fascinating takeaway? A baby’s saliva actually communicates with the mother’s body during breastfeeding, signaling what the baby needs—prompting the mother’s body to produce milk uniquely tailored to her baby. Incredible! The training was also highly hands-on. We spent hours working with a skeletal pelvis to understand positioning and movement that support both mom and baby during labor. We even simulated the birth process—using a ping pong ball and balloon—to better understand dilation and effacement. PPAS staff already play a vital role in preparing moms for labor and delivery and are often present as a support person during births. This training strengthens our ability to walk alongside the families we serve with greater knowledge and confidence. Personally, I’ve experienced what’s often called “white coat syndrome,” where medical decisions felt automatic in the delivery room. Now, I feel better equipped to help moms understand their options, communicate their preferences, and make informed decisions—allowing them to take a more active role in their birth experience. With doula support, many mothers experience shorter labors, fewer interventions, and more positive birth experiences. Our PPAS moms deserve the very best, and with this additional training, we are even better prepared to provide compassionate, informed, and empowering support every step of the way.

Yesterday, our Fargo Adults Adopting Special Kids (AASK) team partnered with the NDSU Men’s Basketball Team to host an energetic and joy‑filled basketball skills clinic for children who have been adopted or are part of adoptive families. Around 30 students in kindergarten through sixth grade took part in the clinic, which focused on learning basketball fundamentals while, most importantly, having fun in a supportive and encouraging environment. From the moment the kids stepped onto the court, the gym was filled with laughter, smiles, and excitement. The NDSU men’s basketball players and coaches worked hands‑on with participants, guiding them through drills, encouraging teamwork, and celebrating every effort, no matter the skill level. For adoptive families, events like this are about more than sports. They’re an opportunity to build connection, confidence, and community. Seeing the kids enjoy themselves and leave the court beaming was a powerful reminder of the importance of creating welcoming spaces where adopted youth can simply be kids. We are incredibly grateful to the NDSU Men’s Basketball Team for their partnership and to everyone who helped make this event such a success. The enthusiasm and care shown by everyone involved made this clinic a memorable experience for our families and the kids.