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Celebrating World Breastfeeding Week: Embracing Every Journey
As we celebrate World Breastfeeding Week, it’s a perfect time to acknowledge and honor all forms of breastfeeding. Whether you’re directly nursing, pumping, bottle-feeding breast milk, or using a combination of these methods, your efforts are valuable and important. Breastfeeding is not just about providing nutrition; it’s a profound way to bond with and nurture your baby. I want to share my own journey to encourage and uplift you, no matter where you are in your breastfeeding story.
The Benefits of Bone Broth During Labor: A Doula’s Perspective
As a doula, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact that proper hydration and nutrition can have during labor. One often overlooked but highly beneficial option for laboring mothers is bone broth. This nutrient-dense clear fluid is a game-changer, offering a fantastic alternative to the sugary drinks many people typically associate with labor, such as apple juice or Sprite. Let’s delve into why bone broth is an excellent choice for hydration during labor and explore the traditions and benefits of warm beverages for expectant mothers.
“Your Cervix is Shy:” Understanding a Tilted Cervix
When discussing women's health, the term "shy cervix" might evoke images of a cervix playing hide-and-seek. While the concept is more metaphorical than literal, it helps us understand how anatomical variations, like a tilted cervix, can influence health and wellness. Let’s dive into what a tilted cervix is, its implications, and how understanding this can empower women in their health journeys.
Say Goodbye to Swollen Feet During Pregnancy: Tips and a 🍋🥒 Soothing Recipe
Pregnancy brings with it a myriad of changes, including the dreaded swollen feet and ankles. While it's a common discomfort, there are several natural remedies and lifestyle adjustments you can make to ease the swelling and promote overall comfort during this special time.
Embracing Love Over Struggle: Redefining Change in Childbirth
In the past, we fought hard for our childbirth rights—things like VBAC options, doula support, upright birthing positions, breastfeeding in public, skin-to-skin and delayed cord clamping. While we made some progress, the broader paradigm around childbirth remained unchanged. It's time to shift from fighting to respect and love for birth. Here's why love, not conflict, will create sustainable change:
Pregnancy Power Drink Recipe
This Pregnancy Power Drink is more than just a refreshing beverage; it's a powerhouse of essential nutrients that support your and your baby's health. Enjoy it daily as part of a balanced diet to keep yourself hydrated and nourished throughout your pregnancy journey.
Birth Story Time!
I asked one of our doula clients to share her amazing birth story (and VBAC victory) with you. This story starts with a first, cesarean birth experience that left a lot to be desired for Cori. It follows up with a TOLAC that became a VBAC that eventually became part of the saving grace that brought baby Simon into the world healthy, strong, and in the very best environment to care for his unexpected diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea— a condition that is often undetected until much later in a baby’s life but thanks to Cori’s amazing instincts and her supportive birth team (including her partner and doulas, nurses, and doctors) Cori’s amazing birth became the very best beginning for Simon and a very emotionally healing journey for her as a mother.
The Vital Role of Non-Clinical Care: Empowering Women and Honoring the Mind-Body Experience
Pregnancy is a profound journey, marked by physical changes, emotional shifts, and the anticipation of new life. While medical care is essential, there's a dimension of support that goes beyond clinical interventions – non-clinical care. In this post, we'll explore what non-clinical care entails, why it's crucial in pregnancy support, and how it humanizes healthcare by prioritizing the “whole-istic” well-being of women and their babies.
Empowering Birth Experiences: The Impact of Doula Support on Birth and Postpartum Outcomes
In the midst of winter's final embrace, we're excited to share some doula-approved tips to keep your spirits high and your energy soaring as you await the arrival of your little one or navigate your postpartum time. This post is all about weaving together the comforting hues of "pinks and blues" with mindful practices that align with the doula wisdom you deserve.
Doula Tips for Epidural Preparation & Comfort
As an expectant mother, navigating the journey of childbirth can be both exhilarating and daunting. One aspect that many mothers consider is whether to opt for an epidural during labor. While the decision to have an epidural is deeply personal and varies from person to person, having the support of a doula can greatly enhance the experience.
The Role of a Doula
The beautiful concept of a doula traces back to ancient times. Derived from ancient Greek, 'doula' translates to "a woman who serves." Throughout history, from small tribal communities to expansive ancient civilizations, doulas played a pivotal role. They were not just assisting in childbirth but also offering wisdom, comfort, and emotional succor to expecting mothers.