The young woman in front of me sat cross-legged in the hospital bed clutching her swaddled newborn with tears streaming down her face. This was her first birth. She’d had a C section the day before and she had no family with her in the room. Her partner was not available. For the present, he …
Becoming Active Listeners: Love in Action Continue reading »
As 2015 comes to a close and I begin to look forward to the new year, I always contemplate what has worked well for me this year and what I would like to do differently next year. I don’t make resolutions. I do, however, like to create intentions, usually in the form of a word …
In September of this year, the local birth and mental health communities in my area teamed up to hold a showing of the movie “Dark Side of the Full Moon.” If you haven’t seen this movie, I highly suggest that you find or sponsor a screening. It follows two women on their two-year journey to understand …
Maternal Mental Health: Our Role as Birth Professionals Continue reading »
November is the month when most of us begin to focus in on what we are grateful for. It is a month that marks the beginning of the holiday season for many, and while we wish to express gratitude, it can also be a time of intense stress and exhaustion. This can be intensified for …
It was 21 years ago that I first saw the movie Forrest Gump. I remember having a wide array of emotions while watching that movie for the first time and walking out of the theater feeling inspired. I find that each time I watch the movie I take away more and more life lessons. …
Life Lessons for Doulas: Inspired by Forrest Gump Continue reading »
As an educator, doula, nurse, or lactation professional, how many times have you heard that birth cures preeclampsia? Is this true? A cure is “a complete or permanent solution or remedy; a recovery or relief from disease” (Merriam-Webster, 2013, para 1). As the following quote details, preeclampsia does not always just disappear with the birth …
Preeclampsia: The Cure is Birth, or Is It? Continue reading »
After I became a Mom, I finally felt a “belonging” in my life. I could look at any Mother anywhere and feel we shared a connection, without even exchanging a word. I began my studies to be a doula the year after my son was born. I wanted to share with women, teach women, and …
Are You A New Doula? Valuable Tips for Your New Journey Continue reading »
Essential oils: the original medicine. They’ve been around for thousands of years, and recently, they have gained in popularity. It seems like everyone is using them – or at the very least hearing about them. In my own family, we’ve started using essential oils on a daily basis for a wide variety of ailments and have …
The Use of Essential Oils and the CAPPA Professional’s Scope of Practice Continue reading »
15 years ago, when I first started in this work, I went to a conference from another organization about childbirth education. There was such a vast knowledge base there that was so far beyond what I knew as a newbie. I was enthralled all weekend. I thought, as time went on, that the high I …
There are many aspects to the job description of the postpartum doula. One of the greatest of these is the confidence and education we can give to a family. As you step through the door for the first time post birth, your job is to listen and observe. How are the parents coping with their …