I am betting THAT got your attention! As labor doulas, as childbirth educators, we spend much of our time helping clients who have asked us to help them avoid routine medical intervention. Not every couple who attends childbirth classes or hires a doula wants an unmedicated birth, but it has been my experience that most […]
Helping Clients Embrace Medical Intervention Continue reading »
The CAPPA Vision Imagine a world…Where women are encouraged to trust their bodies. Where myths about pregnancy, childbirth, the postpartum period, and breastfeeding are dispelled. Imagine a world…Where women are given the tools they need to make informed decisions about their pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, and breastfeeding experiences. Imagine a world…Where education does not use guilt
Moving from Imagination to Reality – Achieving the CAPPA Vision Continue reading »
The majority of families plan on breastfeeding. In the United States alone, 81.1% initiate breastfeeding in the hospital. Unfortunately, little is being done to help families reach their goals if breastfeeding issues arise or if mothers have to be separated from their infants. In fact, most medical professionals will recommend formula feeding in these situations.
Breastfeeding Support Equals Breastfeeding Success Continue reading »
I came into doula work shortly after the birth of my first son who was a #borderbaby. I was one of the few Alabama woman who choose to birth across the state line to Tennessee to receive care from a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) and have an out-of-hospital (OOH) birth. This choice was easy for
5 Tips for Supporting a Home Birth Labor Doula Client Continue reading »
The act of bringing your mind into the present moment—meditation, mindfulness, centering, or whatever term you use to describe it—is a tool we all have at our disposal to help manage stress and anxiety. But the term “meditation” can be intimidating to many, as it congers up an image of a robed Buddhist Monk or
Here and Now: Guiding Our Clients into the Present Moment Continue reading »
What is childbirth, really? Is it just about getting a baby out? Of course not! It’s also about becoming a family and working hard to discover what our bodies are brilliantly capable of. As doulas, it’s our job to see our clients through the process, to witness their transformation before our eyes, as they dig
Transforming Pain as Doulas Continue reading »
I had this interesting conversation with my client the other day which had to do with what people think they have the right to say when perhaps they should keep their comments to themselves. This has to do with breastfeeding, which is very close to my heart as I believe that is the best start
“Milk Jugs, Tits, Cow” Continue reading »
Providing care to a new mother and her newborn is a privilege that should not be taken lightly as a healthcare provider. Everyone that plays a role in either educating or participating in physical and psychological support must ensure the new mother feels safe and cared for in her ability to take care of her
Supporting a New Mother’s Ability to Parent Continue reading »
A few months back a colleague sent me information on a local study being done at MIT titled “Breast Fed Infant/Toddler Stool Sample Study”. She thought I would be interested in reading more about it and possibly participating. The criteria was: Being 18 years or older Having an infant/toddler 2-36 months Having an infant/toddler that
Studying the Microbiome Continue reading »
Birthworkers are a dedicated bunch. The phone rings at all hours, and we answer, ready to roll. We offer comfort for the aches, balm for the fears, and remind our clients to believe in themselves, find their power, love their bodies, and nurture their babies. We wipe away tears without judgment and celebrate joys without
Healthy Self-Care and Preventing Burnout Continue reading »