Some mother’s experience challenges while breastfeeding, there are many challenges that they can face while breastfeeding. When moms encounter these barriers, they are less likely to continue their journey with breastfeeding. One of the common challenges I get from moms are nipple pain, which then leads to the question, “Is my baby getting enough milk?” […]
A Mother’s Triumph Continue reading »
While sitting in a Community Action Network meeting in Maricopa County, Arizona three years ago, Patrick Hutchins was stunned to learn that the infant mortality rate among African Americans in Phoenix at the time, was 6 percent higher than in white communities. Healthcare professionals at the meeting attributed the data largely in part to absentee
CAPPAPedia: Patrick Hutchins – Childbirth Educator & Postpartum Doula Continue reading »
During a recent virtual one-day intensive childbirth class, one of my students, at 36 weeks pregnant, during introductions told us that she had given birth 12 years ago by C-section and was excited and somewhat anxious about having a vaginal delivery, this time. When she’d indicated where she was giving birth, I knew that VBACs
The Importance of Exploring a Multitude of Birth Options Continue reading »
What is trauma-informed? Be trauma-informed is to recognize that trauma is very common in people’s lives. Simply put, “There’s a story behind every person. There’s a reason why they are the way they are. They aren’t just like that because they want to be. Something in the past created them, and sometimes it is impossible
Trauma-informed Approach Continue reading »
I began my Labor Doula career when my sister-in-law found out she was expecting twins. She was getting frustrated with her doctors sharing various opinions about how she should birth these babies. Some doctors said the safest option was to schedule a Cesarean at 36 weeks. Other doctors in the same practice said she could
Supporting Labor Doula Clients Expecting Twins Continue reading »
Communication is a topic that spans every profession and enhances every relationship. Effective communication is imperative for expressing thoughts and opinions in a healthy way. In the healthcare profession, good communication can be a matter of life or death. Motivational Interviewing is very well established and uses a series of foundational skills to accomplish favorable
Motivational Interviewing Continue reading »
It’s a question that comes up at every doula training – “What do you carry with you to a birth?” On message boards and doula support forums, there are so many options and ideas and lists of suggestions for things that doulas may want to purchase or may need to carry to support someone in
What’s in the Bag? Continue reading »
Many pregnant persons say it’s hard to sleep because they can’t get comfortable, need to run to the bathroom constantly, have leg cramps, and are excited and anxious about their baby’s arrival. They often joke that it is to prepare them for things to come…the arrival of their newborn and more sleepless nights and sleep
After teaching childbirth preparation classes and working as a doula for many years, I often ponder the question what do parents really need to know before birth? I’ve had so many clients come through my classes; some with notebooks and pens, some with stories from friends and family and some with such fear and anxiety
How to Teach Meditation for Childbirth Preparation Continue reading »
Many doulas start their businesses with a deep passion and excitement for this incredible work! Doulas are often caring, loving, thoughtful, passionate and educated, but unfortunately not always business minded! This can become quite a challenge as many doulas work independently and need to find their own way in this field. Although being passionate is important
Top Five Tips for Growing your Doula and Birth Business Continue reading »