Pelvic Floor in the Postpartum Period
What we don't talk about is postpartum pelvic floor health. Lets get real about the postpartum pelvic floor. We can't push a 7lb baby out of our vagina and expect our body to magically bounce back.
Read MoreBecoming Dad
One of the greatest honors of doulaing is watching men become Fathers.
Read MoreInduction...what is it? Why?
A mother who goes through an induction, whether medicated or not, is a strong and powerful woman, tested from the beginning of her mothering journey in resilience, strength, determination, and love.
(image credit: http://avivaromm.com/labor-induction-choosing-whats-best-for-you-and-your-baby-and-the-low-down-on-natural-approaches-part-1)
Read MoreLiving in Fear
When scary things happen we can't let fear consume us. As expecting parents and new parents we can't operate from a place of fear.
Read MoreMommy Wars make me angry, but so does guilt-mongering
I'm frustrated I live in a society where guilt and fear inform more parenting decisions than wisdom and strength. I think we can do better, for our children, and for other parents.
Read MoreOctober 15th
There is nothing shameful or wrong with being a mother of a child no longer with us. Let us honor our babies. Acknowledge their existence, their influence, their impact.
Read MoreOutside Forces That Affect Pregnancy
We can do everything within our power to have the perfect pregnancy and birth but something as simple as the amount of precipitation or an extremely hot day may affect our children. Just shows how much of an illusion control actually is.
Read MoreBirth - an 86 Billion Dollar Industry
Whew! Pregnancy, Birth, and rearing - the average cost of each child in the US is $312,000!
Read MoreBut She Said Yes!
In light of the recent events at Old Dominion University I thought we would discuss informed consent and how rape culture affects our perceptions of and the application of informed consent.
Informed consent " is a process for getting permission before conducting a healthcare intervention on that person." What constitutes as informed consent can change from situation to situation and institution to institution. For a more in depth picture of what informed consent looks like go to this site.
The rape culture that is so embedded in our daily lives that the now suspended fraternity at ODU brought to light, can also affect our medical care. The same lack of respect for women as fellow humans and equals can lead to a dismissal of the rights of a woman to informed consent.
Even the way some care providers assume consent can be dismissing of a woman's individual agency. There is a difference between asking "May I touch your thigh? May I start the cervical exam?" and "You're going to feel my hand on your thigh, now some some pressure." One is seeking permission, one is informing of action. Informed consent , but its definition, is informing about the action or procedure, and getting permission for it.
Until America has weeded out the element that feeds rape culture, and all the patriarchy and misogyny that accompany it, we must be proactive as health care consumers. Find a care provider you like. Do background/Google searches. Get references or recommendations from people you trust. Develop a rapport with your care provider. Know your rights.
Then, after you bring your precious baby home, teach him or her that supporting rape culture through action or inaction is unacceptable.
But Doulas are for "That" Kind of Woman
Who can benefit from a Doula? ALL WOMEN! There is no choice you can make, no birthing or parenting technique you can try, that I won't support to the absolute best of my physical, emotional, and mental capability. All Women and Families deserve care and support in pregnancy and postpartum.
Read MoreHanging Tough
This week 2 amazing, strong, talented women broke through another barrier. Capt Kristen Griest and 1st Lt. Shay Haver graduated from Army Ranger school.
Read MoreFalling into the Pinterest Pit (and other Mommy Wars)
The Pinterest Peer Pressure starts in the womb and gets stronger each subsequent year. Don't fret!
I Don't Need a Doula Because...
No matter where you birth, at home, in a birth center, or in a hospital, the only member of your birth team who will support you physically and emotionally, without their own agenda, will be your Doula. No woman needs a Doula. Many women can benefit from a Doula.
Read MoreA Breast is a Breast except...
The Ohio Doula supports ALL feeding choices. That includes exclusive breastfeeding, exclusive pumping, supplementation, wet nursing, milk sharing, milk banking, and formula feeding.
Read MoreIt's Getting Hot in Here...
Heatstroke (hyperthermia) death of infants left in cars is a highly discussed topic of late. Instead of being judgmental and calling to task these individuals let's show some sympathy. Let's discuss some ways to avoid this ever happening again.
Read MoreSafe Sleep, SIDS, and the Ongoing Debate
I have had this question posed to me several times in my career. "What is safe infant sleep?" That is a loaded questions, and the answer really depends upon whom you ask.
Read MoreWait a Minute! I thought Pregnancy was 9 months!
The most important thing is for a woman to develop a great, trusting relationship with a care provider who practices evidence based medicine. Then, trust in your body, trust your baby. Listen to the physical signs your body gives you when things don't feel right. Just be patient and give your baby a chance to grow and mature.
Read MoreI'm Hungry! The Skinny on Nutrition in Pregnancy
Just remember; eat a variety of food;, fruit, vegetables, grains, and any good source of protein you can find. Drink lots of water. Cut back on refined and overly processed foods. If you do this, stay active, and get enough rest you are doing what you can to support a healthy pregnancy.
Read MorePrecipitous Birth - Myth, Drama, and Reality
Just remember, keep calm! Birth is a natural physiological process. Trust your baby, trust your body, call in reinforcements if needed.
Read MoreWelcome to Your Postpartum
The postpartum period, or 4th trimester, are extremely important months in your and your baby's lives. Give yourself permission to just be: to be present, to be messy, to be imperfect, to be tired, to be cared for. Just like there is no one perfect way to "do birth" there is no one perfect way to "do postpartum." Figure out what works for you; what makes you feel loved and supported and cared for. Invest the time, money, and resources in giving your parenting journey the best start possible. Accept help from those who offer. You won't be sorry you did.
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