Have You Asked Your Doula’s Opinion?

IV on hand in labor

I’m a rather opinionated person. I’m not sure it’s something I’m proud of, but it’s a part of who I am. What do I think of the color ‘forest green?’ – It’s ugly (even if it was a main color in my wedding). How do I feel about sushi? So disgusting and shouldn’t be eaten…

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Postpartum Does Not Mean Depression

new mom sleeping with newborn

“It all went downhill when she got the postpartum.” “She was fine… then she had postpartum.” Can we clarify? A person can get the flu. Someone can have a cold virus. “Postpartum” is not an illness or a mental health disorder. It is a normal period of time after a baby is born. Every person…

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To the L&D Nurses

L&D Registered Nurse

Dear Labor and Delivery Nurses, We have some things we’d like to tell you. We don’t know 99.9% of you, but we do know the ones who work in our local hospitals. We’re going to take a leap and assume that all of you are at least somewhat similar to the nurses we’ve had the…

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I Didn’t Breastfeed My Children

bottle feeding young baby

What if I told you I chose not to breastfeed? What if I told you I didn’t want to breastfeed? That there wasn’t a medical condition, or supply problem, or any good, legitimate reason why, except that I just didn’t want to. Are you disgusted with me and think I’m a terrible mom, even if…

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Decision Making in Labor {Free Download}

woman in corn maze choosing path

“Tell your families to speak up! If we don’t know what they want, we can’t help them get the birth experience they’re hoping for.” Those words from a L&D nurse are important for you to hear. The nursing staff wants you to speak up. They want you to ask questions, to clarify, to PARTICIPATE in…

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Living With Anxiety

woman hiding under blanket with eyes focused on camera

“I’m not anxious. I just can’t breathe…” You know those moments when you’re first falling asleep and you have that quick dream of falling that startles you awake? At one point in my life, instead of waking up with that startled feeling, I would wake up unable to breathe. It happened repeatedly. I would sit straight…

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Is a Doula worth it?

pregnant woman in red shirt under blanket

There is a common misconception that the definition of DOULA involves women who attend home births (wearing long, flowing skirts and no shoes), only support natural birth, are against all medical interventions, and are super, incredibly, over-the-top ‘crunchy.’ Due to some of the above beliefs, we get all of the following questions on a regular…

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I’m Dating My OB

Ob stethescope and blood pressure cuff

I like long walks in the hallway, firm hip squeezes, and gentle exams. Dear OB,  I’ve heard you have an opening on your schedule. I’ve also heard that you find my insurance coverage to be appealing. I’ve talked with others who had past relationships with you and I’m intrigued. I’m thinking it may be time…

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Your Doula vs. the World

doula holding megaphone

As the weeks passed she found herself growing in her abilities… she found she carried with her some incredible powers. More reliable than the US Postal Service! Able to provide compassionate support with the touch of her hand! Incredibly gifted at hip squeezes! She is Super Unbiased Doula! The World: You should have your baby…

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Doula? No Thanks.

box of kleenex and hot tea by bedside

I need to tell you the truth. This doula didn’t have a doula. While that was 22 years ago (when I had no idea what a doula was), I’ve given it a lot of thought and I’ve been pretty convinced that I’m just not the type to have a doula. I don’t like to ask…

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