My son is getting married next year, and he and his fiancé have decided not to register for gifts. They have all the things they need for their apartment and don't want to register for stuff just to have "new things." They have decided instead to "register" for a honeymoon. While there is no expectation … Continue reading Register for “Time”
Category: Doulas
As a doula and childbirth educator, I continually strive to get my clients evidence so they can make the best decisions for themselves and their babies. I truly believe in the autonomy of my clients and I work hard to create the space for them to use their voices. Evidence Based Birth® is an excellent resource … Continue reading
As a independent doula, and like many other birth workers, I am on-call from the moment my clients sign a contract with me. Birth can happen during any week of pregnancy and at any time of day, any day of the week. Because of this, it may seem that I don't really start working until … Continue reading “Unless I’m at a Birth”
As a doula I am often asked nutrition questions by my clients, so I am always on the lookout for good resources. I recently read a book that I think is an excellent guide for pregnancy (and beyond) and I would love to tell you a bit about it. Lily Nichols RDN, CDE is a … Continue reading
Recently my husband needed hand surgery, so one of the first things he did was ask the doctor about the different options for the procedure. Then he went and looked up the options online. He read articles and watched videos of the actual procedure. He wanted to know as much as he could about what … Continue reading I Don’t Need a Childbirth Class
It’s hard to really understand what someone else’s pain feels like. Birth also comes with a lot more “stuff” than just discomfort – there are other physical things going on, not to mention the myriad of emotions, fears, doubts, joys, decisions, etc. And each birth is so unique. Whatever number this birth is for you, … Continue reading JUST RELAX?!?! – What to say instead
There was a time when partners were not allowed in the birth room. Things started to change several decades ago when partners expressed a desire to be more involved in the process and thus, began the shift to an expectation that the dad/husband/partner would always be in the birth room. The reality, however, is that … Continue reading Witness, Teammate or Coach – What Role Will You Play?
Is your doctor listening to you? Is she really answering your questions? Is he giving you all the information you need? Is your birthing facility telling you what you are “allowed” and “not allowed” to do? Are you feeling like an object instead of an active participant? Do you feel like you are being “steered” … Continue reading Informed Decision Making – Is Anyone Listening?
I often see this question in pregnancy and parenting groups. It seems that people may think that if they have a midwife, they don’t need a doula. But maybe they don’t really understand the difference between a midwife and a doula. Typically an obstetrician practices using the medical model of birth (which is focused more … Continue reading Should I Hire an OB and a Doula, or a Midwife?
My husband has played golf on and off for many years, but this past summer he had the opportunity to get out on the links quite a few times. I am definitely a beginner, never having actually been on a golf course, but I was able to join him on the driving range several times. … Continue reading Can’t My Golf Instructor Be My Doula?
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