4th Trimester Doula Services

08/19/2023

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FATHERHOOD AND LOVE 👨‍👧‍👦

Some people feel that you can't compare the love a mother has for her child to the love a father could feel for him.

They say that a woman's life changes, her body changes, and she sacrifices every little nutrient she has to the baby.

What they don't understand is that a mother and father's love can be different, never inferior.

Those people don't understand that the man's body also transforms, and his mind will never be the same again.

They do not understand that, while the mother is devoted 24/7 to taking care of her son and helping him survive, the father is devoted in body and soul in turn, to help them both so that, in this struggle, they do not lack anything.

The mother starts her battle: to be the best mom in the world. Father starts his battle - to take care of them.

And so begin the broad working days, nights at night looking for better alternatives to build a better future, mental and even physical absences, betting everything to work, because deep down you know that, at that time, it is the best way she finds to combat her fears.

Because being a parent entails the same goal: the mother cares eternally for her children, and the father cares eternally for his family.

Some people don't understand that, within parenthood, there is no competition. There is only love and teamwork.


Husband Love wife

06/28/2023

You lose pieces of your old self, but gain such special pieces of the new you.

I used to wonder what happened to mums when they had a child. Where did they go?

Almost symbolically, they seemed to gradually disappear from their own pictures and be replaced instead by baby photos. I don't know why but it used to irk me a bit. I would wonder; how was it possible to get so completely lost in motherhood?

NOW I GET IT.

There IS a loss of identity when you become a mum. Well, there certainly was for me.

You become consumed with all these things that never crossed your mind before; milk intake, nappy output, nap timings, meal plans, teething remedies. And somewhere along the way, you lose yourself a bit.

You forget how to talk about things outside the realm of mothering. You lose touch of the things that used to make you tick. Your repertoire becomes limited, and let's be honest, a little bit dull.

Thankfully you find other mums; people you maybe wouldn't have got on that well with before, but you're all rattling around in this lost property box together.

I know deep down that I have gone awol since becoming a mum. I have almost forgotten that there is a world out there, distinct from motherhood, that I can also subscribe to. And share with Casey. I'm sure he too would like to know the person beyond mum.

And so I am slowly trying to reclaim my me-ness. I'm finding when I do, he actually enjoys it more. It feels more authentic. Just little things like we'll have a dance around to the music that I love rather than the wiggles or taking the time to look half-human in the morning and repainting my old face on again.

It can be a balancing act, trying to help this little person develop their identity, whilst not forgetting your own.

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Words: Karen McMillan (Mother Truths)
Art by: Morgan Casey Art

Words taken from: 'Lessons: Reflections on Early Motherhood' Available to buy worldwide: http://linktr.ee/mother_truths

03/30/2023

Can I get a 🖐️😭?!

A mom will always love you more—

than your partner,

than your closest friends,

than you love her,

than anyone.

Because those people, yes, they do love you a lot,
maybe even “so much,”
but a mother’s love is incomparable.

Because it’s a different kind of love.

It’s a love that prioritizes your well-being above her own,

a love that's loud and so strong that, at times, she aches,

a love that changes with your needs, but it’s always there.

It’s a love that protects and supports.

Because she fell in love with you when you were just a thought
before she even met you,
before, you were a small baby who fit on her chest.

And that kind of love that loves unconditionally is powerful.

Because no one else in this entire world will love you like that.

So, you can’t love more than a mom,
and you won’t understand until you become one.

📸: Unknown Artist
✍️: Living FULL

01/19/2023

Colostrum is real milk.

Colostrum is also known as “beestings,” or “first milk.” It is the first form of milk produced by the mammary glands starting mid-pregnancy. Whether you see it, feel it, or leak it, it’s there. You continue to make colostrum for the first few days after birth as it slowly transitions into more mature milk. It is thick, sticky, concentrated, and is usually yellow, clear, or white. It contains immune factors, antibodies, white blood cells, protein, sugars, fats, and much more.

It’s not just real milk it’s enough milk.

You don’t have to wait for the “real “ milk to come in to feed your baby from your breast. The amount of Colostrum you are making is exactly what your baby needs and a little goes a lot way. Most mothers make teaspoons not ounces. Remember milk is species-specific and your colostrum is made perfect for your baby.

Colostrum isn’t just real milk, enough milk, but it’s also vital and the ideal food. Here are a few reasons why:

Immunization: Colostrum’s primary function is protection. It is rich with white blood cells that produce antibodies and is full of immunoglobulins that fight off infection. It helps protect the baby against germs and inflammation.

Gut health: It is a natural laxative and helps the baby pass meconium. Colostrum is also important for gut health by lining the gut with a protective layer that not only protects against infections and diseases but encourages the growth of good bacteria.

Regulation: Colostrum helps babies adjust to their new environment by regulating their blood-sugar levels, body temperature, lung and vascular functions, and metabolism.

Colostrum is called liquid gold for a reason! It’s important to allow your baby to have complete access and to follow your baby’s lead. Since Colostrum is thick and sticky and provides your baby with lots of practice with breastfeeding. Trust your baby trust your body.
Beautiful picture from https://instagram.com/jessicahendersonphotography?igshid=YWJhMjlhZTc=

12/27/2022

Sending all the holiday wishes to you and yours! May this time of year bring you light and peace. 🎄 🌟

12/17/2022

What she said ⬇️⬇️

Did you know:
- 1 in 8 couples struggle with infertility.
- 1 in 4 have had a miscarriage.
- 2% of people have had 2 miscarriages back-to-back.
- 1% have experienced 3+ miscarriages.

So think about that next time you ask someone:
“When are you having kids?”
“When are you going to give xyz a sibling?”
“Just relax, it will happen”
“You’ve got time”

You don’t know what journey they may be travelling.

Sticker

11/05/2022

Everyone deserves a Doula! 🧘‍♀️

11/04/2022

Raw Postpartum ❤

Repost
Some truths I’ve learnt postpartum:
You’ll miss the girl of yesterday, but love who she is becoming even more.

Asking for help doesn’t make you weak, we weren’t designed to do this alone.
Unwanted intrusive thoughts are really common, and yet we never talk about them.
You can be in so much company and still feel lonely.

You’ll never feel so strong and so vulnerable all at once.
You’ll never be so attune to someone else’s feelings, their breathing, their cries, it’s incredibly beautiful and incredibly exhausting.

You’ll get asked if they’re a good baby, you’ll wish you responded with, “they’re all good babies”.
You’ll be triggered often, you may even have to reparent yourself in some ways.

You’ll scroll a lot, your feed will be over taken with Mum accounts and baby things, some of which will give you Mum guilt. You don’t need that, it’s hard enough.
You’ll cringe at some of the things you said, or the things you didn’t do for your friends with kids, way before you had any of your own (I get it now, and I’m sorry)

Your baby is not manipulating you, it’s biologically normal for them to want you close, and that’s no bad habit.
If you simply kept the kids alive today, then you achieved a lot.

That crying in the shower is something we’ve all done, sometimes we don’t even know why.
Your brain will go missing for a while.

It is not a one size fits all, the routines, the apps… no one knows your baby better than you.
You’ll feel distant from your partner, the one thing that makes you feel as if you’re floating one minute has you both sinking the next. Sometimes it’s an ocean between you (but it won’t always be like that).
You’ll crave alone time and yet when you’re without them it feels like a piece of you is missing.

They grow so fast (but you won’t enjoy every minute) & that’s OK.
You’ll get better at this, but mostly you’ll get better at just rolling with it.
You’ll never know patience until you become a mother.

You’ll never know a person inside out until you become a mother.
You’ll never know how love can turn you inside out too.
And you’ll be forever changed, but in the best way.
📖: hardback edition ‘From One Mom to a Mother’ book

11/04/2022

SCARRY HALLOWEEN FACT: Canada needs more Midwives!! 🎃 👻

Midwives of East Erie Association of Ontario Midwives FordNation New Brunswick Midwives / Sages Femmes du Nouveau Brunswick

09/30/2022

💕

“Dear body,

Thank you.

For creating the loves of my life, homing them and birthing them into the world. For being their space and giving them nine months of nurture. For growing, stretching and evolving beyond measure. For teaching me how truly beautiful and powerful you are.

I will marvel at you for the rest of my life, for all that you have done. Thank you.”
Words and 📸 by
・・・

09/16/2022

A large percentage of people I talk to, have never even HEARD of a Doula. I need people to know we are here🌌🥰.
Please reach out to me - I would love with chat you! Resources are available for you during this time! 💕