Graceful Journey Doula

16/10/2023

💔❤️‍🩹🙏Praying and holding space for you, in spirit, Dear Mommas!

Microchimerism, discovered in 1893 by German pathologist Georg Schmorl, means specifically to us bereaved mothers, that our very cells hold DNA from our beloved babies.

So in perhaps psychological and spiritual terms, many of us believe our babies will always be part of us, but, it is true in physical terms, as well.

Our babies matter. They are a part of us. And, they change us.

24/09/2023

A treasure found: “Si Yu’us Ma’asi!” (Thank you). I commissioned my niece/family friend to make this plaque a while back and had just recently discovered her note (swipe for content👉) that was taped to the back. 🤦🏻‍♀️ I had not put it up because I was waiting to finish setting up an office space…then the pandemic…and so on 🫣. When a friend gave me this cabinet, that is when I found the note. 😔 I’m so sorry, Desi! Thank you! I love you so much! 💞
In honor of a young, strong, and brave daughter, wife, mother, niece, friend, artist, and child of the King, please pray for Desiree and family. She has not posted on her page for over a year…
…
In spite of the battles she’s fought through the years, she always shines her light of Love, Hope, and Faith, emulating her Savior, Jesus Christ and bringing glory to The Father.
We love you, Desiree! We are with you in Spirit, now and always for Eternity!

29/06/2023

Please excuse my very late share as I am still in storm recovery conditions. — I had these photos for a couple of years now and always meant to share it for Father’s Day. 🙃
I love these photos of partner/dad supporting mom…& baby! He had Mozart playing for baby during labor 💖. He said that mom had Classical music playing as often as possible. — Did you know that some studies say it has great benefits for baby’s development? (It is effective study music for all.) It’s also a way to bond with baby, paired with rhythmic touch as you listen together. One article suggested no more than 1-hour sessions at a time to avoid over-stimulating baby. Be sure to look up the guidelines. — I just learned there is even a maximum number of decibels for volume 👂🎧⚠️. As with any activity during pregnancy you should attune to your body and baby. 💪 Great job, Parents!

06/06/2023

Stopped to get this selfie with a mural outside L&D on my way back from a bathroom break at GMH. Glad to see they’re all cleaned up post storm 😌.
Swipe ⬅️ When I get home from a birth it doesn’t matter what time of day it is or that I was up all night. I gotta sit and unwind before sleeping. Still no power, but thankful for a cool breeze.

04/06/2023

Post 🌀Typhoon Mawar —
To function better at home and be able to work, have power in our mobile phones to communicate with family and clients, this inverter is a lifesaver. Thank you,Lord! 🙏
I was on extra alert, concerned my phone would die. — Not good when ‘on call’! 😨 And on that note…One afternoon my heart jumped in alarm when my phone chimed, set on a specific sound, for a client due. 😅 I realized the chime wasn’t a good alert sound in these post storm conditions. I’m glad for the learning experiences. ☺️

23/05/2023

🌀 Please pray for our island as we prepare for Typhoon Mawar. It is intensifying up to 145mph winds, at its center, by the time it hits Guam on Wednesday.

🤰 Expectant mothers who are high risk or 38 weeks gestation should be consulting with your provider if you should stay at your hospital during the storm.

🙏 Stay safe, everyone!

14/05/2023

On this Mother’s Day I’d like to share these thoughts I had when I watched a Live play of from , I took these screenshots to post for Easter but I did not, so I remembered this moment and thought it fitting to share today.
As I watched a scene of Mary thinking back to her moments after childbirth, holding Baby Jesus, singing, (I don’t have the words) with the happiness of having Him, but knowing his time with her is temporary; knowing what is to become of him 💔…My heart couldn’t take it! There my eyes flowed. — Oh how our children do not know the extent of our love until they too become parents (birth/adoption/foster). It’s a sacrificial love! This is true…because it happened to me…an epiphany…
…at the birth of my first child, my heart ❤️‍🔥. — It was then that my eyes opened to realize how much my mother loved me; to the depths of her heart. She isn’t perfect, of course, but she loves me. She’s done her best to raise me and care for me.
Listen, I don’t know your story, your mother’s story, your adopted mom’s story, your grandmother’s story, etc., but we exist through them! And however way you became a mother, or loving another’s child so much that it hurts, know that that is what sacrificial love is and it should be honored. — I wish all you mothers a Happy Mother’s Day. May you be showered with blessings❣️🙏🌺

28/03/2023

Happy World Doula week 22nd-28th! ❤️‍🔥
Some of my faces of birth-work. ⚙️I had to filter photo #4 because my up-all-night raccoon eyes were just too scary! 🫣😜
Whether to a client’s birth, doula prenatal, postpartum visit, it’s anticipation time. Always exciting and an adrenaline-driving experience that takes me hours to come down from. Amiright, doulas?! 🙋🏻‍♀️☺️
What is your work or service that brings you fulfillment? Share in the comments!
P.S. I know I’ve been MIA. I’ll try to do better! 🙃 Thanks for visiting! 💖

07/08/2022

Happy World Breastfeeding Week!

I've been quiet here so I just wanted to pop in on this last day and wish you all well in
your breastfeeding journey.
Why do breastfeeding moms need support? Because it isn't always easy. It is natural, but
not without issues or struggles for all moms. They need encouragement and support.

- Support your family, friends, and strangers in their journey. Breastfeeding is normal!
- Share resources that may help moms have a greater chance for success.
- Moms, seek help from a lactation specialist such as an IBCLC, CLC; or counselor such
as your doula who can help you start your journey with emotional support, instruction,
etc.
- Moms, find your tribe in breastfeeding groups that relate/empathize, rather than
feel/be alone in your struggles.
- Last but not least, Moms, give yourself grace and a fair chance to go this journey if it is what you want. Advocates care and will help you figure it out without judgement or pressure.
Blessings and best wishes!

14/02/2022

**Part Two** (See previous post)😊
Video 1, a look into my mama-heart the past 32 years, Hubby and I on the way to the airport squealing with excitement as the plane carrying Daughter and SiL ascended for landing; in our baby voices, “We’re coming…” like we used to do on the way to the sitter to pick her up. 😄 — I want to give young moms reading this somewhat of a look into a mature mother’s through-the-years experience in hopes to give some foresight into an array of parenting emotions with-every-milestone-of-your-child’s-life! 😅 It doesn’t matter how old they are. When we thought we couldn’t get any more happy, sad, scared, excited, concerned, etc., it never ends. The responsibility changes but the emotional roller coaster continues.
We are realizing in this stage of life that our love as parents becomes more vulnerable, but richer, with each passing year. What does the future hold for us as older parents?…for our cup doth already runneth over!
Dear Heart, “The years are short but the nights are long.” is so true! Make it count! Be present for your child(ren)…but don’t question if you’re good enough 🤨. You ARE your child’s parent; and that means you’re perfectly theirs❣️
Video 2 and Photo 1-2, more traditions, something we enjoyed doing together was driving around to see Christmas lights and displays. We brought chocolate milk and their pillows into the car; now not always together and minus the pillows, + coffee😆. — Create family activities and traditions you’ll enjoy throughout their years (ref. Part One). Be consistent to carry through those traditions, but be flexible for special situations and for moments in time as they grow into adulthood. — it’ll take ease on your heartstrings as you deal with the changes. 🙂Rewards will be forthcoming!
✒️ If my post has been a blessing please let me know!
May this new year be fruitful and gracious! May we all be challenged to do our best in our present stage in life, have Godly wisdom discerning right from wrong, good from bad, for each of us personally, and for our children. May we experience deep growth and healing in mind, body, and soul.
Have a Blessed and Bountiful 2022!
🎉🙏💓