Jen Blessing, Abilene Doula

08/12/2023

This is what happens when you have a doula client who needs to downsize their flock to lighten their load for when their baby gets here and you need more chickens! Doula services in exchange for 92 hens and 3 massive roosters! It’s a win for both of us!

So…if you need eggs I think we will be able to keep you in supply once these girls settle in and start laying!

06/11/2023

Being up and at a birth since 3 this morning calls for an afternoon cup of coffee. Soooo sleepy!

07/21/2022

So thankful to get to be a part of such a amazing place. Several of these were my fabulous clients.

06/16/2022

This is good. Don’t be afraid to set boundaries. Those first days are such important bonding moments.

BOUNDARIES...

I know everyone is excited to meet the new baby, but....

These first few days in hospital and first few weeks at home are so vital to mother and baby connection, family unit connection, getting to know one another and navigating how to care for a baby, spending lots of time half naked doing skin to skin to establish breastfeeding and getting to know their babies cues.

They are transitioning into this new season of life as parents, scared, questioning their every move, are they doing right by their baby, processing their birth, whilst the women is managing further more body changes, swollen va**na, bleeding, leaking b***s, post operative pain if surgery was required whilst trying to care for a tiny human who needs her to be there as a feeding milking machine.

What women and their partners are met with is eager family members wanting to visit the baby, hold the baby, take pictures of the baby, opinions on what to do, how to parent, what not to do, they feel judged and confused about all the conflicting information they are given and the baby is an hour old. The couple themselves haven’t had time to process what has happened.

Family and friends if you want to visit the baby I get it, your excited but..

The mama needs you too and she might need you to keep your opinions to yourself, hold space for her to feel heard when she is struggling, she doesn’t need you to fix it, she just needs you to listen, she might need food and coffee (set up a food train of support), she might need you to clean and do laundry, she might need you to let her get a sleep (then you can get all the hugs), she might need you to keep your distance for the first few weeks so check in with her and see what she needs from you or what they need from you as a new family.

Mama’s and partners don’t be scared to hold some new boundaries during this new season of life, get clear on what you need and don’t need, say it aloud and do what’s best for you 🙏🏻

Words: Leanne

03/08/2022

Love my job and my clients. 🥰

03/06/2022

The strength of a mother amazes me. I had the honor of helping this precious family welcome this sweet baby girl into this world. This mama fought hard the whole labor and we laughed a lot. It was an exhausting 2 days but so worth every moment to watch this mom and dad become parents. My job is amazing and I’m so thankful for a family who sacrifices and makes things work when I’m not around.

02/03/2022

I haven’t watched this yet, but plan too. If you watch it, I would Love to hear your thoughts!

📣 FREE SCREENING ALERT!!! 📣

“The Business of Birth Control" will be available to stream for FREE February 4-6! Tickets are limited for this 48-hour Sneak Preview window. Register now at thebusinessof.life/events ⭐

About the 🎥: Sixty years after the pill revolutionized women's emancipation, "The Business of Birth Control" examines the complex relationship between hormonal birth control and women’s health and liberation. The documentary traces the feminist movement to investigate and expose the pill's risks alongside the racist legacy of hormonal contraception and its ongoing weaponization against communities of color. Weaving together the stories of bereaved parents, body literacy activists and femtech innovators, the film reveals a new generation seeking holistic and ecological alternatives to the pill while redefining the meaning of reproductive justice.

12/11/2021

I love that my “job” lets me be part of such special stories! I love my clients and the bond that we share after working together.

11/30/2021

I am attending a Spinning Babies training today. I am excited to gain all of this knowledge to help my clients have a better pregnancy and delivery.

11/12/2021

Come out tomorrow, see the birth center, and support Christian Homes of Abilene.