Doula My Soul

09/14/2024

Such an excellent day with the at their conference! There were such excellent discussions and great conversations with colleagues, both new and experienced!

10/31/2023

Witch-ing you a fang-tastic day filled with howl-arious moments and boo-tiful memories!

Happy Halloween, have a spook-tacular day! 🎃

10/18/2023

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10/16/2023

What does an or**sm, social recognition, bonding, labor and lactation all have in common?

Oxytocin release!

Or***ms release feel-good hormones (yay, endorphins!) that wave through your body leaving behind a number of sensations: sleepiness, relaxation, and/or joy. A study by Nicoletta Cera and colleagues found higher levels of oxytocin during and or**sm. Hmmm… ideally there is some form of ejection during an or**sm. Well, oxytocin is commonly referred to as the “ejection” hormone. It helps with ejecting a baby out of the womb through contractions and it helps with ejecting milk from lactating breasts/chests.

So what about social recognition and bonding? When oxytocin levels are elevated during the newly postpartum period, it allows the birthing parent to feel well and calm which allows them to bond more effectively with their newborn. This also improves their “social intelligence” for this bonding. Throw in some skin to skin and one might notice tingling, warmth or a “bloom like” sensation in the lactating breasts/chest. They may even note milk dripping from the nipple(s) or experience wet clothing in the chest area. The postpartum period has a leaky phase and for most, it doesn’t go beyond a few weeks. This is not a cause for concern, it’s simply your body adjusting to your schedule and needs.

As always, if you have concerns about your hormonal levels, talk to your provider. If you'd like ideas on increasing oxytocin while caring for your newborn, come see us! We'd love to help and support you!

References:
Cera N, Vargas-Cáceres S, Oliveira C, et al. How Relevant is the Systemic Oxytocin Concentration for Human S*xual Behavior? A Systematic Review. S*x Med. 2021;9(4):100370. doi:10.1016/j.esxm.2021.100370

Moberg, K. U. (2015). Oxytocin: The biological guide to motherhood. Praeclarus Press, LLC.

10/03/2023

What are you looking forward to most this season?

09/24/2023

It’s High Holy Holidays for many Jewish families! In case you were wondering, fasting is typically waived for anyone who is lactating during this season. Talk with your Rabbi or religious leader if you’re unsure. While short fasts are generally safe, listening to your body is also important.

Wishing all who celebrate blessings and renewal in this new year ahead!

Here's what to know about fasting for religious observance while you're breastfeeding. Read more.

09/18/2023

Our intern, Keyra Peraza is sitting this week for the IBCLC board exam! She will do great! Please send well wishes ☺️

This picture is from the SW Washington Healthy Families 5th Annual Conference last Friday! Bryna presented wonderfully on oral restrictions and gender affirming care. 🧠❤️

(Keyra on the left, Bryna on the right)

09/15/2023

Here we go! 🥳🥳🥳 SW Washington Healthy Families

09/15/2023

Tomorrow, Bryna will be presenting at SW Washington Healthy Families’ 5th Annual Conference in partnership with

09/05/2023

Check out Latina/x Breastfeeding Week as they have events this week!