Lavender Birth Doula

06/15/2023

I will hold space for you, always 🏳️‍🌈

03/07/2023

You've been waiting for the moment to meet your baby for months, and possibly even years. There is nothing quite like the feeling of your baby on your chest. In the vast majority of cases, baby can stay right on your chest for at least the first hour or two. Things like weighing, measuring, foot prints, newborn medications (if you choose to do so), etc can all wait until after you've had time to take in your baby, snuggle, and recover. ​​​​​​​​
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A nurse or provider will be making sure that baby's heart rate, breathing, and temperature are all where they should be, and this can all be done right on your chest.​​​​​​​​
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Often, 10-15 minutes after birth, a nurse may say, "is it okay if we take your baby over to the warmer for a few minutes?" You can absolutely say, "we'd like to wait for awhile." If there is a true need or concern, they will share that with you and your partner can go over to the warmer with baby. In most cases, it's just for a few minutes and baby can be given right back to the parent for skin to skin. ​​​​​​​​
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Sometimes it's hard to remember these things in the moment after such a big event, so discussing this with your partner and doula (if you have one) is key! That golden hour (or two) of snuggling is often so important to new parents and you deserve all that cuddle time!​​​​​​​​

Repost from ❤️

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12/12/2022

12/09/2022

Did you know!?

Studies show that having the continuous support of a doula will significantly reduce the risk of a cesarean.

11/17/2022

Being with someone on their very first day of life is a privilege that I never want to take lightly. So we’ll let our words be joyful and kind. Aimless chatter or gossip belong in a different place, on another day. Even stressful events can be navigated with soft voices and gentle movements.

Maybe that precious baby not having a logical understanding of their birth space means they have even more awareness of the energy.

So if you’re like me and fortunate enough to be present for someone’s first day, tread lightly. Maybe even take your shoes off as a reminder that you’re standing on holy ground.

Shared from ❤️

09/27/2022

Tips from a doula as you approach your estimated due date:

🌟 Surround yourself with positivity. This may be the most important thing you do! Spend time with your most supportive people and read/listen to positive and empowered birth stories (books, videos, podcasts).

🌟 Find opportunities to rest. Labor almost always begins in the evenings. Rest and nap when you can!

🌟 Start counting kicks at 28 weeks. Be aware of changes in your baby's pattern. Always reach out to your provider if you have any concerns.

🌟 Spend special time with your partner. Oxytocin (the love hormone AND the hormone that brings on contractions) increases when we feel loved and snuggly. Date nights are wonderful to look forward to!

🌟 Try to get an idea of your baby's position. Your provider may be able to help and/or you can try belly mapping. The Miles Circuit and The Three Balances from Spinning Babies can encourage baby to find an optimal position. Use ideal posture as much as possible: sit on your va**na + avoid reclining.

🌟 Research has shown that eating 6 dates a day (starting at 37 weeks) increases cervical ripeness. You can also drink red raspberry leaf tea, and don't forget to drink 3-4 quarts of water per day.

🌟 If your budget allows, see a chiropractor who specializes in pregnancy at least once per week. If the pelvis is out of alignment, baby can find themselves in less optimal positions. Massage increases natural oxytocin flow. Also, check in with your pelvic floor physical therapist and/or your mental health therapist (if you have one).

🌟 Have a plan for (likely) well-intentioned messages from family and friends. For example, "We are doing well! We don't expect baby to arrive until ______ (insert a time frame 1-2 weeks past due date, like "mid May"). We'd love positive vibes right now."

🌟 Expect to go past your due date. On average, 1st time parents go 8-10 days past their due date. Labor typically goes best when it can begin on its own, so try to avoid any unnecessary induction.

🌟 Bonus: move your body! Walk, swim, & yoga. These are great for body prep, stamina, and a balanced body.

Your baby will be here soon!
Repost from ❤️

09/17/2022

Count the kicks!

28 weeks? Don’t forget to count your baby’s kicks 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆. 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲. 𝗗𝗮𝘆. in the Third Trimester of pregnancy. Try to count around the same time every day, and pick a time when your baby is normally active.

This is important because even active babies can experience distress, sometimes quickly and without other warning signs.

Tracking your baby’s movement every day takes the guesswork out of knowing if a normally active baby has slowed down, and the free Count the Kicks app gives you real data to show your healthcare provider if you ever have a concern.

Happy kick counting!

08/25/2022

Can anyone else *feel* this photo 🙋🏼‍♀️

“We have now reached the massage portion of your stay, rated 0 stars on Yelp. 0/10 do NOT recommend” 🤣

Fundal massage, or uterine massage is a technique used to help stimulate the uterus to contract. This technique is used after the placenta has released and can help prevent postpartum hemorrhage. This technique also helps care providers check on how the uterus feels after birth.

🩸 If the uterus feels like a hard softball an inch or few under the belly button and bleeding is normal. Then all is well!

🩸The patient will have these massages about every 15 minutes for the first hour after the placenta is released. The massage is then spaced out as the care providers feel is needed.

🩸 If the uterus is not contracting down on itself then the patient will have more bleeding than normal and the uterus will feel soft. This can be dangerous as a contracting uterus helps stop bleeding.

🩸 If the uterus is not contracting. A provider may choose to give a very rough "massage" to help stimulate more contractions. They may also choose to help baby get latched on. A baby latching on to the breast can help stimulate oxytocin release that will, in turn, help the uterus contract. There are also medicines given orally or via IV to help as well.

🩸With each baby, the uterus works harder to contract back down to its normal size. Therefore, many birthing people experience stronger contractions after birth with each baby that they have.

🩸 This massage can be pretty rough. Do you remember having this? How did it feel? Did you have an epidural during this time?

🩸 Did you know that you can ask your provider to show you how to do this yourself at home?

and thank you to for this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ post!

08/08/2022

Pregnant? It’s never too late to hire a doula!

Find someone that can be a source of calm and peace, someone knowledgeable, and someone who will help keep you grounded and focused.

I am so honored to have been that person for my clients, including Stacy! If you think you need someone in your corner, please reach out, I'd love to be there for you, too!

08/07/2022

Are many interventions done too often and unnecessarily? Yep!
Are *some* interventions necessary and even life saving? Absolutely!

🙈🙃 sometimes we do our jobs a lil TEW good 😩

REMINDER: 🗣🚨hospitals can save lives!!! 🚨 good birthworkers know when it’s time to GO, even if the client doesn’t necessarily want to! What are some of y’all’s “nah, baby… you gotsaa go!” signs/symptoms from clients? 👂🏿

swipe to see how the convo went… 😵‍💫

who’s been there?? 👀 I wanna hear your stories 🙇🏿‍♀️🥰