Brave Steps Doula Services

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Kirkland, WA
Brave Steps Doula Services

Providing fertility, birth, and postpartum doula services

10/09/2024

Got to teach my first class solo this week. Labor Coping Skills, which was so much fun. I'm more or less done with onboarding teaching childbirth classes at Evergreen Hospital and loving it so far.

10/12/2023

There are so many options for pain management in labor. One of the lesser known options is using a TENS unit. I am so happy to now be offering TENS units as an option for rentals. Check out how a labor specific TENS unit can benefit you in labor below and check out my webpage for more information on how you can rent one for your own labor. http://bravestepsdoulaservices.com/tens-unit-rentals/

09/20/2021

A common question for parents is whether to take a Childbirth Class or not. Like with many things, you can look at the pros, cons, and options.

Cons: it can be expensive and time consuming. Classes can be anywhere from free to a couple hundred dollars (or even more). If you're busy or have a variable work schedule, it can be hard to find the time to make it to class. Some classes you may find don't give great information or enough to make it worth your time. All the information can be gathered for free on the internet.

Pros: a good class can teach you a lot about the birth process, what to expect, and what your options are during labor. You can also practice different coping strategies and maybe learn about new technique that you'd never find out about on your own. While the information may be found for free, you may spend a lot more time finding it or you may find bad or outdated information. Many people find that a childbirth class can strengthen connection to your baby and to your partner.

Options: there are so many options for Childbirth classes, that there is likely one that fits your needs and personal style out there. Classes come in live virtual, self-paced virtual, hybrid, and in person. You can do a quick course or a multi-week intensive. Classes also come from different perspectives and techniques for birthing.

Did you take a Childbirth class? Why or why not?

09/10/2021

It's all too common for well-meaning friends and family to message you constantly asking if the baby has been born yet. While it can feel nice that people care about you and your family, it can often serve as a constant reminder that you are still pregnant, still uncomfortable, and likely now annoyed by all the pestering.

People respond differently at this point. Some people try to get ahead of it by posting on social media, letting friends and family know you will let them know and to not message. Some people choose to simply and politely answer "not yet." You can send people a link to http://haveyouhadthatbabyyet.com/. Spoiler, it says "NOPE." A picture response with your cranky face and still bulging belly can also be used.

Whatever your response, just know you will not be pregnant forever, and you're not alone with your frustration.

07/10/2021

Pregnancy, labor, and postpartum brings a host of changes to your body. Some expected (your belly grows bigger) and some unexpected (why do I have this weird dark line on my belly). It can be hard to truly know what is normal and what is something? to that's a cause of concern, especially if you're trusting Dr. Google or mom-group physicians.

One of the biggest offenders is the idea that postpartum incontinence is normal. While you may encounter some immediate difficulties, particularly if you wind up with a catheter, this should not continue weeks, months, and years postpartum. There is a pervasive idea that sneeze peeing is just the price you pay to have children, but this does not have to be the case. Seeing a pelvic floor therapist early to evaluate can save you a lifetime of discomfort and even avoid more drastic interventions if the problem isn't corrected. You can even see a pelvic floor PT during pregnancy to help prepare for labor. There are several local pelvic floor PTs, including some that will even come see you in the privacy of your own home. If you don't have someone local, many PTs do virtual consults to help guide you in the right direction.

07/09/2021

I've had a bunch of new followers lately, so I thought it would be a good idea to reintroduce myself.

I'm Martha, and grew up in the Portland metro area. I went away for college, got married, moved to Japan, had some kids, and am now back in the area I grew up in. Along the way, I got my doula certification and have been helping families for the past two years.

Among my interests are playing tabletop RPGs, which is really just an excuse for this introvert to get some regular social time. It also let's me use my acting skills, which haven't seen the stage since having children.

I've been knitting for over 10 years, often making items for friends, family, and beyond. I'm constantly looking to learn new, more complex knitting skills. My current project is a 24 square knit quilt. It's taken me almost a year to complete (with lots of breaks), but I'm almost finished!

I love hanging out with my family. My kids are 7 and 4, full of energy, and a ton of fun. We were able to take some time this week to go back to the zoo for the first time in a long time, and it was so much fun seeing how excited they were.

Now I'd like to get to know you. What activities do you like to do?

07/05/2021

The fall is filling up! Act now to get your spot saved in my schedule. Click on the link to book your free consult.

http://bravestepsdoulaservices.com/

07/04/2021

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy independence day. Don't forget to drink you water amongst the festivities!

07/03/2021

I see so many people say their cycle works like clockwork. But even the most regular cycle can still be delayed by travel, stress, and other factors outside your control.

Your cycle runs in two phases: the follicular phase (pre-ovulation) and the luteal phase (post-ovulation). The follicular phase is what can vary from cycle to cycle, as ovulation can be delayed for any number of reasons. But the amount of time from ovulation to the beginning of your period, will always be roughly the same every single cycle for the same person (though there are differences in how long this is from person to person). So, if you are tracking your fertility signs and know when you ovulate, you can figure out when to expect your period.

Do you know how long you luteal phase is?

07/02/2021

When you're pregnant, suddenly everyone will have an opinion on how your child should exit your uterus. You should get an epidural, you shouldn't get one. You should take this supplement. Eating a pineapple everyday for a week put me in labor.... The list could go on and on.

The great thing about having a doula is I don't tell you what to do. I can provide you with options, some you might not have known about otherwise, and I can give you information about the risks and benefits for different things, but my goal is never for you to do what I would do. My training and experience will also help you birth in whatever manner you choose.

07/01/2021

Now that summer is back to it's normal temperatures (and hopefully stays that way!) let's celebrate with a summer sale! Enjoy $20 off my Birth Basics e-course. Learn about the stages and phases of labor, all from the comfort of your own home. This course is designed to give you the nitty gritty of what to expect in labor, with information about what your options are each step of the way. At the end of the course, you'll have a better understanding of what to expect and have guidance in creating your own birth plan. You can spread the four modules out over several weeks or complete them in as little as a weekend. Use the code SUMMER20 at checkout to get $20 off the course. Check out the link in my bio for more information.

05/21/2021

There's a moment in birth right before this, before the crying and snuggles with baby on your chest. Before initiating that first latch for breastfeeding and before the oohs and ahs of delighted new parents.

It's a moment of shock, deep breaths, and even disbelief.

Some people call it "the pause" or "the return." It's another moment of in between. The moment when the baby has been born, but you haven't quite registered your new reality yet. It's coming back from "labor land."

It's a quiet transition that does not need to be rushed. You'll know when you're ready to meet your baby.

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Kirkland, WA

Website

https://bravestepsdoulaservices.com/

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