EMpower Maternal Advocate

04/15/2021

I am delegating this page. If you would like to follow me check out my new company. Scruffy City Doula.

03/08/2021

I am so happy to announce that Empower Maternal Advocate is now Scruffy City Doula. Please Like my new Page and check out my website at www.scruffycitydoula.com

Scruffy City Doula Services. Quality care for the childbearing year. Birth doula, postpartum doula, and placenta encapsulation services in the Knoxville Knox County East Tennessee area.

02/18/2021

My Doula business has a new name and a new website. Please like me on Facebook, follow me on Instagram, and take a look at my website. If you have used me as your doula or birth educator please write a Google review. Thanks to all of you for the support over the years. I am looking forward to serving more families in 20201.
www.scruffycitydoula.com

Scruffy City Doula Services. Quality care for the childbearing year. Birth doula, postpartum doula, and placenta encapsulation services in the Knoxville Knox County East Tennessee area.

08/13/2019

Yes the do!!!

Breastfeeding is not just between the mother and the baby. Women who breastfeed and get support breastfeed longer. For ways to support breastfeeding visit http://bit.ly/BHBBreastfeeding

07/30/2019

What an amazing birth!

07/30/2019

Baby Willow is magic! I LOVE being a doula! I love teaching moms and their partners about what to expect, I enjoy getting to know people in a very real way. I am proud to advocate for women and their choices. I’m honored to watch the love and respect in a partners eyes when they watch the person they love give their all to bring their child into the world. I am gifted to see nurses, doctors, and midwives give tirelessly. I am grateful to give my all to every mom so that she feels loved and cared for through the intensity of birth. And my tank is filled by seeing moms cuddle their new babies (and getting some baby cuddles mused) and spending an afternoon reminiscing about how strong this momma is. Thank you Josie and Kelton Balka for allowing me to be part of your birth.

08/05/2018

I saw a pelvic floor physical therapist after my third. Physically and emotionally so helpful.
https://www.mamaonthemend.com/blog/lets-make-seeing-a-pelvic-physical-therapist-after-giving-birth-our-new-normal

Going to a physical therapist (PT) after pregnancy and childbirth isn’t standardized care in America, but it absolutely should be.I sat down with three therapists at Body Connect Health & Wellness (where I get treatment) to learn more about why every mom should check in with a pelvic PT at

07/21/2018

It’s been a good night.

07/14/2018

07/09/2018

This piece has a biased feel but it’s got good information.
https://mobile.nytimes.com/2018/07/08/health/world-health-breastfeeding-ecuador-trump.html

06/10/2018

Such a true depiction of a mothers love.

This sanctuary draws millions of visitors who come to leave bottles, license plates and wedding dresses.

06/08/2018

I personally make a lot of noise in labor. It grounds me and keeps me hyper focused. Just remember low guttural noises, no high pitch noises.

Using our voice can be a helpful coping tool during birth.

Prior to birth many of us have rules about what it means to be quiet or loud, to scream, swear or yell during labor. We might believe it means we aren't coping, are out of control, or weak if we are considered 'loud' and 'losing it'.

Sometimes making lots of noise during labor is that one thing we might hope we don't have to do, the one forbidden thing. When being in control, quiet and composed is often glorified in birthing world, it can be helpful to explore our ideas and beliefs about pain, making noise, asking for help, what it is to be weak or strong prior to birth.

05/29/2018

Did you feel unsupported or even punished by your work while while pregnant or during the infant stage? I was very lucky and had a very supportive boss and 6 weeks paid maternity leave. The hardest part for me was finding affordable childcare close to work.

In the U.S., women are essentially punished for having kids.

05/27/2018

When were your babies born?
https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2018/04/26/early-morning-births-are-genetically-programmed

The small hours provided an evolutionary advantage

05/17/2018

All the moms should be watching this.
Check out “The Letdown” on Netflix
https://www.netflix.com/title/80198635?s=i&trkid=13752289

Audrey, mother of a 2-month-old, joins a new-parents support group, where she makes some quirky friends facing various challenges and life changes.

05/16/2018

So what is your favorite girl name you won’t be using? Mine is........

Pryor- Norman Origin
Meaning- superior or first / the head of a monastery.

05/11/2018

Ive heard people talk about labor as if it’s a mother’s great sacrifice. Motherhood is the great sacrifice and labor is just the small beginning. Thank you moms for all the small and big ways you give of yourself everyday. Most of these things will remain unseen and unknown but your great love will be known and passed on.

05/02/2018

One boy name we won’t be using (because we aren’t having more 🤞🏻)
Loïc - origin is French
Meaning Famed Warrior / Light
What’s your boys name you won’t be using?