Ordinary Miracles Doula & Birth Services

07/18/2018

Just about everyone knows how the right music can elevate a mood or motivate you, but can it actually provide pain relief during labor?

In this video, we look at the evidence for listening to music during labor. Does it help with pain relief? What is the best music for relaxation?

06/30/2018

A few things I forgot between babies four and five: Dads, when your has been fed, changed, and is still upset, swaddle them up and hold them. Check in with them. Feel their face on yours. Talk to them. Rub their back, sway gently, hum, make the “swishy” sound in their ear to replicate the sound of Mom’s heartbeat in utero. If they’re still crying and it breaks your heart... that’s fatherhood. If you move past heartbreak into exasperation... that’s fatherhood. If they start screaming and you find yourself wanting to say “Oh, C’MON!” out loud... that’s fatherhood. If you feel helpless and inadequate and like you’re staring at a final exam full of questions you couldn’t possibly have known to study for... that’s fatherhood. And if you push through that... become more present than you’ve ever been, discover instincts you never knew you had, and summon up more love and patience than you’ve maybe ever shown anybody... and they either take it, or get tired, or finally work out that fart that was bothering them and fall asleep on your chest... and you suddenly feel like you beat the system, got nominated for a Nobel Prize and got told “I love you” by the first girl you ever loved... THAT’s fatherhood. Welcome... Glad you’re here. 💙

06/27/2018

06/27/2018

The many ways breastfeeding/chestfeeding looks.

Graphic reposted from .joeigowing

****Edit to add: There have a few 'passionate' comments lately, when we are passionate about something, sometimes we forget about those who may read our comments and whilst we cannot control how others react to what we say, we can be mindful in our language and delivery of what we say...as The Gottman Institute would say, 'soft start-ups'.

Almost everything pregnancy, birth and baby/feeding related can be controversial or trigger inducing for many people. Please try and use the following when commenting:
1. Is it necessary?
2. Is it true?
3. Is it kind?

We can still share our views, opinions, and stories but let's consider those who will be reading it.
Something I like to do if I am triggered by a post or comment, I like to write a reply or comment then wait a while before posting it, re-read it and I almost always edit it as my immediate response is generally filled with strong emotion which could hurt or shame others. This is a safe and inclusive space, and hateful comments will not be tolerated.

06/22/2018

Especially if you're pregnant in the summer! 😂☀️😂

TRUTH.

06/22/2018

Homebirth midwifery is about birthing strong, empowered families. Beginning with informed choice conversations about pregnancy screening options, to respecting and believing in you throughout your birth process and then a multitude of home visits in your bed (and un**es) in the first weeks postpartum - our care centers the bond between parents and their new baby.
Witnessing the immense love and connection families have with their babies is possibly the most magical part of being a midwife - and why the forced separation of parents from their children by ICE becomes more devastating and unfathomable as each day unfolds. FAMILIES BELONG TOGETHER AND FREE
Keep protesting and resisting.
Photo by

06/21/2018

Moms of boys! Can you relate?! I have 3 of them, and I was HOWLING with laughter! 😂😲😭

06/21/2018

Who can relate?!

Haven't I already done enough? 🍰

Find me at www.instagram.com/common_wild

06/20/2018

Mine were born at 8:40PM, 5:45AM and 2:55AM. When where your babies born?

The small hours provided an evolutionary advantage

06/15/2018

Before pumping a freezer stash, it's important to recognize why you might need it.
+ Are you looking to pump because you are returning to work or school?
+ Are you going to be away for a trip or extended separation?
+ Are you donating human milk to a friend or organization?
If you have no specific reason for pumping, but instead feel like you MUST have a freezer stash, it's important to note that most breastfeeding parents only produce as much as their babies need. While some people are able to produce much more through a combination of factors, they are outliers. If you do not have a freezer stash, that's okay!
Note: Before going back to work, it helps to have 3 daycare-days worth of milk in your freezer to act as a cushion. Once you start working, you will be pumping milk for the following day rather than pumping for the freezer. For example, any milk pumped on Monday will be given to baby on Tuesday and so on. Creating a freezer stash is generally not necessary. Not sure how much milk is enough? A general rule of thumb would be 1-1.5 oz per hour apart. While some parents find comfort in having extra frozen milk, it is important to keep in mind why you are pumping and have an idea what you will be doing with the milk once it’s accumulated.
Have you gotten carried away with pumping? How do you make sure you feed baby not the freezer?

Are you struggling to pump enough? Are you worried that you don’t have enough milk to go back to work? We can help. Find local, individualized support in your area through lllusa.org
[Image: Blurred photo of a freezer door full of expressed milk. Text: feed the baby, not the freezer.]

06/14/2018

For the grandparents-to-be!