Doula Odessa & Birth Services

10/17/2025

// Postpartum // Liefde voor de zachte buiken, streepjes en lijntjes, rimpelige babyvoetjes en die kwetsbaarheid van de kraam periode 🥹🥰.

10/15/2025

Light a candle to participate in the Wave Of Light this Wednesday, 10/15 at 7 PM 🕯️🤍

10/12/2025

www.doulaodessa.com

Hello! My name is Odessa Bates, owner of Doula Odessa & Birth Services. I’m based in Western Massachusetts and have been in the health and wellness field for over 20 years. I’m a Certified Birth Doula, Spinning Babies® Aware Practitioner, Evidence Based Birth Professional, Empty Arms Bereavement Professional, LGBTQ ally, Trauma informed, culturally informed, Substance Use informed, and a former counselor with a master’s degree in Women’s Studies. I am trained and educated in a wide range of topics surrounding prenatal, birth, and postpartum experiences. My goal as your doula in this magical time is to support you and your family to have an experience that is uplifting, empowering, and joyful. I travel to MA, NY, VT, and CT within an 1.5-hour radius from my home base in Pittsfield, MA 01201. Fully Certified, Insured, Vaccinated, and Boosted. Virtual services available for any location. A MassHealth approved certified doula provider (Birth Doula is financially 100% covered).

Providing Birth Doula, Postpartum Doula, & Placenta Encapsulation services to MA, NY, CT, & VT. MassHealth 100% insurance coverage accepted. Located in Pittsfield, MA (Berkshire County).

10/07/2025

// Direct duimen 🥰 // Wat een schattig gezicht, direct na haar geboorte ging dit meisje al steeds duimen 🥰

10/06/2025

🎃 👻👶👣🎨 Baby’s first pumpkin!
Use paint to create footprints on your pumpkin, let dry before adding the ghosts eyes and mouth 👻

10/05/2025

They call it the 4th trimester for a reason…

Because just like your baby is adjusting to life outside the womb, your body, hormones, and identity are adjusting too.
It’s a season of deep healing. But it often gets overlooked.

10/02/2025

📣 You Don’t Need Two Breasts to Breastfeed! 🤱

It’s a common misconception that you need both breasts to successfully breastfeed. In fact, many mothers can produce all the milk their babies need from just one breast!

This is especially remarkable when you consider mothers of twins, who often manage to breastfeed both babies at the same time using only one breast for each. ✨

The human body is incredibly adaptable. Each breast has the capability to produce milk, and with the right stimulation and demand, one breast can typically supply enough milk for your little one. 💡

Here are a few key points to consider: 🧐

✅ Lactation Flexibility: If one breast is more efficient at producing milk, you can focus on using that breast more frequently, ensuring your baby gets enough nourishment.

✅ Breastfeeding Twins: Many mothers of twins successfully breastfeed each baby from one breast at a time, allowing them to provide nourishment for both without the need for double the supply. This approach not only simplifies the process but also helps manage their milk production effectively.

✅ Avoiding Discomfort: Some mothers find it more comfortable to breastfeed from one breast, especially if they experience issues like engorgement or pain in one side. It’s perfectly acceptable to prioritize comfort while ensuring your baby receives the milk they need.

✅ Individual Experiences: Every breastfeeding journey is unique. While some mothers may need to alternate breasts or use both, many can thrive on using just one. Trust your body and listen to your baby’s cues.

Remember, the key to breastfeeding is finding what works best for you and your baby. Whether you have one breast or two, your ability to nourish your child is more than achievable! ❤️

09/30/2025

An incredible new study found that pregnant women who consume just 6 dates a day in the 4 weeks leading up to their due date were 74% more dilated upon their arrival to the hospital, had a 77% shorter first stage of labor and a 42% lower rate of caesarean sections.

Eating dates in the late stages of pregnancy lead to higher cervical dilation upon hospital admission because the fruit contains nutrients that influence oxytocin receptors, preparing the cervix and uterus for labor by increasing muscle response to oxytocin and other labor-supporting hormones. Dates are a rich source of energy from natural sugars and fats and also contain prostaglandins, which contribute to cervical ripening. Additionally, they provide serotonin, calcium, and tannins, which contribute to powerful uterine contractions.

Eating dates in the late stages of pregnancy shortens the first stage of labor due to their ability to stimulate the production of prostaglandins, which promote cervical ripening (softening and thinning of the cervix) and increase uterine contractions. Dates also contain tannins, which have a similar effect, and provide a natural sugar source for energy during labor. Some studies even suggest that dates can increase uterine sensitivity to oxytocin, leading to more effective contractions and a quicker and smoother labor process.

These actions are also the exact reason why women who eat dates in the late stages of pregnancy and far less likely to need a c-section!

The most common recommendation is for women to begin eating 6 dates a day starting in their 37th week of pregnancy.
PMID: 40322306, 21280989

SEE ALSO: https://www.pelvicphysio.co.nz/the-sweet-secret-to-a-smoother-labour-dates

09/28/2025

www.doulaodessa.com

Hello! My name is Odessa Bates, owner of Doula Odessa & Birth Services. I’m based in Western Massachusetts and have been in the health and wellness field for over 20 years. I’m a Certified Birth Doula, Certified Placenta Encapsulation Specialist, Spinning Babies® Aware Practitioner, Evidence Based Birth Professional, Empty Arms Bereavement Professional, LGBTQ ally, Trauma informed, culturally informed, Substance Use informed, and a former counselor with a master’s degree in Women’s Studies. I am trained and educated in a wide range of topics surrounding prenatal, birth, and postpartum experiences. My goal as your doula in this magical time is to support you and your family to have an experience that is uplifting, empowering, and joyful. I travel to MA, NY, VT, and CT within an 1.5-hour radius from my home base in Pittsfield, MA 01201. Fully Certified, Insured, Vaccinated, and Boosted. Virtual services available for any location. A MassHealth approved certified doula provider (Birth Doula is financially 100% covered).

Providing Birth Doula, Postpartum Doula, & Placenta Encapsulation services to MA, NY, CT, & VT. MassHealth 100% insurance coverage accepted. Located in Pittsfield, MA (Berkshire County).

09/25/2025

// Huid op huid bij papa // Voor het aller aller eerst je kindje bij je. Haar blote warme lijfje op jouw borst. Ze kan jouw hart horen en jij kunt voor het eerst die fijne babygeur opsnuiven.

Want lieve papa’s, andere mama’s of andere ouder van de baby…dit is ook jullie momentje. En dat leg ik dolgraag voor je vast 😍.