Lighthouse Birth Doula Services Upstate, SC

09/25/2023

I've been slowing down and enjoying the small moments in this crazy chaotic world. We made smores last night with the babies, Maw Maw and PaPa 🍢 Truly appreciating the time we have together as a family🥰

09/18/2023

Your friendly doula reminder!!!
You can always refer to it as a due month or season to help normalize that due dates aren't this scary date on the calendar. Your body and your baby work together to choose when they make their arrival.

P.S It's NOT cool to hound a third trimester mama about when/if her labor will start, she's got enough on her plate 🥰

07/14/2023

Due between 7/14 & 10/14?
I've got a deal for you! Contact me for details🥰 I can't wait to serve you in this beautiful journey ✨️

05/18/2023

The NPO or nothing by mouth policy began in the 1940s, when the risk of aspiration was 1 in 667 out of 44,016 births (the study done by Dr. Mendelson). The evidence today doesn't support this policy. A marathon like labor depends on fuel to get through.
Some studies suggest eating:
• Oral carbohydrate-based fluids

• Date fruit or date syrup

• Low fat yogurt

• Bread, biscuits

• Vegetables

• Fruits

• Soup

• Fruit juices

• Cereal and milk

• Toast with butter/jam

• Low fat cheese

• Chocolate

• Boiled eggs

• Roasted okra

• Tortillas with a honey or tahini spread

• Tostones

• Fried plantain (maduros) bites in light oil
Ultimately, it is up to you as to what you feel like eating or drinking in labor, not hospital policy

05/17/2023

There's no "my provider wouldn't let me..." When you take charge of your birth experience. Surround yourself with people who support you and your choices. Prepare your partner and birth team by letting them know so they can help advocate for you while you're in your "monkey brain" in labor.
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05/14/2023

Happy Mothers day to all the amazing women that have made a positive impact on others in their lives.
✨️For the rest of May I'll be offering a discount for you lovely mama's 🤰🏼 when you book me as your doula!

05/04/2023

I'm sure at one point or another you've heard that you need to stop nursing at night, but have you actually done the work to find out if that statement holds true?
Last month I took my youngest that just turned 1 to have his first checkup. While the doctor was asking about his habits and growth, she asked if he still nursed at night and how often. I answered, he's usually dream feeds at least 2-3 times on average. That's when she said that we need to end it. I didn't have a good gut feeling about it because I've done this with all of my littles. I decided that it was a good time to look and see what the data says. Guess what, no link between night nursing and cavities! Breastmilk is not cariogenic!
✨️When baby is latched appropriately to actually express breastmilk, it enters the baby’s mouth behind the teeth.

"Breastfeeding at night is safe for your baby’s teeth, but avoid giving them a bottle of your milk to help them fall asleep " -Sprout Pediatric dentistry and orthodontics

04/20/2023

Trying to catch a chapter while my oldest is in art class.

04/20/2023

One year ago today I was 11 days "overdue". I was rolling around on my birth ball, trying my best not to feel like this baby was never going to make his appearance. I actually tried a teeny tiny bit of midwives brew (so disgusting I only had a sip) and decided to go to bed early. I woke up about 1:30 AM with contractions 2 minutes apart. I was in denial so I got a shower, walked through the house. I knew I was ready to meet my sweet boy (eventually 😅) I called my photographer, probably around 2 to tell her it was go time! I kept going to the dilation station 🚽 because I felt safe there for some reason. I made it to the couch, where I got stuck on my hands and knees (again lol) and before I knew it my water broke and baby boy was crowning. I kept telling myself "I can do this, I've got this". My sweet Phoenix fully emerged at 3:51 AM on 4/21/22 at 9 pounds 7½ ounces!

04/17/2023

Three more books added to the library 📚

04/16/2023

Starting a new book, just read the preface and have to say that I already recommend it!

04/13/2023

04/12/2023

If you're considering hiring a doula feel free to message me to set up your free consultation! It's never to late (or early) to build your birth team! 🌿

04/08/2023

Wishing you a happy Easter, no matter how you choose to celebrate/not celebrate ✨️ 💛

04/03/2023

How are you preparing for this upcoming season of your life? How are you preparing for pregnancy, labor, or postpartum? The work it takes to unlearn and clear your path is so worth it. You can have a positive birth story. You can be the authority. You just need to take charge and make the decisions.
✨️Call me for your free consultation (864)-508-6044

03/31/2023

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03/31/2023

Most twins do not need to be born via cesarean section. Period. You have choices and deserve explanations when those choices are resisted.
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We need to normalize photos like this and take fear out of twin birth!
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Link in bio for one of my blogs about a birth center twin birth.
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