Wild Beginnings Birth

19/06/2024

🎉 Happy Juneteenth! 🎉

Today, we celebrate freedom, resilience, and the rich history of African Americans. Let's honor this day with joy, reflection, and a commitment to change.

20/04/2024

I attended three births this week. Two were on the same day 😅 And those two had the most reverent children who got to witness their mothers birth their babies in power in the comfort of their homes.

Too often children are pushed out of the birth space. And I completely understand why. Kids are loud, ask lots of questions and are generally distracting. While I didn’t push my own children out (because they were asleep) I definitely didn’t wake them to let them join either 🥴😂

But children need to see normal birth. Births where the mother roars her baby out. Births where a husband supports his wife during one of the most challenging moments of her life. Births where there are not bright lights and medical chatter while a mom is in between worlds bringing her baby earth side.

Here are some tips for having children at births:
-Have a designated person who is there to take care of them that is not the partner. A grandmother, aunt, or sibling doula
-Have activities for them to do
-Allow them the space to come and go quietly without forcing their presence

Scroll to see sweet artwork from 4 sisters who wanted to make sure their new baby sister had artwork hung up before she was born 😍

22/03/2024

Five years ago I posted every day for a week on my personal page about doulas, the benefits of them, etc. My goal was to announce my new business by the end of World Doula Week.

The end of the week came and went. I was scared. What if I couldn’t do this work? What if I didn’t get clients? What if my name was dumb? What if there were already too many doulas in the metro? What if my training wasn’t enough? What if I was making up this “calling” into birthwork?

So I didn’t announce. And wouldn’t for another month or so.

When I did, some of those fears were a reality. It took time building my name in the community and getting clients. My training really wasn’t enough. I was still scared.

But I did it scared. I prayed and prayed. I got additional trainings. I learned what it meant to run a small business.

And on this World Doula Day, I’m so glad I did. I’m so glad I trusted in the One. I’m incredibly thankful for my family and friends who support me and believe in me. I’m grateful for the families who have trusted me to join their support team.

Happy World Doula Day!

09/03/2024

I love being able to add new skills to help serve families! Thanks to Premier Birth Tools, LLC and Imani's Village for this opportunity 🩶

New Peanut Ball Ambassador. We're so thrilled to welcome Wild Beginnings Birth

08/03/2024

Ready to encapsulate your placenta and elevate your postpartum journey? 🌿✨

This deal includes placenta pills, a stunning print, a cherished cord keepsake, and a powerful tincture for just $250!

Plus, every purchase helps fund a conference I’m attending for midwifery school! 📚💼

DM to secure your spot and support this aspiring midwife!

05/02/2024

Friday February 23rd 4PM-7PM

Free Midwifery for the People

In honor of Black History Month and inspired by , free drop-in midwifery clinic .

Services offered:

Prenatal & Postpartum Visit

Well Baby Visit (newborn - 6 weeks)

Lactation Education & Counseling

Birth Plan Consult

Blood Pressure Check

Book your appointment through the Calendly Link in bio. Appointments will be prioritized, but walk-ins are welcome and may be seen if time allows.

Arhia is a Traditional Midwife and Nurse that specializes in providing trauma informed care for those birthing outside of the hospital. Motivated by Oklahoma’s maternal mortality rate, Arhia pursued midwifery as a foundational piece of liberation and birth sovereignty. She is also a trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner with experience in providing care to survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.

Brianna is a Certified Birth & Postpartum Doula, Certified Breastfeeding Specialist, and Student Midwife. She has trained with Indie Birth Association, which emphasizes autonomous and natural birthing practices, as well as Uzazi Village, which prioritizes birth assistance for black and brown families. Brianna recognized that natural-minded, freebirth & BIPOC communities needed more birthing support and seeks to improve outcomes through her work.

Happy Black History Month and here’s to protecting Black futures!

📸: Robert Galbraith, 1952. Untitled (Mother Sharing Birthing Stories)

10/01/2024

Birth is a normal event. Birth is a natural event.

We have been conditioned to believe that this is not true. We have been shown images of childbirth as scary and even dangerous. We have been uninvited to share in the support of our families and communities.

I want something different for the future. I want families who stay home to have their babies surrounded by those who love and care for them. I want birth to change from this dangerous medical event to this normal, natural event. I want more for you.

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04/01/2024

Big thanks to all who have supported me in this shift and who continue to help me grow 🩶

10/10/2023

We sat and talked for hours on caring for women, supporting each other and just honoring the work that we do. I’m so thankful for our time together and for a community of women who truly believe and lift each other up. I see exciting things on the horizon 🤩

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05/10/2023

I had closed my November books in anticipation for an out of state training that I wound up not signing up for. So I’m opening my calendar for 2 families with November due dates at $200 off! If you’ve been putting off getting a doula, now is your chance 💃🏽 Message me to book a consultation 🥳

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28/09/2023

Never in a million years did I think I would be in this line of work. Seven years ago when I was pregnant with my first, I barely even knew what a doula was. Had no clue lactation consultants were a thing. Homebirth what? Midwife who? Some of these words were foreign to me! 😂

As I began to prepare for my first birth, a small but very intriguing flame was lit. Little did I know that that tiny flame would grow to a roaring fire of passion that I could escape even if I wanted to. 🔥

Birthwork is not for the faint of heart. It takes a lot from you mentally, physically and emotionally. Your family has to learn a new way of life with you being on call 24/7 ☎️

But I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Walking with families through the wild journey of pregnancy, birth and postpartum is one of the most humbling experiences I’ve ever had. Learning how to trust women and birth then how to stand up and advocate for their choices has been a journey. I’m so honored to be able to sit with families, teach them, support them and love on them during some of the most vulnerable times of their lives. 🤰🏽

Being a birthwork isn’t for everyone. But for me, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. 🤩

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11/09/2023

I tell my clients that I’m not just the mom’s doula but I’m here for the whole family!

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08/08/2023

You can make the best, most perfect, exactly what you dreamed of birth plan and things still may not go the way you planned. A change to your birth plan is not a failure. All the research you did to make your plan can help you to make informed decisions when birth goes differently than planned. You are doing amazing!

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07/08/2023

A birth plan is essentially a list of labor, delivery, and postpartum desires for you to share with your birth team, hospital staff, etc.

But more than that, it’s a chance for you to really research and understand your choices for your birth. Intermittent monitoring vs continuous. Rupturing the membranes artificially vs letting them break naturally. Augmenting labor vs not. There are so many options for you to have the labor and delivery you desire but you may never know if you don’t make a birth plan!

Did you make a birth plan? What was the most helpful part about it?

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01/08/2023

You totally could have made it without me! But I’m so thankful to have been welcomed into your birth space 💛

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31/07/2023

Having a postpartum doula can be the difference between a stressful or relaxing postpartum!

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28/07/2023

Baby E’s dad called me one morning a few weeks ago saying Mama’s water had broken “like a scene from a movie!” She was 38 + 1 and a first time mom so a little bit of a surprise. We discussed potential actions to take and the pros and cons of all. They chose to stay home and keep going on about their day as contractions hadn’t started yet. They did temperature checks every couple of hours and monitored baby’s movement so that they could feel comfortable not going to the hospital immediately. Mom spent the day resting, doing a Miles Circuit, walking, and more resting. Contractions did not start that day so they had a family dinner that evening and went to bed. In the middle of the night mild contractions started and mom got into labor mode. We stayed in contact throughout the day with them giving updates and me giving encouragement and suggestions when asked. Around 5pm I was asked to come join them. At about 7pm mom was consistently feeling a “might need to push” type pressure so we headed to the hospital. When we got there at about 8pm she was at 3 and 80%. She was not told station but we moved forward with the assumption that baby E was still pretty high up. So we did some Spinning Babies abdominal lift & tucks through eight contractions. After that mom was very clearly in active labor moving towards transition. We were moved to her labor & delivery room where she was given a peanut ball and rocked back and forth on it for a bit. As contractions became more intense she moved to a hands and knees position in the bed. After working through contractions in this position for a bit she we ready to start pushing! Mom decided to flip around and push in a seat with legs pulled back. Baby was born shortly after midnight!

Baby E had some unrelated health complications that were not known until birth so has been in the nicu since he came earthside. He has handled everything amazingly well and is surprising his doctors with his recovery every step of the way. Please keep him and his parents who have handled all the ups & downs these last few weeks with such grace in your prayers as they await the all clear to take Baby E home 💛

*story shared with permission*

27/07/2023

You read that right. I don’t empower families. Because to empower them means that I have power to give and I just simply don’t. Families are more than capable of empowering themselves. I support families. I provide resources for families. I educate families. I laugh with families. I cry with families. I love on families. But I don’t hold the power in this relationship, they do!

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26/07/2023

Hyperemesis Gravidarum, or HG, is defined as persistent severe vomiting leading to weight loss and dehydration, as a condition occurring during pregnancy.

But what does that mean exactly? Doesn’t everyone get a little morning sickness?

Sure. Maybe. But HG is nothing like morning sickness. Those with HG sometimes wish they could have “just” morning sickness.

Hyperemesis Gravidarum can lead to malnutrition and dehydration. The typical remedies and medications used to treat morning sickness usually don’t provide much, if any, relief for those with HG. It is debilitating. On top of the physical wear on the body, it can also lead to feelings of depression and anxiety. When you know you’re supposed to eat and drink but also know that no matter what you try it’s just going to come back up you can start to avoid eating and drinking. Which also makes the symptoms worse. You start to feel like it’s never going to end. You wonder if this thing you can’t control is going to permanently harm you or your baby. You can often feel alone knowing that those pregnant around you are not having these same issues.

If you’ve had or have HG, just know that you are not alone. While there’s no known cure, it is commonly believed that things like IV therapy, anti nausea meds and eating small but frequent meals/snacks can be helpful in managing the symptoms.

Did you suffer from HG in your pregnancy? Did you find anything that helped you survive?

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25/07/2023

Hire your lactation consultant prenatally!

Why?

-I can take a history and identify any indicators that may impact your breastfeeding journey
-I can fill in any educational gaps on lactation and answer questions about what to expect
-I can size you for flanges and provide suggestions on what pump or accessories may be helpful for your situation
-We can build a rapport!
-You have priority scheduling if we’ve already established your care!

Let me know when you’re ready 😌

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24/07/2023

I’m always thankful for a social media reset. I’ll be honest in that I did not fully step away as I intended to. But my time away was definitely needed.
I’ve got a busy end of the year coming up and I am so excited to keep serving the families who choose me as their doula and lactation consultant. It’s never too early to hire a doula so reach out soon before my calendar books up!

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09/07/2023

Ohh the power of social media. I know the importance of staying present and consistent on my business account for growth. And at the same time I know the importance of staying present and consistent in real life for my family and those around me. I’ll always choose the latter. I won’t be gone long but making it a point to take a couple weeks break right now to enjoy the summer and reset for new content to come. See you guys back on 7/24! Until then you can always text, call and email 💛

06/07/2023

You’ve heard it before. Don’t bedshare! It’s not safe! You’re putting your baby at risk! Or my personal favorite I was told when I was in the hospital due a health issue with one of my babies, “Have you ever seen a blue baby? Because I have. And if you keep doing that, you will too.”

I’m not saying to bedshare. I’m not saying there are no risks to bedsharing.
But what we’re not talking about is how to do this safely. The reality is that we’ve got moms falling asleep in recliners with babies being held in unsafe positions. We’re not talking about the moms who are up every 45 minutes with their babies who bedshare because it’s the only way to get a few minutes of sleep at night. We’re not talking about how people are going to bedshare whether we think it’s wrong or right so they need info on how to do that safely to minimize risk.

I’ll be sharing in my stories later some ways to make bedsharing safer for those who choose to do it.

Share below-were you shamed about bedsharing? What did you do to make sure you were bedsharing safely?

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05/07/2023

“Rest, in its simplest form, becomes an act of resistance and a reclaiming of power because it asserts our most basic humanity.” -Tricia Hersey

We are not made to go, go, go nonstop. To always be productive and meet some societal standard that should have never been created.

We need rest. And you don’t have to feel bad about it.

You have permission to rest today and any other day you see fit.

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04/07/2023

How many times have you been asked, “Is there anything I can do for you?” and even though you may be drowning, you just say no. Maybe you really need help with your child/ren but don’t want to feel like a burden. Maybe you could really use a meal that day but are too proud to ask. Or maybe you need a little help around the house but are too embarrassed to request it.

This is your permission today to ask for help! Last week, I had a neighbor friend pick up my Target order. I was SO thankful because I had some things I really needed but there was no way I could leave the house with how I was feeling. I also had my dad come over and help with the kids a bit because I was just so out of it some days. And I had my sister drop off some silver to try to fight what I was dealing with. They were all little things that really meant so much to me. And next time I get sick I’m definitely going to ask for some help with food because my wild animals are always starving haha!

What do you have the hardest time asking for help with?

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03/07/2023

Last week I spent most of the week trying to survive motherhood while sick. It sucked. My kids suffered. Definitely don’t want to repeat that anytime soon.

But almost just as much as trying to cope with the sickness, I was trying to cope with the internal thoughts of failure. Yes I have a fever, my body aches so bad I can hardly stand, etc etc, but my poor kids have this terrible mother who’s letting them watch tv all day, days in a row while there’s this gorgeous weather outside. My house is disgusting and getting dirtier and dirtier as the moments pass. We’re all eating mostly prepackaged stuff because besides it being gross for a sick person to cook for everyone, I literally couldn’t.

I know I’m not the only who has these feelings. The feeling of needing to do or be better.

So this week I am once again giving permission that I don’t actually have to give for caretakers to take care of themselves. Guilt free. Each day I’ll cover something that hits home in my life but if you have something you think is important, let me know and I’ll try to touch on it.

For today: You have permission to take care of yourself and your family in the most bare minimum of ways by keeping people fed and alive when you’re sick. Everything else can wait and you don’t have to feel guilty about it.

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26/06/2023

It was storming the other day and a loud thunderclap happened. My child who’s usually a little nervous about storms looked at me and shrugged their shoulders saying it was just (insert the science about how thunder happens). I was surprised because they had heard that months ago at a demo at the science museum where they were also a little scared lol.

It reminded me of how knowledge is power though. Once they knew how thunder happened, it was no longer scary.

The same premise can apply to birth too. If you’re scared of using Pitocin, do you know why and when it’s used? Or alternatives to using it? If you’re scared of epidurals, do you know natural coping techniques? If you’re scared of X, have you researched it?

If not, please do so! Equip yourself with the knowledge you need to feel confident in your decisions!

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23/06/2023

Luna is 6 months old today! I had every intention of sharing her birth story. I made the graphic then went to write the post. Wound up spending an hour recounting events and going into great detail about everything that happened.

Then I got to the end and realized that I didn’t want to share it. Nothing bad happened. It wasn’t traumatic. Besides some wonky first stage labor contractions it went pretty textbook like and clearly resulted in a beautiful baby. I felt supported and loved.

But I realized that I don’t have to share intimate details about my births for them to still be great births. And neither do you. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to share every little detail about your birth to the public. And there’s also absolutely nothing wrong with not wanting to share about it at all. Both are valid.

So this is the permission post that you don’t actually need to share or not share anything about your birth that you’d like. I’ll read/watch/listen if you do. And I’ll also respect your privacy if you don’t.

Happy Friday y’all!

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22/06/2023

I’ve had lots of December inquiries this week.

Unfortunately, I am not taking clients with due dates 12/8-1/8.

It will be my last baby’s 1st birthday that month, Christmas, and we’ll be going out of town on a ✨vacation✨

This does not impact current clients at all.

While I may not be able to serve families during this time, I’ve compiled a list of birthworkers who are. I can’t guarantee they’ll still have availability but if you are looking for someone, please reach out and I’ll share what I know!

And for all you other birthworkers-don’t forget to prioritize yourself and your families too 💃🏽

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