Labor Like a Boss

01/23/2022

02/08/2018

Way to go Heidi Pratt! This is stunningly beautiful!

The reality star posed for a glamorous photo shoot with her infant son, Gunner, and shared her appreciation for the "powerful experience" of becoming a mother.

11/23/2017

The Cochrane Collaboration updated their doula research review this year. They added four, only FOUR new studies – and none of them advanced our research conclusions in any significant way. Birth d…

10/13/2017

Women with a doula are less likely to have a preterm birth, cesarean, better overall care and could reduce cost!

Doulas provide emotional support for a woman through pregnancy and childbirth. A study finds that women with doulas are less likely to have cesarean or preterm births.

10/03/2017

Do I need a doula? If you are wanting a healthier and happier birth the answer may be yes.

09/19/2017

Let us raise our glasses to the tireless, dedicated mothers who now support new mothers in learning the art of breastfeeding.

09/08/2017

Like seriously, how sincerely precious is this!! Credit to the adorable babies of Kaley Munday ‼️💗🌟 This is magical perfection of nature!

09/07/2017

Don't do drugs, or do them.
BUT HIRE A DOULA.

08/30/2017

08/27/2017

This is appalling! I am disgusted to read these words. Every woman should be able to birth in the way she wishes to birth, even if that is a cesarean. It is still BIRTH. And though I believe, as a society, we tend to take advantage of modern medical technology, we have come very far and medical intervention CAN BE lifesavers. Here's to being human and empathizing with all women on their birth decisions!

My mom sometimes refers to the day I was born as the best day of her life. She says the same thing to all of my sisters, though — and we know better than to think that a long painful labor was actually enjoyable. Still, the taxing process of carrying a baby and giving birth...

08/26/2017

Kelly Lynn McCollister, DONA Trained Doula
The Leading Woman behind Labor Like a Boss

Kelly earned her Bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Marketing and Biology from DeSales University in 2008. After college, she spent some time in the pharmaceutical field, only to realize fairly quickly that it was not the career path for her. That may have been the start of her shift from Western Medicine to Holistic Health.

From there, Kelly began substitute teaching at a local elementary school for many years, as well as being a fitness instructor. There is something to be said about the gratitude felt from being around people and helping others achieve their goals.

Kelly’s most prominent career is as a mother. She has 4 children; 2 that she carried and birthed, but all 4 that she accepts as her own. She is married and resides in Southampton, New Jersey.

Some of Kelly’s hobbies and interests include dancing, running, the shore, traveling around the world, creating her own recipes, volunteering her time in the community, and blissfully enjoying her life with her husband, children and family, who all reside close by.

Kelly’s path to becoming a doula was inspired after having her own doula for the homebirth of both of her daughters. Her experience with her doula left a lasting impression on her and her births. She felt extremely empowered by all of the knowledge and coaching she received. She realized that she wanted to be for other women what her doula was for her; Someone to acknowledge women on their options and their birth rights, empower them, provide comfort measures, and empathize with them through what should be the most beautiful experience in their life.

Kelly began reading and educating herself, as well as networking with local birth workers in her area. In November of 2016 she completed her DONA International Doula Training. She has also taken several childbirth related courses, including Childbirth Education Classes and the Spinning Babies Workshop with Gail Tully.

Kelly in a sincere, easy to talk to, and compassionate friend to every stranger she meets. Her previous roles and personal background have impacted all that she applies to her birth work. She values her creativity, optimism, self-respect and meaningful work.

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"I believe that every woman should be given the knowledge and resources she needs going into childbirth. And that every woman deserves to birth where she wants to, in the way she truly wishes to, whether that be at home, in a hospital or birthing center, with or without interventions. I support all woman and their decisions, in their childbirth journey."

It’s your Birth. Own it.

xxoo, Kelly

08/25/2017

A doula is a positive added resource to your pregnancy and your birth. She is NOT a doctor or has no medical ties to your birth. She is there to support the Mother and family, physically and emotionally, in whatever birth they desire to have.

Do you really need a doula? Learn the reasons why a doula may be an essential member to have on your birth team.

08/21/2017

BABYS KNOW SQUAT!

It's a born instinct position, so where did it go?

Young children squat instinctively as a continuous movement from standing up whenever they want to lower themselves to ground level. One and two-year-olds can commonly be seen playing in a stable squatting position, with feet wide apart and bottom not quite touching the floor.

Squatting doesn’t come naturally to women in Western cultures but it is a very powerful position to use when pushing. It's a good idea to practice squatting during your pregnancy. Make sure you build up slowly, to avoid injuring yourself as well as getting your muscles familiar with the position. It’s not easy to balance when you have a bump out the front, so using a wall or holding onto a doorknob can provide you with the support you need. Squatting opens the pelvis and increases the space for baby, while allowing gravity to help baby move down without much effort.

08/19/2017

There is a MYTH out there that doulas only support unmedicated birth. WRONG. Doulas support all types of birth and mothers planning to use an epidural for pain management ABSOLUTELY CAN BENEFIT from the services of a doula. Here are 6 ways that doulas can provide support to moms using an epidural. A doula supports her clients even before labor begins, with birth planning. She often meets a client at home in early labor and helps her decide when to leave for the hospital. MYTH DISPROVEN!

08/16/2017

A doula a positive, yet NON-medical additive to your birth team. Read more to clarify the differences between a doula and a midwife.

08/16/2017

What is a doula?

A doula (/ˈduːlə/), also known as a birth companion or post-birth supporter,[1] is a nonmedical person who assists a person before, during, or after childbirth, as well as their spouse and family, by providing physical assistance and emotional support.[2] The provision of continuous support during l...