Empowered Empress: Doula Services

08/14/2024

11/17/2023

Today is world Prematurity Day! 1 in 10 babies will be born before 37 weeks. According to WHO, this results in nearly a million deaths every year. But don’t underestimate them, these tiny babies are always the strongest fighters. Their resilience is incredible. How can a doula make an impact on a preterm birth? Doulas can help inform the parents about their right to be included as much as possible in child care during the stay in the NICU, i.e. diaper change, calming baby down, breastfeeding if possible, and doing as much skin-to-skin as possible, which will also help with the bonding experience.(DONA) Staying by your side when needed, supporting your family emotionally, while also providing postpartum meals, and additional services are a huge game changer. While we can’t take away the worry and pain, we always hope to ease your struggles in any way we can. Were you a preemie baby?

10/08/2023

Look what came today 🥰 love new, fresh business cards! Had to update to better reflect updated services & the new website!
Empoweredempressdoulaservices.com

10/01/2023

Happy National Midwife week!
Be sure to thank a midwife today.
I’ve had the honor of working closely with so many wonderful and amazing midwives in the last year, building relationships and supporting clients through the good and bad. The overall care, attentiveness, and support you get from these providers are unmatched.

Considering midwifery care for your next birth!? Here’s some quick facts!

•Reduced Risk of labor Induction.
•Reduced need for cesarean section.
•Lower risk of Episiotomy’s.
•Decreased risk of preterm birth and infant mortality.
•Transitional Support in the days after birth.

10/01/2023

TW// pregnancy & infant loss.

Up to 1 in 4 known pregnancies result in misscarriage. Approximately 1 in 160-200 pregnancies end in still birth. SIDS occurs in around 1 per 1000 live births.

I hear you mama. We grieve with you, we hold space for you, and we promise to bring awareness.

October 15th is officially pregnancy & infant loss Remembrance Day.

09/30/2023

How Doulas support clients who plan/get an epidural!

One of my most common questions during client inquiry’s include something like “what if I get an epidural?” What if?

Epidurals are incredible, whether you are choosing to get one from the start to enjoy labor your own way, or are incredibly exhausted and your body needs rest- there are SO many things doulas can do.

Pelvic Biomechanics:
Understanding pelvic biomechanics is important when laboring with an epidural. Mimicking all of the normal pelvic movement and rotation will help move your labor along, while you’re able to rest. Doulas use certain information from any cervical checks you may receive to choose optimal positioning, creating space in particular parts of the pelvis based on where baby is located. We utilize peanut balls, placed between different parts of your legs, to help keep pelvis open. Position changes every 30 minutes or so to keep your epidural medication even and provide optimal pelvic motion.

Pushing:
Did you know you can push in MULTIPLE positions with an epidural? The days of the standard lithotomy position are being pushed out, as data and research tells us this is not optimal. Hands and knees is a GREAT position to push in, and with support it’s possible with an epidural in most cases.
Offering a squat bar, that easily attatches to the bed, allowing you to birth in a squatting position.
Sidelying is another good alternative when an epidural has been placed!

Advocacy:
One of the most important aspects in birth work is advocating for our clients. Ensuring your needs are being met, speaking for you when you are unable or are very uncomfortable with confrontation, doulas are here for you. Maintaining a calm and peaceful birth environment is most ideal. Making sure you’re receiving true informed consent and that you are able to make active decisions regarding YOUR birth. Working alongside your medical providers with the same goals, ensuring you come out feeling safe, comfortable, and empowered after birth.

Partner Support:
Doulas should NEVER replace your partner. Instead we’re here for them too! Suggesting things they can do to help comfort you, reminding them to take a break or grab some water when needed, offering support when things don’t go as expected, and explaining the process, what is normal etc.

09/29/2023

Did you know that today is National Coffee Day 🤯!?

Living like on-call as a birthworker, caffeine has quickly become my friend!
Whether it’s a birth at 3am, over 24hrs of in person labor support, coffee is most definitely needed!

What’s your favorite coffee order 🤪?

09/28/2023

Because what else would birth workers do when we’re not at births or supporting families postpartum 🤪 Shout out to one of my favorite doulas 🤍 Couldnt manage this crazy life without you! Brenna Huffman

08/07/2023

YES!

In this video you will learn about nitrous oxide gas and how it can be used during labor for pain relief. We discuss the research evidence on nitrous oxide during labor and the main pros and cons of this approach to pain management.

07/19/2023

One year,
12 boys
10 girls
22 amazing powerful women.

Ohhhhh all the feels right now, THANK YOU! This last year has been amazing, supporting birthing clients in pregnancy, birth & postpartum is a dream. Thank you for entrusting me in supporting you physically, mentally, in such a sacred time. Lots of tears with clients, educating, advocacy & EMPOWERMENT. Thank you to my doula mentors, BEST Doula Training, and Piedmont doulas for taking me in under your wing. Most importantly, thank you to my amazing support system and family, I couldn’t do it without you.

BIG CHANGES ARE COMING SOON!
Completely rebrand
Additional services offered
And more
….stay tuned 😉.

07/02/2023

Hi 👋 I am Patricia Funk, CNM

I am so thrilled to finally be offering home birth services to women in Alamance county, NC and surrounding communities! I am currently accepting prenatal clients with EDDs of October 2023 and beyond!

Please reach out via the contact page of my website if interested: www.formedandforeknownmidwifery.com

I look forward to helping you achieve your goals for pregnancy and birth ❤️

05/22/2023

🤍 loveeeee to see it

is a 💜! Baby Noah gets 🧸