Dignity Doula, LLC

04/12/2022

Today marks the beginning of Black Maternal Health Week. The United States has a maternal mortality crisis far worse than other developed countries—and within the U.S., Black mothers are affected at nearly three times the rate that white mothers are.

11/16/2021

Do you know how invaluable a comb can be during labor? When gripped in your hands, a comb can help hit acupuncture points in your hands. Because the nerve endings are closer on your hands they reach your brain faster which helps your body forget about the contractions. A doula is sure to have a comb in their doual bag! 🥰

11/16/2021

Thank you all so MUCH for the recent "Likes" and "Follows" - At Dignity Doula, LLC my goal is to empower and educate through use of evidence based research.

Please comment below with your Doula business pages, I will make sure to "Like" and "Follow" you as well. 🥰



https://dignitydoula.com/

09/24/2021

🤱🏾 ❤️

https://dignitydoula.com/

Gorgeous new baby still attached to the remarkable tree of life. ❤️
Repost
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09/12/2021

There are so many reasons why Doulas are beneficial. 🥰

"If a doula were a drug it would be unethical not to use it"

This statement is was made by Dr. Honnell because he understood the very necessary nature of doula support. There's a common misconception that doulas are frivolous and unnecessary, but what many don't realize is that what we bring to a birthing space cannot be imitated or replaced.

We are only one part of your labor team, but we are an essential part and can alter the way birth is experienced by parents.

For some, it's a matter of comfortability. For others, it's a matter of life and death.

If you could put a doula in a pill bottle this is what the label would say in regard to the effects!

Do you think every birthing person deserves to have a doula support them?

07/28/2021

True Artwork ❤

Wow!! Such beautiful art ❤️

Repost
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“Baby’s First Swaddle”
❤️
Found inspiration and reference from a spectacular post by for my most important birth preparation—a painting 😊. 💪

07/26/2021

Baths and Showers in Labor

One of the safest and most effective forms of pain relief in labor is immersion in deep water or a warm shower. Hydrotherapy has been used for relaxation, healing and pain relief for centuries. It is also widely used in physical therapy. It has only been used in childbirth since the 1980s. Here's what the evidence says.

✅ Soaking in a tub or lingering in the shower is known to be soothing and relaxing for most people
✅ Numerous studies have shown that when used correctly, it is safe, it reduces pain, and it frequently speeds labor. The bath is also known as the "midwife's epidural."
✅ The mother remains clear headed and able to move about normally

🤱It's important to know "when" to get into the bathtub
Too early and remain in water for a long time = little benefit, likely not to progress into active labor
🗣Try to wait until 4-5 cm, likely to experience immediate pain relief
✅ Use other comfort measures, including the shower before the bath. Save the bath (THE BEST) for last

07/20/2021

🗣🗣UPRIGHT BIRTHING!

There is overwhelming evidence to show that upright labor and birthing positions provide many physiologic benefits for the birther and baby. Birthing upright widens the pelvis, allowing it to expand and move more freely, especially in the pushing stage of labor. Despite this evidence, most women still end up giving birth while lying on their backs and even labor on their backs for most active labor.

The image depicts it best. You can see how gravity is literally assisting in the baby's descent and the pelvis has the space to open up to 20 - 30% larger. Now image this image with the birthing person lying on their back. You would need to push the baby up hill in order for the baby to be born and the pelvis is restricted by the fact that the mother is on her back.

The birthing person simply says “no thank you” if asked to lay on their back and that’s it. If the medical staff push for it, you can simply say no, and have your birth partner/support person help you move into a position of choice. Your experience matters, and you can call the shots. Your BODY - Your BIRTH - Your BABY

Image By The Little Birth Company

🖤❤️

07/18/2021

🗣🗣DELAYED CORD CLAMPING (AKA Optimal Cord Clamping)

“Cut the Cord” they said 😐😞!! Not so fast…. And here's why.
Evidence shows that Delayed Cord Clamping serves many benefits for the newborn. Here are a few:

✅Increased blood volume for the baby
✅Increased hemoglobin
✅Protects against iron deficiency
✅Baby will benefit from a higher birth weight due to the greater blood volume, giving the baby a better start
✅In preterm infants – protects against sepsis and intraventricular hemorrhage

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists now recommends a delay in umbilical cord clamping in vigorous term and preterm infants for at least ✅ 30–60 seconds after birth. However, A good rule of thumb is when the cord stops pulsating (no longer blood in cord/white (2-3mins)).

“We must be very clear. This blood is not “cord” blood, it is baby blood! When we ask mothers to give away cord blood, they are under an illusion. This blood belongs to the baby, not the umbilical cord.” ~Robin Lim

Penny Simkin describes Delayed Cord Clamping best in her video.

Latest Research on Delayed Cord Clamping by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2020/12/delayed-umbilical-cord-clamping-after-birth

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3RywNup2CM

Make sure your support person knows your desire but also include in your birth plan.

Dignitydoula.com

Penny Simkin demonstrates why the baby's umbilical cord should not be routinely clamped and cut immediately following birth

07/15/2021

Oxytocin Time!!
(ox.y.to.cin)

Cupid's arrow is dipped with it! It's called the LOVE hormone. Oxytocin levels rise when we touch another human and make eye contact. It's also the maternal hormone because large amounts of it are released during childbirth and helps with milk letdown during lactation. Here's some ways to keep the oxytocin flowing and flowing during early labor.
- Ni**le stimulation
- Kiss
- Hold hands
- Hug
- Kiss
- Play music and dance
Oxytocin causes feeling of love, love, love!!!!❤❤❤

07/14/2021

Using Your B.R.A.I.N. 🧠

During pregnancy or labor, it is possible to be faced with a decision. For instance, you don’t want to be induced but your doctor discovers you have gestational diabetes and recommends an induction.

Throughout pregnancy and birth, you should always use the acronym B.R.A.I.N. as part of the informed consent process. This method helps ensure you have all the information you need through discussion with your care team to make the best decision. B.R.A.I.N. Stands for:
Dignity Doula, LLC