Rolanda_thedoula

14/01/2024

Exciting news, friends!

Our first workshop of the year is on February 24th, diving into the art of preparing for labor and birth.

Limited spots are available, so secure your spot soon. It's an investment in your birth journey, and we can't wait to share this empowering experience with you

08/01/2024

A partners role in birth is so important to the mom having a positive birth experience.

With my first birth, my husband knew exactly what my plan was and he was prepared to support me in the ways I needed. Although my birth did not go as I planned he still tried to support me as best as he could. I remember him telling me after I gave birth that there were times he had no idea what to do because I wasn’t speaking for 4 hours and he didn’t know how to support me and honestly, in that moment I actually didn’t know how to tell him what I needed.

This time around he was doing everything I needed him to before I even asked ( except the one time he tried to stop counter pressure and I quickly shouted him). If you ask him he would tell you he could support me in the ways I needed because he had our doula there supporting both of us. He knew when to do what and also exactly how to do it. Although my last birth was more traumatic for him than the first, he felt like he played an instrumental role in this birth.

One thing we both agree on is that a doula makes all the difference. I am truly grateful for my husbands unwavering support in pregnancy, labour, birth, post partum and parenthood.
📸

18/10/2023

We're back.

I cannot wait to see you at the next workshop where I will be preparing mom's and partners for their birth and labour 🌻

15/10/2023

The 15th October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.
On this day may we create space for parents and families to pay tribute to the lives of the precious babies they have lost.

15/10/2023

18/09/2023

As a Doula I was asked why I hired a Doula because I am a trained Doula, that even towards the end I was doubting whether I'd find value in hiring someone because I know what to do.

I didn't have a Doula with my first birth and I value my work as a Doula even more now, because I actually know first hand how you can positively impact someone's birthing experience and how they view themselves as a mother because of the support you provide.

I met Lisa when I was training to be a Doula, I attended her ante natal classes and I decided that if I had more kids she would be the Doula.

On the day, my Doula was present and yet not intrusive. She was calm, gentle, quiet when need be and so helpful oh my word. She showed Angelo how to support me, encouraged us both, and supported me the entire time. She made sure I stuck to my birth plan in a non forceful way and laughed at my very loud, honest and rude comments that I made when everything got intense.

Even after birth she supported me with my breastfeeding and I appreciate that, because my breastfeeding journey has been so much better and more positive this time around thanks to her support.

Honestly I view my birth as an amazing and positive experience that I would dare I say, do again. Having that support and guidance is just invaluable and I wish I could put into words how I think we all need that kind of support when it comes to birth. My husband, my Doula and my doctor all supported my choices and plan which lead to me having the best birthing experience ever & this will be my favourite story to tell for years to come.

17/09/2023

Stretching is important to RELAX the pelvic floor, increase hip mobility and create space for baby to move through birth canal.

These are a few stretches I did to prepare for my labour. Everyone's body is different, so do what works for you and with the guidance of your Dr or care provider. Remember to be intentional about practicing your breathing while doing these exercises.

Good luck🌻

09/08/2023

I am women hear me ROAR
(or groan, scream, hum or even moan)

We as women are strong, courageous, ambitious, caring, pioneers, tenacious and made to do and achieve anything. If our bodies were made to carry and nurture tiny humans, just imagine what our minds can do.

Know that no matter how you decide to birth your baby, you are phenomenal.

Thank you for the most beautiful pictures. What you do and how you manage to capture these moments are just absolutely amazing.

29/06/2023

You are loved little one.

I am officially taking some time off to prepare physically and mentally for the birth of this baby and life as a mom of two.

Sending light and prayers to all you preggy mamas for a easy and safe birth and I want to encourage you take time prepare for your own labour and birth 🌻

Thank you for the most beautiful pictures

31/05/2023

A birth partner is the most important person to a mom in labour

When a woman is properly supported, she feels safe and confident in her ability to birth her baby. A mom needs someone to encourage her and advocate for her.

Partners, don't underestimate the importance of your role.

I cover the role of the birth partner in my birth companion workshop which will be taking place next weekend

These are a few pictures I took from the last birth I attended as their Doula. Mom and dad did amazing and I'm so proud of both them🌻

01/05/2023

Moms with newborns need to be supported and cared for just as much, if not more now than when they were pregnant.

Post partum looks different for everyone, but one thing that remains the same; mom needs to be cared for as much as the baby does.

Give mom space for her to tell you how she needs support and make her feel loved and cared for, without taking her baby from her and telling her to sleep or how and what she needs to be doing.

18/04/2023

Hi friends 🌻

The date for the final workshop for 2023 is out.

I'm excited to meet you guys and prepare you for your labour and birth.

Limited spots are available and it's first come first serve so don't hesitate to contact me if have any questions about the workshop.

26/03/2023

Happy Doula Week🌻

As this week is almost coming to an end, I thought I'd share what I would like you know about me as a Doula;

I am passionate about moms being educated, feeling confident and empowered. I want women to have a positive birth experience and feel confident in their body and its ability to birth their babies.

What you plan for your birth is up to you, I just want to support you as best I can and prepare you and your partner for the birth you desire. Having a positive birth experience is possible, but I don't guarantee the perfect birth.

I do interviews with all potential clients obligation free and at no cost, to help parents decide if we would make a good birth team. Dr's and Midwives form part of this team and we all work together to ensure the mom feels safe supported and confident.

11/01/2023

Birth does not need to be feared.

As young women we are surrounded by negative comments and feelings towards birth due to previous birth trauma or a negative experience. We then tend to give advice to other expecting women that stems from a place of fear. Unintentionally at times we tell women that what they desire for their birth is unattainable and all this is said out of fear and not healing from our own traumatic birth. We show zero confidence in their bodies and their ability to birth their babies in the way they desire.

As a doula, I teach my clients to acknowledge the fear they have and to release it. Birth does not have to be feared, especially when you have the right tools to guide you.

Here are a few ways to reduce fear surrounding birth:

°Talk about your fears and how you are feeling and ask questions. You can do so with your doctor, your partner, supportive family members and your doula. Be careful who you seek advice from and try and hearing from people with positive birth experiences.

°Education reduces fear, so try and attend birth classes or workshops where you can learn more about the process of birth and what to expect. When you have knowledge on what may happen you reduce the fear of the unknown.

°Plan for A B and C. Most times birth does not go exactly how you had planned it(not necessarily in a negative way), but when you have more than one plan, whatever happens you can cope with the unexpected changes to your plan.

°Pick the team that is right for you. If your Dr doesn't support your decision or your doula isn't the right fit, get a second opinion and choose someone who will support you in a safe way. When the people caring for you makes you feel safe and empowered, you are able to make the decisions that best suits your needs and your babies needs and you can have a positive birth experience.

Do you have any fears about your up birth or trauma surrounding your previous birth? Leave a comment or message me on whatsapp in the link in my bio and we can talk about it.
🌻

11/01/2023

Birth does not need to be feared.

As young women we are surrounded by negative comments and feelings towards birth due to previous birth trauma or a negative experience. We then tend to give advice to other expecting women that stems from a place of fear. Unintentionally at times we tell women that what they desire for their birth is unattainable and all this is said out of fear and not healing from our own traumatic birth. We show zero confidence in their bodies and their ability to birth their babies in the way they desire.

As a doula, I teach my clients to acknowledge the fear they have and to release it. Birth does not have to be feared, especially when you have the right tools to guide you.

Here are a few ways to reduce fear surrounding birth:

°Talk about your fears and how you are feeling and ask questions. You can do so with your doctor/midwife, your partner, supportive family members and your doula. Be careful who you seek advice from and try hearing from people with positive birth experiences.

°Education reduces fear, so try and attend birth classes or workshops where you can learn more about the process of birth and what to expect. When you have knowledge on what may happen you reduce the fear of the unknown.

°Plan for A B and C. Most times birth does not go exactly how you had planned it(not necessarily in a negative way), but when you have more than one plan, whatever happens you can cope with the unexpected changes to your plan.

°Pick the team that is right for you. If your Dr doesn't support your decision or your doula isn't the right fit, get a second opinion and choose someone who will support you in a safe way. When the people caring for you makes you feel safe and empowered, you are able to make the decisions that best suits your needs and your babies needs and you can have a positive birth experience.

Do you have any fears about your upcoming birth or trauma surrounding your previous birth? Leave a comment or message me on whatsapp in the link in my bio and we can talk about it.
🌻