Childbirth Courses

I have been asked this question many times before- "Which childbirth course would you recommend my partner and I take?" My response to this question  is this: They are all fantastic! I don't  believe that there is any one course that works better than others. Childbirth is a very  instinctual and  natural process. You do what you need to in order to bring your child into this world. In most everything in life, you are given tools in order to succeed. There is no exception when it comes to birth. Each and every class taught gives you valuable information in order to achieve the birth you are desiring. I have taken many childbirth courses over the years to prepare  for my own births as well as taking courses in my training to become a doula. As I enter into the birthing suite with a couple, I bring along each and every technique I have learned in my training's. Just as birth is instinctual for the mom, it is just as instinctual for me as their doula. I do what I feel would help at that moment, whether that be using the  HypnoBirthing, HypnoBabies, Brio birth, Bradley method, Lamaze etc.

I have a fellow doula friend who is also a childbirth instructor. She offers a fantastic course in childbirth that encompasses just about every method of childbirth out there  into one six week series. It is truly amazing. As I stated before, I believe that each and every course teaches valuable information which can help tremendously in achieving the birth one is desiring. The best part? She is offering this class FREE of charge. She has an available opening for one more couple. The series begins tomorrow ( Tuesday, December 4th) in Cedar Hills, Utah. If you are interested, click here for more information on how to get started and learn how to "Birth Like a Rockstar!"  And, if I can be of any help to you, contact me. I would love to chat with you.

Best of luck to you as you embark on your journey of finding a childbirth course that best suits you.

Am I doing this right?

"Am I doing this right?"  Was the question my last momma asked as she was laboring to bring her first child into this world. I think there are so many wonderful childbirth classes out there that teach fantastic concepts. However, at times as a woman is laboring, she will do what feels right to her at the time. And what feels right to her may go against everything that was taught to her in her childbirth classes. That is OK. It is right for her. What works for one woman, doesn't for another and visa versa. Birth is very instinctual. You do what feels right to you. There is no right or wrong way to birth a baby. As long as you are fearless, confident, loved and supported, you will successfully birth your baby. And it will be a miraculous birth-day.

Doula's

This is the quote I thought of last night as I was called away to help a laboring mom. It was 2:45 am. She needed more than a doula. She needed a mother figure, a friend, a companion, a shoulder to cry on and a listening ear. You see, her husband was out of town on business. He wasn't due to arrive for another 12 hours and baby was well on her way-  it was clear that dad was not going to make it in time for his daughters birth. Her mother was at home caring for her 15 month old baby. Together we cried, laughed, chatted about life and children and quoted movie lines. This is why I love what I do. I love being able to serve women as they are doing one of the most important things they can do- give birth to new life. I am in total awe of this woman. She was strong- amazingly strong. I was honored to be able to be there for her when she needed it most.  Each one of my "momma's" empower me each and every time I go to visit with them and especially as they are giving birth. I love being a doula! 

Placenta Encapsulation

When you first think of Placenta encapsulation one may feel a bit grossed out, or perhaps have the question, what benefits does it really have? I am here to tell you, encapsulating your placenta after birth has remarkable benefits. To name a few, it helps with controlling one's postpartum bleeding as well as helping the  uterus contract down to a pre-pregnancy size,  stimulates milk production and levels out hormones, giving you energy when you need it most! Now, I am not sure about you, but, if I was given the chance to experience all of my births again, placenta encapsulation would be top on my list! And there is better news! Usually, whomever is encapsulating your placenta will typically come to your home and bring everything they need to complete the process with them. It  takes just hours and the benefits are remarkable. If you are wanting more information on Placenta Encapsulation, email me. I have a few contacts I would recommend to you.  I urge you to read more about it and discover for yourself whether or not placenta encapsulation is right for you.

Creating Families

This powerful quote hit home for me.

“The birth of a baby is the birth of family. Myriad births take place at once: Women become mothers, husbands become fathers, daughters become sisters, and sons become brothers. One birth ripples through generations, creating subtle shifts and rearrangements in the family web.” –Gayle Peterson

As I think about my role as a doula,  I am honored and completely humbled to be able to take part in such a sacred, intimate, memorable time in a couples life. To each and every one of my "momma's" I say, thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you, for allowing me to serve you. I am in awe of every single one of you.

Dad's and Doula's

This subject has been on my mind lately. I love it when Dad's are incredibly involved in their partner's birth! Whether he is a seasoned father or becoming a father for the first time, there is nothing like the excitement in his eyes as his partner is laboring. I like to think of myself and Dad's as a team, working together,  encouraging, supporting and  loving their laboring partner as she brings new  life into this world.

On another note, a Doula sometimes are there for the fathers needs as well. I have known some expectant fathers not know exactly how to comfort his laboring partner and he looks to me for guidance. Fathers are going through their own personal journey to fatherhood and often times a Doula's constant support and knoweldge is just what he needs to feel secure and at peace. Here is a great article in regards to Dad's and Doula's and how we compliment each other during childbirth.

Whatever pathway you are on as you venture into parenthood, I wish you nothing but joy, excitement, health and peace.

Breastfeeding Funny!

 This  is a must read for both new moms and seasoned moms alike! I got a good laugh out of it! Nothing like a good old fashion laugh to help ease the stresses of life, right? Enjoy!

Strength

Birth never ceases to amaze me. Just his past Thursday evening I had the privilage of supporting an amazing woman during her labor and delivery.  When I am with a woman as  she labors to bring a precious soul into this world  is like having one one foot here on earth and one foot in heaven. The room is filled with so much love, joy, peace, and excitement. I cannot think of a better place to be than supporting, guiding and pampering a women as she labors.  The strength that a woman has is simply remarkable and I am in  total awe of the entire birth process. I am blessed to be apart of this work. Thank you, to all those whom I have had the pleasure to work with. You all are invaluable to me. I am a better person for knowing you and being with you helping you create a memorable birth-day!

Casey and Baby J

December 15th 2011 was a special day for Casey and her husband. Casey came into the Birth Center around 5:00 pm not contracting much, but was ready to get the show on the road. You see, the following day was her husbands birthday. How cool would it be to have a father and son share a birthday? Casey was determined to make it happen.

Casey arrived at the Birth Center at 5:00 for an "induction". What is different from an induction at a Birth Center verses a Hospital is night and day. At the birth center, you are given homeopathic's and we rub different oils clockwise on mom's belly to stimulate contractions, then send her for a nice long walk for at least an hour. Much different than in a hospital where you are given an IV and pitocin to start contractions. With Casey, we did just that-  homeopathic's, oils and a nice (long) walk. After about 3 hours of walking, oil, and homeopathic's, Heather, Casey's amazing midwife, suggested if her bag of water was ruptured, it would speed up the process. Casey was game! Around 10:00, Heather broke her bag of water. Nice and clear, just the way it should be. Things picked up rather quickly and we thought perhaps baby J would arrive the day before his dad's birthday. 12:00 came and went and Casey was doing a fantastic job, focusing on staying calm, hydrated and positive during each contraction. It never ceases to amaze me the power and strength a woman has when they set their minds to great heights. Casey was no exception. It was at this time Casey decided she would like to labor in the birthing tub. Water is so soothing in all aspects of life, especially during labor.  It is exactly what Casey needed to give her body a rest. Around 12:30 am, Casey was almost fully dilated and almost ready to push but it wasn't until Heather suggested she get out of the tub and sit on a birth stool that Casey felt the urge to push. She did an amazing job pushing! In fact, it wasn't until our  postpartum visit when she told me she  didn't think she was pushing effectively, but she was! At 1:30 am on Friday, December 16th,  her beautiful baby boy arrived into this world, on his fathers birthday. The peace, love and joy in that room at that moment is  indescribable. It was so peaceful and beautiful. Casey looked amazing and her son was perfect. I am honored to have been able to support Casey and her husband through this amazing journey. Thank you for allowing me to take part of baby J's birthday. You all will never be forgotten.

A New Year

Happy New Year! As I reflect on this past year, I am humbled and completely amazed at the strength of women. Birth never ceases to amaze me. I am so grateful and blessed to be apart of this amazing work. Along those same  lines, I am  completely amazed at the amount of care and compassion that a father gives his laboring companion. A team working together, side by side to bring forth a special spirit. I am honored to be apart of this incredible work. May this coming year bring you joy, happiness and endless amounts of love!