Ask the Doula

As a doula, we see many things in our line of work.  We see people at their most vulnerable, and at the same time at their strongest.  We see the inside of lives and bodies.  We see a rainbow of moods and emotions.  We see the balance between life and death.  The transformation of persons into parents and grandparents.  But there are other things we see. We see the everyday beauty of the moment.  The full moon on the way to the hospital.  The close conversations between the birth giver and partner.  And we also see the art in the birthing space. Pictures of nature.  Flowers opening up into bloom.  Tender moments of motherhood.  Cute photos of babies.  All decorate the halls of the maternity wards and designer birth spaces at birth centers.  Little details to provide subtle encouragement for laboring women to open up and embrace labor and motherhood.  As the laboring mother holds tightly to the hallway ra...

Rest, Education, and Rejuvenation The season of summer is only half over, but the school bus is driving though our neighborhood to take kids to their new classrooms and teachers.  It has been a good summer for our family.  Taking a much needed break to spend time with family is important to maintain a healthy balance. Childbirth Education While not active with clients, my time has been focused on finishing education,  I successfully completed my childbirth education certification from Birth Arts International.  I am proud of all the effort I placed into my education and look forward to sharing it with my clients. Group B Strep training MicroBiome Courses   offers comprehensive training regarding various topics involving the microbiome.  I have learned much about the risks and treatments of Group B Strep infections and now feel confident in sharing this information with my clients. Streamlining To better serve my clients and offer additional ben...

1 in 8 One in eight couples have made plans for a family. One in eight couples hope during a year of trying to start their family.   And yet, they still wait.   1 in 8 Infertility is a real and common occurrence affecting 1 in 8 couples.  An yet we don't here about it, because those experiencing these struggles often feel isolated in their experiences. The film One More Shot: A Film about Making Modern Families explores many of the different challenges, emotions, and approaches that are taken on the journey through infertility.    For those whom are going through this journey, this film offers a source of solidarity for those experiencing similar yet unique challenges.   Even for those who aren’t the 1 in 8, the film grants a perspective that will hopefully make you more compassionate to those struggling. 1 in 4 For those who do experience pregnancy, studies reveal that anywhere from 10-25% of all clinically recognize...

Happy August Everyone! It has been an action packed summer in our household.   I took a break from doula services to spend time with my family.   This year I had Momma Camp for my older two kids, resulting in various adventures every week.  One even included seeing a different type of birth at Fair Oaks Farms.  School is starting again next week, and Gracious Hands Doula Services is now taking clients for fall and winter. Here are a few upcoming events you should know! Understanding Birth Class August 18, 2018 This class is a great starting point for expectant parents learning about all the various aspects and options of birth.   The birthing process and methods used to encourage the natural progress of labor will be discussed.   Birth interventions, comfort measures, and labor support are also discussed. Class enrollment is open until August 15th.   Register here . Natural Comfort Measures Class September 15, 2018 ...