"If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it."John Kennel Doula (pronounced doo-lah) is a Greek word meaning "women's servant." A labor or birth doula is a formally or informally trained support individual who provides a range of support to those who are pregnant, birthing, and postpartum and focuses onContinue reading "Why Hire A Doula?"
A Birth Plan Isn’t What You Think It Is
Hard truth time: a "Birth Plan" isn't really a birth plan. Many people have already suspected as such, which is why it's often reframed as "Birth Preferences" or "Birth Wishes," yet remains in mostly the same format: a description of the ideal birth outcome, and procedures that won't be accepted. Your true birth plan involvesContinue reading "A Birth Plan Isn’t What You Think It Is"
Sacred Severance: “Birthday Candle” Cord Burning Ceremony
I made a few different choices for my second birth, one of which was eschewing the cord-cutting tradition. Instead of clamping and cutting J’s umbilical cord we held a sacred severance ceremony, an ancient ritual that involves using flame to slowly burn the cord. It was a beautiful and peaceful few minutes dedicated to J’sContinue reading "Sacred Severance: “Birthday Candle” Cord Burning Ceremony"
Questions To Ask Your Care Provider in Pregnancy
From before conception to after your baby is born, there will be a multitude of things you're not so clear about. Naturally you'll want to turn to your care provider for insights on any issues that arise, or to elaborate upon what you've learned elsewhere. When a policy is announced or enforced, a test orContinue reading "Questions To Ask Your Care Provider in Pregnancy"
All About Postpartum Doulas
A PLANNED versus RANDOM recovery can make a world of difference. Just as we would follow a care plan after a dental procedure or sprained ankle, we should follow a recovery protocol after birth to re-balance nine months’ worth of physical, emotional, and hormonal transformations. Postpartum assistance is most often needed in the duration ofContinue reading "All About Postpartum Doulas"
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