Doula supported cesarean birth was rare before the pandemic, extremely rare now, and almost unheard of in Northern Michigan. Often, huge amounts of resistance by policy, staff and care providers lead to being separated from clients until recovery. This was not the case for this family, or birth setting. Read more with me about a family-centered cesarean birth!
Each client that has welcomed me into their circle of support has been so unique. Learning about them, their past, and their lives allows me to support them physically, emotionally, and spiritually (when desired). I often wonder if they realize that they do the same, for me.
One of my most cherished pieces of advice that I pass along to new families came to me from the wisdom of my Sister and her Mothering instincts. With bodies comprised of about 60% water (as adults), it makes sense to trust and utilize this essential element during pregnancy, birth, and life.
When a seasoned Nurse spoke these words to me at the birth of a first time Mother it confirmed a variety of misconceptions & sad truths about the culture of birth experienced in the lives of families in the U.S. today.
There are few things that intrude upon my mind like the misinformation given to pregnant people that does nothing more than undermine their confidence to birth their baby. Several times now I’ve been left scratching my head after visits with clients and hearing updates about… Read More »Narrow Vagina or Narrow Minded?
The open-ended nature of working with folks that have a wide range of backgrounds and pregnancy in-common often leads to curious adventure, and sometimes tight-chested moments. Gratitude is always the outcome.
Before you burn me at the stake, please, let me explain. OFCOURSE I can’t resist the sweet coos and baby cheeks of a newborn. Love the babies. All of them. But for this Doula, it’s about the Mothers, the Parents, the entire Family. Healthy and… Read More »For Me, It’s Not About the Babies
While it may seem that jump-starting labor is as simple as revving an engine, the truth is that it carries increased risks for both Mum and baby…including racing towards a cesarean. More often than not, families are given non-evidence-based reasons that are laced with convenience… Read More »5 Reasons to Avoid Labor Induction
The families of Northern Michigan deserve quality, ethical, and honest care from all providers that serve them during reproductive years. Ensuring that be the case is a responsibility I take very seriously. It wasn’t until after I had earned my very own set of letters… Read More »Transparency & Stewardship
I used to believe that dreams, by definition, were unobtainable. It seemed foolish to have lofty goals with no clear path. Learning that inspiration is forged under flame and intensity is a lesson I hold close and share with my families. I was in my… Read More »When a dream is born