Recommended Resources for Giving Birth in America

I am a birth advocate. What does that mean to me? It means that not only am I pro-life, I am pro-birthing experience. I believe that women have the right to birth in the way they desire. I also believe that many women do not know that there are choices in childbirth and for that very reason, end up with a birth experience that they did not expect.
A midwife recently sent me to this documentary and I am so glad she did. I want to share this with you and hope that this makes you more of a birth advocate.
Watch the video (available instantly on Netflix). This trailer will give you a glimpse.
-Also, watch The Business of Being Born. These two go hand in hand.

Support BABIES with me!

Every day, thousands of babies are born too soon, too small and often very sick. I'm walking in March for Babies because I want to do something about this. And I need your help. Please support my walk. Making a secure donation is easy: just click the 'donate now' button on this page. Thank you for helping me give all babies a healthy start! The mission of March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. Your gift will support March of Dimes research and programs that help moms have full-term pregnancies and babies begin healthy lives. And it will be used to bring comfort and information to families with a baby in newborn intensive care. Visit my link to help support BABIES! http://www.marchforbabies.org/personal_page.asp?pp=3653655&ct=4&w=4660729&u=doulatina

Labor at Home for Early Labor

• During this phase you should just relax. It is not necessary for you to rush to the hospital or birth center. It will be more comfortable for you to spend this time at home, in familiar territory. If early labor is during the day you should do simple routines around the house. Keep yourself occupied but still conserve some of your energy. Drink plenty of water and eat small snacks. Keep track of the time of your contractions.If early labor begins during the night it is a good idea to try and get some sleep. If you can’t fall asleep, do things that will distract you like cleaning out your closet, packing your bag, or making sack lunches for the next day.

The Benefits of Laboring at Home

*You may be more at ease in the comfort of your own home.
*You can move around freely without the monitoring required by hospital staff and procedures.
*Labor sometimes improves at home.
*Family and friends can support you at home.

Comfort Measures
If you labor at home, these things might make you more comfortable:
~Taking a warm bath
~Resting in a bed
~Rocking in a rocking chair
~Listening to music
~Drinking liquids
~Having a massage
~Fold Baby Clothes

~Doing last minute things for the baby or for your other children
~Finish packing your bag/and partner's bag

~Don't wear yourself out with too much activity! This is a time to rest, relax and prepare yourself for the birth of your baby.

~Bake-Don't laugh, baking is a great way to spend early labor. This is a fun labor project that can help you relax and go about normal activities. I'd suggest baking some cookies or brownies to take with you to the hospital. Can you imagine how happy the nurses will be to see you with a plate of goodies? Some couples also choose to make a birth day cake to eat after the baby is born.

Also-Please contact your doctor/midwife and doula. Let them know what is going on. Watch for warning signs: bleeding, dizzyness, nausea, sharp cramping, water breaking.

Making families happy about their birth experience is my goal. I listen to your hopes and desires about the type of birth experience you desire. On my last birth experience, the mom had her desires set in place and was open to the idea that an epidural could help her and she may use it, but hoped to go natural (without any interventions). She did an awesome job and got to 8cm, but then asked for an epidural. She said she felt like a wimp and felt guilty that she resorted to the epidural. I told her that my job was not to make her feel that she could not choose a pain reliever. Because I am a doula, many feel that I only support moms who want to go all-natural. That is not the case by any means! I told this mom that I would support any decision she chose and walk her through the benefits and risks, but that her decision was for her best interest and I would support her with whatever she chose. Congratulations Holly! You did wonderful. Look at that family! It was a great birth experience and I was happy to comfort mom the whole way through.-Tina

I have a new website up and I am excited to present a $50 discount to the next person who signs up to have my doula services or $25 off any of my other courses or services. Please visit www.blessingsofbirth.net for more information about my services and contact me soon to qualify for this discount. **You must mention this promotion.


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DADS-

You can help mom by attending childbirth classes with her, researching names, creating birth plans together, and being supportive during delivery. If you are unsure about how to support mom, I recommend reading "The Birth Partner" by Penny Simkin. Also, it is okay to ask for help. A doula can help you make mom feel comfortable before, during, and after the birth of your baby. She doesn't take your place, but helps you to help mom get thru this journey. It is much easier when the whole burden isn't on you. Doulas are team-players and offer many great tips and solutions to comfort mom.

I also offer a 2 hour "Dad Prep" class for any dad-to-be. Whether you are having a doula or not, I can teach you how to be a supurb birth partner. "Dad Prep" course does require mom to be there. You will learn: comfort techniques, massage, communication, and how to ultimately help bring in your bundle.

As a doula and childbirth educator, I am available for questions. Please visit my website for more information.

NEW Breastfeeding Support Group!

Are you breastfeeding and looking for support other mothers to connect with? This group will meet for coffee with babes-in-armes to talk about breastfeeding concerns and challenges. You will be encouraged and supported in your breastfeeding journey. This will be hosted by certified doula Tina Black, a former breastfeeding mom.

Any breastfeeding mom is welcome!

Meeting is April 17th at 9am. Location: Intermission Cafe 3187 Oceanbeach Hwy. Longview.

Visit http://www.blessingsofbirth.net/ for more information.

FREE "ASK A DOULA" WORKSHOP

I am hosting another "Ask a doula" workshop March 30th 1:30 and 6pm. Anyone is welcome!

If you may be interested in having doula support or learning more about how a doula can help, please join this (FREE) workshop. More information is available on my website http://www.blessingsofbirth.net/.

Welcome Baby!

On Tuesday, I experienced one of life's most wonderful joys-a new creation-a new baby. Each time I see a birth, I am in awe. I am in awe of the wonderful blessing it is to finally meet someone whom you have been waiting for. It is the happiest to see the reactions on the faces in the room; there is crying, there are smiles, there is a peace in the room. What a great time to reflect on the biggest blessings that God gave to us.

One mother asked me why labor had to hurt. "Well, hun," I said. "It is because everything comes as a cost, whether it is pain or suffering or even sacrifice, but in the end, we know that we worked to receive the prize before us." I truly believe what I told her. Unfortunately nothing in life is really free or easy to accomplish or achieve or receive, but knowing that we put our best effort into this task or journey, gives us a sense of resolve. This opens up room in our hearts to take in the warmth of the love that surrounds us.

Here is a beautiful blessing that God brought this week and I was honored to be a part of it. Introducing baby Salem.

Recommended Resources for Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding can be the best experience you ever have with your child in their infancy. This special bond is precious and incredible. There are many women who have tried breastfeeding and had been unsuccessful for one reason or another. I am here to say that if you have the resources and are willing to make it your desire, than you will be more successful.

Personally, my first child did not do well at the beginning with latching on. We, (I mean my son, my husband, and I) all shed some tears during that time. We did not have the care that we needed at the hospital in the middle of the night and we felt confused and we were about to waive our white flag...all of this on the first night! My son was hungry and we couldn't get comfortable and it was a disaster. I did not read about breastfeeding, because no one told me that it could be a challenge at first. I thought it was a natural event where the baby knew exactly what to do and we would not have any problems. We were wrong. For days we struggled with getting him to latch. We found that using a supplemental nurser worked best and the breast shield helped for a bit, but what really worked was our determination.

The greatest news is that my son finally latched on and we were extremely happy. When we were about to have our second child, I knew that I needed to read up a bit more and find resources about successful breastfeeding to have a better start. I did read a bit and determined to breastfeed once again-even if the beginning might be a challenge like before. Well, this time, my daughter did latch on perfectly and we were successful at that, however, on our second night at the hospital, we hit that point again. She had issues with her latch and she was very hungry. This time I knew what to ask for. I asked the nurse to find me a supplemental nurser. Once my daughter had a taste, she latched on successfully and we never had to use the nurser again and we were fine from that day on. I loved nursing my children, even though there were a few bumps in the beginning.

Now, after studying several books and videos and working with experts, I feel very confident to be able to refer clients to several resources available to them. Below are books and sites that are truly helpful for those planning to breastfeed, or those who are already doing so. These resources can help you have better experiences.

Also, if you need personal assistance, I am available for consultation, however, there are IBLC's in Longview/Kelso. An (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) can help with tough situations and concerns that you may have.

The Breastfeeding Book: Everything You Need to Know About Nursing Your Child from Birth Through Weaning
Author: Martha & William Sears
Bestfeeding: How to Breastfeed Your Baby
Author: Mary Renfrew, Chloe Fisher & Suzanne Arms

Dr. Jack Newman: http://www.nbci.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=frontpage&Itemid=1

Motherwear Blog:
http://breastfeeding.blog.motherwear.com/

View my Website!

View my website at http://www.blessingsofbirth.net/ for more information about my doula services and how I can help.

Contact me for more information by email (blessingsofbirth@comcast.net) or phone (360-431-8275).

Also, check out an article about me, published by The Daily News:
http://www.tdn.com/articles/2009/11/25/this_day/doc4b0b152b5d008480954531.txt

Paving the Way

For women in southwest Washington there is a sigh of relief to know that there is a new doula in town~ME! I began my journey this spring as I was layed-off from my job. Becoming a doula became more than a dream, but a reality. This was my opportunity to start schooling immediately. I spent hours studying, reading, writing, advertising for my services, and now I am ready. As one of the first doulas in this area, I am proud to establish a new cause for women and families here. I am able to support women with one of life's beautiful journeys...the Blessings of Birth. I am here and ready to serve. This news was welcomed by our local newspaper and should be published in the Tuesday, November 24th Daily News. Thank you friends and family, for all of your support and encouragement.
This is a photo that my 5 year old son took. I am beside my birth/exercise ball, rice socks, nursing samples, massage tools, and a couple books I have read along the way.

"Ask a Doula" Workshop

If you may be interested in having doula support, please join this workshop on October 28th from 5:30-6:30pm. More information is available on my website www.blessingsofbirth.net.

How do I pay for a doula's services?

Although the care that doulas provide is non-medical, it does have medical and financial benefits. Many hospitals are recognizing that factor and some insurance companies are beginning to reimburse parents for doula services. Medicaid funds are sometimes allocated for doula services by some county agencies and private foundations have also provided grants to cover the cost of doula care.
Parents in the United States may have a flex-spending account in which a percentage of their wages are placed in a pre-tax account that can be used for non-covered medical expenses. Hospitals and individual physicians who directly employ doulas may also bill for doula services.