Best Birth Mackay Doula | Medical and health

Best Birth Mackay Doula

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25.01.2022 Happy me Such an honour to support and witness birth on your birthday.

24.01.2022 Youve probably seen women being coached to push in the movies. Perhaps your provider even coached you. But did you know that helping women birth their babies is only a very recent medical development and there are MANY birthing experts, both medical and other, who both anecdotally and academically argue that intervening at this stage of birth rarely benefits mother or baby. After your cervix is fully dilated, something needs to happen. But YOU dont need to do an...ything - your body and baby know instinctively what it is. As you reach transition, the muscles on the sides of your uterus stop drawing your cervix back and the muscles at the top start pushing your baby down and out. This can be challenging emotionally. It is a time for you to surrender, to rest if you can, to acknowledge any fears that arise without attaching to them and to recognise that you can and you will go on. But you dont need to push. Maybe you feel like you want to. Try and resist - hold off as much as you can. Because while your baby is descending, your baby is aligning him or her self into the best position with which to enter the world. As those powerful muscles at the top of your uterus help to move your baby down and out of your uterus, your babys head puts pressure on your pelvic outlet. This then sends the message back to your baby to extend his or her neck (so the chin moves away from the chest), which further enables your babys smooth descent down the birth path (your vagina). While all this is happening, your baby is rotating and his or her head is elongating to allow the easiest biomechanical journey into the world possible. What do you do while all this is happening? Go with it. Use your breath, use your voice, use your affirmations, use your visualisations, use nothing, use everything - whatever works best to help you trust in nature. Eventually (and this stage just described CAN take a while - and thats ok!) your babys head will reach the inside of your vulva at the end of your birth canal and press on your perineum. NOW its almost like you cant BUT push. But you wont need to be coached - gently nudge your baby bit by bit. See more

23.01.2022 We are so fortunate to have this service available in Mackay!

22.01.2022 Thanks to a beautiful client for sharing this.

22.01.2022 Self-care symbols While I took a bath this afternoon I also took great pleasure in my toenails. They make me happy because after months of glaring at the remnants of my scrappy old pedicure (just before covid), I finally made a visit to the salon a priority. I am now proud to prance and dance and wear and bare my terrific tootsies out and about. ... Of course, Im also a lover of fuchsia sparkles so that will always make me smile... but the reminder that I filled my cup - even though it took a while - gives me another, deeper, sense of satisfaction. As women, we are learning to fill our cups first. As mothers, we must. When did you last fill yours? See more

21.01.2022 Awkward? Maybe she didn’t have the chance to take a birth pause? Did you?... https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3209737/

21.01.2022 If your partner feels empowered, you will feel empowered. Come and learn and grow together in a Comfort Measures Class. Book into next month's class now or contact me to arrange a private session. Date: Tuesday 30 November... Time: 6.00-7.30pm Venue: CWA Hall in Gordon St Fee: $59 per couple Know another couple who are also keen to learn and have fun? Book at the same time and pay only $49 per pair. Email [email protected] or send a msg for more information, bank details or to secure a spot.

21.01.2022 Whats it like for you to work with me? Youre a woman becoming a mother... You hear my messages on social media If they resonate...... You reach out and I respond After you read my package offerings... You and partner meet with me (for free). If you decide Im the doula for you... You pay your deposit and fill in your paperwork. This confirms my on-call availability from 37 weeks until your baby is born for unlimited birth support. Im there within 2 hours. Your support starts immediately... You can call/text/email anytime with Qs. I come to your home for at least two antenatal appointments and one postnatal appointment - but we can meet more often. We talk fortnightly on a check-in call. Sometimes I attend provider appointments. You and your partner may book a private childbirth education class with me. Between 34-36 weeks we work on a birth plan that honours your values. At 37 weeks I keep my phone charged, my bag in the car and my life ready to leave as I await your request for my services You call me when you need me after labour has begun and I come to your home and then birthing facility. I stay until your baby is born and I am no longer needed. I check in with you as you settle your newborn in. You ask me for any extra resources or connections in those first few days/weeks. I visit you at home when you are ready to debrief. Our support relationship comes to a natural end. We warmly say goodbye. Often we stay in casual contact, grateful for the experience of working with each other.

20.01.2022 Im not a perfect mother My washing is piled up. My banking isnt done.... I lose my temper at least once a day. I reply to a text instead of playing with the toddler. My floor is slimy. Maybe its cheese. I dont always get it right. Sometimes I get it all wrong. But Im okay with not being perfect. Im okay that Im not THE person with ALL the answers ALL the time. Instead, Im the person who listens, who really *hears* what youre saying. Im the person who walks alongside you on your journey from woman to mother. Im the person who helps you navigate the complexities and challenges as you grow into a parent, just as your baby grows inside you. Im the person who supports you and helps you turn down the volume on your perfectionist tendencies. I help you step into your authentic self as you transition from adulthood to parenthood. And I know how to do this, not because I AM a perfect mother, but because Ive walked this walk for a while now. Ive learnt to embrace the joy of imperfection. I wear my coffee-stained mumiform with a sense of bemused pride as I shed my attachments to a desire for exceptionalism. Want to join me on the journey? Talk to me today about how I can support YOU as you venture into the next realm and become a mother. See more

20.01.2022 Myth: Rich people hire doulas Someone asked me a while ago if all my clients are 'wealthy'. I was unsure how to respond at first but it gave me food for thought - although I have some insight into my clients' lifestyle because I usually meet them in their homes, I don't know their personal financial situation (and have no desire to!). ... But what I do know is they are people who tend to value experiences over things - they would rather spend their money on a good photographer, doula, perhaps massage or chiro etc ("investing in the journey") and perhaps take on hand-me-down or source second hand 'baby essentials' eg pram, nursery furniture etc. (Some couples don't buy many 'things' at all because they want to focus on getting to know their baby first and they feel the 'stuff' gets in the way of that, or may not serve their or their baby's needs!) I guess I would say the people who spend money on services like a doula or birth photography are not necessarily wealthy, they're just people who value themselves and are prepared to invest in filling their life with rich experiences. As I said above, I'd love for my service and that of others to be more accessible for more women but I do wonder if just lowering the fee would actually make a difference in light of the societal contexts I refer to above... I know of many doulas who have offered their services for free or very low fees. They reported that their clients weren't 'invested' in the experience and didn't take responsibility for the learning and development they needed to do the maximise the support and service offered - resulting in dissatisfaction from all parties. That being said, I also acknowledge that there definitely ARE women/couples who would desperately love to hire a doula and would be 100% committed to the whole process, but for whatever reasons are unable to draw the required finances together and so I have created a pricing structure that enables me to support one woman/couple for no cost, per every ten paying client bookings!

20.01.2022 You dont necessarily want a doula who claims they have been to x number of births. You want a doula who is experienced in support. While a doula who is experienced in birth might SOUND like what you need, particularly if youre a first time mum and have little or no first hand experience yourself, that experience may not be of any use to YOU. Why?... Birth is unpredictable. NO ONE knows how a birth is going to go. You might hire a doula who has been to a thousand births, but your birth, number 1001, could be COMPLETELY DIFFERENT to the other 1000 that doula has attended... and if that doula is relying on experience alone, you may not receive the support you need and expect. So what you need from your doula is an exceptionally high ability to draw on their training and experience in SUPPORT - whether that is from birth or possibly other areas of that doulas background. The questions you could ask are: - How have you supported people to achieve their birth intentions? - Who would you say has most benefited from your support in the past? Why? - If I had planned a [insert a birth intention of yours eg drug free birth] but [insert problem eg after labouring for hours I asked for an epidural], what would you do? - What does support often look like for your clients?

20.01.2022 Navigating a newborn or currently pregnant? This is a must-read.

19.01.2022 Want to learn more about home birth or meet a private midwife? The glorious @mummag_ibclc aka Georgina will be in town next week! You can contact her direct 0429 474 555 for an appointment or catch her at Birthy Chat on Friday 5 November, Chances Cafe from 9am.

18.01.2022 Feeling safe Repost from Adriana Lozada: [Although it refers to the US, much of it applies to maternity care and culture in Australia... and the question at the end is VERY relevant.]... For as much conversation as there is surrounding homebirth, the fact remains that only about 1% of births in the U.S. occur at home. There are a lot of reasons that contribute to this, like insurance companies incentivizing hospital birth with coverage, while denying that same financial support to birthing people who prefer birthing in a community setting. But there's also another important reason why so few births occur at home, that was amplified by this week's podcast guest: "Homebirth is not a hospital birth in your home. It's its own thing. And so in order to want a homebirth, you have to want a homebirth. You can't just be afraid of something else." There was a tipping point when the pandemic exploded, where a critical mass of people felt unsafe birthing in the hospital but that didn't mean they felt safe birthing at home.Homebirth is a safe option, but it shifts the responsibility. It requires preparation, and you must believe that it's the right choice for you. And regardless of where you birth, you must determine not where you feel safe, but what makes you feel safe. By turning inward, and exploring it for yourself, you can find a sense of safety that you carry with you wherever you go. Sometimes that exploration will cause you to reformulate your birth team, pursue therapy, and overall change the direction of conversations you're having surrounding your care. So here is something to ponder: How can you get to a place of safety, wherever you're birthing?

17.01.2022 What is the evidence on doulas? Some people need data - recent, relevant, evidence-based information - to help inform their intuition. So this is the proof that doulas - statistically - improve birth outcomes*.... In the US, 6% of birthing people hire a doula. Of those who didnt but understood what a doula is, over a quarter would love to have one. This comes from Evidence Based Birth. Check out this link for more details and info on doulas and birth. https://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/ Statistics from the image are detailed in the Cochrane Review (2011) https://www.cochranelibrary.com//14651858.CD003766.pu/full *NB A personal aside: As I have stated many times, birth outcomes do not always equal positive, empowered FEELINGS around birth experiences.

17.01.2022 What is continuity of care? In the birth world, continuity of care (or continuous care) means a pregnant person sees the same provider for antenatal care, during birth and postnatally till around 6 weeks. It is often synonymous with midwifery care but can also be obtained from an obstetrician or GP in respect to the medical domain of your pregnancy. Continuity of care is also available from a doula. (The various options available in the Mackay region will be discussed i...n Part 3.) The main advantage of continuity of care is that you can build a relationship with your provider throughout your pregnancy. The provider sees you as a person, not a patient. Your whole health and wellbeing, as well as your lifestyle, employment, commitments etc are taken into consideration so you can receive holistic support on your parenting journey. If youve experienced it, what did continuity of care look like and feel like? Comment below! See more

17.01.2022 Motherhood is not always about sacrifice. You cant pour from an empty cup. To be the mother you want to be you have to do things that help you be your best version of you. ... How do you fill your cup? See more

17.01.2022 The only predictable thing about birth and parenting is its unpredictability! And thats ok! Youre not supposed to know everything about becoming a mother the second you find out youre pregnant. But pregnancy is a GREAT time to begin learning - and of course, no good mother ever stops learning!... So if youre pregnant now, whether its your first or your fifth, what are you wanting to know to prepare for this baby? And what are you going to do to find out? See more

17.01.2022 Splitting hairs? Not when were talking about your birth choices. Informed consent assumes you are going to follow the advice or recommendations of whomever is seeking your consent (usually your care provider), ie you will soon say yes, you just need to have the details explained so the right box on the paperwork can be ticked. ... It is often sought when the pressure is on, tension is high and you are overwhelmed by the path your birth is taking and a quick or urgent solution is sought. In this situation, your provider quickly runs through the immediate possible side effects (rarely outlining anything likely in the longer term). Informed decision making doesnt assume you will consent or refuse consent - it simply gives you space to make a decision in light of the relevant information. Why is it important to know the difference? Well, the language used by someone you are discussing your birth with gives you some pretty good insights into how they will hold space for you. If they talk a lot about obtaining your informed consent, you might see a few red flags flying. But if they want to help you make decisions with reliable, evidence-based research and are comfortable with you being confident and informed, thats a pretty good sign youre onto a winner!! See more

16.01.2022 Are you a first time mum? You might wonder what continuity of care is. You might also wonder why it matters.... And then you might want to know how you can receive it. Stay tuned for a 3-part post series as I address these three questions. See more

16.01.2022 Have fun with your partner while preparing for parenthood. ~ The Birth Comprehensive class is usually $550 for a private lesson but until the end of August you can book it for $499. ~ Fee includes you and your birth partner. ... ~ Valid till the end of August 2020. See more

16.01.2022 The fourth trimester (Thank you to a beautiful client who sent me this infographic.) This diagram is brilliant at explaining baby’s gradual transition and adjustment to the outside world over the first few months. ... Many cultures begin this time with a laying in period, where the mother-baby dyad are socially supported to connect and bond, establish a strong feeding relationship and give the mother an opportunity to heal from birth. This entails various traditions (depending on the particular culture) such as minimal or no visitors, the mother in law or maternal grandmother doing all the household chores and the mother and baby staying at home all day. How long did you stay at home with your newborn before you faced the world?

15.01.2022 What I wanted to know when I was first pregnant I was so excited but also a bit scared. I knew I wanted a baby and I was utterly thrilled to be pregnant, yet the inevitability of somehow getting a baby out loomed in the not-too-distant future! These are some of the questions that were on my mind in each trimester:... ***1st trimester*** Is it safe to exercise? What can and cant I do? What modifications will I need to make? (What if I cant exercise and stack on 30kg... will I ever be able to lose it?) What should I eat? What shouldnt I eat? How much should I eat? (See above re weight gain paranoia ) What do I need to know about pregnancy? Which books and apps and blogs etc are best for me? In what order do I see my GP/OB/midwife and how often will these appointments be? ***2nd trimester*** What pregnancy services are available eg yoga, pilates, chiro, physio, acupuncture etc? What kinds of lists should I be making (like, baby stuff shopping, baby shower guests, things to do before baby comes etc) and what should go on these lists? When will I finish up at work? What childbirth classes are available and when can I attend? ***3rd trimester*** What kind of birth am I hoping for? How can I prepare? What books are there about birth and positive birth stories? (Yep, Ill admit I was a little late in the game here) Can I really do this? Can I give birth? Who is going to help out when we bring baby home? Are you a first time mum or do you remember back to when you were? Did you have some of the same questions? What else did you need to know? Pregnancy and motherhood are strange and special in that they are universal experiences yet deeply personal, depending on our individual needs and differences. Id love to hear about your first time pregnancy questions. See more

15.01.2022 Becoming parents TOGETHER is part of the fun... that's why this class is for birthing couples, not just the woman alone. Book into next month's class now or contact me to arrange a private session. Date: Tuesday 30 November... Time: 6.00-7.30pm Venue: CWA Hall in Gordon St Fee: $59 per couple Know another couple who are also keen to learn and have fun? Book at the same time and pay only $49 per pair. Email [email protected] or send a msg for more information, bank details or to secure a spot.

14.01.2022 Pregnant person: Just wondering what the normal procedure is for birthing in a hospital? I’ve been told to [insert medical directive here eg have a stretch and sweep, book an induction, be continuously monitored etc]. Doula: When you say normal do you mean personally acceptable? Only you can decide. Bear in mind that hospitals are insurance driven and often over-act rather than wait for nature to do its thing - then if they are prosecuted they can show they took *some* steps rather than did nothing. When birthing in a system you need to be system-savvy.

13.01.2022 Are you always the good girl? Do you always try and do the right thing? Do you do your best to keep everyone happy?... So often, we women act as mediators... smoothing ruffled feathers, calming tempers, keeping the peace. As mothers, these are important skills to draw on. But sometimes, especially in birth, you gotta let go of your good girl mentality... sometimes youve gotta be ok with being bad. Why? Because sometimes people tell you what to do without your or your babys best interests at heart. Not because theyre cruel, or irrational, or unskilled - but because they have other priorities. In a medical setting, your provider answers first and foremost to the hospital and its policies. Patient care is important but it is still one of several competing demands. And as you know, in a medical setting you are more likely to be viewed as a patient, not a person. Sometimes doing as your told makes someone elses job much easier, but totally destroys your confidence as a mother-to-be. You dont want to upset the apple cart, even when something isnt sitting right with you. You dont want to make trouble. You dont want to be seen as the bad girl. I get it. Ive always toed the line and squeezed myself into extremely awkward positions to fit the contours of external expectations. But motherhood knocked a shitload of that out of me. Sometimes youve just gotta go completely against what youre told. Not because youre a rebel. Not because you wanna be bad. You do it because you love your child more than ANYONE else in the world. You KNOW your child better than anyone else in the world. And when you connect with that tiny human, even when theyre still just hangin out in utero, it is with a bond so deep and so powerful that nothing can break it. But... people in authority can shake it, especially when were talking medical staff vs birthing person. Cause youre vulnerable, youre fragile. So be ok with being a little bad. If bad means trusting in nature, and your body and your baby and saying no to actions, interventions or procedures that you dont feel comfortable with then do it! See more

13.01.2022 Cant wait to see it in real life!

11.01.2022 When I tell people that I am a doula, they respond in many different ways. Some people say Oh, you must love tiny babies - what a great way to get those newborn snuggles! They are often surprised when I tell them, No, actually I dont want to hold the baby. I want to hold the space. In fact, I would prefer to leave a birth not even touching a newborn, because that baby is only newly adjusting to life outside the womb - life full of micro-organisms that a defenceless l...ittle baby has to quite abruptly adjust to! So I dont want to challenge that little babys microbiome considering bub is only just trying out a VERY new immune system earthside. I listened to a podcast recently where the interviewee (sorry, I forgot who!) used the phrase, The mother IS the newborn environment - and I love this! It sums up exactly how I want to work as I support parents to plan, prepare for and welcome their baby into the world. Some people might argue that this is exclusive of fathers and that they should be included, but this idea is not about dads (or mums even), its about babies. Dads can (and DO) play a very important role in supporting mums to BE that all-encompassing environment needed by babies. As any parent of a newborn knows, mothering in the first few months (coined the fourth trimester) can be just as pressure-filled as it is joyous. The support that their partner provides helps keep them as whole and as healthy as possible so they can be the best mother possible for their baby. And as any parent who has surrendered to this time knows, when caring for a newborn, you check your ego at the door. And THAT is why I dont want to hold your baby. As a doula, my job, my beautiful, joyous job, is not about snuggling your baby, cooing over his adorable fingers and her precious little nose. My job is you. When I work with you, I check my ego at the door. When I work with you, I support you and your partner to be EVERYTHING to the tiny human you are welcoming into your family. Because for that little baby, you ARE everything. And, for at least the first few months, thats all that little person needs. See more

11.01.2022 ***Informed Consent*** We talk about this a lot around birth intentions, choices and decisions. It’s important, but it implies that eventually, a birthing person will say yes, once everything has been explained. But did you know you also have the right to say no? ... AND did you know you also have the right to say an uninformed no? Now, I’m not recommending you do this - I’m a huge fan of using information, research and recent evidence-based findings to help make decisions. But sometimes, your instinct is just sooooo strong that you don’t NEED external influences to help you know what is right. Sometimes, you just KNOW you need to say NO. And you can. But not cause I said so. You can because it’s your body, your baby and your birth. Go you. You’ve got this! See more

11.01.2022 Why hire a doula? People who hire doulas value experiences (more than things). Doulas enhance and empower - youre still gonna have a baby, but when you hire a doula you have the added benefit and reassurance that as many aspects as possible (and sometimes, everything) will feel as good as they possibly can. ... Yes, there is reliable research to show that doulas improve birth outcomes (eg reduce the rate of interventions such as caesareans and epidurals) but attaining a particular birth outcome does not necessary result in a positive, happy, confident parent or a settled baby. My role as your doula is not to help you achieve an ideal birth outcome and I will never promise anything in this realm because birth is unpredictable. What I CAN guarantee is that I will draw on my skills, my training and my experience to provide you with exceptional support from the moment you book me so that you feel positive, informed, empowered and confident in every decision you make. I do this by working closely with you to discover and develop your new family values as you emerge as parents. I work intimately with you, building a strong, deep relationship based on trust and connection, helping you discover or develop your parenting and family values along the way. I then ensure as much of experience of the birthing process as is possible, aligns these values. See more

11.01.2022 Are you a first-time mum? Even though I became a mum over 11 years ago, I often feel like a first-time mum to this 15 month old munchkin (you can just see the top of her blonde little head in the pic). Preparing for a baby can be scary and overwhelming, whether its your fifth or your first. ... Seeking professional support, connecting with like-minded women at a similar life stage and getting informed are all brilliant ways to help you feel more confident and excited about meeting your baby. This sets off a beautiful spiral of positive vibes... The more confident you feel, the stronger your connection will be with your baby, which will in turn help you trust your instinct more and continue to strengthen you and your babys bond. So, how can you achieve this? Easy! Ask someone whos been there to walk alongside you, bounce ideas off and draw support from as you find your parenting feet. Dont know who to ask? Ah yes, you do. Me! See more

10.01.2022 Did somebody say continuity of care???

09.01.2022 I just started making a video about this topic today! Stay tuned for when I finish and post it.

08.01.2022 Wanna know a secret about contractions? They happen in sets. You know, like waves in the ocean. Therell be a wave, then another, then another, maybe another, then BAM, a big one! Its longer and stronger than all the others and requires every bit of focus and energy youve got to ride it. ... It is these BIG contractions that draw back your cervix in the first stage of labour and help rotate or bring your baby down in second stage. It is a myth that ALL contractions are productive. Thats not to say they dont all serve a purpose - the smaller waves are a vital link in the physiological process in paving the way for the more dramatic changes. But knowing this rhythm or pattern and how it connects to your body in physiological birth is a brilliant tool to take in with you, because you and your birth partner can recognise it when it happens and work with it - not against it. If youve birthed naturally, did you notice the tidal sets? How did you ride them? See more

08.01.2022 Part 2 of 3: Why does it matter? Continuity of care allows you to build a relationship with your care provider so you can be treated as a whole person, not just a series of notes on a medical file. Continuity of care gives you uninterrupted support from a professional as you traverse your parenting journey. ... You meet with the same person (or small team of experts) for every appointment. They get to know you and at the same time you get to build trust in them. This means that while you have access to the excellent standard of healthcare available in Australia, your experience is NEXT LEVEL EXCEPTIONAL because it is PERSONALISED to your particular NEEDS and individual CIRCUMSTANCES. Because you are treated as a PERSON, not a patient, your pregnancy is treated as a family event, not a medical one. This means that by the time your baby is ready to be born, you will have had many opportunities to discuss your family values, birth intentions and postpartum hopes with your provider. And if things need to change or quick decisions are required (because, as we know, the only predictable thing about birth its UNPREDICTABILITY), your provider will intuitively be able to lead you to alternatives that align beautifully with your wishes. See more

07.01.2022 Nature mirrors itself often Open and relax your mouth Use vocal tones... Let your body bring your baby down and out See more

06.01.2022 Me and Jenny Blyth This incredible woman trained over 20 of us for a two day workshop in Gladstone on everything Spinning Babies. I cannot wait to impart my new, deep and comprehensive birth physiology knowledge and skills with clients - both during pregnancy at my classes and during birth!

06.01.2022 Abortion. Termination. Such coldly violent words. Miscarriage. ... Implies the mother’s body failed. Every pregnancy ends in a birth and teaches the mother what she needs to know next on her journey. ~ Jane Hardwicke Collings

06.01.2022 This is such a vital cornerstone of person-centred maternal care in Australia.

06.01.2022 Haha this is a cool catchphrase to remind us of an important truth.

06.01.2022 Going against medical advice This can be an icky topic for many of us. And it can be an even ickier and trickier thing to do. Sometimes your birth intentions are outside what the hospital policy considers safe. ... If you have done your research, assessed the risks, looked for alternatives and determined the benefits are greater than the likelihood of your own or your babys health being compromised, you may decide to go against medical advice. This is allowed. You wont be arrested, or marched off to a child safety officer, or refused care. However, you may be questioned, challenged, encouraged, urged and unfortunately in some cases bullied or coerced to change your mind. Your provider may find you an alternative medical professional and take themselves off your case. You may need to read and sign lengthy paperwork. Im not trying to scare you or suggest you go along with your provider even if it doesnt feel right. And Im not recommending you fight your provider tooth and nail over every policy. Being extremely compliant or extremely combative rarely results in a positive experience. Be smart. Be savvy. Be polite. But dont be a pushover. Its not always easy, but no one ever said parenting is easy. When youre negotiating with your provider for what you want during your birth, you are stepping into your role as chief advocate for your baby. Another word for this is mother. If you need to go against medical advice to ensure you have what you need for you and your baby, the first step is to believe in yourself. If it matters, its worth it. You CAN do it. See more

05.01.2022 The language around birth and birth stories is so powerful. Do people in your social circle talk about birth as agonising, painful, endless, horrific, cruel and so on? What do you do?... Well, if you take it on board, it might not set you up for a positive, joyful experience. It might promote anxiety or fear, which might result in the fear-tension-pain cycle when you are in labour. Not cool. Not helpful. So you gotta find a way to shut it out when - or if - the talk of birth turns nasty. It could mean politely changing the subject. It could mean politely walking away. It could mean firmly asking the person (or people) to can it. If youve ended a negative conversation about birth OR turned it into a positive one, what did you say? See more

05.01.2022 Not sure whether to laugh or cry at this one...

05.01.2022 Looking for a pro birth tip? Wanting a hospital birth to be as natural as possible?... Use the word physiological in your birth plan. Whapio, holistic midwife and doula trainer extraordinaire shares this hot little piece of advice and many of Ther gems in a two-part interview on Adriana Lozadas podcast called Birthful.

05.01.2022 Your body carried, housed and nourished a human being for nine long months, before they were even born. You were the vessel that gave them life, and loved them... unconditionally, before you could even hold them in your arms. You felt their kicks, flips, hiccups, and grand entrance into this world. Your body stretched, grew and contorted, so that your perfect little human could get big, strong and ready to meet you. You worked hard, mama. Youre a superhero. Your body was someones H O M E. You earned e v e r y single curve, jiggle and scar. You dont have to LOVE your new body, but you should be damn proud of the miracles that its created. Credit for this beautiful photo to: Sarah Nicole Landry http://Instagram.com/thebirdspapaya

04.01.2022 Testing in pregnancy Not sure about which tests you want, if any? Go with your gut. ... Testing is recommended by medical staff for many other reasons than just the wellness of your baby. It needs to be viewed as an intervention and one that may have ongoing decisions or interventions. Not to say that it’s bad (or good), just that there is no ONE right way, just what feels right for you, your baby and your family. Share your personal experience below. Did you go with the recommendations from your provider or did you choose a different path? See more

04.01.2022 Packing your hospital bag? Pyjamas that unbutton easily down the front are a great idea if youre hoping or planning to breastfeed. I bought this pair of PJs over 11 years ago when I was preparing for my first baby. Theyre faded, pilled and the elastic is going in the waist but they carry so many memories I cant quite bring myself to ditch them! ... I would have been nearly full term when I was shopping for them. I recall that strange feeling of wonder that I would be helping a new human to eat and find comfort from my breast. In theory, I understood an easy-access pyjama top would be handy, but it wasnt until I was holding that tiny bundle in my arms, tucked up in the hospital bed, trying to get my head around breastfeeding, that I fully appreciated my nightwear. Are you currently pregnant? Do you have something special in your hospital bag that youre excited about? See more

04.01.2022 Who hires a doula? I get asked this all the time. Like, what kind of woman is she? I can’t answer for other doulas, but the people who seek me out are often:... first time mums looking for information and support from someone trained and experienced in birth professionals who have worked hard to learn and earn their positions and want to prepare for birth and parenting just as diligently parents-to-be who value experiences and prefer to invest in these rather than things women who hear the horror stories around birth and suspect there’s more to it than just pain and agony but want someone to help them to trust in nature couples who understand that hospitals can be tricky to navigate and want an expert helping them to avoid the cascade of interventions people who see pregnancy as a wellness state and birth as a holistic life event that can’t just be boxed up as a medical process women who have experienced birth trauma and want an added layer of support to help prevent it reoccurring parents who know that the early baby days are critical but can be tough going and want as smooth a birth experience as possible to help ensure the first few weeks and months with their newborn are everything they should be women who know how vulnerable and suggestible they are during labour and want someone there to hold the space and keep their birth experience as aligned with their wishes and values as is possible Do you see yourself anywhere there? If so, get in touch and we can talk more about whether I can help support you through a beautiful and empowering pregnancy and birth.

02.01.2022 Preparing for childbirth? Take an independent class from a trained doula with a background in education. Last day to take advantage of the $50 discount - the Birth Comprehensive private class is usually $550 but contact me today to book in and save. ... Not sure whether you need a doula or just a class? Book both! You can bundle and save... $100 off the second package after youve booked the first. See more

02.01.2022 TENS Machine A TENS machine is a small, portable, battery operated device (pictured), this Elle TENS machine is specifically designed for labour and birth.... It includes sticky electrode pads that stick to your lower back and they transmit small electrical signals, which is thought to block pain messages! The stimulation may also release your natural endorphins (your natural pain killers ) and can also provide a distraction, to help you focus on the gentle tingling/ buzzing on your back as opposed to focusing on your uterine contractions! You can hire the TENS machine around 36 weeks, and have it there to use when labour begins! Golden rule put it on early- it works best if you put it on in early labour and you can build it up as your contractions intensify, there is a boost button to use during your contractions It is NOT compatible with water, so take it off when youre using the shower or bath I am excited to have teamed up with the amazing midwife/ mama from @mamaanditens and all BBB education clients will receive 10% off the purchase hire with discount code The TENS is such a great option to have in your labour toolkit Did you use a TENS machine? @mamaanditens

02.01.2022 I grieve with you today. You who have lost. My candle burns for you today. You who have lost. ... I cannot take away your pain. Nor can I change what happened. But I am holding space for you today. You who have lost. October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month. But no matter what day or date it is, my heart is ALWAYS with you. You who have lost. Sending you love and light. You who have lost. See more

02.01.2022 So what DOES a doula do? Helps you work out what you want to feel during your birth and then gives you information and emotional support to help make it happen. Helps you find your voice, gives you the words to advocate for yourself or amplifies what you are saying as you negotiate on behalf of yourself and your baby. ... Assists you with planning your birth in a way that honours your intentions and wishes without attaching unhealthily to specific outcomes or events (thus avoiding trauma). Checks in with your partner to make sure he feels confident in giving you the support you need (and during labour, ensures hes fed and watered so he is present when it counts). Works closely with you through your pregnancy to determine and consolidate your family and parenting values so that little instruction is needed through birth - support is seamless (so I am present without being a presence). Facilitates communication between you and your care provider so minimise challenge or confrontation and allow you to birth the way you want and need. Attends you within two hours of being requested anytime you feel labour is commencing. Provides physical comfort during labour. Stays with you until you no longer need support. Follows up in the days and weeks after birth to make sure youre recovering well and building on your positive empowered experience.

02.01.2022 What isnt a doula? A doula is not a medical professional - obstetrician, midwife, nurse, general practitioner etc A doula is not an advocate. ... A doula is not a best friend. What doesnt a doula do? Judge you Give biased advice Medical checks like a Doppler test, vaginal examination, pulse, blood pressure etc Pressure you into making a decision Encourage you to only draw on a limited selection of anecdotes instead of evidence and research Predict how your birth will be

01.01.2022 Parenting requires constant decision-making One (often-overlooked) aspect of preparing for birth is learning how to make these decisions. You can do this by getting relevant evidence-based information and then using your BRAIN. ... Eg You are 41 weeks pregnant and your provider offers you a stretch and sweep B - benefits: labour may begin and pressure for further interventions may ease R - risks: infection, nothing will happen, uncomfortable procedure, learning where your cervix is at may cause you to feel disheartened if it’s not effaced or dilated very much A - alternatives: natural methods like acupuncture, eating dates, walking, nesting, sex, nipple stimulation etc or medical interventions such as induction via Foley bulb, breaking waters, cervigel, syntocinon drip etc I - intuition: [VERY personal and individualised] eg My baby is waiting for something else and isn’t ready yet or I am uncomfortable and ready for baby so I want to see if a stretch and sweep moves things along N - nothing: I’d like to wait a day (or a few or a week or two) When have you needed your BRAIN? See more