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Tracey Clayton Doula

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25.01.2022 This photo was taken on Bodhis EDD, he broke my waters at 37+2, AROM So he was still tiny compared to my others on his due date. This time 5 years ago, I was staying overnight in hospital. My waters had broken and as I had polyhydramnious, I was told to go straight in, due to the possibility of a cord prolapse. I stayed in overnight, fluids leaking all through the night, constant changing of bedding everything, I did not get much sleep or rest, regularly OBS checked and ye...t no progression of Labor. The following morning, still no signs of active Labor, I waiting for a room in the birthing suite to be induced. Due to the waters broken, and the machines I felt quite restricted, I was trying to stay active with movement and using the gym ball. I felt Labor was somewhat progressing, but the synto was intense. During which the contractions were getting intense, but he had not fully engaged and started to show signs of distress. His heart rate elevated, and trying side lying positions etc we could not get it back down, which was then the time we got moved through for the emergency cesar. Some parts of the Cesar remain with me, some parts seem a blur. The moment he was out, some is a blur, he was rushed away, not breathing properly and I didnt get to see him, I didnt know at this point if he was ok. I didnt realise til my third pregnancy the trauma of this still remained while I fought for my VBAC, I could not do this again. I did not get to see him until I was wheeled in later that night. In recovery seemed like a long time apart, I was alone, my husband was up with my son. No one prepares you for that nausea you get on the operating table, the teeth clenching and shaking but you cant stop. The panic of it all. The anxiety. Seeing my babe with the CPAP on and not being able to hold him for the first 24 hours was hard, but he was here, and I was able to see him. Spending time with him, feeding or expressing for him and getting to know him and bonding helped, helped healing. I felt so guilty being in hospital with him and myself and being away from my older daughter, she was only 22 months old at this time... #cesar #birthdayeve See more

24.01.2022 To all those bereaved Fathers, my heart is with you! Today is International Bereaved Fathers Day, probably something we dont often hear about, but a day for those fathers who some probably cant speak of their loss, but hide their pain. To the men, its ok to speak out, share your pain. We are here to hear you @memoriesofanangel

23.01.2022 Held in a beautiful, light filled studio in Port Kembla, this lovely afternoon is designed to encourage, refresh and nourish you. It will be filled with wise co...nversation, good food, laughter and will also include a guided meditation. With so many wonderful pregnancy retreats locally, this one has been created with Christian families in mind. The topics discussed & activities planned will weave birth and Faith together. Due to covid-19 restrictions, places are strictly limited. Please email to book your #pregnancyretreat #pregnant #illawarra #birth #wollongong #cherishbirth #illawarrabirth #illawarradoula #wollongongdoula #dharawalcountry

23.01.2022 Happy 5th birthday to my boy! I cant believe its been 5 years since you became apart of the family, our only boy! Your wild, cheeky and fun. You are caring and loving. Becoming a boy mumma meant I had to learn many new sayings and things they dont prepare you for like random wee stops hope you had the best day! We love you xx

23.01.2022 Water for natural pain relief during Labor, I personally wouldnt have gotten as far during my VBAC without it, I laboured and almost delivered in the shower with my VBAC and the bath tub helped me during my first. It is always what I recommend for my birthing women to try, as pictured here during my clients Labor. I know we have been hearing about this alot this week. I know many women feel the same, outraged for their sisters in Melbourne suffering from this decision made ...this week from @ranzcog that have banned in some Covid hotspots water immersion or use during Labor. There is no evidence for this! If you can have a look at the petition and sign to help Did you use water during your Labor? Did you find it helpful? #waterimmersion #covid19pregnancy #wollongongdoula

22.01.2022 Congratulations Mumma

22.01.2022 Yesterday we shared statistics that are concerning. BBI wants to reassure families that there are ways to prepare yourself and know how to speak up for yourself..., or your birth supporting person to represent your wishes at the hospital. We considered whether we should repost the statistics. We have been asked by women time and again for hospital statistics. So we have presented them here. We could have done better to frame them so no woman who is pregnant feels confused or disempowered. This post is to begin to address the question of "Now that I know this, what do I do with this information?" BBI are here to advocate on your behalf. We are doing everything within our power to ensure respectful, woman-centered birth is accessible to all families in the Illawarra Shoalhaven. Go to the Local Services and Resources page on our website (in our bio) to find services and resources to ensure you know your options and are empowered to have the birth you deserve. The following services are listed on our website. Our community has birth support people called Doulas who provide additional support. Our community has other options for birthing outside the hospital system called Private practising midwives who are registered and in service to families. Our community has antenatal classes and birth and parenting preparation classes. Our community has mental health professionals who are available to help families navigate pregnancy, birth and beyond. Because now that we know these statistics, we know we need to be prepared. We need to know what questions to have at the ready at your next hospital antenatal appointment. We need to know that NO is a full sentence if something does not feel right. Everyone comes to pregnancy and birth differently. No way is the right way. Knowing how you make decisions gives you a clue on how to deal with situations that arise that you might not feel prepared for during pregnancy and birth. It can also help you select the maternity care that suits your style of decision-making - whether it is shared care, a private midwife or hiring a doula... If your preferred choice of care provider is beyond your financial capacity or you don’t have access to the care you want, self-advocacy may become more important. It can be hard to know what to do and where to go for support if you need it. Talking about your concerns with your care provider is sometimes enough and your concerns will be addressed. But what if they aren’t? What if you feel that you aren’t being heard and you don’t know what to do next? You have many options to seek support and drive changes that can benefit how you are supported and cared for, and hopefully how others are cared for too. We have written a 4 step cheat sheet if you find yourself in a situation where you aren’t being heard and need support.

22.01.2022 NSW Health is updating its Maternity Care Policy. The draft policy focuses on providing women with family-centred, quality care during pregnancy, birth and the ...postnatal period. Your feedback is important to us. Tell us what you think of the draft policy. Complete the survey by Friday 11 December 2020 using the links at https://www.health.nsw.gov.au//maternity-policy-review.aspx

21.01.2022 R U ok, the conversation we should be having with one another everyday!

21.01.2022 Yay, we have a local stockist for these great antenatal expressing kits over at Cherish Birth <3 go check them out.

21.01.2022 I need to watch this, looks great!

20.01.2022 So important to check in on all parents, some need help and support and won't ask for it

20.01.2022 This photo was taken on Bodhi's 'EDD', he broke my waters at 37+2, AROM So he was still tiny compared to my others on his due date. This time 5 years ago, I was staying overnight in hospital. My waters had broken and as I had polyhydramnious, I was told to go straight in, due to the possibility of a cord prolapse. I stayed in overnight, fluids leaking all through the night, constant changing of bedding everything, I did not get much sleep or rest, regularly OBS checked and ye...t no progression of Labor. The following morning, still no signs of active Labor, I waiting for a room in the birthing suite to be induced. Due to the waters broken, and the machines I felt quite restricted, I was trying to stay active with movement and using the gym ball. I felt Labor was somewhat progressing, but the synto was intense. During which the contractions were getting intense, but he had not fully engaged and started to show signs of distress. His heart rate elevated, and trying side lying positions etc we could not get it back down, which was then the time we got moved through for the emergency cesar. Some parts of the Cesar remain with me, some parts seem a blur. The moment he was out, some is a blur, he was rushed away, not breathing properly and I didn't get to see him, I didn't know at this point if he was ok. I didn't realise til my third pregnancy the trauma of this still remained while I fought for my VBAC, I could not do this again. I did not get to see him until I was wheeled in later that night. In recovery seemed like a long time apart, I was alone, my husband was up with my son. No one prepares you for that nausea you get on the operating table, the teeth clenching and shaking but you can't stop. The panic of it all. The anxiety. Seeing my babe with the CPAP on and not being able to hold him for the first 24 hours was hard, but he was here, and I was able to see him. Spending time with him, feeding or expressing for him and getting to know him and bonding helped, helped healing. I felt so guilty being in hospital with him and myself and being away from my older daughter, she was only 22 months old at this time... #cesar #birthdayeve See more

20.01.2022 Just in case you needed a pick me up today

20.01.2022 Happy 5th birthday to my boy! I can't believe it's been 5 years since you became apart of the family, our only boy! Your wild, cheeky and fun. You are caring and loving. Becoming a boy mumma meant I had to learn many new sayings and things they don't prepare you for like random wee stops hope you had the best day! We love you xx

20.01.2022 This is a great idea for those with friends and family in Melbourne <3

20.01.2022 Still ridiculous that this is even an issue, give women the birth and water they need

19.01.2022 Help support these Melbourne Mummas <3

19.01.2022 Following on from being seperated from my daughter, this is us being reunited 2 days later. I don't even recognise myself, this first time mother, unwell, recovering from a birth. Feeling disconnected from my baby, not knowing what I was doing, am I doing this right. The anxiety. I had just had an ECT and was told not to feed while I had the radioactive dye in my system. It took time to get better and recover. My husband only had two weeks off work and one of those we spent ...in hospital, so having him back at work so soon was hard. I was fortunate to have family support, I don't know what I would have done without them. This babe was my hardest, she had colic and would scream some days for hours, it was a difficult postpartum. All of these experiences I have, have pushed me into this work, to help support other women, so they will never be alone during this crucial stage of their life #birthtraumaawarenessweek2020

18.01.2022 This week is birth trauma awareness week.. So let's talk about some I have experienced. Becoming a Mother for the first time was nothing I could have planned, prepared or experienced before. After a 16 hour Labor, a posterior bub, an episiotomy and an instrumental birth with a vacuum extraction, there were some complications with my girl afterwards. This moment captured here, was the moment I was told my first child, and 2 day old girl was needed to be sent to Sydney kids ho...spital, but I was not going with her. Being seperated from my baby, whom I had not had the time to bond with, had been in the NICU from birth and had been expressing for around the clock, while I was unwell and still trying to recover from her birth. It was not only this, but being told "I needed to calm down", after being told that my child was being sent to another hospital and I was to unwell to go with her and sent a social worker to help me, is all apart of what made a traumatic first time mother. No one should ever be separated from their newborn baby... #birthtraumaawarenessweek2020 #NICU See more

18.01.2022 To all the amazing neonatal nurses that helped Me with my first two babies in the NICU, I can't thank them enough, they work around the clock keeping our babies alive. I seen first hand how hard they work and I'm so thankful for them! My first two babies were in the NICU for about their first week each, you become friends with all the other families in there and support each other during those early feeding and pumping sessions, you cheer each other one when your babies mov...e up in the room and become a support system in a daunting time. The highs and lows of the NICU no one can explain. It can feel isolating and not apart of your plans on bringing a new baby into the world. Happy International Neonatal Nurses Day! Thank you for using your passion to help other families #Repost @firstsensesbabymassageadelaide Adelaide, South Australia Happy International Neonatal Nurses Day To all these amazing superheros who don't wear capes! Thank you for what you do! My little nephew wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for these amazing people. #happyinternationalneonatalnursesday #neonatalnurse #neonatal #premmiebaby #premmie #prematurebaby #nicu #nicubaby

16.01.2022 To all those bereaved Father's, my heart is with you! Today is International Bereaved Father's Day, probably something we don't often hear about, but a day for those fathers who some probably can't speak of their loss, but hide their pain. To the men, it's ok to speak out, share your pain. We are here to hear you @memoriesofanangel

15.01.2022 Love the stretchy wraps when bub is little and newborn, they do take some time to practice and learn how to make them firm enough, love these helpful videos :D

15.01.2022 I remember sitting with one of my besties during her birth. About 20 hours into labor, exhausted and discouraged, she finally said, I can’t do this! And her m...idwife, in the most loving, affirming way, said, You’re already doing it. Right now. With every breath, you’re doing it! And she did! Her baby wasn’t born for many more hours (9 hrs at 9cm dilated with a cervical lip!) but she made it though. . You’re already doing it. I’ve held on to those words as my solace and salve throughout this past year of insanity. I’m sure we’ve all reached our edge. Maybe many times. That moment when you just want to crumble under the stress, anxiety, fear, discomfort, and the weight of carrying it all, for so long, with no end in sight. When you want to give up and scream I can’t do this!!! In those moments, remember- You’re already doing it. You’re getting through. You don’t have to do anything but breathe, and keep going. This is the work. This is labor. This is survival. This is birthing a new world. Just one day, one moment, one breath at a time. We’ll get through. See more

15.01.2022 Water for natural pain relief during Labor, I personally wouldn't have gotten as far during my VBAC without it, I laboured and almost delivered in the shower with my VBAC and the bath tub helped me during my first. It is always what I recommend for my birthing women to try, as pictured here during my clients Labor. I know we have been hearing about this alot this week. I know many women feel the same, outraged for their sisters in Melbourne suffering from this decision made ...this week from @ranzcog that have banned in some Covid hotspots water immersion or use during Labor. There is no evidence for this! If you can have a look at the petition and sign to help Did you use water during your Labor? Did you find it helpful? #waterimmersion #covid19pregnancy #wollongongdoula

15.01.2022 Happy Fathers Day, hope everyone has a lovely day! Especially these three fathers I have witnessed become a Father this year, it is such a privilege to witness the bond and care they each had for their birthing partner and baby! Some first time Fathers and one a Second, hope you all have a great day! #fathersday2020

14.01.2022 Today is National Rainbow Baby Day, and while I know not everyone is able to have a rainbow baby join them, and how heartbreaking that can be. Today I am thinking of all those families and their loss. My son Bodhi is our Rainbow babe, and what a blessing he has been to our family, cant believe next year he starts school and is about to turn 5! #nationalrainbowbabyday

14.01.2022 The gift we never had: When we lost Buddy, we didnt have long enough to say goodbye. It was too short. We held him and we said goodbye and we left the hospital... feeling empty shortly after. Our next visit to say our proper goodbye and spend time with him was at the funeral home; where we could only spend a few short minutes with him because he would warm up. Its a fact of life. Its a fact of nature. The Cuddle Cot is a special cot designed to keep a sleeping angel cool. They allow families to gather their thoughts, spend precious moments and say their goodbyes without the pressure of time and temperature weighing over them. It means they wont have to pull their sleeping baby out of a fridge to see them before a funeral or service due to being so rushed in the hospital. Its a harsh reality we face. And its a reality we dont speak about enough. The Cuddle Cot is a necessity in every hospital and birthing suite. But unfortunately they arent funded by the health system. They are $6,500 each and rely solely on the generosity of others to give the gift of time back to these grieving families. I cant tell you how proud of my wife I am with the fundraising effort for Buddy which has produced 4 so far. But I can tell you there are hospitals who still dont have these. And they need us. Times are tough, but generosity has shined through in the most magical way. Thank you to everyone who has donated. Thank you to everyone who has shared. Thank you to everyone who has supported. Thank you from me, and also from the future families who will be sitting next to one of these amazing cots; bittersweet grateful in a silent room for the small time they were given to say their goodbyes with their dignity in tact. If you would like to donate even a dollar; your generosity would mean the world to someone somewhere. Maybe even someone you love one day. If youre not in a position to donate but want to help; dont underestimate the power of a share and comments as that puts it in peoples newsfeeds https://cuddlecot.gofundraise.com.au/page/TEAMDADMUM

10.01.2022 Happy Father's Day, hope everyone has a lovely day! Especially these three father's I have witnessed become a Father this year, it is such a privilege to witness the bond and care they each had for their birthing partner and baby! Some first time Father's and one a Second, hope you all have a great day! #fathersday2020

10.01.2022 T E L L // me again mum, about the year I was born. The year that will forever be referred to as a sh*t storm.... It was the year, I recall, That started out with smoke. Locked us all in our houses, Watching our ecosystems choke. The year people finally realised Our impact on the environment. And that we all play a part How could you have been so arrogant? It was also the year Where your white privilege was checked. So that you could raise me In a world with a lot more respect. The world dedicated time To protests of love and unity. Black lives needed voices And Im proud you were part of that community. Then the biggest thing of all, To make 2020 so crap. A bat was eaten you said, Why the hell did they do that? So from then on, You said the world completely changed. People were locked in their houses Friends and families forcibly estranged. Every single country, Suffered on every single level. Social distancing, self isolating, Multi stage restrictions slowly unraveled. People told to work from home, Kids no longer at school. Thousands lost their jobs, 1.5 metres apart was the rule. Toilet paper was hoarded, There was no flour to cook. Zoom was used for meetings, Masks the most valuable look. So there was no birth classes mum, Your appointments on the phone. Did the doctor hear my heartbeat? Or feel how much Id grown? You said the hospital was manic, But sterile and silent too. Covid 19 clinics set up, Swab testing on drive through. Tell me again mum, About the day that I was born. My brothers couldnt even visit me On the maternity ward? I was held up to the window With my family watching outside. They waved with excitement While you silently cried. You said we came home to no one Not one person could drop by Was it so the virus wouldnt spread, mum? So we wouldnt die? Oh mum, you are amazing What a heartbreaking, horrible year. To bring a new baby into a world Full of unrest, chaos and fear. Thank you for making those sacrifices mum In that year that I was born. Ill forever be grateful for you Keeping me safe and warm. For my beautiful Willow 09.04.2020

09.01.2022 Focus on following your baby and their cues and not the clock <3

09.01.2022 Love this, one for all those IVF mumma's

09.01.2022 If you read nothing else please read this Birth trauma week starts on the 6th and goes until the 12th September and I will be focusing on this a lot in the c...oming week. There is a common myth out there that is also often politically hijacked that birth trauma is just physical trauma and hence the focus ends up on the pelvic floor and manifests as anti normal birth. As over a decade of ours and others research has shown this is just the tip of the iceberg. Birth trauma is so often about not being listened to, disrespected and losing control. It often leaves no physical scars and so is dismissed as something women should just get over and be glad they had a healthy baby. I have heard leading health professional and others say no one is ever traumatised by Caesarean section. This reveals the reductionist, narrow thinking on this issue. We must work to reduce all kinds of trauma whatever the woman or her partner says that trauma is. Our book this year, Birthing outside the system: the canary in the coal mine, showed clearly that trauma is so often deeply psychological and also can be physical and we must work to reduce both. The safest birth is one that is supported by a respectful, competent and known midwifery care provider backed by an equally respectful and component obstetric provider. Doulas also play a critical role in reducing birth trauma. I have become a great advocate of these amazing people.This kind of supported birth has been shown to be both physically and psychologically safe. Do not let the agendas of some people derail the reality thousands of women attest to. Stay tuned as there is about to be announcement of a free, first ever fabulous event next week with a line up of speakers (consumers, obstetricians, lawyers and midwives) like you have never seen before. Announcement coming soon See more

08.01.2022 Yes my VBAC was my healing birth, makes such a difference overall

08.01.2022 Pregnant Local Mumma's who are looking for a retreat with more of a Christian focus, come along to this event, details on @cherish_birth #Repost @cherish_birth Wollongong, New South Wales... Held in a beautiful, light filled studio in Port Kembla, this lovely afternoon is designed to encourage, refresh and nourish you. It will be filled with wise conversation, good food, laughter and will also include a guided meditation. With so many wonderful pregnancy retreats locally, this one has been created with Christian families in mind. The topics discussed & activities planned will weave birth and Faith together. Due to covid-19 restrictions, places are strictly limited. Please email to book your #pregnancyretreat #pregnant #illawarra #birth #wollongong #cherishbirth #illawarrabirth #illawarradoula #wollongongdoula #dharawalcountry

07.01.2022 To all the amazing neonatal nurses that helped Me with my first two babies in the NICU, I cant thank them enough, they work around the clock keeping our babies alive. I seen first hand how hard they work and Im so thankful for them! My first two babies were in the NICU for about their first week each, you become friends with all the other families in there and support each other during those early feeding and pumping sessions, you cheer each other one when your babies mov...e up in the room and become a support system in a daunting time. The highs and lows of the NICU no one can explain. It can feel isolating and not apart of your plans on bringing a new baby into the world. Happy International Neonatal Nurses Day! Thank you for using your passion to help other families #Repost @firstsensesbabymassageadelaide Adelaide, South Australia Happy International Neonatal Nurses Day To all these amazing superheros who dont wear capes! Thank you for what you do! My little nephew wouldnt be here today if it wasnt for these amazing people. #happyinternationalneonatalnursesday #neonatalnurse #neonatal #premmiebaby #premmie #prematurebaby #nicu #nicubaby

06.01.2022 Anyone who knows me will know: . . that with my background working as a nurse in an infectious diseases paediatric ward; .... . to successfully preventing gastro-enteritis, lice and bronchiolotis in childrens refuges while working in remote parts of North Thailand and western China; . . to living in Hong Kong with 3 children under the age of 5 during SARS, during which time colleagues of our whom we vaguely knew did die from ARDS ... . . ... I am therefore very willing to act in good faith and throw my weight behind public health measures to reduce virus spread, help the hospital system not get swamped and help save lives, livelihoods, health and well-being of as many people as possible. . . In fact - having gone to bat over evidence-based public health measures, rather than jumping on the fundamentalist-fed conspiracy theory band-wagon, Ive made few friends and plenty of frenemies. (Or, well, people who are convinced that I, like Gates, am the Anti-Christ. I am not much keen on exchanging the old fundy "holier-than-thou" dogma for its new, cooler version, "more-woke-than-thou".) . . But this. Fine, lets do all we can to help, comply, cooperate and work together. But it has to be evidence-based, sensible, and reasonable. And this isnt. . . There is NO science to even hint that water births could in any way increase the transmission of Coronavirus or increase risks for staff, mothers or babies. . . The virus is real, infectious diseases control measures in a pandemic are vital, and Im all for following the health advice and pulling together - but the pandemic cannot be used as an excuse to eliminate simple, low-risk comfort and coping measures and increase interventions and obstetric management of birth. . . . So no. Just - no. (And thank you ACM for going to bat for us). (Side note - no wonder Ive been getting heaps more orders for Homebirth/Freebirth Kits). From @midwives_acm: Use of water in labour BANNED...click through to read the media release and statement weve put out today in response to this new restriction. https://www.midwives.org.au/news/use-water-labour-banned . . Here is a vista of why waterbirth. Credits below: . . #waterbirth

05.01.2022 I love the power of intimate connection that comes out during labour when a women is digging into her power and internally working through the surges and contractions. I love seeing how they connect with their partners and work together. Being able to be apart of that moment but not intruding, seeing them working as a team. A doula does not replace your partner during Labor and birth but enhances them and their role. We are a team. We work together around the labouring per...son. Guiding softly, movement, breathing, voice, fluids, massage, what ever it is in that moment she is doing, is her choice. #labour #wollongongdoula See more

05.01.2022 A local event coming up

04.01.2022 Today is R U OK day, Not only should we be asking this regularly not just on an official day but its about what happens after. Having the conversation that could save someones life. Checking in with a friend, a loved one or a new mother. But also actually listening to what they are and arent actually saying, following it up. ... Reach out to someone. And if you are struggling, its ok to not always be ok. Speak out. Dont be afraid to tell someone you arent feeling ok today.. #ruokday See more

03.01.2022 This breaks my heart, it should never have happened, his mum should have been flown with him. I remember how heartbreaking it was for Aria to be sent to Sydney kids and me being told I was not well enough to be allowed to go with her and were seperated for a few days, gut wrenching. This better be worked out soon, not good enough!

03.01.2022 This week is birth trauma awareness week.. So lets talk about some I have experienced. Becoming a Mother for the first time was nothing I could have planned, prepared or experienced before. After a 16 hour Labor, a posterior bub, an episiotomy and an instrumental birth with a vacuum extraction, there were some complications with my girl afterwards. This moment captured here, was the moment I was told my first child, and 2 day old girl was needed to be sent to Sydney kids ho...spital, but I was not going with her. Being seperated from my baby, whom I had not had the time to bond with, had been in the NICU from birth and had been expressing for around the clock, while I was unwell and still trying to recover from her birth. It was not only this, but being told "I needed to calm down", after being told that my child was being sent to another hospital and I was to unwell to go with her and sent a social worker to help me, is all apart of what made a traumatic first time mother. No one should ever be separated from their newborn baby... #birthtraumaawarenessweek2020 #NICU See more

03.01.2022 No, Its actually NOT just about having a healthy baby. Birth trauma is REAL. And it happens every day across the globe. How you are made to feel during your la...bour and birth matters. Maternal mental health matters! This is NOT OK. This culture of fear, bullying and control when it comes to womens bodies, their choices and their rights needs to change. If you are experiencing trauma from your birth experience, I am SO SORRY that this happened to you. Please reach out for support, youre not alone and there is help for you. #birthtraumaawarenessweek2020 #obstetricviolence #maternalmentalhealthawareness #itsnotok #wombwisdom #wakingthewitches #womensbodieswomenswisdom #birthtrauma #birthhealing #doula

02.01.2022 "What do you do as a doula?" This is a question that other doulas and myself are asked frequently. I educate women on their options for themselves and their bab...ies babies during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. I help families find the resources they need to become the best versions of themsleves. I help her create the birth plan of her dreams, and then educate her on the detours we all know birth can take. I provide her with information on all of her choices from breastfeeding and bottles to diapers and carriers. And then I help her find a solution that works for her on anything else she may be unsure of. I empower women to take control of their birth experience and leave them feeling confident. I encourage partners to step in and help during labor, leaving them both more connected, confident, and secure. I come in after the birth to hold the mother that seems to be forgotten in the midst of the new babys arrival. I reassure her that her milk is in fact enough, that she is enough. I am NOT a glorified maid/babysitter, but if doing the dishes and holding her baby so she can shower and catch her breath makes her day easier, then that is exactly what I am going to do. I sit with her and have hard conversations about motherhood, marriage, and depression. My contract may say "on call at 37 weeks", but I am by my phone from the day we meet to answer any questions she has. For me this is more than a "job", I became a doula to make a change in a community whose cesarean rates have brought people to investigate from across the country. I became a doula to help the scared teen moms, the woman who is doing this whole motherhood thing alone, the woman who wants extra support, and the women who fear they wont be treated fairly by their HCPs.

02.01.2022 Thank you anyone who signed the petition, they have been reunited back at her base hospital, but it still should never have happened!

01.01.2022 Following on from being seperated from my daughter, this is us being reunited 2 days later. I dont even recognise myself, this first time mother, unwell, recovering from a birth. Feeling disconnected from my baby, not knowing what I was doing, am I doing this right. The anxiety. I had just had an ECT and was told not to feed while I had the radioactive dye in my system. It took time to get better and recover. My husband only had two weeks off work and one of those we spent ...in hospital, so having him back at work so soon was hard. I was fortunate to have family support, I dont know what I would have done without them. This babe was my hardest, she had colic and would scream some days for hours, it was a difficult postpartum. All of these experiences I have, have pushed me into this work, to help support other women, so they will never be alone during this crucial stage of their life #birthtraumaawarenessweek2020

01.01.2022 If anyone needed help understanding WHY would women even WANT to put themselves through normal, natural, physiological birth. If you dont know .... read this. ... . . Repost @heartofgoldbirth . Regarding umedicated, physiological birth, well, there is good news, and bad news. The bad news: you cannot be saved. You can have a midwife, you can have a doula, but it is you alone who must journey to another dimension, to claim your baby. This is spiritual work. We cannot come with you. The good news? You. dont. need. saving. You see, over time weve capitulated to the idea that we shouldnt need to feel the full extent of the birthing process. Or, that if things get too hard, were doing something wrong. We will agree, up front, to a certain amount of sensation, but beyond that its too much. What if you knew up front that you were going to be thoroughly decimated? What if you understood: birth will bring you to your edge, and beyond that edge there is another edge, and then another, and another? What if, you understood that up front, and gave the universe a handshake and a nod that youre up for it. This is NOT about martyrdom. This IS about reframing most of what youve been led to believe about childbirth. And what if it is not without divine purpose. It IS big, yes. It is ok to be overwhelmed, and even scared because HOLY SH*T, NOTHING has prepared you for this (not even your previous births). Its ok to not know what to do. And it is ok to do it anyway. The sensations, and our thoughts that come up because of them, in no way mean anything is wrong. Surrender. Over and over, soften your muscles, rest between surges, and do it again. Holy sh*t, yall. We came to this earth, in these bodies, because WE ARE CAPABLE. We were given THE highest honor among humans. And it is BECAUSE of this POWER and CAPACITY we have been convinced of the spin stories. You can curse, and sweat, and cry, and doubt yourself, and even wish for a f**king epidural, and you can do. it. anyway. You will emerge from the storm, a tiny boat on the vast ocean just after an epic storm, intact, forever changed, and weathered by the salt of your sweat and tears."