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We've been spending all day outside. Weeding the garden, planting the fall crops, enjoying the sunshine.
Meanwhile, I'm over at MassMoms with Five Tips for a Natural Childbirth. Feel free to check it out and comment!
Showing posts with label doula. Show all posts
Showing posts with label doula. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Monday, October 18, 2010
Pushing Through That Wall
I had a client go into labor this weekend. She gave birth naturally to a beautiful baby girl.
My job allows me to witness the beautiful miracle of childbirth. But my favorite part isn't when the baby is born (although it is a close second).
At some point during the birth, the laboring women looks up at me and says "I can't do this."
And I put cold washcloths on her forehead, and murmur encouragement into her ear.
You already are doing it.
And then it happens: a powerful force swells up inside her, a strength that is unknown to the woman at any other point in her life......and she uses this force, this magical, powerful, overwhelming force, to push through her pain and worries and achieve what she didn't think was possible.
She finds the core of her strength. And she uses it to bring life into the world.
That is my favorite part.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Encore, Please
On Thursday I attended my first birth since coming off my sabbatical.
I was at this couple's first birth, and was really looking forward to being at their second.
Mama totally and completely amazed me with the way she rocked a natural birth. Beautiful baby was born weighing 10lbs, 10 oz.
I came home smelling of newborn sweetness and on a birth high. I kissed the girls hello, cuddled with The Tadpole, and had a glass of wine as I thought about the beautiful family that I would soon be visiting again.
My job? It's not work. It's miracles. Beauty. Love.
It's Life.
I love my job.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Do You Doula?
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Birthing Goddess
As a doula, sometimes I get frustrated and wonder why I am doing this.
I have heard a few people state that doulas are simply witnesses. It's even been stated that doulas may be "perpetuating the very system that they are in the business of changing." Sometimes I feel that way. Sometimes I feel that all I am able to do is sit back and watch as IV's are put in, pitocin started, requests denied, and sometime, even scare tactics are used to keep the woman in compliance. As woman are told that their babies are too big and their pelvis too small; they are too "overdue"; their labors are taking too long; they are not progressing; they are unable to birth their baby without the doctors and their array of wonderful drugs don't worry there is minimal risk involved and why not just get the epidural don't you know that women who give birth naturally don't get gold stars?
However much debate there is, the statistical benefits of a doula still stand true and proven. So I keep packing my bag, keep taking clients, and keep praying at night that the next birth will go as the mom plans, that the nurse/doctor won't be in a rush or having a bad day or whatnot.
Then I'll have a client who's birth does go as planned. And it makes it all worth it. I get home, sit on the couch, and think about what I witnessed and say "wow".
Today I'm over at Inspiring Birth Stories talking about such a birth. Head on over for some inspiration. And if you want to submit your own birth story, feel free to email me.
I have heard a few people state that doulas are simply witnesses. It's even been stated that doulas may be "perpetuating the very system that they are in the business of changing." Sometimes I feel that way. Sometimes I feel that all I am able to do is sit back and watch as IV's are put in, pitocin started, requests denied, and sometime, even scare tactics are used to keep the woman in compliance. As woman are told that their babies are too big and their pelvis too small; they are too "overdue"; their labors are taking too long; they are not progressing; they are unable to birth their baby without the doctors and their array of wonderful drugs don't worry there is minimal risk involved and why not just get the epidural don't you know that women who give birth naturally don't get gold stars?
However much debate there is, the statistical benefits of a doula still stand true and proven. So I keep packing my bag, keep taking clients, and keep praying at night that the next birth will go as the mom plans, that the nurse/doctor won't be in a rush or having a bad day or whatnot.
Then I'll have a client who's birth does go as planned. And it makes it all worth it. I get home, sit on the couch, and think about what I witnessed and say "wow".
Today I'm over at Inspiring Birth Stories talking about such a birth. Head on over for some inspiration. And if you want to submit your own birth story, feel free to email me.
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Inspiring Birth Stories: Birth of Baby S
When I meet with a birth client, I always tell them the same thing: avoid negative birth stories.
It seems that when a woman gets pregnant, every person she meets seems to have had, or know someone who has had, an awful and horrendous birth experience full of pain and danger. Why do we feel the need to scare a soon-to-be mom like that?
I usually give my clients a list of websites and books that contain positive birth stories for them to read and focus on.
Inspiring Birth Stories is such a website. Full of positive birth stories written by moms and doulas, it's a great site for all expectant moms to visit, or anyone who likes to be inspired by birth.
Recently, I was invited to become a contributing author at Inspiring Birth Stories. I'm over there today, talking about my September client's birth. Come on over and be inspired.
It seems that when a woman gets pregnant, every person she meets seems to have had, or know someone who has had, an awful and horrendous birth experience full of pain and danger. Why do we feel the need to scare a soon-to-be mom like that?
I usually give my clients a list of websites and books that contain positive birth stories for them to read and focus on.
Inspiring Birth Stories is such a website. Full of positive birth stories written by moms and doulas, it's a great site for all expectant moms to visit, or anyone who likes to be inspired by birth.
Recently, I was invited to become a contributing author at Inspiring Birth Stories. I'm over there today, talking about my September client's birth. Come on over and be inspired.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Catching Up and Just Breathing
Some bits and pieces of our life...
~ Had a client go into labor Monday night at 9 PM. Baby was born Tuesday at 10:51 AM. Mom was beautiful, baby was beautiful, beautiful family! All is well.
~ Yesterday was the home inspection on the new house. It pretty much passed with flying colors, just some small improvements need to be made. Next step is the P & S.
~ The Guppy has been cutting back a little on her daytime feedings. Since she was feeding 6-8 times a day, this is a relief to me. After we get settled in the new house and our life isn't as rushed, then I will gently night-wean her.
~ The girls' birthdays are coming up: the Mermaid on September 3rd and the Guppy on Sept 26th. Since the closing date on the house is September 30th and I have a client due September 30th, we are going to try to have a very low-key and small party for them the first weekend of September. Wait....first weekend....isn't that in two week?!? I better get cracking!
That's it for updates. Life is good.
~ Had a client go into labor Monday night at 9 PM. Baby was born Tuesday at 10:51 AM. Mom was beautiful, baby was beautiful, beautiful family! All is well.
~ Yesterday was the home inspection on the new house. It pretty much passed with flying colors, just some small improvements need to be made. Next step is the P & S.
~ The Guppy has been cutting back a little on her daytime feedings. Since she was feeding 6-8 times a day, this is a relief to me. After we get settled in the new house and our life isn't as rushed, then I will gently night-wean her.
~ The girls' birthdays are coming up: the Mermaid on September 3rd and the Guppy on Sept 26th. Since the closing date on the house is September 30th and I have a client due September 30th, we are going to try to have a very low-key and small party for them the first weekend of September. Wait....first weekend....isn't that in two week?!? I better get cracking!
That's it for updates. Life is good.
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Monday, June 30, 2008
Beautiful Birth With First Time Mom...
Thursday morning my June mama went into labor. It was fantastic. She called at 1:30 am to tell me her water had broken, I was at her side at the birth center by 5 am, baby was born at 11:15 am. For a first time mom, it was a really quick labor.
Mom did fantastic, knew just how to move to help her body bring the baby down. She sat a little in the tub, but didn't like it too much so did most of her laboring out of water. She was very in tune with herself, and I really didn't have to do much. It was the easiest birth I had done yet. She pushed for about an hour and gave birth to a perfect baby boy, 7lbs 8oz. He latched on like a champ right away and is doing great.
Mom really impressed me, not once did she lose control. In fact, when we sensed that she was hitting transition we told her that this was the point that most women start to think that they can't do it, and she simply stated, "Don't worry about me, I know I can do it." And she did. Not once did she say she can't, in fact during the pushing stage, as the head was crowing, she kept saying, "I'm almost done so we're just going to do this." and pushed him out! It really was an awesome birth. I'm going to see the happy couple and baby tonight for our first postpartum visit and I'm excited to see the little guy again :o) I really loved the birth; it was quick, beautiful, and easy, and I was home in time for lunch ;o)
I just got hired by another great couple and I have my first prenatal with them in July. She is due late September and my other client is due in October. I don't think I can get July filled as July is pretty much already here but my goal is to try to get a client for August. I might not take on clients in November and maybe December because if I get pregnant in October like the Knight and I plan, then I will most likely have my usual horrible morning sickness during that time and I don't think attending births then would be the best thing. I haven't thought yet on how long into my pregnancy I will continue to work, it's still a little far in the future, but it's coming up quick!
Mom did fantastic, knew just how to move to help her body bring the baby down. She sat a little in the tub, but didn't like it too much so did most of her laboring out of water. She was very in tune with herself, and I really didn't have to do much. It was the easiest birth I had done yet. She pushed for about an hour and gave birth to a perfect baby boy, 7lbs 8oz. He latched on like a champ right away and is doing great.
Mom really impressed me, not once did she lose control. In fact, when we sensed that she was hitting transition we told her that this was the point that most women start to think that they can't do it, and she simply stated, "Don't worry about me, I know I can do it." And she did. Not once did she say she can't, in fact during the pushing stage, as the head was crowing, she kept saying, "I'm almost done so we're just going to do this." and pushed him out! It really was an awesome birth. I'm going to see the happy couple and baby tonight for our first postpartum visit and I'm excited to see the little guy again :o) I really loved the birth; it was quick, beautiful, and easy, and I was home in time for lunch ;o)
I just got hired by another great couple and I have my first prenatal with them in July. She is due late September and my other client is due in October. I don't think I can get July filled as July is pretty much already here but my goal is to try to get a client for August. I might not take on clients in November and maybe December because if I get pregnant in October like the Knight and I plan, then I will most likely have my usual horrible morning sickness during that time and I don't think attending births then would be the best thing. I haven't thought yet on how long into my pregnancy I will continue to work, it's still a little far in the future, but it's coming up quick!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Where in the World Have I Been?
Well, it has been a while! This month has been crazy!
The day after I wrote my last post my client went into labor. It was a long labor that resulted in an absolutely beautiful 9lb 15oz baby boy! They are such a wonderful family and I felt so honored to be present at the birth.
I have one client who is due next week but I have a feeling she will be "early" (third baby, both prior babies were born "early").
I've done another belly cast and I am looking into doing henna body art and Mother Blessing ceremonies.
My SIL's wedding is coming up in three weeks (gulp) and I've been running around to prepare. I got my shoes ordered last night but I still have to get my dress hemmed and set up appointments for my hair, etc.
The girls have been sick a little this month as well, which keep me busy all in itself. Plus I've been running around with the other board members of Blackstone Valley WomenAid, trying to get the proper paperwork filed and community verifiers lined up. Add on to all of this the fact that my Arbonne business has been doing really well and keeping me busy, and with all this I am trying to make sure I find time to sleep, and so my poor blog has been neglected.
I find that the busier I get, the more organized I must become or else I get all stressed. So, I'm going to start doing FlyLady again, because when I actually follow her program my life is so.much. easier. I'm also going to set aside time in my calendar at least every other day to post on this blog, because really I love posting here and I could never stop.
What else? Oh, yeah, we got the girls guinea pigs. It was not my idea and I wanted nothing to do with it, but now that we have them, I'm glad we did. We got them for free from wonderful woman that the Knight works with and both girls adore them. The Mermaid has impressed me with her willingness to take responsibility for them, such as helping to feed them and clean their cages and make sure they "come out to play" every day.
Oh, yeah, and I'm also going to the MA/RI/VT LLL area conference at the end of the month (unless my client goes into labor then) and I am so excited! I'm taking the Guppy with me because she still nurses at night. I'll be sharing a room with a dear friend and doula client, so it should be fun!
Remember how I told you that the Knight had broken my camera on Thanksgiving? Well my SIL was kind enough to lend us her camera so I am able to take pictures again (Thank Heavens! Withdrawal is not fun!). Prepared to be shocked at how big they have gotten....
Monday, January 21, 2008
Prenatal Workshop
My favorite part of being a Doula? Having the ability to reach out the community.
Remember how I mentioned that a dear friend of mine and I were planning a prenatal workshop? Well, it's all set up. Now we just have to get women to sign up. So, feel free to spread the word ;o)
Presenting the Buddhaful Movements for Pregnancy and Birth Workshop
Join us for a day of relaxation and movement!
· Experience yoga techniques proven to help you relax and relieve muscle soreness and common discomforts during your pregnancy.
· Learn positions and movements to help make your labor a shorter and smoother process.
No matter what type of birth you are planning, these techniques will help keep you relaxed, flexible, and toned throughout your pregnancy and focused during your labor. The cost for this workshop is $35.00. Light refreshments will be served.
Childbirth experts and recent research agree that positioning and movement can result in a more comfortable pregnancy. Research also agrees that positioning and movement can result in a smoother and more comfortable labor, and can even help to shorten the labor process.
For more information, feel free to email me or contact me through my website.
Remember how I mentioned that a dear friend of mine and I were planning a prenatal workshop? Well, it's all set up. Now we just have to get women to sign up. So, feel free to spread the word ;o)
Presenting the Buddhaful Movements for Pregnancy and Birth Workshop
Join us for a day of relaxation and movement!· Explore techniques for deep breathing and relaxation tailored towards pregnancy.
· Experience yoga techniques proven to help you relax and relieve muscle soreness and common discomforts during your pregnancy.
· Learn positions and movements to help make your labor a shorter and smoother process.
No matter what type of birth you are planning, these techniques will help keep you relaxed, flexible, and toned throughout your pregnancy and focused during your labor. The cost for this workshop is $35.00. Light refreshments will be served.
Childbirth experts and recent research agree that positioning and movement can result in a more comfortable pregnancy. Research also agrees that positioning and movement can result in a smoother and more comfortable labor, and can even help to shorten the labor process.
For more information, feel free to email me or contact me through my website.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Soundbites From Our Life
My goal was to start posting to this blog more often, at least once a day. Unfortunately the Guppy has been teething like mad and a teething baby = a very clingy and cranky baby! I am still going to strive for posting once a day. I love this blog, getting all my thoughts and opinions written out in such a way is very therapeutic to me.
So, quickly before the Guppy wakes up, some little soundbites from our life:
~ I'm on week two of my diet. I'm doing a combo of Arbonne Figure 8 products and Weight Watchers. Last week I lost 3 lbs, my official weigh in is on Mondays. Woot woot!
~ My dear and lovely Sister-in-law is getting married this spring. I am a bridesmaid and the Mermaid is going to be the flower girl! We're going to get her dress today and while I know she is going to be an adorable flower girl, all I can picture in my head and her screeching and running down the aisle throwing her petals everywhere!
~ The Knight and his family run a Fantasy Football every year. The members take it all very seriously and put a lot of time and effort into it. This year the Knight did not win the Super Bowl, and so he is upset that the lovely trophy will not be gracing our living room this year (me, I'm more relieved than anything. I personally can't stand the damn thing).
~ In the past two weeks I have taken big steps to get my Doula business and my Direct Marketing business going strong. I am planning a prenatal yoga/positioning for labor workshop with a dear friend of mine who teaches yoga. I'm very excited and will keep you updated.
~ The Mermaid has been thriving through homeschooling and each day I am more and more sure that we made the right decision. We are trying hard to keep her on a consistent routine and to give her lots of productive attention. She is becoming much calmer as a result and much more willing to listen when we ask her to do something.
That's all I have for now, as I can hear the Guppy stirring in the other room. Hopefully I will be able to post again tomorrow.
So, quickly before the Guppy wakes up, some little soundbites from our life:
~ I'm on week two of my diet. I'm doing a combo of Arbonne Figure 8 products and Weight Watchers. Last week I lost 3 lbs, my official weigh in is on Mondays. Woot woot!
~ My dear and lovely Sister-in-law is getting married this spring. I am a bridesmaid and the Mermaid is going to be the flower girl! We're going to get her dress today and while I know she is going to be an adorable flower girl, all I can picture in my head and her screeching and running down the aisle throwing her petals everywhere!
~ The Knight and his family run a Fantasy Football every year. The members take it all very seriously and put a lot of time and effort into it. This year the Knight did not win the Super Bowl, and so he is upset that the lovely trophy will not be gracing our living room this year (me, I'm more relieved than anything. I personally can't stand the damn thing).
~ In the past two weeks I have taken big steps to get my Doula business and my Direct Marketing business going strong. I am planning a prenatal yoga/positioning for labor workshop with a dear friend of mine who teaches yoga. I'm very excited and will keep you updated.
~ The Mermaid has been thriving through homeschooling and each day I am more and more sure that we made the right decision. We are trying hard to keep her on a consistent routine and to give her lots of productive attention. She is becoming much calmer as a result and much more willing to listen when we ask her to do something.
That's all I have for now, as I can hear the Guppy stirring in the other room. Hopefully I will be able to post again tomorrow.
Friday, January 04, 2008
Year of Action
The year of 2007 was a great year for our family. The Knight and I call 2007 the "year of enlightenment." It was the year that we realized that life could be different, that we could live however we wanted, and the way that we wanted to live was with as much freedom as possible.
Our first area of learning was in finances. We decided that the only thing between us and financial freedom was debt. After the Mermaid was born, we got into some serious credit card debt, on top of our student loans. We learned that getting out of this debt was the key to being able to set aside money for a savings, and to being able to afford a house on just one income. So, we went on the Dave Ramsey Total Money Makeover Plan. From March to December, we paid off about $12,000.00 worth of debt and saved up for a down payment on a house. Our goal is to be completely free of debt, except for a mortgage, by the end of 2009.
Our second area of learning was in health. We did some research on nutrition and decided to become vegetarians. We are seriously considering going vegan. Being vegetarians is simply healthier: in fact, eating meat is seriously detrimental to your health. Books that we read in our research include The China Study, You Don't Need Meat, and The Mad Cowboy. The science is there, we just accessed it.
Our third area of learning was in lifestyle. First, we made a conscious decision to live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. While we did take some positive steps in this direction (switched to cloth paper towels/napkins, set up a recycling center, etc), I still think we need to work on this one. Second, we decided that we did not want to live the traditional 9-5 lifestyle. We want to both work from home and be home with our kids. We want to homeschool them, be there for them, and raise them with our values, so that they learn the importance of family. Since right now we are relying on the Knight's income, we decided to take steps to allow me to work from home first. This decision led me to starting two of my own home-based businesses: the first was my Doula business, the second was my Direct Marketing business. I adore doing both businesses, and have a blast with each one. Once we are more out of debt, the Knight wants to open his own business as a financial advisor for the Dave Ramsey plan. Then we will both be home to raise and school our children.
Now that 2007 is over, we know that we have definite goals in all three areas and we also have plans laid out to reach those goals. So, for us, 2008 is going to be the year of action. We are both going to work to develop and build my businesses, to help us get out of debt. We hope to get even more out of debt in the spring, and get a house. We've started homeschooling the girls. And we are gazelle intense on reaching all of our goals, and getting the lifestyle that we want.
Will we succeed? We have to. We have officially removed the option of quitting from the table. It is this or nothing. And we are determined.
As for personal resolutions, I do have a few. My general resolution is to improve as a person. The specific ones I have are:
~ Find value in myself, and know that I am worthy of the all the blessings I receive.
~ Don't let other people's opinions rule how I feel about myself
~ Be more positive/optimistic (including doing some positive affirmations about myself and my life every morning)
~ Move forward in both my businesses
~ Yell less (I hate it when I lose control of my anger and yell at the Mermaid)
~ Lose weight (kind of cliche, I know, but the Knight and I are going to TTC in September/October and I want to be as healthy as possible for the pregnancy.)
So that is our outlook for the year. I would love to hear what your goals for 2008 are!
Our first area of learning was in finances. We decided that the only thing between us and financial freedom was debt. After the Mermaid was born, we got into some serious credit card debt, on top of our student loans. We learned that getting out of this debt was the key to being able to set aside money for a savings, and to being able to afford a house on just one income. So, we went on the Dave Ramsey Total Money Makeover Plan. From March to December, we paid off about $12,000.00 worth of debt and saved up for a down payment on a house. Our goal is to be completely free of debt, except for a mortgage, by the end of 2009.
Our second area of learning was in health. We did some research on nutrition and decided to become vegetarians. We are seriously considering going vegan. Being vegetarians is simply healthier: in fact, eating meat is seriously detrimental to your health. Books that we read in our research include The China Study, You Don't Need Meat, and The Mad Cowboy. The science is there, we just accessed it.
Our third area of learning was in lifestyle. First, we made a conscious decision to live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. While we did take some positive steps in this direction (switched to cloth paper towels/napkins, set up a recycling center, etc), I still think we need to work on this one. Second, we decided that we did not want to live the traditional 9-5 lifestyle. We want to both work from home and be home with our kids. We want to homeschool them, be there for them, and raise them with our values, so that they learn the importance of family. Since right now we are relying on the Knight's income, we decided to take steps to allow me to work from home first. This decision led me to starting two of my own home-based businesses: the first was my Doula business, the second was my Direct Marketing business. I adore doing both businesses, and have a blast with each one. Once we are more out of debt, the Knight wants to open his own business as a financial advisor for the Dave Ramsey plan. Then we will both be home to raise and school our children.
Now that 2007 is over, we know that we have definite goals in all three areas and we also have plans laid out to reach those goals. So, for us, 2008 is going to be the year of action. We are both going to work to develop and build my businesses, to help us get out of debt. We hope to get even more out of debt in the spring, and get a house. We've started homeschooling the girls. And we are gazelle intense on reaching all of our goals, and getting the lifestyle that we want.
Will we succeed? We have to. We have officially removed the option of quitting from the table. It is this or nothing. And we are determined.
As for personal resolutions, I do have a few. My general resolution is to improve as a person. The specific ones I have are:
~ Find value in myself, and know that I am worthy of the all the blessings I receive.
~ Don't let other people's opinions rule how I feel about myself
~ Be more positive/optimistic (including doing some positive affirmations about myself and my life every morning)
~ Move forward in both my businesses
~ Yell less (I hate it when I lose control of my anger and yell at the Mermaid)
~ Lose weight (kind of cliche, I know, but the Knight and I are going to TTC in September/October and I want to be as healthy as possible for the pregnancy.)
So that is our outlook for the year. I would love to hear what your goals for 2008 are!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Birthing Goddess
Tuesday night a dear friend of mine went into labor and I was honored to attend the birth. This was her second baby, and her first homebirth.
I arrived and the midwives greeted me. They were so nice, so wise, and so in their element. My friend was a birthing goddess. She did so incredibly well during the labor and birth. She was not very vocal, instead she was very focused inwards on what her body was telling her.
After a while she labored in the birthing tub and pushed her baby out in the tub as well. What a Goddess she was, unaware of anything else except for what her body was doing to bring her baby into the world! The baby's arrival was met with smiles, joy, and laughter. A beautiful, healthy, baby boy!
I was so honored to be able to participate in this event. The atmosphere was of pure support, encouragement, joy, and calmness. This is the way all births should be, the mother surrounded by women who are calm and supportive. I was awed by the knowledge of the midwives and especially of my friend, who dove deep within herself and birthed her baby with ease.
Unfortunately, it was after the birth of the baby that things went slightly off track. Mom had lost a lot of blood and fainted, despite the shot of pitocin that the midwife gave her and despite the constant massaging of her uterus. The decision was made to transport Mom to the hospital. I stayed behind to watch their two year old son, who had slept through the entire birth.
Mom and baby are now doing great. Mom should be coming home from the hospital today. Dad was amazing, when the decision was made to transport I could tell he was worried and scared for Mom, but not once did he panic. He kept his cool and did what needed to be done to prepare for the ambulance's arrival.
What an amazing family!
I arrived and the midwives greeted me. They were so nice, so wise, and so in their element. My friend was a birthing goddess. She did so incredibly well during the labor and birth. She was not very vocal, instead she was very focused inwards on what her body was telling her.
After a while she labored in the birthing tub and pushed her baby out in the tub as well. What a Goddess she was, unaware of anything else except for what her body was doing to bring her baby into the world! The baby's arrival was met with smiles, joy, and laughter. A beautiful, healthy, baby boy!
I was so honored to be able to participate in this event. The atmosphere was of pure support, encouragement, joy, and calmness. This is the way all births should be, the mother surrounded by women who are calm and supportive. I was awed by the knowledge of the midwives and especially of my friend, who dove deep within herself and birthed her baby with ease.
Unfortunately, it was after the birth of the baby that things went slightly off track. Mom had lost a lot of blood and fainted, despite the shot of pitocin that the midwife gave her and despite the constant massaging of her uterus. The decision was made to transport Mom to the hospital. I stayed behind to watch their two year old son, who had slept through the entire birth.
Mom and baby are now doing great. Mom should be coming home from the hospital today. Dad was amazing, when the decision was made to transport I could tell he was worried and scared for Mom, but not once did he panic. He kept his cool and did what needed to be done to prepare for the ambulance's arrival.
What an amazing family!
Monday, October 08, 2007
Update and Now in Business
I know it's been a while since I've last posted but things have been a little hectic around here.
To start with we lost power at our house for a few days so we had to temporarily move in with my In-laws. It's a long story but the good news is we have power again and were able to move back in over the weekend.
Another thing that has been taking up a lot of my time is that I finished my Doula training and I am now officially in business! My Doula training was one of the most wonderful things I got to experience in my life and I'm so glad I made the decision to follow my dream. This week I've been working on officially launching my business by ordering my business cards, setting up my website, etc. I published my website this morning, it's not fully completed yet but all the basics are there. Please check it out and give me feedback, I would love to hear from you all! :o)
Maternal Goddess Doula Services
So between those two things and running my other business, I really have had limited time but hopefully I'll have more time to post in the coming week. Both the girls and the Knight are doing great and we are still house hunting so hopefully we will be in our own house soon!
To start with we lost power at our house for a few days so we had to temporarily move in with my In-laws. It's a long story but the good news is we have power again and were able to move back in over the weekend.
Another thing that has been taking up a lot of my time is that I finished my Doula training and I am now officially in business! My Doula training was one of the most wonderful things I got to experience in my life and I'm so glad I made the decision to follow my dream. This week I've been working on officially launching my business by ordering my business cards, setting up my website, etc. I published my website this morning, it's not fully completed yet but all the basics are there. Please check it out and give me feedback, I would love to hear from you all! :o)
Maternal Goddess Doula Services
So between those two things and running my other business, I really have had limited time but hopefully I'll have more time to post in the coming week. Both the girls and the Knight are doing great and we are still house hunting so hopefully we will be in our own house soon!
Monday, September 17, 2007
The Next Step, Part II
Remember this post?
Well, after writing it the Knight and I talked it over and we decided that it is important for me to follow my heart and embark on a career that would satisfy me as a person.
I am so incredibly lucky to have a husband that encourages me to follow my dreams and is even willing to make sacrafices in order to get me started.
The Knight and I slowly set aside some money and when we had enough, I signed up for a Doula training course. It's a series of four Saturdays where I go for all day to learn the art of being a Doula. My first class was this past Saturday.
It was amazing.
I tell ya, I was still a little unsure. Was it worth the money we were paying? We could use the money towards the down payment on a house instead. But the Knight convinced me that we had made the right decision and so I went. And I came home glowing.
What a difference it is just to be surrounded all day by women who feel the same way you do about certain things, who share your same values and dreams. At the same time, the diversity within the small group was astounding. We had widows, divorcees, SAHM, career women, women who had c-sections, women who had home births, women who loved their epidurals, women who had abortions, women who were pro life; all of these different backgrounds and experiences were present in this one room. What I loved the most was that instead of these differences creating a conflict with each other, we were all completely open to learning from these different experiences and using it to our advantage. I know I learned a lot from these women and I am hoping they learned something from me. The class instructor is wonderful as well; she is a midwife (it's rare for a midwife to give training to doulas so it's really great that we get the chance to learn from her) and so open and understanding and was an awesome teacher.
My next class is this Saturday and I can't wait. Between becoming a Doula and launching my other home based business, life is looking pretty good right now...and I get to share it with my kids ;o)
Well, after writing it the Knight and I talked it over and we decided that it is important for me to follow my heart and embark on a career that would satisfy me as a person.
I am so incredibly lucky to have a husband that encourages me to follow my dreams and is even willing to make sacrafices in order to get me started.
The Knight and I slowly set aside some money and when we had enough, I signed up for a Doula training course. It's a series of four Saturdays where I go for all day to learn the art of being a Doula. My first class was this past Saturday.
It was amazing.
I tell ya, I was still a little unsure. Was it worth the money we were paying? We could use the money towards the down payment on a house instead. But the Knight convinced me that we had made the right decision and so I went. And I came home glowing.
What a difference it is just to be surrounded all day by women who feel the same way you do about certain things, who share your same values and dreams. At the same time, the diversity within the small group was astounding. We had widows, divorcees, SAHM, career women, women who had c-sections, women who had home births, women who loved their epidurals, women who had abortions, women who were pro life; all of these different backgrounds and experiences were present in this one room. What I loved the most was that instead of these differences creating a conflict with each other, we were all completely open to learning from these different experiences and using it to our advantage. I know I learned a lot from these women and I am hoping they learned something from me. The class instructor is wonderful as well; she is a midwife (it's rare for a midwife to give training to doulas so it's really great that we get the chance to learn from her) and so open and understanding and was an awesome teacher.
My next class is this Saturday and I can't wait. Between becoming a Doula and launching my other home based business, life is looking pretty good right now...and I get to share it with my kids ;o)
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