“A Doula For Every Women Who Wants One”
Something that I’m excited about tonight: I’ve been meeting some new postpartum doulas to network with. There are only a few things worse in life for me then to have to tell a family in need “I’m sorry, I am unavailable to offer support…” and them tell me there is no one else…
I feel so blessed to live in a birthing community where we all know each other and can freely refer back and forth… I remember a couple of years ago I was the only one pursuing certification as a postpartum doula. Now our little group is growing.... Such a relief...
Happiest Baby Update:
I am now offering Happiest Baby education along with my postpartum doula support. The response from parents has been so very positive… :)
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Birth....Simple?
Birth…
It just swoops down and meets us where we are at in life....
Some of us are ready for it. We are ready to wear the “My Body Rocks!” tee shirt.
Some of us dread it. The fear of the unknown is just too overwhelming and we need to gain back some sense of control.
And, some of us want a child, but do not want to give birth…
Fortunately, we live in a birthing culture that offers choices. The choice to wear the tee shirt, or to give ourselves over to the medical community. Most, I would say, fall somewhere in between.
I think of my ladies in Rwanda, who travel miles to have the safest birth possible. For them that means giving their control over to the medical doctors, because they feel the risk of doing this on their own is just to great. Their goal is to have their babies in their arms as safely as possible.
Others have a goal of listening and respecting their bodies to do what they were designed to do. They surround themselves with like-minded souls for support and guidance and are in the comfort of their own home. And, most importantly, there is the reassurance that if something unfortunate happens, they have a hospital just a drive away…
That is the difference between the two worlds… I would imagine that if there was a local midwife or hospital my Rwandan sisters would follow their instincts and labor as naturally as possible. They just do not have that choice...
It just swoops down and meets us where we are at in life....
Some of us are ready for it. We are ready to wear the “My Body Rocks!” tee shirt.
Some of us dread it. The fear of the unknown is just too overwhelming and we need to gain back some sense of control.
And, some of us want a child, but do not want to give birth…
Fortunately, we live in a birthing culture that offers choices. The choice to wear the tee shirt, or to give ourselves over to the medical community. Most, I would say, fall somewhere in between.
I think of my ladies in Rwanda, who travel miles to have the safest birth possible. For them that means giving their control over to the medical doctors, because they feel the risk of doing this on their own is just to great. Their goal is to have their babies in their arms as safely as possible.
Others have a goal of listening and respecting their bodies to do what they were designed to do. They surround themselves with like-minded souls for support and guidance and are in the comfort of their own home. And, most importantly, there is the reassurance that if something unfortunate happens, they have a hospital just a drive away…
That is the difference between the two worlds… I would imagine that if there was a local midwife or hospital my Rwandan sisters would follow their instincts and labor as naturally as possible. They just do not have that choice...
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Simply Amazing Coffee...
Those of you who know me, know that unless it's a decaf mocha frappachino with whipped cream, I'm not really a coffee drinker...
That is until I had my first cup of Rwandan Arabica Coffee.
Perhaps it was because I love the Rwandan people and wanted to share in having a cup of their coffee with them each morning this past summer, I am now able to understand what all the fuss is about.
I am happy to say, here in America, you too can enjoy the most amazing cup of coffee you'll ever have...
www.ThousandHillsCoffee.com
What I appreciate about Thousand Hills is their vision they have for the children:
From their Website:
"...Thousand Hills Coffee Company, LLC was formed to supply the United States with quality Arabica coffee from Rwanda and to help subsidize and promote the Rwanda Middle School Project sponsored by the Paraclete Foundation of South Boston, Massachusetts
The vision of a new private, tuition-free middle school for girls is providing new hope in rural area of Nyamata, Rwanda where educational resources are limited.
Women have taken on a significant role in all sectors of the nation since the genocide of 1994 yet enrollment of girls in school, particularly at the secondary level, lags behind that of boys.
The new middle school’s aim is to prepare girls for higher education and to develop leaders. Students of all faiths will be educated to be intellectually prepared and morally inspired to lead and serve with distinction.
For more information visit the website at paraclete.org..."
I've spent time in Nyamata, I'll be changed forever because of my experiences there.
I try and remember everything about my time in Rwanda. The people, the music and songs, the relationships made and healed.
These are some of my most treasured memories... More later...
That is until I had my first cup of Rwandan Arabica Coffee.
Perhaps it was because I love the Rwandan people and wanted to share in having a cup of their coffee with them each morning this past summer, I am now able to understand what all the fuss is about.
I am happy to say, here in America, you too can enjoy the most amazing cup of coffee you'll ever have...
www.ThousandHillsCoffee.com
What I appreciate about Thousand Hills is their vision they have for the children:
From their Website:
"...Thousand Hills Coffee Company, LLC was formed to supply the United States with quality Arabica coffee from Rwanda and to help subsidize and promote the Rwanda Middle School Project sponsored by the Paraclete Foundation of South Boston, Massachusetts
The vision of a new private, tuition-free middle school for girls is providing new hope in rural area of Nyamata, Rwanda where educational resources are limited.
Women have taken on a significant role in all sectors of the nation since the genocide of 1994 yet enrollment of girls in school, particularly at the secondary level, lags behind that of boys.
The new middle school’s aim is to prepare girls for higher education and to develop leaders. Students of all faiths will be educated to be intellectually prepared and morally inspired to lead and serve with distinction.
For more information visit the website at paraclete.org..."
I've spent time in Nyamata, I'll be changed forever because of my experiences there.
I try and remember everything about my time in Rwanda. The people, the music and songs, the relationships made and healed.
These are some of my most treasured memories... More later...
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Simple Babies...
When you welcome a new baby into your home there are really only two things that you need to know. The same two things they want from you... They need your love and care and of course to to be fed properly.
As a postpartum doula, my main focus in getting the new little family settled and comfortable, so then they can start to get to know one another. One of the ways I've chosen to do this is by showing parents how to read their little ones and respond accordingly. After the diaper change, after the feeding, after all the burps, newborns sometimes just don't settle. This could be quite traumatic for the first time parents. It's a terrible feeling not knowing how to stop the crying and fussiness. I remember that feeling!
At my fabulous postpartum doula certification workshop we learned about "Happiest Baby on the Block" Calming techniques taught by Harvy Karp MD. It's not that it is this new and exciting thing to try, it's just bringing all the little things our grandmothers have been doing for years together in a few easy steps.
I truly believe that this is something any parent can use, get results immediately and gain not only a calm and content baby but confidence in their parenting as well. There is certification for those of us who want to fully teach this. I happy to say I've sent in my paperwork and hope to hear back in a couple of weeks that I am certified and can begin teaching The 5 "S's"
And, I might even add to my studies by becoming a lacation counsler. Still thinking about this one...
Here you are with love: One full, happy, sleepy baby- just for you!
As a postpartum doula, my main focus in getting the new little family settled and comfortable, so then they can start to get to know one another. One of the ways I've chosen to do this is by showing parents how to read their little ones and respond accordingly. After the diaper change, after the feeding, after all the burps, newborns sometimes just don't settle. This could be quite traumatic for the first time parents. It's a terrible feeling not knowing how to stop the crying and fussiness. I remember that feeling!
At my fabulous postpartum doula certification workshop we learned about "Happiest Baby on the Block" Calming techniques taught by Harvy Karp MD. It's not that it is this new and exciting thing to try, it's just bringing all the little things our grandmothers have been doing for years together in a few easy steps.
I truly believe that this is something any parent can use, get results immediately and gain not only a calm and content baby but confidence in their parenting as well. There is certification for those of us who want to fully teach this. I happy to say I've sent in my paperwork and hope to hear back in a couple of weeks that I am certified and can begin teaching The 5 "S's"
And, I might even add to my studies by becoming a lacation counsler. Still thinking about this one...
Here you are with love: One full, happy, sleepy baby- just for you!
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Simple days...
My days have been very simple as of late.
I suppose that is the way I like it. Not to be confused with boring. Boring is not ok. Sometimes life does get boring and that is when I know to take the time and enjoy the simplicity of it all... (a change is coming...?)
Some of my simple ideas involve just the day to day goings on of a household with a couple of animals thrown in for fun. I'm thinking I will chat with you about that, as we all have a household. Some of them involving a spouse, children, dishes, laundry etc...
I may even throw in some profound thoughts I've been mulling over.
Let's see where this takes us...
I suppose that is the way I like it. Not to be confused with boring. Boring is not ok. Sometimes life does get boring and that is when I know to take the time and enjoy the simplicity of it all... (a change is coming...?)
Some of my simple ideas involve just the day to day goings on of a household with a couple of animals thrown in for fun. I'm thinking I will chat with you about that, as we all have a household. Some of them involving a spouse, children, dishes, laundry etc...
I may even throw in some profound thoughts I've been mulling over.
Let's see where this takes us...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
