To Snip or Not to Snip

Circumcision is a very controversial subject nowadays. It can be a hard decision for parents to make.  I have two boys and I also had to make that decision and at one point we were very unsure.  I don't want to make it sound simple, but it really is: do research and go with your gut.

Interesting article about circumcision:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-19072761

Natural, Un-medicated--It Can Happen and You Can Help

A natural, un-medicated birth is often a goal of moms-to-be, but sometimes may seem daunting or unobtainable. It can happen and there are some things that you can do to help. The following article gives great tips that can help you achieve a natural birth. Dr. Shannon gives evidence based information that will definitely increase your chances of meeting your natural, un-medicated birth goal. (Please note that tip #3 is hire a doula :)

You can do it!

http://evidencebasedbirth.com/2012/06/08/dr-shannons-tips-for-a-natural-or-un-medicated-birth/

When Fear is Near

Having a baby can be a very anxiety or fear-producing situation, especially if it is your first and you don't know what to expect. You will hear all kinds of birth stories that may shake you up. But your birth doesn't have to be scary. It can be empowering and satisfying. This article highlights 4 ways that you can reduce your fear during childbirth. You can do it!


http://www.parentingstartshere.com/index.php/2012/08/16/4-tips-to-help-reduce-fear-of-childbirth/

So, I sew...

So, I sew and one of my favorite things to create is baby stuff. I love sewing all things baby, but my latest new sewing obsession is the moby wrap. I sewed three moby wraps for less than the price of one. Incredible! I have also sewed lots of other types of baby carriers, including a sling and mei tai. I love creating things that are super useful! I have two extra moby wraps. Contact me if you are interested ($15)

Moby wrap

Mei Tai

Sling

Thanks to my little guy for participating in the photo shoot.





Nesting-In

For the months of August and September, I am focusing on my postpartum doula services. I am backing-up a couple births, but sort of switching gears to help my new mom clients. I love chatting about birth stories, helping with breastfeeding, running errands, snuggling with babies, and dressing moms in all kinds of baby carriers! I would love to work with a mom with multiples, so if you know any who wants help, please let me know. I love being a part of all the different aspects of being a doula. Loving "nesting-in" with moms and dads right now!

When You're Expecting

Expectations. They can lift you up or let you down. I am all too familiar with expectations that haven't been met, but most recently I was faced with some doula expectations that let me down. I had planned on shadowing a birth with my doula mentor very recently, but she called to let me know that her client changed her mind and rather than have me attend, she wanted to have her friends there. I was bummed. I was feeling very sorry for myself, especially since two weeks ago I missed another birth. But then a thought came to me. If that is how that mom wanted her birth story to go, who was I to feel bad about that. The main job of a doula is to help a mom (and dad) achieve her birth plan however she defines it. Her birth story didn't include me and that is ok.

A lot of people have expectations when they are pregnant and they can feel let down too. Maybe a pregnancy ends in miscarriage or stillbirth. Maybe the baby is the "wrong" gender. Maybe the baby is born with a disability. Or maybe the birth story doesn't happen as planned. All of those circumstances can be devastating. It is hard to find hope. But hope does remain.  Our expectations change or we change.

My reproductive history is just peppered with bad circumstances and un-met expectations, but that does not define who I am. Just like being a doula does not define who I am. It is a part of who I am, but thankfully, there is much, much more to me. So with that, I look forward to the next time I get to attend a birth, but all my hopes are not set on it.

World Breastfeeding Week

August 1-7 is World Breastfeeding Week. Great job to all the moms who breastfed their babies. Whether it was 1 year, 1 month, or 1 day, I congratulate you. It is hard, but so important!
http://worldbreastfeedingweek.org/

Birth, Bellies and Babies Expo

If you are preggo or  just became a mom, you may want to check out the free expo all about babies and mamas in Baltimore. Check out the link for more info: http://www.marylandbirthnetwork.com/BBBExpo.html