amiablebirth

[amiablebirth]

Childbirth Ed tip 101:

Remember: you're not technically, "Eating for 2." Babies gain and develop the most in their last trimester. According to the American Pregnancy Association, a fetus weighs around 2 pounds at 27 weeks, 4 to 4 ½ pounds by 32 weeks, and grows up to between 6 ¾ pounds to 10 pounds, if you have a full-term delivery.

*Take a Childbirth Ed class*

[amiablebirth]

Childbirth Ed tip 101:

Enjoy your birthing experience. You will not get this time, experience, or these memories again because no two births are a like.

[amiablebirth]

Childbirth Ed 101 tip:

When you're choosing your labor team, you have to think about who is going to BEST respect your choices. Think consistency:

Whose imposing on you?

Combative and arguementative?

Unable to understand/comprehend others thoughts and opinions?

Lastly, constantly refers to their own feelings while not acknowledging yours?

RETHINK HAVING PEOPLE LIKE THIS ON YOUR TEAM OR BY YOUR SIDE.

[amiablebirth]

Fertility Tip: Producing a baby is like growing a garden...

Like trees & flowers, fruits, and vegetables that enrich our world, your body requires the appropriate environmental conditions in order to flourish. It needs gentle warmth, moisture, nourishment, and cultivation. And like a garden, your body is influenced by natural forces – wind, rain, snow, sunshine- conditions reflected both in your physical health and your emotional state.

–Fertility Wisdom, Angela C. Wu, Lac OMD

[amiablebirth]

When you're in the birth worker field, every pregnancy and/or labor is like a snowflake, no two are alike. But there are times when you receive an unreasonable, unprofessional client from hell. A client who makes doulas and/or birth workers question is this the profession for them. First, I received this client through a service and she always seemed standoff-ish. I would ask general questions that any doula would ask, "How is your pregnancy so far? Do you have any doctor appointments? How are you feeling about labor? Do you have any expectations for labor?" Responses would literally be yes or no, that’s it. No additives and definitely no conversation. We scheduled an appointment so I could meet face to face and get some additional information from her. Not only did she miss the appointment, she dropped off the face of the earth. A month goes by and I tell my supervisors and they reach out to her. She tells my supervisors that she still wants the service! (sdrawkcab right!?) I contact her again. Same song and dance. One-word responses. I asked her if she had the baby she said no not yet. We had one phone call and during this call her mother was very rude and opinionated about doulas, what we are, what we do, and how we provide support. But I kept it professional for the sake of the client. I texted her to see if we could meet up and she says that is indeed in labor. I immediately called her, no response, she let the phone ring. I asked how many cm dilated she was, she said 5. I then asked her if she wanted me to come and support her, She Said Yes. I rushed out as quickly as I could. Because of this new covid variant, I got a rapid test and went to the hospital. I get there maybe 3 hours after later to do a job and everything switched. I was told that my client’s mother did not want me in the room and everyone that needed to be in the room was already there. I waited patiently and informed my supervisors. After about 15 minutes, a nurse led me to her room. I asked her if she wanted me to stay, she said, “You don't have too." Mind you, she could have told me not to come when I initially asked for confirmation. It is hard when you have a young woman who obviously wants support but her family is against it and you have yet to advocate for yourself. I didn’t fuss, fight, or argue; I left and that’s it. #Moralofthestory: If a client is showing signs of resistance or hostility, don’t take it personally when they actually resist.

[amiablebirth]

Whether you're a new or repeat parent, or a birth worker, this is the book for you.

[amiablebirth]

Welcome to the world! 😍

[amiablebirth]

Cervical checks are subjective

It is hard as a doula, seeing the client in pain the, “Medical professional” says labor is not progressing.