2015....I really thought of just waiting until this year was over to start blogging again but what the heck! It is amazing that I can even find the time to sit here for a few moment to type this out! I have always wondered how bloggers have the time to sit for more than 5 minutes to type out something. I must need to manage my time better...or let someone else do my errands, housework and cooking....any takers??
 Needless to say it has been a crazy year....that seems like a good excuse to use right? January through May was fantastically (is that even a word?) busy with my clients. I was on track, doing more doula work in the first 5 months than all of 2014! Needless to say i was STOKED!!That was until June 4th when my meniscus decided to give out completely. UUGGHH!!! THE WORST PAIN EVER!!! I knew I would eventually need it fixed but was in denial for the past 2+ years. That  was working just fine for me. The month June took me through surgery and recovery (I had great plans of travel with my kids as soon as they got out of school)..well recovery seems to be ongoing as I type.  It just did not happen like I thought and I have only had 1 client (yesterday actually) since my surgery. It was a super fast and incredible birth. It made me truly miss being busy with soon to be mommies and daddies. In my recovery time I have glued my eyes to any cooking shows possible and have become obsessed with The Pioneer Woman's line of everything. My meals are mostly planned around what recipes I can pull out of her books.
I am still dealing with recovering (I am not as young as I thought). I think the remaining part of 2015 will be slower as I try to get back to 100% me.

Another year over

2014 did not start out great. With the loss of a dear friend I truly felt lost...except when at a birth. I remember it was a week after K passed and TBC (The Birth Center) called for me to come ( I am also a back-up birth assistant). It brought me so much joy to be able to be there at a birth of a beautiful baby. I was so grateful for that call that day and for all the ones after.
As the months followed I found myself busier this year than the last 2 combined. I was grateful that those mommies contacted me when they did.  I can honestly say it helped me not only to focus but to move ahead and carry on. It filled me with such a happiness and satisfaction.
This year I also became a part of my3doulas. This is a small group of ladies (4 actually) who teach hypno-birthing, are doulas, postpartum doulas, lactation consultants and more. All this to be found in these ladies. I was honored to be asked as these ladies are well known and respected in the birthing community. I have come to know them a little more and am blessed to be a part of this site.
The births I had the  honor to be a part of were incredible! The last one especially (which was 2 weeks ago). All I can say is AMAZING!! I am amazed at the strength of a woman as she prepares her mind and body to bring into this world her baby.  I left that stormy, windy, rainy night one happy doula.  That night not even the ugly storm bothered me!
I am looking forward to 2015 and the support opportunities I will be able to be a part of. I am blessed to be able to have the ability to wake up and do this job. I am grateful for my husband and children who support me in what I am passionate about. I am grateful to those last minute babysitters who came to my rescue when needed, I am grateful to all those families that have put their trust in me to be a support for them. Without any of them I couldn't be the doula I am today.
I look forward to even more supporting roles this coming year.
God Bless Every One and Happy New Year

Checking In

And so, here we are again, the last 3 months of the year. An incredible year it has been personally and professionally. I have been able to work a bit more at The Birth Center ( I love this spot! Nothing like it). Has some great births this year and welcomed my nephew into our family. I did not assist in this one but the excitement was all the same!!

I have taken a small break from my personal births right now as we enter the holiday season and I fulfill some other commitments. I am hoping to begin filling up my schedule in December and into 2014.

Today, I just signed on with My 3 Doulas and am so very excited to see where this takes me in 2014. I will continue to back up with The Birth Center as I take my personal clients as well. Now if I could only make 2 of me, I could do this 24/7 with no sleep. That is only in my dreams!! For now, I will look forward to supporting my future families through one of the greatest experiences anyone could ever have.

March Already??

Where has the time gone to? I look up and we are almost to the middle of march!! This has been a great year thus far and I am expecting greater things as we move along through the rest of 2013.

This year started with the birth of a darling little girl. It was a fantastic birth and in the end they were both please with the way it turned out. What a treat it was for me to be invited to her "Baby Blessing" a few weeks later. I was able to meet the mommy's parents, who were just as nice as their daughter! It was a touching a moving time to know I was able to be a part of their life and be able to view this next chapter in their life. A TREAT INDEED!!

This year has been filled with inquiries of a "Christian" Doula. I am not sure why the difference this year and welcome it either way. I love to be able to pray for (well I do anyways) my clients in their time of labor. It really does help to change the atmosphere and gives both parents a bit of peace (or so I have noticed). It helps me to be directed how to help them to really listen to their wishes and desires.

I am looking forward to the next few babies coming up in spring. It is a perfect season for growth!

2012 Review

And so here we are in the very last days of 2012. Looking back to the beginning, all I can really say is what a journey it has been this year. Many tears along the way but after the tears dried many smiles followed.

I am very thankful for my family both immediate and distant. This year we have experienced much loss of dear loved ones. It saddens my heart but it has reminded me of how much we should love those closest to us. Things seem so petty when you look at he BIG picture of life.  We have one another for such a short season. It is best to live, love and forgive or so I have found. 

As for my work as a Doula...all I can say is WOW!! This has been the busiest year for me. Not just filled with "clients" but all these mommies and there family have truley come into my life at such a needed time. I really believe they helped me! 

From the first ones RJ & RJ, they came in at a time I was experiencing such a great loss in my life. I wasn't sure how I was gong to make it through but then they came into my life. With them they brought their bubbly selves with so much joy and newness, one couldn't help but be happy.

The ones in the middle were all wonderful, including the backups I was able to attend. Sweet sweet people who's love for one another showed in every part of their faces and touch. Incredible!!

Then there was my last of 2012. Amazing, a miracle to me!! It turned out perfect! They had the birth they desired when told it would be just the complete opposite. I cried out of pure joy they had what they wanted and on Thanksgiving. They were that for sure!!!

In the midst of all that I have had the opportunity to work as a back up for a birth center here. It had been a great desire of mine to do that so when they contacted me with the opportunity I jumped at it! This has been such a treat for me and I love every minuet of it when I am able to go. Such wonderful people working there. I respect them all and am so very thankful for this opportunity.

I am looking forward to 2013 and pray it is filled with many wonderful lives who I can touch and who's lives can touch mine!

Happy 2012!!! Oh wait!! its close to the end now!! Opps! What a year this has been and to only begin writing now for 2012.

This year began a sadder one for me. I lost the best Nana in the world! We knew it was going to happen just not so soon. The cliche of "It took a piece of my heart" it oh so very true. She was the glue that held my family together. Since November of last year I took no clients because I was driving back and forth to see her and help as much as I could. I just didn't feel like I could give my all to my work while my mom was doing 99.9% of the caring for her. The very weekend after her passing I received my first inquiriy. Pulling myself together, I met with a very nice couple and they hired me. To me it was like my nana was telling me "It is ok Mi Hija let's start again".

Since that time I have had the opportunity to work with some wonderful couples and the birthing of their babies. I still feel that I am placed in the lives of those people for a reason. Friendship, support and sometimes even prayer. Whatever it is I pray I can fulfill my role in what I am meant to do. I have also had the greatest time learning the ropes at the Birth Center! That has been such a thrill for me and am feeling very blessed!

I am looking forward to the remaning part of 2012 as I have 2 moms, one anyday now. This one is a second time mom with me and I am beyond thrilled they asked me back! Such a great couple and family!

Happy Fall!!

Reflecting

As I look back at this year, remembering the wonderful births I was a part of, I can still say I am happy to be a Birth Doula still. The births were few this year but the ones I took part in were wonderful. The miracle of birth is still there, the strength of these moms to bring a bundle of joy into this world is still there, the fantastic looks upon the parents faces as they see their baby for the first time...wow!! I love all of it! yes even the numerous phone calls...or lack thereof sometimes....the lack of sleep and sometimes food.

I love to get the Christmas Cards year after year and see these babies grow up.  I love the invitations to the first birthday parties when they say...Look baby...This was your doula too!!

I am looking forward to 2012 and the births I may get to be a part of and the lives of parents I may get to touch more even just a moments time. 

This is the first year in many years that I have had the holiday's off. I am thankful for that as the end of this year year was a little rough with sick family matters I needed to tend to. Now that things may be settled I can shift a bit of my focus back onto birthing moms and their families.

Incredibly Busy Tuesday

All I can say is wow. In the time I have been a doula I have never had this happen to me. On Tuesday, I had two mommies go into labor around the same time.  Luckily, they were at the same hospital

I took a client at the last min. knowing they needed help. I couldn't stand the fact that would enter into this incredible journey and not have enough information. They were due the beginning of Aug (as in the 1st of Aug). I knew this was quite late to get on board but my feeling was better late than never. I am glad they finally reached out.

My other client whom I contracted with months ago and have followed her birth closely was doing great but not due until September 2 (September 12 according to her Dr..Mom knew without a doubt the day).  I really had no thought that she would go this early.

I mean what are the odds one would be 2 weeks late and the other 2 weeks early (or 4 according to her Dr). I have to say I was somewhat relieved when Sept 2nd baby delivered extremely quick. A beautiful healthy 5lb 10oz baby girl.

By the time this birth ended the others were admitted and things were very slow giving me time to run two doors down as they tried to rest for some moments.

Later that evening, a healthy 9lb 15oz baby boy was delivered to his tired but very happy parents. 

After carefully and slowly making my way home and grabbing a cold drink....I cried with overwhelming joy of ok yes complete and utter tiredness but also being able to be a part of two births with parents who put enough trust in me to support them through this wonderful journey into parenthood.

A Praying Doula

I have said this many times before...I love being a Doula.  The fact that I am able to give support in many differnt area...and actually make a differnce is such a GREAT BIG reward for me.  Once again I was able to not only give support but a little..or a lot more.

Let me start with....my client is not due until August 2nd.  I have recieved great updates from the prenatal visits...all is well and on tartget.  Great!!

On Tuesday, after leaving a prayer meeting ( I am a Christian ) I ran some errands and found that I had to run to a nother city 40 min away to get an item. Needless to say I was not happy but did it anyways.  As I was leaving the store my clients called and said during a routine appointment preeclamsia was found and on the very high side.  They were rushing her to another hospital via ambulance so could I come.  Where are you I asked?  Guess? The same city I was in just down the street? 

Of course I went and when arrived saw the look of total fear on her face.  Tears streaming down her face I asked if I could pray for them (they are also Chrisitan). They said yes.  The Drs told them the baby would be delivered at the other hospital. Of course she was scared. I did my best with words and my knoweledge to calm her. We joined together in prayer believing that it would be done and all would be well.  The ambulance attendants asked us to go ahead as they were going "Lights and Sirens" and we couldn't keep up. That did not help calm her one bit!  I just kept saying just believe! We prayed..He heard!

Long story short....I stayed 2 hours with them at the new hospital prior to leaving.  At that time her BP was perfect They later called with good news. BP still good and levels of protein had decreased. They kept her for observation and the next day was "Go home enjoy you pregnancy but rest". No worries here. 

Needless to say they were beyond happy knowing she would be able to carry the baby a while longer. 

I usually do not bring my faith into my work....unless they ask or request a Christian.  This time I am glad that we took the time to pray and believe. 

I can say I am proud to be a Christian Doula

Delivered

What a great birth! I am again very blessed to have been able to be part of a couples birth.  Mom was such a trooper and her strength amazed me.  She focused really well and took in all the advice I was gave to her. 

In the beginning I told them I thought it would be all afternoon that we would be laboring. I WAS WRONG!. She progressed much faster than I thought and in less then 45 min. advanced from a 6 to a 10. The nurse was rushing to put everything together...guess she thought the same thing:).  With one push there came a wonderful baby girl. I think all were amazed at how quick it happened.

The parents were very well pleased and much happiness was in the air!.

Another surpise came as they weighed the bundle of joy. Weighing in at 9 lbs 2 oz. :).

All in all I am happy for the parents and their new baby girl. 

Days to go

Here we go once again playing the waiting game.  We have not yet reached the due date (a few days away) but the anxiety is here. I too remember those last few days,if not weeks.  You are tired and ready to be delivered of this bundle of joy.

I did an acuprssure session today and will do another tomorrow.  Hopefully with their last "date night" out tonight it will bring a little more relaxation and allow the thoughts to move onto something else other than " PLEASE LET LABOR BEGIN".

My sleeping patterns must change and tonight as I cannot seem to fall asleep before midnight.  Should the baby come in the next day or two, I may be one tired Doula.  Guess I better start drinking my energy drinks.:)

Off I go now to run my errands in the event I cannot make it to the kids valentines school party. 

Pray for her sake, not mine, that labor comes quick and easy.

Household pets and sickness

I am not one to have a pet in my house let alone sleep with me in my bed but do understand those that do. I myself grew up with pets and have had many wonderful pets in our family.  I have no issues with people that keep their animals in the house or if they choose in their room.  But....

I was listening to a radio show today and they mentioned something about pets and sicknesses.  Now I know everything we hear on the radio we cannot take for gospel...that I know. They talked about some people who had many bouts of strep throughout the year and the fact the this person walked their dog daily then the dog came in the house.  The doctor suggested she clean the dogs paws after each walk..which she did...no more strep...hmmm

Then other cases of some people that were very sick and could not figure out where it was coming from until a doctor again asked them to have a test of the dogs nostrils...yup....same bacteria they had....it was being passed on to them. Probably through letting the dog lick or kiss them.

Then my ears really went up when they mentioned babies, sickness and pets.

That brings me to this, how many times have we or do we (those that have pets) allow our cute little dog/cat to climb upon our children's lap and lick their face or hands.  I know my kids love the neighborhood pets and love to pet or pick them up.  I try to have them wash their hands immediately afterwards and will do so now. 

I know we can not live in a bubble but I think, especially with babies or those with compromised health conditions,  should be cautious and aware of the what we allow around them. 

This I know is not scientific just something to think about!

To Recertify or not

This is the year I must recertify with DONA. I have been debating on if it is better to do it or not.  I have tried to keep track of where my clients have found me. Mostly it is the VFDC in our area or by word of mouth. 

Last year I only took 4 births.  Is it worth it for me to recert?. I am still a Doula and follow what I have been taught and believe in the support that every birthing mother should have.  I would do nothing different without a certification from DONA.  I just do not know.

I guess I will have to see what parents think about hiring a Doula without a certification.  I am still DONA trained and keep up on reading and things to enhance by practice.  I guess I feel it crazy after 25+ births I would need to get 3 more births signed off.  Have I not proven my worth already? 

This is the question of the week.  I would no be able to use this upcoming birth because I have not ordered my packet to re-certify so I would need 3 birth by November of this year and if things are like last year....well...I may not get them anyways..

I better makeup my mind and fast I suppose.

Changes

This is now the time where my sleeping patterns begin to change.  Hopefully that is!.  Trying to take mid afternoon naps is not always easy.  I am trying hard not to get sick now.  For the next month I must stay healthy. So that means increasing my Vit C intake, much more hand washing and lots of hand sanitizer.

I have yet to miss a birth and I really have no desire to begin now!. 

I know I really need to update my doula bag so this week I shall be out refilling it with my essential oils, hot/cold packs, hand massager etc. All to help mommy when the time comes.

I try not to go out of town if possible but this year I am going once again to our family's crab feed at the end of the month.  I will only be 2 hours away and of course I have a back-up ready. I will know more as time gets closer but I start planning now. For this type of thing I am not a last min. person. I like to have my ducks in order (part of my control freak side I guess).

Its a New Year

Welcome 2011!!!

This year I welcomed it in with some very dear friends.  I am glad to close last year out and begin with a fresh start.  As with most lives I have experienced both good and bad in my personal life.  In my work in 2010 I had the privilege of supporting a few women and their families and it brought a lot of happiness my way. 

I am trusting that this year bring much more happiness both in life and in work.  I am finally able to close some doors that needed closing and now that I have done that I believe I can move onto bigger and better things.  I no longer will dwell on things, situations and people I am unable to change. It is rather draining to keep pulling when no change is desired on the other end. 

I am hoping this year, that I am able to devote more time to my work. I begin this year with my first birth in February (a Valentines baby perhaps??). I still believe I am at every birth for a reason.  I want to bring my personal best of course but more than that I want to be able to have them see in me my love for God and the peace in which it has brought me.  If  I can somehow convey that to them in my support for their family then I feel I have done my job. 

Wishing you the best for this New Year.

Interviews

I have to say that I really dislike interviews. I have never been good at them first of all but second I feel like I am on an auction block selling myself!. In a way I actually am. Still I get rather uncomfortable in them.  I am secure in the knowledge I have regarding my Doula work. I have studied, continue to study and keep current on things to help my clients.

Each time I go into an interview I first pray that I could be of aid to this mother/couple/family.  I take all my information and as much character I can.  I want them to see the real me not some "fake" person who faulters under pressure. I am human afterall and I get nervous, hands get sweaty, mind goes blank.

I can ususally tell when I walk out the interview if it went well or not.  I have learned that I am not only being interviewed but I too am interviewing.  To see if we are a "match". Either way I eagerly await the phone call or the email to let me know if I am to be a support at the birth of their baby.

All that being said..I now wait to schedule the first prenatal appointment.  The time is ticking and I am already excited for the birth.

October 26th

Now that summer has been over for a bit and fall is here I am back to doing doula work....well hopefully. I usually do not take client from June thru September due to family vacations and such.

This year as with all previous July's since I started this work I said yes to yet another birth. I was not totally sure if I would get this one as I told them in the interview I was to be on vacation the last few weeks of the pregnancy.  I like to say that "If I am meant to be a part of this birth then I will be hired"...and I was. Believe me I slept with my phone close and made sure I had reception everywhere I went.  I have never missed a birth and I was not about to start then.

I must say in all the births I have been a part of this one was a suprise! You see they were told the baby was a girl so when the baby was born SUPRISE!!! IT WAS A BOY!!!. Needless to say the parents were shocked but still happy as can be.

Hopefully, I can take on a few before the year ends. It would be fun to end the year with a holiday birth.

I know taking this much time off hurts my business and my involvement in the Doula Collective but I do so many things through the year, I feel it very necessary to take the time for family.  I know I will not regret it when my children are older.

I have my second fall interview on Thursday.  EDD is Feb 2011.  It would be nice to get this one but again as I say "If I am meant to be there....I will be"

One week and counting

Today was orientation day for our little "meat". he did not seem as excited as I hoped he would be. Let's hope he is more excited the first day of school. That would make this year so much easier:)

So this is the ending of our summer time and now on to a brand new school year. We also found out which class Sam is in. So happy with who her teacher is and who is in her class. She will be fine and hopefully she will enjoy the year. She has given me a list of activities she wants to do including: piano, music, drama, soccer and let's not forget the horseback riding sport! Crazy kid who's child is this:)

I am hoping to start picking up more doula work here in the next month or two. I would really like to have 2 a month, one at the beginning and one in the middle. I think I can make it work for the next few months. Lets just see what happens.

Waiting...waiting...waiting

I absolutely love what I do...the only thing is I am not a great "waiter"....I like to know the times and dates of everything I do so I can plan properly. I suppose my line of work does not allow for such things..lol....I guess that is also known as a control freak! I am currently "waiting" for the "call". Her due date was the 27th and so far nothing. To be a bit selfish... if allowed...I would really like this to occur prior to leaving for Camp Meeting. I still have a few days left for this to happen. She is also a Doula and know that I am away on those days. I want to do this one because it would be my first home birth and first water birth all in one!!! If I could I would ask that she goes into labor tonight with a delivery by 9am. Asking too much???..lol Oh well thought I would try:)...waiting...waiting...waiting

Today so far has been a very relaxing day. It started out rather early with a great breakfast with my brother Ricky and his girlfriend (whom we absolutly love) Laurie. Did not do much after that for the afternoon. I then had a prenatal visit with a mommy to be (whom is also a doula). It was rather exciting because she is having a home birth. This will be my first home birth and I am praying I make it to this one. She is also a doula,which makes me a little nervous. I feel I can really help her with this. Now it is just the waiting. Sleeping next to my phone...No nyquil....no real late nights....packing my snack bag and doula bag...waiting...waiting ...waiting