Three days ago, Texas governor Greg Abbott “signed into law a so-called “heartbeat ban” abortion bill — barring most abortions at the onset of a fetal heartbeat, which can occur as early as six weeks into pregnancy,” says CNN. I’m disgusted. There’s plenty to love about Texas, but a heartbeat bill is absurd and harmful Read More
We want to be inclusive as doulas; to be kind, and caring to all who cross our path. BUT – can inclusiveness get in the way of offering individualized care? I think yes. Doulas are well-versed in becoming whatever our clients need to be supportive of their unique birth experience. We know that one-size-fits-all narratives Read More
In a modern world that’s disconnected from our roots, and dismissive of the ancient traditions of women helping women…what is the role of a doula? In a culture where experts are sought after and deferred to, in a country where 99% of women give birth in hospitals, with highly trained obstetricians…where does a doula fit Read More
After the birth of my first child, I felt relief–like I’d dodged a bullet, really. His birth was attended by midwives, and relatively smooth–although I’d been threatened with hospital transfer. I felt out of control and like I had very little say in what happened to me. I didn’t plan on having FOUR more babies Read More
Sometimes the light is made more brilliant by the contrast of darkness. Have you had a scary or unpleasant birth experience in the past? If you’re expecting again, you might be worried about a repeat of your last birth scenario, and that past fear and anxiety can play a role in the way that your Read More
What is Birth Shame? Back in 2009, my first-ever birth that I attended as a doula was supposed to be a homebirth, but it ended up being a Cesarean. I felt this strange thing called birth shame. It was tragic, devastated, and I felt sad for the mama involved. A Cesarean birth wasn’t what she Read More
My own birth experiences have given rise to a deep passion for helping and healing other women, to awaken them to their own innate potential for joy, power, and trust in themSelves. They have led me to unassisted birth. Above all, giving birth is about finding, trusting, and owning your power as a woman. Unassisted birth Read More
The possibility of depression during pregnancy doesn’t seem to be talked about very often. We tend to hear the opposite–about pregnancy glow, and being awash in the hormones of love, etc. It took me five entire pregnancies to admit that I don’t actually like being pregnant. Of course, I love the building excitement, and the Read More
I just about lost my mind with my third pregnancy. I wasn’t really a birth advocate then, either. Sure, I’d already had two natural births, and was very glad I’d dodged most of the common medical interventions that seemed so invasive to me. But I didn’t yet have the depth of understanding that came from Read More