Category Archives: Doula

RELAUNCHING PRENATAL AND POSTNATAL YOGA & MOVEMENT CLASSES

Posted by Feb 5, 2024 Burlington, Doula, fitness, Happiness, health, motherhood, new year's resolutions, Oakville, Oakville Doula, parenthood, parenting, Postnatal Doula, Pregnancy, Prenatal Yoga, workout, yoga Leave a Comment
RELAUNCHING PRENATAL AND POSTNATAL YOGA & MOVEMENT CLASSES

For 12 years I supported young families in Halton through prenatal yoga, postnatal yoga and fitness classes. It was through these classes that doula work found me. I grew a lovely community of parents and their babies and I’ve stayed in contact with many of them. When lockdowns closed studios, my classes ended abruptly. I tried to do online classes on zoom for a while but it just wasn’t for me. I was asked by multiple studios to come back and start weekly classes again but it just wasn’t ever the right fit for me and the work I do as a doula. 

I am now happy to say that I am offering in-home yoga and movement classes again in Halton region. I have limited day-time slots available for individuals or small groups. Clients commit to at least 4 weeks of classes. I come to your home with yoga props to make it very convenient for you. 

Prenatal Yoga & Movement:

One-hour session designed to alleviate pregnancy discomforts and prepare the body for birth and parenthood. Movements are tailored to your body. Each session contains active and restful components leaving you feeling energized and peaceful.

Baby and Me Yoga & Movement:

One-hour session designed to promote strengthening and healing through movement and breath work. Baby stays close and might be incorporated into some of the exercises. All movements are designed with postpartum healing in mind.

Grab some gal pals and make a commitment to yourself.

Contact me for rates and availability. Spots are limited!

Embracing Empowerment: The Benefits of Prenatal Breast Hand Expression

Posted by Jan 15, 2024 Baby, Breastfeeding, Burlington, Burlington Doula, Doula, Happiness, health, motherhood, Oakville, Oakville Doula, parenthood, Pregnancy Leave a Comment
Embracing Empowerment: The Benefits of Prenatal Breast Hand Expression

Pregnancy is a transformative journey marked by numerous physical and emotional changes. Amidst the excitement and anticipation, expectant mothers often seek ways to enhance their prenatal experience and prepare for the upcoming breastfeeding journey. One empowering technique gaining attention is prenatal breast hand expression. This gentle practice offers a multitude of benefits for both mother and baby, fostering a stronger connection and setting the stage for a successful breastfeeding experience. As a doula, I have been teaching this technique to my clients for several years and I have observed that those who practice prenatal hand expression generally have more confidence when starting to breastfeed baby.  

Here are some of the benefits:

1. **Establishing a Bond Before Birth:**

   Prenatal breast hand expression provides an opportunity for expectant mothers to connect with their unborn baby. As they gently massage and express colostrum, the first milk produced during pregnancy, mothers establish a physical connection that transcends the womb. This intimate act fosters a sense of closeness and enhances the emotional bond between mother and child before birth.

2. **Promoting Early Colostrum Collection:**

   Colostrum, often referred to as “liquid gold,” is a concentrated source of nutrients and antibodies crucial for a newborn’s early development. Prenatal hand expression enables mothers to collect this precious substance in small amounts before giving birth. Storing colostrum can be particularly beneficial in case of any breastfeeding challenges postpartum, or separation from baby, ensuring the baby receives this essential nutrition from the very beginning.

3. **Reducing Engorgement and Discomfort:**

   Engorgement, the swelling of breasts due to an increased blood flow and milk production, is a common postpartum concern. Prenatal hand expression can help reduce the risk of engorgement by gradually releasing built-up colostrum. This proactive approach contributes to a more comfortable breastfeeding experience for the mother and encourages the baby to latch onto the breast more easily.

4. **Boosting Maternal Confidence:**

   Learning and mastering prenatal breast hand expression empowers expectant mothers by giving them a hands-on understanding of their bodies. This newfound skill fosters confidence as they approach the breastfeeding journey, knowing that they can actively contribute to their baby’s well-being from the very start. Maternal confidence is a key factor in the success of breastfeeding relationships.

5. **Preparing for Potential Breastfeeding Challenges:**

   Breastfeeding may present challenges, such as latch issues or delayed milk production. Prenatal breast hand expression serves as a proactive measure, equipping mothers with the skills to navigate these challenges. By familiarizing themselves with their bodies and learning to express colostrum, expectant mothers are better prepared to address potential breastfeeding hurdles with resilience and determination.

In embracing prenatal breast hand expression, expectant mothers embark on a journey of empowerment and connection with their unborn child. This gentle practice not only promotes the early collection of valuable colostrum but also nurtures maternal confidence and prepares mothers for the breastfeeding adventure that lies ahead. By incorporating this technique into their prenatal routine, mothers can lay the foundation for a positive breastfeeding experience, promoting the health and well-being of both themselves and their newborns. Teaching this technique and providing my clients with more resources is one way I can support their infant feeding journey. 

Mindset matters during labour and birth

Posted by Jan 8, 2024 Birth, Burlington, Burlington Doula, Doula, Happiness, health, motherhood, Oakville, Oakville Doula, parenthood, parenting, Pregnancy, Prenatal Yoga, workout Leave a Comment
Mindset matters during labour and birth

During labour your mind responds similarly to when you begin a new workout or physical activity. In the beginning it feels difficult and you start an inner dialogue around whether you think you can last the entire time. In that moment it feels like it will always be this tough. Perhaps you tense up, you allow your mind to go elsewhere and start to rationalize the idea of leaving this discomfort. RIGHT HERE is where your mindset can have a massive impact on your experience and endurance, physically and emotionally. 

If you say to yourself “you can do this!”, “you are strong!”, “you were meant to do this!” You just might find that it gets easier. You get used to it. You find a rhythm or a ritual. As a doula I see this in clients in early labour when their bodies are just starting to get used to labour as well as anytime there is an increase in intensity; often just as active labour is starting or during transition (8cm to 10cm). It’s not easy for you to change your mindset on your own so discuss this with your care team and communicate ways they can encourage and support you. Even people who have done a lot of preparation or have birthed before doubt themselves at some point during labour. 

Here are just a few ways you can practice a positive mindset before the intensity of labour begins:

  1. Reflect on a time when you felt challenged physically or mentally in your life. How did you get through it? Were you surprised that you did? What did you learn about yourself through that experience?
  2. Practice mindfulness every day and notice your thoughts when you are in uncomfortable situations. What happens in your body? Where do your thoughts go? What changes can you do to make the moment more comfortable for you? 
  3. Learn about birth. Learn what to expect to help with any anxieties, concerns or doubts. When your mind has an idea what to expect it is easier to manage when you get to that point. With labour and birth it is difficult to practice or anticipate exactly how it will feel but even a small amount of understanding can make a difference. 
  4. Prepare your birth team. Speak to them about what you need to have a positive mindset. That might include learning your non-verbal cues and discussing how you will communicate in the moment. Giving them some phrases, strategies or techniques to help you through the difficult times and help you to come back to your ideal mindset, over and over again!

So just like that tough workout when you want to quit, give up and get back to being more comfortable labour can force you to face challenging moments that, with proper support and preparation, can leave you feeling strong and confident as you transition to parenthood. 

What does a Postnatal Doula do?

Posted by Nov 15, 2023 Burlington Doula, Doula, Happiness, health, motherhood, Oakville Doula, parenthood, parenting, Postnatal Doula, Pregnancy , , , , , Leave a Comment
What does a Postnatal Doula do?

I’m so glad that you are interested in what a Postnatal Doula does. Most people google this once they have given birth and are feeling overwhelmed, possibly scared, likely exhausted, and potentially grief stricken. If this is you, please keep reading. If you are still pregnant or in the family-planning stage then you should know that it is never too early to have a postpartum plan.

Every client and every family has different needs. If you don’t know what those needs are yet that is totally okay. If you aren’t sure if you need a postnatal doula because you have family or friends close by, I will explain how we are different. 

Day time postnatal shifts are usually 4 or more hours. Some doulas do night support as well but I’m not one of them. I know some great ones though if you would like a referral. 

Here is how a typical 4 hour shift usually goes;

-Once I arrive we sit down together and talk about how things are going. I hold space for anything that you want to discuss without judgement. I hear your concerns and questions. Often in the early weeks these centre around baby feeding, sleeping, the family dynamic/relationships, postpartum healing and nutrition, and a lack of sleep for the parents. 

-If feeding is proving to be challenging I will help with that. This most definitely looks different for everyone. I am not a lactation consultant but I can often help trouble-shoot and provide some information and education. Or, give you a great referral for an LC. 

-If parents are tired, want to shower, read a book, or anything else, I can take care of baby while you do that. Naps are by far the #1 thing moms need. 

-I can assist with bottle washing and sterilizing, emptying and reloading the dishwasher, folding laundry, meal prep. Often I can do this while baby is napping. 

My goal as a Doula for each shift is to take away the overwhelm and increase mom’s confidence little by little.

Parents and friends might be a great support to have but they don’t often have the professional knowledge to give guidance. In fact, I often help my clients communicate with their family. People often feel that their family members give bias information or misinformation that is actually hurtful. I can also support my clients by giving them some strategies to share with their family so that they feel they are getting the support they need from them. 

Postnatal Doulas are like magical fairies that come into your home and make you feel cared for through the most profound transformation you have ever experienced. Who wouldn’t want a Doula?!