Social Media and the idea of an Ideal Birth
Social media places an enormous amount of pressure on parents during pregnancy and it never lets up. It is relentless and pervasive and is forever telling us that we are not good enough, we do not do enough, and we will never be enough, and it is consuming us all. When I hear women say “I am so disappointed in myself for needing an epidural” or “I feel like I have failed because I needed a c-section” it absolutely breaks my heart. To look into the tear-filled eyes of a person who has been brave and vulnerable, and so very strong, and know that they feel inadequate because of this pressure, is not ok.
Ingredients for a “Good Birth”
In recent years there has been a lot of pressure placed on people giving birth to have a very specific type of birth experience. Natural births or unmedicated births seem to be the only births praised in mom groups and on birth blogs. I do support an enormous amount of deliveries that are unmedicated and have minimal interventions, but those births are not the only ones worthy of the title of “good births”.
Babyshower Gift Idea
What to get someone for their baby shower can be challenging. I know there are gift registries these days but as a mother of four myself, I know that half the items on most registries never get used. How can you get them something unique and creative that they will absolutely use? Because seriously how many blankets can one baby need?
Postpartum Professionals in Kansas City
Compared to the number of prenatal appointments pregnant people attend, the number of visits planned for a postpartum person is laughable. In case you aren't aware - there is usually only one appointment. Sometimes there are two if a baby is born surgically.
The Benefits of Baby-wearing
If you wound back the clock 15 years, you would have been hard-pressed to find a Tula or Moby anywhere other than the internet. But now, on the eve of 2020, babywearing is no longer seen as an "alternative" method of transport and caretaking. Babywearing has become mainstream, to the point that Target, the second-largest retailer in the US, has several kinds of babywearing devices on hand.
Nitrous Oxide for Kansas City Births!
In 2019, Nitrous Oxide became available in Kansas City to laboring people at Research Medical Center (HCA Midwest Health) and Overland Park Regional Medical Center. The addition has been a part of a resurgence of availability across the country that started in 2014. While Nitrous Oxide or “laughing gas” has been readily available in delivery rooms in the UK, Canada, and Australia for over a century, the US was slow to have it be a part of our pain management options.
Cup Feeding for Newborns
The decision to breastfeed your baby is a very personal one. Today, many parents do choose to breastfeed for at least some portion of time. In preparation for their breastfeeding journey parents often take classes, read books, watch videos, and do tons of research. One topic that is not always covered in the vast information gathered is how to supplement a breastfed baby. You are not always presented with the need to supplement your breastfed baby, but if you are, I want to be sure that you know you have options. Many parents that I support as their doula have never heard about cup feeding. I personally love this option so I want you to know it’s out there!
Best Snacks For Breastfeeding
As a doula, one of the most important topics I talk to expecting parents about while helping them prepare for their postpartum period is snacks. That’s right snacks. I promise, when you bring your sweet little baby home from the hospital you will be so tired, that once your little one is sleeping your entire life will come down to three things: eat, shower, or sleep. And spoiler alert, sleep usually wins. So how do you maintain enough of a calorie intake to nourish your healing body and establish a milk supply for your baby? Snacks yo!
Labor Induction
As a doula, I typically support hospital births. It is never my goal to tell you what type of birth is best, it is to give you information so that YOU can choose the right birth for you. Recently, I have been getting a lot of questions from my clients about inductions. I found that even clients who have chosen to take Childbirth Education classes to prepare for their birth are still unsure about what an induction is, or how it could affect their birth plan.
What’s in My Doula Bag
What is in your Doula bag? As a birth doula, I get asked this question A LOT! I have a feeling expecting parents like to think my bag is similar to Mary Poppin’s bag (which would be so dope!!) but the truth is, it is way less magical. New Doulas always ask this question of me too, so I thought I would simply make a post about it!
Backup Doulas Are Essential
When you hire a doula it is such a personal thing! Finding someone who is just the right fit for your birth team can take some time, so the idea of having her not be at your birth would be very hard. Believe me, as your doula I feel the exact same way. I want nothing more than to be there for the families who have chosen me as their doula. However, I have learned that the only thing predictable about birth is that it is unpredictable!!!
Choosing Birth Photography
Birth Photography is fairly new to the photography scene. When people think about the times when they want to capture their memories for a lifetime, first on the list is wedding ✔ and newborn ✔. Birth photography is often overlooked. Why is that? I personally think it is because of the way birth has been portrayed. Birth is often painted as an experience that is shocking, scary, hidden, and not worthy of remembering. But if you are someone who has experienced birth firsthand you know that birth is not just the birth of a child but also the birth of a mother and is worthy of remembering. Birth is the most transformative event that you will experience in your lifetime.
Is Your Doula an Advocate or Ally?
Is your doula your advocate or your ally? I rarely hear the word ally used in doula circles, however, I hear the word advocate being tossed around frequently. Here in Kansas City, I get asked often by potential clients if I will be their advocate. As a doula I know that the words we use are important, so please allow me to share my perspective on this with you.
My Journey to Became a Doula
Aloha, I am Charity, the Birth Doula and Photographer at Mahina Birth Support in Kansas City. Birth work is the destination that so many aspects of my life have led me to. As September nears, I feel it is appropriate to share my journey into the birth world by starting at the beginning. I was a young mother when I had my first child 22 years ago this September.