Labor of Love Doula Services

09/29/2023

Happy 6 month birthday to one of my doula babies, Eliora! 🎉 This birth was special, as her momma is also a dear friend! I’ll never forget the tears of joy that overcame me when Tiffany told me she was expecting another sweet baby on a beautiful morning walk we had together! She asked me into her birth space that day.😍 Tiffany labored with such calm and grace, that every attendant in the room said it was the calmest birth they’ve been to. I was so proud of her and thankful to God for protecting my friend and Eliora during labor. 🙌🏻 Eliora is such a sweet, happy baby! I just love her.🥰

P.S. Perks of being friends with your doula client- picnic by the ocean together the day before you give birth 😍

P.P.S. I always feel honored when mommas ask me if I want to hold their babies when they’re so fresh! 💕 Eliora was just over 2 hours old in the 1st picture 🥲

03/16/2023

I LOVE the funny things labor makes Mamas say😂😂 My newest favorite, very precious quote is, “I have a baby! I’ve always wanted a baby!!!” 😭🥰❤️

{{FOR LAUGHS}} Some things that moms said while in labor…

"When the doctor told me the membrane was gone, I started singing 'Insane In The Membrane'" - Bernadette

"Haven't they found a less painful way of doing this by now???!!!! Like, through your nose!!!!" - Fiona

"I told my husband I felt like I was in Las Vegas!! Never been and no idea why I likened labour to Vegas!?" - Leanne

"I thought my teeth were running away and that I'd pooped on my partner" - Tanisha

"Is it a baby?" - Alexandra

Which one do you think is the funniest?

Thanks for this great post!

12/31/2022

Happy New Year’s Eve from my family to yours! I would love to hear how you are and how a doula or a birth worker has encouraged or helped you this year! Our work is intricate and intimate, and I love to see mommas encourage other doulas in how instrumental they are in the birth world! Let’s spread some encouragement and cheer 😊🎉

11/03/2022

“Someday, they’re going to ask me.
“What was it like, mama?”
“How did you do it, mama?”
“Will I always be tired, mama?”
“Is it worth it, mama?”

And these are the things I will say.

The nights lacked sleep and restoration,
but they were rich with holy surrender.

My body lost shape and figure,
but my heart reoriented itself with bittersweet clarity.

Our bed was rarely empty,
but I never wished your tiny warmth away.

I longed for the peace after bedtime,
but I missed you once you slept.

I hated watching the dimpled hands disappear,
but I loved watching you become who you are.

It was noisy, so noisy, so often,
but the stolen silences were ripe with your absence.

It was so easy to lose sight of your father,
but we fought hard for us, and I hope you noticed.

The mid afternoon hours stretched for an eternity,
but I watched years go by in one deep exhale.

I danced between work and home,
but you loved me without regard for time.

I once marveled at the waters and the mountains,
but then I wondered at the mystery of you instead.

It was hard, so very hard,
But the joy lacked reason, limits, confines.

I could never make sense of any of it,
But I’ve loved you immeasurably in all of it.

Someday, they’re going to ask me.
And these are the things I will say."

📸:

10/08/2022

09/22/2022

🤰Birth Story

I'm excited to share the birth story of my younger brother today. :) As mentioned in yesterday's post, we are grateful for the expertise and training we have today in order to provide care in emergent situations!
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In 1997, our family moved to Cambodia as missionaries. We had six children. Caring for six children in a 3rd world country had challenges, and I have to admit I was a little fearful. When I realized at the beginning of 1998 that I was pregnant, I was more than a little fearful! My first thought was "I can't do this here. We need to go back to the states." The Lord calmed my fears though and I also talked with others who had been in the same situation.

I found out that another missionary wife had gone to Bangkok, Thailand to have her babies. Going to Thailand by land would be very difficult, but it was a short flight from Phnom Penh. We wondered if doing this would be offensive to the Cambodians we were trying to reach. The Lord brought another woman across our path who told us about her friend who had died when she gave birth in a Cambodian hospital. She advised us to go to Thailand.

Several months later I got to experience a short time in a hospital in Phnom Penh. It was late at night and I started having severe abdominal pain. Nothing I did relieved it, and I started fearing that I was going into premature labor. We called the "SOS" clinic - a clinic for foreigners that we had used before. A young Asian doctor came to our house. He didn't know what was wrong, so he offered to drive us to a hospital. I was still in a lot of pain, so I laid down in the back seat. On the way to the hospital I shifted to my other side. The pain let up. I told my husband and the doctor, but they thought I should get checked out anyway. They took me into the "emergency room". A woman immediately wanted to check to see how much I was dilated. I tried to tell her that it was not time for me to deliver. She checked anyway. They took me to another room for an ultrasound. When the person doing it told me where my baby's head was, I realized it was right under my gallbladder. They said everything looked fine. I diagnosed myself. I think he was pushing on my gallbladder. I think when I shifted in the car, his head moved enough to give the needed relief!

I did go to the doctor who was recommended in Bangkok (pictured below with Rachel). I immediately liked her. She was fluent in English and very reassuring about my situation. I had delivered all of my babies naturally. I had never had an epidural.

We had to go to Bangkok one month before my due date, so I still had permission to make the short international flight. Dr. Nisarat's office was in the hospital. I saw her every week and everything looked fine at those appointments.

I had an appointment with her on Wednesday, September 17th. She said the baby was in perfect position, head down, and ready to go! I noticed on Friday that the baby was very active. It felt like he was doing somersaults. Looking back, I realize that's unusual once a baby is head down, but I didn't think anything of it. We were trying to keep our children busy while waiting, so I did a lot of walking on Saturday.

Late Saturday night I started having contractions. In all of my pregnancies, my contractions were never regular until I was well dilated and close to delivery. At first, I assumed these were not the "real thing". They continued all night though, so while my family slept, I started getting things in order. We didn't have anyone to watch our children, so we all had to go to the hospital!

Early Sunday morning, September 20th, we all got in a taxi and headed for Samitivej Hospital. I wondered if this was a false alarm, but was still having contractions.

I wasn't prepared for what the doctor would say when I laid down on her exam table. She started feeling my belly and looked concerned. She said, "I can't find the head". (She knew exactly where it was on Wednesday.) She immediately took me to get an ultrasound.

She explained while I looked at the image. My baby had turned sideways, the cord was around his neck, and my bag of waters was bulging. She told me that if my water broke she would only have 20 minutes to save him. I had to have an emergency c-section.

Dr. Nisarat quickly let my husband know. She told him to leave our children with the nurses and they would take care of them. (They had all brought things to entertain themselves & we had told our oldest son, Ben, he would be in charge. The nurses did watch over them and probably spoiled them a little too!)

I was rushed to an operating room. The doctor asked if I wanted an epidural or to be put to sleep. She did explain that the epidural would gradually wear off, so it would help with pain. I was scared though, so I just said "Put me to sleep."

I woke up to find out I had a healthy baby boy who was fine. I also woke up to excruciating pain! I honestly wanted to say, "Can you just put me back to sleep?"

The hospital was excellent, but things are different in Thailand. I was not offered anything for pain other than something like Tylenol. It had no effect. They really don't even give bottle feeding as an option. I had planned to breastfeed anyway. I wondered if I wasn't offered pain medicine because I was breastfeeding.

Recovery was rough, but my doctor told me I would be in the hospital for a week. Those first few days I was in so much pain I could not move without help. I think not being prepared mentally for the c-section was a factor. My body and mind were both in shock! The nurses were great and they did a lot for me. I knew that I would have never had a week in the hospital in the US, but I needed it in Thailand. That full week in the hospital cost about as much as one day (or less) in a hospital in the states.

We knew we had made the right decision. My life and my son's life would have been in danger in a Cambodian hospital. We're very thankful for the experience in Bangkok.

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Thank you, Mama for sharing that story with us. I'm so thankful for God's protection over the two of you. I cannot imagine going through a situation like that in a third world country. You amaze me! :)
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One thing my mom shared with me is that she wished she had been more prepared for a situation like that. Although it is hard to think of emergencies happening, being prepared as to how you will handle them does often relieve a lot of fear. I'm an advocate for discussing what you will do if you do need a c-section or something does come up during labor. Talk with your doctor, midwife, or doula about the process of c-sections and what to expect in preparation for, during the surgery, and the recovery afterwards.

Hope you all have a wonderful rest of your week! :)

09/21/2022

Cesarean Sections👣

Did you know that according to the World Health Organization, cesarean sections account for 21% of births globally? Due to the upward trend in rates, it is predicted that the c-section rate will climb to 1/3 of all births. The US national average of cesarean sections is 30%.

A cesarean section is a surgical procedure in which one or more babies is delivered through an incision in a mother’s abdomen. The mother is either given a spinal block/epidural or general anesthesia. This surgery has been life-saving in many cases. Whether the mother is at risk due to a heart or brain condition or if the baby is at risk due to severe hydrocephalus, frank breech position, or a large fibroid block, there are several reasons why a doctors may choose to perform a c-section. I personally still have my mother and my little brother today because of the advancement of our medical system to provide safe cesarean sections for life-threatening situations. I will be sharing my little brother’s birth story, written by my mother, tomorrow. 🥳 I also have several friends who have had c-sections due to complications outside of their control. Please know that the following information is not to discourage anyone who has had a c-section, but to inform those who want to avoid when c-sections happen unnecessarily.

Although c-sections have been life-saving, why is there such an incredible increase in the rates? Is it possible that all of those have actually been essential for the health of mother and baby? Could c-sections be causing more harm physically and mentally for mothers who may have been pressured or coerced into them?

Some say the increase globally in the rate of c-sections is due to health sector policies, finances, cultural norms and practices, and quality of healthcare. Others say that it is due to the predictability and convenience for providers to schedule them according to their plans. For example, when I hear of my friends and clients having an estimated due date during a holiday season, my first thought is to discuss what their provider has said to them about waiting to go into labor naturally. As we learned in our last post, those who are induced, have a higher risk of a cascade of interventions leading to a cesarean section.

What is really going on? Is childbirth more dangerous and risky now than it was a decade ago? Some say it is more dangerous because of the RISK of getting pushed into a c-section. This major surgery comes with many risks and potential complications such as heavy bleeding, infection, slower recovery time, intense pain, and increased complications in future pregnancies. Also, even with evidence that vaginal births after cesareans carry no more of a “risk” than a major abdominal surgery, there are still many doctors who will not encourage or support VBACS.

So, what can you do to avoid getting pushed into an unnecessary cesarean section?

1. Hire a doula. 🙂 Studies have shown substantial reductions in c-section rates when birthing with the support of a doula! Why is that? Doulas help educate you and prepare you for the natural physiological process of birth. They encourage moms mentally and emotionally during labor and help her with different physical comfort measures to cope through labor. Many, such as myself, are also educated and trained in Spinning Babies maneuvers and methods to encourage optimal positioning for baby during labor.

2. Hire a midwife! Based on a study done by 126 hospitals in New York, if births were attended by a midwife, fewer obstetric procedures were needed. This is just one of many studies proving that having care from a midwife reduces your chance of having a c-section. Obstetricians are trained for surgery. As many of us know, they usually make it just in time to catch the baby or intervene to perform a c-section. Midwives provide a patient and nurturing level of care that often encourages mothers to listen to their instincts and the natural process of birth.

3. Stay home as long as possible when you go into labor (or just hire a home birth midwife if that’s what is comfortable and right for you!). When you show up at the hospital, you are put on their “clock” and many times women are pressured into getting some sort of intervention to speed on labor, which increases your chance of a c-section, as we discussed in my previous post.

4. Learn all you can about childbirth, your body, the labor process, and potential complications and interventions that may occur. I tell my clients that the key to childbirth is mental preparation. Have a plan. Know your options, and confidently advocate for you and your baby. I have heard several stories of moms who were told they would have to have a c-section and they or their doulas asked for “just one more hour.” It is amazing what an educated mother and a skilled doula can accomplish during that hour! From positioning changes to even just a mental shift, many moms have avoided c-sections because of the preparation they had done beforehand to know what they could try!

While I am definitely an advocate for the natural birth process that God designed, I am also extremely grateful for the amazing advances our world has made for this life-saving surgery. Let’s just do our part to keep them saved for those truly emergent situations! Question your doctor when he mentions a cesarean. Do your own research. Never hesitate to get a second opinion.

Again, if you have had a c-section, this post is not at all to discourage you or make light of your experience. Some women are here today because a c-section saved their lives or their babies’ lives. Some are so grateful; others may have conflicting feelings regarding their experience. I know many women struggle emotionally and mentally for years regarding their experience. You made it through a major surgery, and I know that you also faced a difficult recovery. I am so thankful you and your baby are here safely! You are incredible! 💜

I would love to hear why YOU think c-section rates are climbing? How was your experience if you have had a c-section? Have any of you been pressured into a cesarean section and avoided it?

Remember to come back tomorrow for the exciting birth story of my little brother! 😊

09/15/2022

In the past two years, I have noticed an increase in induction rates. Studies show that approximately, 1 in 4 women are being induced. Whether the mother is a first-time mom or on her fourth pregnancy, doctors seem to be suggesting inductions more often than not. While inductions are said to be used in cases of maternal and fetal risks, the rate of induction is climbing despite healthy pregnancies. Today, we will discuss the different types of induction methods, risks of induction, and a method that doctors sometimes use to determine if your induction has a good chance of a positive outcome.

Stripping or sweeping the membranes

* The healthcare provider inserts his fingers up to the cervix and separates the bag of waters from the lower part of the uterus.
* This is often done during a pelvic exam and is one of the most commonly reported acts done without consent from the patient
* May release prostaglandins which help soften the cervix and prepare your body to go into labor
* This is often reported as very uncomfortable and painful
* Bleeding and spotting often happen afterwards
* This can cause increased pain during contractions

Cervical Ripening Agents

* Medications such as Cervadil or Cytotec (Misoprostol) are inserted near the cervix or even taken orally
* This is often one of the first methods of inductions and is less invasive than some other methods
* Because the medications are synthetic hormones, the cervix may not respond
* Cytotec has caused severe side effects such as hemorrhaging, uterine rupture, and death
* Cytotec has also caused permanent disabilities in babies
* While Cervadil is FDA-approved, Cytotec is NOT FDA-approved and has been a source of controversy for years

Foley bulb

* A foley bulb looks like a catheter with an inflatable bulb
*It is inserted in the cervix and expanded to put pressure on the cervix and cause it to ripen
* It is reported as one of the most-effective ways to induce labor
*It has a lower risk of leading to a c-section than other methods of induction
*Hospitals may require continuous fetal monitoring during the process
* It does increase risk of infection

Artificial Rupture of Membranes (Breaking the Waters)

* Healthcare provider uses a long hook to puncture the amniotic sac
* As the fluid releases, it causes baby's head to drop against the cervix and potentially start contractions or increase the strength of contractions
* It may shorten labor slightly
* It increases the risk of infection
* It increases risk of cord prolapse if done before baby has descended into the pelvis
* It puts you on the hospital's "clock" to have baby, which is usually 12-24 hours post rupture of membranes


Pitocin

* A synthetic hormone meant to mimic oxytocin administered
through an IV
* The dosage can be controlled
* Often very effective in causing strong contractions
* Can cause very intense contractions without the usual breaks
* Continuous monitoring is required
* Intense contractions can lead to fetal distress
* If given before the cervix is ripe, it can be cause for long labor
* Can lead to a cascade of interventions due to intensity of contractions being too hard on mom and baby

Now that we've covered all these methods of induction, I wanted to encourage you to remember you have a voice regarding your labor and delivery. You can question your provider when induction is brought up.

A bishop score is a scaling system used to determine how favorable your cervix is for labor. While it is unknown how predictive this score can really be, as all of our bodies ripen in such unique timing and ways, it may still be a useful tool to assess whether you should wait before introducing any synthetic induction methods. When your provider brings up induction, ask them what your bishop score is and why they believe you need to be induced. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

Inductions have been known to lead to serious complications, cesarean sections, long labors, and negative labor experiences. Remember your baby comes when your body and your baby are ready. Even if your body is "ripe" according to what your doctor thinks, baby may still need more growth. Waiting on the natural process of labor is one of the safest things you can do for you and your baby.

What about you? Have you been encouraged into an induction? I would love to hear how your induction experiences have been. What was your doctor's reason for inducing?

07/22/2022

🌿Update and Announcement🌿

Happy Friday! 😊 Just wanted to give an update that I am accepting clients beginning January 2023. Until then, I am accepting them case-by-case, so message me if you are in need.❤️ If you know a mom in Monterey or surrounding areas, send them my way. 🤗 I have missed attending births during my maternity leave, but I have had THE BEST time with my precious babies and family! Thanks for your understanding while I’ve been away.

This past year, it has been a joy to talk to so many of my past clients, friends, and many expecting mommas about birth, advocating for themselves, finding a doula, and preparing for birth and postpartum. I have loved keeping up with all of you. ❤️

Due to it being awhile since we’ve had a post in here, I would love to see pictures and an update on where YOU are in your journey. Whether you are longing for a baby, snuggling a newborn, have a birth story to share, have a cute picture of your growing kiddos or an update on your life, I am here for YOU, so I would love to see how everyone is doing. 🤗 Please leave a picture or comment below. 😊 Have a wonderful weekend!