Ginny Dodson, The Modern Day Doula

08/31/2020

Who else now has this singing in their head? 🦈

08/22/2020

Did you know you have a right to ask for and demand delayed cord clamping? There are so many choices and rights you have regarding your birth, your body and your baby. To learn more about them, why they are important and how to go about requesting what you want, reach out. I can help you with your personalized birth plan.

07/31/2020

One of the most asked questions by new parents—is my baby getting enough? How do I know?

See that tiny pink bead on the lanyard? That is the size of a newborn's tiny tummy. When baby is born, the birthing parent produces colostrum for baby, which is the perfect super food for baby. Colostrum contains just the amount of food baby needs and passes antibodies. It's liquid gold! In this photo, I have a standard 2 ounce bottle of formula that is given to new babies. So, if baby's belly is only the size of a marble, what happens when baby is fed 2 ounces? Well, baby will usually spit up all the extra, which then can be spinned into baby having reflux. When really, baby is just being over fed. This leads to interventions like formula changes, antacid medications, etc. It's important that we give families all the available information so they can make the best decisions for their families

07/29/2020

If I had a dollar for every time I was told I was crazy or that I had lost my mind (etc etc) I would be a rich woman. What I’ve learned is that I’m not crazy (ok, well a little like we all are) but I was so stuck in captivity and had been controlled and manipulated into being what others wanted me to be that I was dead. And. I wanted out. I wanted to feel. I wanted more to life than I had experienced. So when I’d start questioning what life was about and all it has to offer, I’d get told I was crazy. Looking back, I now see that those that told me that we’re either jealous I could see beyond the cage, were fearful I’d learn the truth and leave and never come back, or become dangerous to them in some way. I was a caged animal. But I wasn’t crazy. I was a cheetah wanting the freedom to be who I was created to be.

07/21/2020

Have you ever dreamt or imagined something that you thought was outlandish? Have you ever chosen to follow that dream? Have you ever thought it too big? I’m in that process right now. I’ve had a few dreams and if I let myself sit long enough I can imagine what that might look like to realize them. It’s scary. It’s risky. It’s daunting at times. And. There’s a deep knowing that to be true to myself I need to follow that. And remember who I really am. Have you taken time to sit and imagine something that brings a smile to your face? Follow that!!!

07/20/2020

We have been taught and conditioned that life is all fun and games. Or if it’s not, there’s something desperately wrong. Life is hard. Life is not fun sometimes. And, we need to give ourselves permission to feel the good, bad and the ugly. To deny them causes us to turn to drugs, alcohol, food, s*x and a myriad of other numbing agents. Feel. Walk through then to the other side and become a whole, feeling person!!!

07/19/2020

‘Adjusting to parenthood after delivery is challenging under normal circumstances, let alone in the midst of a global pandemic’

If you are experiencing this season of pandemic and new parenthood with anxiety and stress, please reach out.

One in seven new moms struggle with anxiety and depression during the perinatal period, but according to a new study published today, the pandemic is exacerbating those struggles.

07/19/2020

How many times in one day do you honor yourself by doing and saying what you really think, feel and want? How many men (or women) have you stayed with, jobs have you taken or kept at, clothes you wear, food you eat, music you listen to? All because someone else said that’s what they liked or wanted of you? Life begins when you are true to yourself. Even baby steps move you toward your great big beautiful life. What’s one thing you can do today to honor who YOU are??

07/18/2020

I’m reading an incredible book currently: untamed by Glennon Doyle. It’s got quotables all through it. I will be posting some of them and talking a little about why this specific quote resonates with me.

This first one describes what I realized after living in {too many} years of abuse. Not just in marriage, but as a child being s*xually abused for years and then multiple relationships throughout the years.

I see so many women staying in situations that aren’t good for them or safe for them (or their children). They (and you and I) have the power to leave. At anytime (for the most part). Sometimes it takes preparation to be safe but it can be done.

07/17/2020

If you know some one struggling with how much milk their baby is getting while nursing, tag them!

One of the biggest stresses of new motherhood is worrying about how much your baby is eating. Baby’s stomach is not nearly as big as we want it to be. LOL. Here’s a great visual on how little their tummies are and how much they can take in, right at first.

07/17/2020

This is a great article on diastasis recti. I know. Scary name. It’s a reality for most women who have given birth. For me having had very large babies (10+pounds) and many in a pretty short time, I’ve struggled with this and didn’t know it was a thing until recently.

This explains what it is and how to correct it.

Here's how to see if your abs separated during pregnancy, plus natural and safe ways to correct diastasis recti, and what it means for future pregnancies.

07/16/2020

One of the biggest stresses of new motherhood is worrying about how much your baby is eating. Baby’s stomach is not nearly as big as we want it to be. LOL. Here’s a great visual on how little their tummies are and how much they can take in, right at first.