Paige Hopkins Doula Services

05/03/2023

https://www.sarawickham.com/

Thought for the day:

If you put a handful of popcorn into the same pot, into the same oil and heat it all to the exact same temperature, it doesn’t all pop at the exact same moment.

Same with labour, birth and babies.

Be an individual.

Pop in your own time 😆😊

(For more evidence-based conversations about the timing of birth, see www.sarawickham.com/time)

03/24/2022

If only you could have seen the spontaneous dance party that happened when I saw THIS 💃🎉😭 Thank you, Heart of Houston Birth and Wellness Center 💖💖💖

Happy World Doula Week! The rest of the week we'll be featuring the doulas we've had the honor of working with during our first year here at the birth center and at Texas Children's Pavilion for Women.
Meet Paige Hopkins Doula Services! Paige is one of those people that was just made to do doula work! She so warm and so dedicated to supporting families AND her fellow doulas. Paige is both a labor and postpartum doula in Houston and surrounding areas. Although she's a newer doula, Paige is already in high demand. The secret is out so book your birth or postpartum with her NOW!
Thanks for all you do, Paige.

02/26/2022

Informed consent ✔️

You have the RIGHT to refuse any intervention you want in labor, including an IV.

Whether you should or should not have an IV or saline (hep) lock in labor is a personal choice.

🗯First, lets be sure to distinguish between an IV and saline-lock:

An IV means you are hooked up to a bag of IV fluids which may be for hydration or medication administration.

A saline-lock or hep-lock is simply the port placed into your vein for intravenous access. It is a soft catheter and once placed is generally not too noticeable. It does not need to be hooked up to anything, so you are free to move around without tubing attached to you.

🔴The risks of an IV or saline lock are:

▪️infection, swelling, pain, discomfort, and being one-step closer to potential intervention such as fluids for hydration or Pitocin to help your labor along, and the unintended consequences as outlined above.

🟢The benefits of an IV or saline lock are:

▪️Quick and easy access to deliver pain, anti-nausea or GBS medication, pitocin for labor augmentation or with delivery of the placenta, or rapid fluids in case of postpartum hemorrhage.

Note: If you choose to have an epidural, a saline lock is recommended as IV access may be needed for additional fluids or in case something goes wrong.

Take away: Eat and drink in labor at will and say “No” to an IV if that is your preference.

ACNM: American College of nurse midwives
WHO: World health organization
NICE: National Institute for health and care excellence
SOCG: Society of obstetricians and gynecologists
ACOG: American College of obstetricians and gynecologists
ASA: American Society of anesthesiologists

01/02/2022

Is your birth team complete?
A labor doula is continually by your side - starting in early labor at home, until a few hours after your baby is born. I am on call for you 24/7, three weeks before your estimated due date. I spend an average of 2 hours with you during each prenatal visit. I provide education about hospital procedures and medications, so that YOU can make informed and empowered decisions about YOUR birth. Hospital, birth center, or home birth? I've got you! I support non-medicated, medicated, and "I don't know until I get there" births. I have countless evidence-based resources to share.

Want to learn more? Contact me for a free consultation!

"87 minutes of prenatal care. It is not women who are failing in the system. The system is failing women."

08/30/2021

I've been geeking out lately and taking as many classes as my schedule allows! There is sooo much evidence-based information available for birth workers and expecting families. Huge thanks to Leah Jolly for such an informative class.

Early breastfeeding support has a big impact on the success of long term milk production, building maternal confidence, and reducing postpartum depression. I'm super stoked to have these new tools to offer my birth and postpartum families! Thanks Leah!

06/25/2021

Online and in-person classes are almost full!

"When you change the way you view birth, the way you birth will change.” ~Marie Mongan, Hypnobirthing

04/05/2021

"Holding space" for you. It's one of the most rewarding things I do as a doula. Being physically, mentally, and emotionally available for you means that my focus is completely on you and your birth environment. It allows you and your birth partner to have "the space" during labor to be fully present. It can help you feel protected, less alone, and less vulnerable.

I am there for you without judgment. I am there to be sure that you are heard. I will embrace your vision and not question your decisions.

I am a professionally trained and certified birth companion who is continually present and focused on your birth experience.

It's the best job I have ever had 💗

04/01/2021

This beautiful couple was one of the first births I attended 😍. As a new doula, my thoughts are mainly focused on the later stages of labor - creating space for the mother, empowering her to advocate for herself, pain relief techniques, the many different labor positions to keep birth progressing, and supporting the birth partner - but THIS! This picture reminds me of the amazing and grace-filled moments before it all "gets real". What you see here is the magic connection between two people about to become three 👨‍👩‍👧

This new father was intensely and actively focused on his partner throughout the entire labor and birth! It was a profoundly beautiful thing to witness. 💞💞💞

Having a doula with you when early labor begins removes the worry of when to leave for your birth place. Parents are free to move into labor in the comfort of their own space 🏡👶💙

📸 by me and shared with permission 👍🧡