STL Birth Doula

06/20/2020

Ohh my whole heart😭😭🙏🏻🙏🏻😍😍

05/11/2020

This is SO important and not talked about NEARLY enough.

"Your skin crawls, you feel agitated, trapped, touched out, anger, you just want them to be done, and when they are, the new feelings start. The guilt, the shame, disgust in yourself, the sadness, and the questions.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
“Why am I feeling like this?”
“Is there something wrong with me?”
“Am I bad mother?”
“Is it just me?” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
If you are feeling like this there is a name for it, breastfeeding aversion, and you are not alone or a bad mother. I know how you feel because I have experienced breastfeeding aversion myself. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
During my first trimester of this pregnancy I struggled with breastfeeding aversion and I still do on and off. I was not expecting this because I did not experience aversion while pregnant with my second and breastfeeding my first. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
There are many things that can contribute to breastfeeding aversion such as:
1. Pregnancy
2. Hormonal changes
3. Menstruation
4. Older nursling
5. Lack of sleep
6. Ni**le pain/poor latch
7. Triggers (twiddling, bitting, scratching ect.)
8. PPD/PPA
9. Nutrition ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
While aversion is usually temporary, here are some tips on how to cope:
1. Magnesium (I use a spray and spray on arms, feet, shoulders, and back)
2. Sleep (I know it’s not always easy to get more sleep. Reach out for help and see if someone can watch baby while you take a nap.)
3. Alone time (also not always easy but self care is important)
4. Help from a lactation specialist if having any pain while breastfeeding
5. Boundaries (breastfeeding is a relationship between two people. Do not feel guilty for needing to unlatch and take min or shorten sessions if breastfeeding an older child. When my aversion was bad I’d unlatch and comfort in another way)
6. Nutrition (a balanced diet and plenty of water)
7. Coping strategies (listening to music, reading a book, watching a show, listening to a podcast, or chatting with a friend while breastfeeding)
8. Stay positive (for most this just temporary)
9. Support (Facebook, Instagram, blogs, mom/breastfeeding groups)
Aversion is real but you are not alone. Give yourself some grace and seek help and support. You do not need to suffer alone. Submission from on IG 💞😪💔💗

04/10/2020

Mama, it’s OK to grieve the loss of a “normal” pregnancy, of hospital antenatal classes and catching up with your friends for coffee and walks.

It’s OK to feel sad that your baby shower has been cancelled – I know you were looking forward to it.

You’re allowed to be disappointed that your Babymoon – your last trip before welcoming your new addition - won’t happen now.

Mama, it’s OK to cry because your big boy or big girl won’t be able to meet their new baby sibling in the hospital.

It’s OK to be upset that your friends and family won’t be able to visit you after birth – or that it might be some time before they can hold your baby in their arms.

Mama, it’s OK to grieve your village, to feel down that mothers’ groups have been cancelled at a time when you need them most.

It’s OK to feel sad that so many of your plans for maternity leave have changed – and you’re learning how to be a mum in this strange new normal.

It’s OK to feel that the magic of this time has been stolen from you - while also being grateful for it, too.

It’s okay to grieve. Your feelings are valid and so are your tears.

You’re not alone ❤️

Art by Rita Navarro

https://www.cope.org.au

01/21/2020

Ever thought about how giving birth lying down is kinda...counterproductive? The birth canal curves upwards when you lie down, so you're going against gravity. Birthing on your back can make labor last longer because the body has to work much harder to eject the baby. It constricts blood vessels, meaning baby and mother won't receive the optimum levels of blood & oxygen. It also makes you more prone to tearing, and is typically more painful than birthing in an intuitive position. Your pelvis isn’t given the opportunity to open to its fullest capacity, and makes it harder for babies in non-optimal birthing positions to rotate or switch to better positions - which can lead to a need for medical intervention.
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There are a number of positions to give birth in that are better for both mommy and baby. Unfortunately, hospitals sometimes have a habit of telling birthers that they “can’t” deliver a baby in any position besides on their backs. DON’T LISTEN. Request the squat bar. Adjust the bed to your liking. Switch to a side-lying position. Do what feels COMFORTABLE and - most importantly - follow your body’s lead.
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12/28/2019

🖤🖤🖤