Cari Aida, Doula

01/03/2026

Setting up to walk 3 families through The Ice Journey this weekend. I can't wait to see how it unfolds as each workshop is unique. In depth, immersive, and individualized for the attendees.

01/03/2026

This photo represents 5-years.

5 yes of witnessing.

Of walking beside.

Of holding space, and holding hands. Holding precious new life.

Of Loving. Laughing. Crying. Waiting. Running.

And also sacrifice. Late nights. Long drives. Missed events and juggled schedules.

Each leaf carries a tiny piece of my heart.

01/01/2026

2025 has been an incredible year and I'm so grateful to have been able to support so many families in so many different ways!

2026 will be a filled with even more new beginnings, added classes and services, and continuing to support families as they welcome their babies into the world!

Thank you for being here with me.

12/08/2025

Can I tell you a story?

A bit over 26 years ago, when I was pregnant with my first baby, my fiance and I stopped into a little eclectic shop in north Tacoma that we enjoyed frequenting. Full of the most fascinating trinkets, there was always something to look at. On the wall towards the back of the shop was a framed display with a handful of the most stunning birth photos, including a baby being born at home in the water. This was 1999 so the internet was barely a thing and birth photography wasn't something that you saw unless you went looking specifically for it.

I was in awe.

Attached to the photo frame were a few business cards and a flyer for a Labor - Short & Sweet Workshop.

That moment was pivotal.

One of those fork-in-the-road points where your life is directed one way or the other. So much of who I am now revolves about stepping into that store that day.

I had no idea that taking that Workshop would not only change the course of my own birth experiences, but ultimately would lead to a multi-decade friendship, an apprenticeship, a collaboration.

It would open doors and guide my steps, and eventually lead me to where I am today.

And speaking of today; today is the fifth anniversary of the day I finally was able to make birth work my full-time career. So many things led up to that moment over the decades, but none of them would have brought me here if I hadn't stopped into that shop all those years ago.

Just shy of 200 babies welcomed, hundreds more families supported through childbirth classes, social events, and partnering with my team.

This was an especially hard week for me. I spent nearly 60 hours over four days walking beside two families as they welcomed their beautiful babies into the world. It's hard on my body when things line up like this. Hard, too, emotionally when it means missed events and unexpectedly canceled plans with family and friends.

(...continued in the comments)

12/05/2025

Registration is open for the January and February Ice Journey workshops!! 🎉

What is The Ice Journey?

The Ice Journey - Childbirth Education Weekend Workshop is a comprehensive, evidence-based, fully immersive workshop that is so much more than just a childbirth education class.

The workshop includes:

⭐️An intimate, small group experience the workshop is generally limited to 4 couple.

⭐️Overview of Labor & Birth Physiology and what to expect

⭐️Birth Planning

⭐️Comfort Measures and Pain Management Techniques

⭐️Positions and Stretches for before and during birth

⭐️Guided meditation & conscious relaxation

⭐️Strategies & tools for pain management

⭐️Preparing for the unexpected - how to cope when plans change and navigating informed decision-making

⭐️Understanding Interventions including cesareans, assisted deliveries, medications, and more

⭐️Thoughtful discussion and reflection throughout the workshop

⭐️⭐️⭐️The highlight is a realistic labor simulation facilitated by Cari, using ice, music, and guided prompts to walk you through the emotional and physical challenges presented by birth! A truly unique glimpse into birth ⭐️⭐️⭐️

The class is held at my classroom in University Place and limited to four couples per class.

If you have a January through April due date and this sounds like something you would be interested in, please comment or message me for more information!

11/16/2025

It's just ice. It won't hurt or kill you. The discomfort won't last forever....

But oh what a teacher this simple handful of ice can be. IYKYK.

Are you expecting a late winter baby? I'll be opening registration for January/ February Ice Journey Childbirth Education Workshops soon. This is a small group workshop so spots are limited.

11/16/2025

This photo represents a dream over twenty five years in the making.

The Ice Journey Childbirth Education Workshop.

11/06/2025

What if your childbirth class could help you actually enjoy your birth experience?

Your birth matters.
Your experience matters.
And the way you feel during birth matters most of all. 💛

Our Comprehensive, Evidence-Based, Fully Immersive Childbirth Education Weekend Workshop is designed for all birthing people and their partners — blending knowledge, hands-on practice, and wholehearted support.

This isn’t your typical class. It’s a weekend of connection, confidence, and care — helping you and your birth partner prepare for birth with both your mind and your heart.

🗓️ 11/15 & 11/16
📍 University Place, WA
🔗 Link in bio

09/25/2025

09/16/2025

🥳 Registration is open for the October & November Ice Journey workshops!! 🎉

What is The Ice Journey?

The Ice Journey - Childbirth Education Weekend Workshop is a comprehensive, evidence-based, fully immersive workshop that is so much more than just a childbirth education class.

The workshop includes:

⭐️Overview of Labor & Birth Physiology and what to expect

⭐️Birth Planning

⭐️Comfort Measures and Pain Management Techniques

⭐️Positions and Stretches for before and during birth

⭐️Guided meditation & conscious relaxation

⭐️Strategies for pain management

⭐️Preparing for the unexpected - how to cope when plans change

⭐️Understanding Interventions including cesareans, assisted deliveries, medications, and more

⭐️Thoughtful discussion and reflection throughout the workshop

⭐️⭐️⭐️The highlight is a realistic labor simulation facilitated by Cari, using ice and guided prompts to walk you through the emotional and physical challenges presented by birth! ⭐️⭐️⭐️

The class is held at my classroom in University Place and limited to four couples per class.

If you have a November - January due date and this sounds like something you would be interested in, please comment or message me for more information!

08/25/2025

This weekend was a dream come true and a literal decade in the making. I couldn't have had better couples participating in our inaugural class - thank you all so much for your willingness to be vulnerable and dig deep. For the laughs and the encouragement. I will never forget this weekend!

I am so excited to be officially offering The Ice Journey - Birth Preparation Workshop at our classroom in University Place. Dates and registration information will be posted soon, but please reach out if you have any questions or would like more info!!

And a special thank you to for trusting me with your life work ❤️

08/10/2025

I want to know, what are your favorite pregnancy and/or parenting books? Which ones do you recommend to other parents?