I started working as a doula in 2011. I decided to become a birth doula after the amazing natural childbirth of my first daughter. I had a natural childbirth in the hospital with an awesome group of midwives, who have mostly moved on to other ventures, save one midwife who is still there from the …
Call me crazy, but there is something I still don't understand when I attend hospital births. I've attended many births over the years in Houston area hospitals, and I still don't understand why there are people who insist on trying to get people to be quiet when they are in labor. L-A-B-O-R. Labor is hard …
Several years ago, a friend and neighbor called me about a time-sensitive issue that she needed help with. My husband and I jumped into action to lend our assistance, but the matter at hand was pretty emotionally charged for us. We cared about this family and hoped for a positive outcome to the problem. Quick …
One of the most popular questions I see on message boards is, "How do you know if a doula is "the ONE?" I've seen so many responses to that question, but a common answer is to make sure that your doula is someone that you could poop in front of. After all, you might poop …
I have met with hundreds of families throughout my career as a doula, and no two interviews have been exactly alike. Every family has different priorities for their birth, and they all have different reasons for seeking out a doula. I love helping people make the most of their time and energy, so here are …
One of the most frequent questions I am asked during doula interviews is, "What is your doula style?" That is a great question and an important consideration when choosing who to invite into your birth or postpartum space. I have thought about my answer to this question over the past few months since my postpartum …
I have been immersed in anatomy and physiology classes since January. These classes are known as "the gatekeepers" of various programs, including the nursing program I hope to enter in about a year or so. I have been fascinated by all of the intricacies of the human body. I thought I would be bored with …
I love to listen to the Not Your Average Runner podcast on my early morning training runs. Yesterday, I listened to Episode 68: Ultrarunning and Beating Type Two Diabetes with Betsy Hartley. This episode was AMAZING. They all are, really, and I encourage anyone who is preparing to have a natural childbirth to listen to …
"Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going." -Jim Rohn This quote is painted above the stage at my kids' school. I didn't pay much attention to this quote until a few months ago, and now it has become sort of like a mantra. I have been training for my first …
I have this funny habit of mixing up punchlines, forgetting jokes, and getting quotes just plain wrong. It even applies to how I think about my children. Lately, my thoughts have been on potty training. Actually, I think too much of my past nine years of being a mother has been spent on worrying about …
