The Top Three Reasons for Doula Burnout
March 6, 2024
In preparing to speak at the DONA International annual conference last year, I polled an online doula community about what factors either threatened, or ultimately…
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Mom Guilt Part 1: A Getaway With the Husband
October 5, 2016 | designadmin | Uncategorized
This is where I’m sitting, right at this very moment while I write this. The view is spectacular. The “hotel,” (I almost can’t even call it that because of it’s size and grandeur) is luxurious. I’m working, but it’s work I love and care about. With so few interruptions because I’m not in my home office being beckoned by laundry or dishes… I’m not looking at the clock to see how much time until the kids get home. When cocktail hour comes, my food and drinks are paid for and I’m in the company of good people, including my husband. I’ve come to accompany my husband on a business trip because his room and flight were paid for, the schedule pretty relaxed, and it was a rare opportunity for us to get away together without spending too much money – and to take advantage of time together without the children.…Does Your Doctor Hate When You Google? (Guest Blog for Improving Birth)
September 15, 2016 | designadmin | Uncategorized
We were honored to be featured as a guest blogger for Improving Birth, where we talk about the role of a patient’s own knowledge about their condition and how it can impact the doctor-patient relationship. Take a look over at the Improving Birth Blog to read more!Pregnant in Summer? Here’s How to Cool Off!
July 16, 2016 | designadmin | Uncategorized
Pregnant women already have a higher blood volume and a slightly higher body temperature… so being pregnant during summer (especially in your third trimester) can be an extra challenge to your comfort and your energy level. Here in North County Coastal San Diego, many homes are without air conditioning because of how mild it is for so much of the year! We found a few tips (besides the obvious, like stay in the shade and stay hydrated) to help you keep your cool: When you’re ready to let us pamper you after your baby or babies finally arrive, call us or read more about our Postpartum Doula Services.What to Expect When You CAN’T Know What to Expect: Planning for Life with a Newborn
June 28, 2016 | designadmin | Uncategorized
I was inspired to speak on this topic because I just got off the phone with three different expectant parents, inquiring about postpartum Doula services, who want to make sure they have adequate support in place after the birth of their baby or babies, but are overwhelmed with the prospect of planning for something they’ve never done before. Almost always the families that call me say, “How can I know what I need before I need it?” Some of them will have family members nearby or visiting, but don’t yet know how it will go to have those relatives playing a role they’ve never played before – how much is too much to ask, will there be judgment and unsolicited advice, are they the type who will show up last minute or need things planned out in advance? Others don’t have family nearby at all. Some feel certain their partner…Borrowing Sugar – Ahem, WINE – from the Neighbors
June 3, 2016 | designadmin | Uncategorized
Remember when borrowing sugar from the neighbors was a thing? I actually remember my mom sending me next door with a measuring cup to get ¼ cup of sugar. Once, it may have been vinegar. Well, I’m not ashamed to admit, in my version of adulthood, it was wine (come to think of it, that’s kind of like a sugary vinegar now, isn’t it?). Not only had it become less common, maybe less acceptable to show up at the neighbors asking for stuff (I think it is seen as too intrusive, at least in the NY neighborhood where we lived) but I went ahead and upped the ante from sugar to wine.NOT Your Mother’s Mothers’ Day
May 7, 2016 | designadmin | Uncategorized
Do you feel it? I think the way we look at moms is shifting… I think there is greater recognition for what we do. For the parts that are tangible and the parts that are not. For what we sacrifice and don’t get back, even if yes, there are sweet rewards. For the costs – to our bodies, our careers, our psyches when we wonder if we are doing right by our children. (Approaching discipline in an age-appropriate way? Over scheduling or under scheduling them? Leaving them too much or helicopter parenting? Respecting their preferences or coddling???) I think, for a few reasons including those below, we might be approaching a cultural shift towards a climate where we honor and revere mothers for all they do. Where we stand in solidarity with any mother who feels judged, gypped, or unsupported. Where we elevate the status of motherhood to where it…5 Reasons NOT to Join a Doula Agency
April 15, 2016 | designadmin | Uncategorized
I knew starting a postpartum doula agency might raise some eyebrows in the doula community. I wasn’t sure why, exactly, other than the fact that “new and different” tends to raise eyebrows. But wow did I come across a GOLDMINE of reasons just the other day, on a rant on social media from a well-respected doula in our area. Now, don’t get me wrong, I am not taking her post as if it were directed at me. But she has quite the following (for good reason – she has worked long and hard supporting and educating doulas and families), and so while the post might not be directed at me, I don’t think there’s any way around the fact that she has just used her influence in a way that directly disrespects me, my business, and my independent contractors (agency doulas). So, whether I like it or not, I feel…Childcare at Work: “It really is not just making a living, it really is making a life.”
April 10, 2016 | designadmin | Uncategorized
This is so important for all of us to watch. While paid leave is also an important part of the puzzle, HERE is an idea that doesn’t have to get government approval or cost taxpayer money. Parents are going to pay for childcare somewhere, why not 1) reduce their commute time by having it at the work location, 2) increase their access to their children 3) contribute to the success of breastfeeding with such access in many cases,… and the benefits go on an on as described in this video. In fact, many parents would likely pay a higher rate for these benefits, and many employers, if they looked at how much turnover from the highly educated female workforce is technically costing them, would be willing to incur some cost to provide such a benefit.Luna Cookies: A Healthy, One-handed Snack for Parents of Newborns – Courtesy of One Moon Doula Services
March 28, 2016 | designadmin | Uncategorized
One Moon Doula “Luna Cookies”recipe and photos courtesy of Megan Ameral Our Luna Cookies are the perfect, one-handed snack! Sweet oat cookies filled with dried blueberries (full of antioxidants such as vitamin A and C) and nutty cacao nibs packed with magnesium and calcium. Little bites of cinnamon and creamy coconut manna make these a decadent treat every family should have packed in their freezer. The perfect balance of healthy and delightful –pack a ziplock to throw in your diaper bag to go, or crumble on ice cream (dairy free if that’s your thing) for the rest of the family. Brewer’s yeast is optional but can support your breastfeeding goals. Ask your postpartum doula to make you a batch, they are a sweet “pick me up” to any Mamma’s day!The Postpartum Doulas of One Moon Doula Services, LLC
March 1, 2016 | designadmin | Uncategorized
Last week I held the first team meeting with One Moon Doula’s newest postpartum doulas. I’m so impressed. Selecting a team at this time in my life, at almost 40 years old, couldn’t have been better timing. Combining my life experience and work experience with a renewed trust in my gut, confidence in my judgement… led me to know almost instantly who would be a good fit – not just for my agency, and for our clients, but for each other as colleagues and teammates.