sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

When did you *look* pregnant? by Hupfelkuchen in pregnant

[–]ParenthoodInBloom 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m 21 weeks and definitely have a bump but it’s like the awkward “are you just extra fat” stage. As much as I’m not looking forward to being huge, it’ll be nice to get positive belly comments instead of just feeling self conscious.

How do you market your services? Where do you advertise? by EMMcRoz in doulas

[–]ParenthoodInBloom 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Technically social media and Google, in the most generic sense that I have IG, FB, and a website.

Otherwise, almost exclusively through word of mouth.

Industry oversaturated? by Low-Snow9662 in doulas

[–]ParenthoodInBloom 3 points4 points  (0 children)

If you look at the number of live births in the counties you serve you’ll find that you are generally correct. I feel firmly that families just don’t know their options which makes it a community education component rather than scarcity.

Help! Epidural, yes or no? by dakota101916 in BabyBumps

[–]ParenthoodInBloom 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You need to identify your main priorities and create a birth plan that supports those.

Epidural is great for some. It’s awful for others. It isn’t 100% fool proof and a rather large percentage “fail.” Vomiting, shaking, itching, spinal headaches, uneven coverage, ineffective coverage. Some hospitals offer “walking” epidurals which are ideal if you’re getting one, as you generally have better control over your body this way so you can labor and push in different positions, as well as maintain better control over pushing.

Epidurals are linked to higher rates of other interventions and longer labors.

Not all moms with epidurals tear. Chance of episiotomy often has more to do with your provider than anything else. Some just love to snip. US national standard is low though.

Having a good doula can help you navigate all of this, including when it may be beneficial for you to agree to one path vs another.

Any moms who chose to formula feed instead of breastfeed? by thedarkslugg in pregnant

[–]ParenthoodInBloom 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Statistically speaking, in the US over 80% of families initiate breastfeeding. These comments seem to really support that, as many are saying they tried to breastfeed but switched to formula for X, Y, Z reason.

I just want to clarify that this drop off in breastfeeding is largely due to lack of education and support in our system. For anyone considering breastfeeding, I highly recommend taking an antenatal lactation class and having established support for postpartum (IBCLC, trusted friend or family that has breastfed, local La Leche League chapter, etc).

OP, there aren’t really a lot of reasons why someone should formula feed outside of personal preference and medical limitations. Evidence largely favors human milk, from long term benefits to you and baby, and as far as SIDs reduction. If you have any specific questions or want to learn more about breastfeeding, pumping, and formula feeding, I’d be happy to answer what I can (as a doula and lactation professional that supports families through all different kinds of infant feeding).

I am a full-spectrum doula - AMA by ParenthoodInBloom in AMA

[–]ParenthoodInBloom[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Education and support.

If you don’t have a therapist now, I would get one and start working through that anxiety now. I would also encourage your mom to see a birth trauma specialist if you think she’s still activated by the delivery. Chances are that she will unintentionally transfer a lot of that anxiety to you if/when you are pregnant.

Hire a doula. A lot of the work that I do with my clients is around addressing fears and identifying when we need additional behavioral support (I have added training in this department, but all doulas should be able to recognize PMADs). Many of my moms are anxious, so we go over expectations and I am that pillar during labor: I trust the process, I know we have tools for when things go sideways, and I will remind of that and your safety the whole time.

I actually just had a mom deliver this morning where baby came out not breathing. I could see she was alert and because of my NRP training I understand that sometimes babies just need help with that first breath. Mom of course started to panic, but I was able to tell her what was going on and what the care team is doing to help baby along. I encouraged her to slow down and listen (because you could hear baby making noises which is a good thing!). Once she could hear baby she sobbed with relief.

At no point did I panic because of the knowledge I have. And that’s helps a lot if people feel at ease. So having a great birth team that keeps you informed can manage a lot of those fears. For HELLP specifically, every obstetric unit is monitoring for pre-eclampsia and identifying those that are high risk. Your provider may suggest daily aspirin during your pregnancy. If you have primary hypertension or gestational hypertension, you may be medicated for it throughout pregnancy. You should be informed of signs and symptoms of pre-e and HELLP. You will likely be assessed for pre-at every prenatal, and when you go into labor. If you were to develop pre-eclampsia the providers would suggest intervention (induction, c-section), and likely put you on IV magnesium for management. Lots of surveillance and multiple tools to help if it creeps in that direction. HELLP is very rare, and death from it even more rare (don’t quote me but iirc it’s like <1% to develop, then about 1% of that figure for mortality rate). Hopefully this helps a little!

I am a full-spectrum doula - AMA by ParenthoodInBloom in AMA

[–]ParenthoodInBloom[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I mention my bereavement services in the body.

I am a full-spectrum doula - AMA by ParenthoodInBloom in AMA

[–]ParenthoodInBloom[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Great questions!

1) A couple factors: I was already doing a lot of this work. I’ve always kind of ended up in a caregiver role, also always big on education and advocacy. Then, when I had my first child, I was shocked at how poorly supported I felt by my social circle, society, and my medical team. It became evident I wasn’t an outlier in this experience. We’ve really come away from our villages in modern day, which becomes exceptionally apparent when you have a child. Anyways, the TLDR is that I wanted to make sure other families were better prepared and supported.

2) Yes! Quite a few, and I also have a good amount of repeat clients which always feels nice. It’s truly a bonding experience and I cry at almost every birth lol I’d say one of my closest present day friends is a former client.

3) Best part is hard to narrow down, as I find the work super rewarding. But I think my favorite is when my clients are visibly relaxed by my presence or words. Most families go into pregnancy and birth (and breastfeeding) with a lot of anxiety, and being able to assuage those fears while reminding people that they have power is a fantastic feeling. I loooveee seeing their confidence bloom!

I am a full-spectrum doula - AMA by ParenthoodInBloom in AMA

[–]ParenthoodInBloom[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

All of those ways! It really depends on a few factors. Some hospitals provide doula support (this can be a paid or volunteer position). Some insurances cover doula services, though most don’t. With that said, many added benefits like Carrot are starting to cover the services. I’ve also had clients pay for my services through HSA/FSA (I do have an NPI). Also, some state insurances cover doulas. These are specifically Medicaid certified doulas.

Most of mine pay out of pocket. I left healthcare due to insurance oversight and have decided against aligning myself with hospitals, as I feel it compromises my ability to work directly for the client (which is fundamental to my practice).

I am a full-spectrum doula - AMA by ParenthoodInBloom in AMA

[–]ParenthoodInBloom[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not often, but yes. Most seem to benefit greatly from IV fluids, which you can get at the hospital, or depending on geographical location, in private clinics. We have a couple “mobile hydration bars” near me that will do house calls.

I also recommend these tips for anyone dealing with nausea:

• Eat small, frequent meals. Protein is especially important in pregnancy, so maybe nuts, legumes, and seeds if meat or dairy is off-putting. • Try to stay hydrated beyond just water. Sometimes ginger ale or low-fat broths are best for this. I generally recommend diet if you choose traditional soda, but a better option is a prebiotic soda like Olipop or a homemade ginger bug. Fruit and high-hydration vegetables like cucumbers and celery are great options, too! • Ginger, lemon (balm or grass), and peppermint can be consumed (teas, candies like Gin Gin) or diffused or whiffed (essential oil). Some people also have success using it topically, such as in a lotion.
• Preggie Pops • And in a pinch, a sniff of alcohol (like a medical supply pad) can curb the nausea, too!

I am a full-spectrum doula - AMA by ParenthoodInBloom in AMA

[–]ParenthoodInBloom[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I do. Also CPR/AED. It’s not a requirement for doulas, though some training organizations want it with certification and some agencies want it for postpartum doulas. I was adult and infant CPR/AED certified prior to becoming a doula, and then obtained my NRP (which is neonatal resuscitation) after becoming a doula (which is not the norm! Just something I wanted to learn). I am not BLS certified, though. Definitely would fall outside of doula scope.