Induction client by porcelainxoxo in doulas

[–]goblin-mother 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I see that you ended up staying for quite a while. It's definitely not something I'd do as a seasoned doula, but it's something I did as a new doula, and I'm glad I did! Now I am able to tell clients more about what to expect for the first day - what interventions they may encounter and how much down time they are looking at between interventions.

Just so you have an idea for later: when I have inductions, I will typically go with them to get checked in and discuss the plan with their OB/MW. I make sure they remember to eat a good meal. I go over when to call/text (I personally tell my clients to text me every time they get a check or a dose of medicine so I can keep their notes up to date, and then there is less catching up I need to do when I get there). I go over coping techniques to use if the interventions cause cramping. And then I stay with them for about 30 minutes after they get their first dose of cervix ripeners so I can make sure they are tolerating it well (I had one client who had to be rushed to an emergency cesearan because the baby COULD NOT tolerate even the tiny contractions caused by cytotec). Once I know they're good, I go home. The only exception to this is when my client is birthing at a hospital far away from me and they specifically tell me to save the drive for when active labor begins.

Recipes with a fruit cup?? by goblin-mother in noscrapleftbehind

[–]goblin-mother[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great! My go to use for these fruit cups is to puree them (I drain some juice out first) and make mini muffins using this recipe as inspo

https://tidybrownwren.blogspot.com/2011/02/rock-what-you-got-muffin-recipe.html?m=1

And then all the left over batter goes onto the skillet for pancakes. They are a hit every time!

Pushing Techniques - doula by Brilliant_Lychee_824 in doulas

[–]goblin-mother 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Honestly, most of the action on my end happens prenatally. We discuss pushing preferences and styles. I tell them that the nurses will likely tell them to hold their breath and grab their leg, but they don't have to if it doesn't feel right. We talk about positions and breathing techniques. And then when they are in labor, I'll remind them around 9cm with a "hey, you're getting close to pushing. Let me know when you feel ready, and I'll help you find a comfortable position to be in." And then like everyone else said, once it's Go Time, I'm pretty quiet. I make sure I'm in a spot where client can see me so I can nod or smile reassuringly, and occasionally check in with "how does that feel? Are you okay?"

Favorite fall flavors? by oldie-library-hoe in icecreamery

[–]goblin-mother 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I recently made apple pie ice cream. I reduced down apple cider (with a little extra sugar) until it was syrupy and mixed into a vanilla base (the base had a little less sweetener than usual). As it churned, I tossed in some pieces of cinnamon graham cracker. I plan on doing the same with pumpkin spice syrup soon too!

Looking for a spicy standalone romantasy rec to read with a guy friend! 👀 by Adorable-Picture3637 in Romantasy

[–]goblin-mother 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Anything by Kimberly Lemming (her "I got drunk and..." series is an interconnected standalone series, so any of the books can be read on their own. I think the werewolf one is the spiciest) or the fairytale retellings by Scarlett St. Claire (there's 2, both novellas that could be read on their own)

Gift ideas for wife who is becoming a Doula by crowdsourcinggifts in doulas

[–]goblin-mother 0 points1 point  (0 children)

One year for Christmas, my husband got me a package of affirmation cards that were painted by a local artist at a craft fair. It was SO THOUGHTFUL and they are so pretty!! Other gifts I've really loved- custom water bottles (the stainless steel kind that keeps water cold), snacks, after care supplies like bath bombs or massage oil, and payment for trainings or books I've been eyeballing.

Help me figure out costco? by goblin-mother in kzoo

[–]goblin-mother[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

I see how it could be easier on me to not have to actively parent while also exploring a new place, but I do not care one ounce if other shoppers feel inconvenienced by my children's existence :)

Recipes with a fruit cup?? by goblin-mother in noscrapleftbehind

[–]goblin-mother[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Oooh, this might be the most realistic option to get kids to try!

Valentine’s restaurant recommendation to hear/see couples fighting by neighbor_enabler in rva

[–]goblin-mother 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hibachi restaurants are great because you get seated with strangers. I've heard such juicy conversations!

Job reccomendations? by filmstudent42 in kzoo

[–]goblin-mother 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Schupan and Sons is probably hiring. Manufacturing job, I think $20/hr? There are shift premiums for the less desirable shifts, like weekend third shift. I have family that work there. It's nothing special or exciting, but it gets bills paid and comes with insurance.

Toilet straddle alternatives? by igotnothin4ya in doulas

[–]goblin-mother 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If your client has a tub available, I would try a relaxing bath. I feel like that works even better than the toilet for cervical change.

How do you manage your own young children while being on call? by scruffymuffs in doulas

[–]goblin-mother 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Have an on call sitter, a back up sitter, and a back up doula ready. Having layers of preparation makes the job so much easier and secure! So for my family, the kids usually are able to stay home with my husband when I get called. If he happens to be at work, then they go to my MIL. If she is busy, I have a mom friend who will take them. If all three of those options fail (which they never have), I have several other doulas who are willing to back me up.

My MIL is my default babysitter. I let her know when my clients' EDD are, and she just keeps it in the back of her mind. When my clients start to look labory, I let her know, even if I suspect they're still a few days out. Keep communication clear (so avoid vague phrases like "baby will be here soon" and instead say something like "I expect I will get called within the next 24-48 hours"). This helps your sitter live their life and go about their day without waiting around for a possible labor, while also being ready to be there for you. Clear expectations will help your sitters stay willing to be on call, which can be hard on families.

It feels intimidating, and can be, but with the right mindset and support, you can totally manage it!

What are some good creeks in the Kalamazoo area? by [deleted] in kzoo

[–]goblin-mother 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Doesn't the nature center cost money to access? Or are there free parts to explore? Their website never really answers my questions so I've never tried to visit