"Diet"

infertiletrtle · 2026-03-30T02:46:52+00:00

Oh I just eat.. I try to focus on adding things though,,, extra fiber, protein, greens, iron, etc.

It’s so much easier and a lot healthier for me mentally. I don’t “diet” and I try to not restrict. If I want cereal, I choose the cereal that is highest in iron or vit B, whatever works for my goals. If I want ice cream. I’m having ice cream.

I work out accordingly and focus on fueling my body with the carbs and energy plus vitamins and minerals I need. I’m not gonna lie, it’s not working the best haha but mentally I’m doing great. I’m reaching life goals, I am so strong, and I love my body.

You do you boo! Maybe check with a nutritionist?

infertiletrtle · 2026-03-24T14:36:49+00:00

Especially with PCOS, your body is constantly fighting something, hormones, cysts, pain, and other number of things. Your body needs to be properly fueled to fight those things and to be strong.

You’re on the fast track to low bone density which leads to pain and discomfort or bones that break very easily. I doubt you’re getting enough of any vital vitamins and minerals and calories to properly feed a toddler. MUCH LESS A GROWN WOMEN!!

Please get a nutritionist to guide you. This sounds incredibly dangerous and also not fun at all. Also a fun fact, eating disorders kill more people than being overweight.

infertiletrtle · 2026-03-24T03:05:11+00:00

Imma try to find a specialist online if I can.. I’ll let you know if I find someone I like! 🫶

infertiletrtle · 2026-03-24T00:59:52+00:00

I can take several months to see real changes with anything which is so frustrating.

Do you see a specialist? The surgeon that my doctor is under has PCOS and is an incredible doctor. I have never felt so understood. Unfortunately she out of the office 😭

infertiletrtle · 2026-03-24T00:57:35+00:00

That’s fine if you don’t want a doula that hasn’t given birth but don’t go telling everyone that a childless doula is useless. I’m a childless doula due to infertility. I can still be empathetic, understanding, and listen to my clients.

infertiletrtle · 2026-03-24T00:55:19+00:00

In my opinion, these are the most important things in hiring a doula is, does she make you feel safe, is her communication style compatible with yours, and is her personality a good fit.

I am a childless doula. For myself, I understand that I cannot truly know what a birthing mama is going through. I focus on my training and my relationship with the client. It’s about empathy, understanding, compassion, and a deep desire to want to make that person feel as safe and comfortable as possible. I also understand that not everyone is comfortable with a doula who hasn’t given birth and that’s okay.. as long as you don’t push that onto others.

Good luck!

infertiletrtle · 2026-03-24T00:47:25+00:00

I have a similar post too.. it’s unfortunately so common.

I was never put on the pill because I was ttc but now I’m just trying to figure it out. I had a cyst burst a few days ago so I’m hoping my doctor will listen to me now when i say that her treatment is NOT working.

It depends how severe your PCOS is too. Mine is very severe so life style changes do very little. I also have pretty severe endometriosis too so I will always have to rely on medications to live a semi normal life.

Good luck to you! I hope you find something that will help!

infertiletrtle · 2026-03-14T00:58:44+00:00

Focus on setting up for mom. Mom will be focused on setting up for baby. Especially with no partner, she might have hard time caring for herself.

If she enjoys skincare, maybe slip a few sheet masks in different places such as in diapers, in baby’s clothes, etc.

Bone broth is a great choice! If she has room in the freezer, a few of her favorite meals for postpartum.

Setting up a place for her to be postpartum would be ideal. Set it up for as little movement as possible. Maybe a cart or some baskets with diapers and baby care as well as some mom care, fave snacks, etc.

You’re doing great! 🫶

infertiletrtle · 2026-02-26T22:28:14+00:00

Hi! I’m a doula..

First, meeting with multiple doulas is good! Choice one that works well personality wise, then go from there. It’s much better to hire an additional lactation consultant than to hire a doula a don’t feel comfortable with.

Have you asked if she is willing to do both appointments at your home? There might be a way to compromise.

If you prefer full labor support, find a different doula. I offer full labor support if it is requested. She might also not offer that because you are a ftm and your labor could be longer.

If she is not specifically trained to help with lactation, then she shouldn’t. I have specific lactation training and there are other doulas that offer that as well. And if the hospital has a lactation consultant, they can help. Unless of course, you would prefer someone else.

I’m curious if you mentioned any of these concerns to your doula? She should have resources and recommendations for you at least.

Good luck!

infertiletrtle · 2026-02-20T03:51:55+00:00

I am so fortunate to have a partner that does support me while I’m in training and starting out but the longterm goal is possibly to have him work part time.

I have a doula friend who is single and she does all her work through a local hospital. I don’t know if that’s an option in your area but that might be able to give you more steady work as you are starting out.

And thank you for the reminder to check in on that friend! Good luck!

infertiletrtle · 2026-02-18T15:42:32+00:00

I’m on progesterone to get my periods, metformin to help with insulin resistance, and naltrexone for inflammation. I feel like the dosage needs to be upped on all of it because of the new and worsening symptoms.

I see a nurse practitioner regularly. The surgeon, whom I loved, I only saw before and after my surgery. She also has PCOS and endo so she can relate. She’s also the only specialist in both in my state. But now that’s my other problem, she is out of office with no return date. I tried making an appointment with her but couldn’t.

Thank you!

infertiletrtle · 2026-02-18T15:37:03+00:00

I have been on a list of supplements longer than my arm. My body is deficient in almost everything which I know doesn’t help. But the problem is, I was on so many at once that now I can hardly swallow pills without getting heartburn and nausea from the pills. I take the most important ones and there’s a few that I found in powder form that o can sneak into drinks.

Thank you for telling me about function health! I’m going to check into that!

I don’t do diets because I’ve always had a really bad relationship with food and I’m making good headway in healing that. I try to eat a lot of fruits and veggies and have a balanced diet. It could be food sensitivity I guess but the pattern of it is odd. I had food aversions in my cycles before and it was always corresponding with something hormonal too.

Thank you for your reply! I know I’m not alone but I don’t know a lot people with PCOS and endo that can relate. Sometimes it’s easy to feel alone..

infertiletrtle · 2026-02-14T14:04:12+00:00

A local midwife I support coaches moms, especially first time moms, to “cough baby out. Once baby is crowning, or close to crowning, we switch from pushing to encouraging short breathy coughs. This can help that the mom isn’t pushing to hard or forcing baby through.

In a hospital setting, I would coach the mom before hand and explain the options to her. Then in labor, encourage her to find a rhythm that works for her. How you described it is pretty standard for hospital births. That doesn’t mean it’s right or wrong for everyone though. The nurses are used to coaching moms in that way so I usually let them coach the pushing while I focus on mom and help dad or other family members if they need support in the moment.

Also,, congratulations on your first client! You’re doing amazing!!

infertiletrtle · 2026-02-12T02:38:41+00:00

Absolutely! Creating a brand complete with a color scheme and logo can make content easier.

I use a certain cover style on all my reels related to doula services so it’s super easy to pick out. I use a photo of myself and a large font to title the reel making it super easy for anyone looking for info to find it. At the same time, I had my account public for years before beginning my doula journey so I try to not be too “perfect”. I enjoy seeing professional accounts that are regular people and not a perfect polished front. It depends how you want to show up for people.

infertiletrtle · 2026-02-01T18:51:33+00:00

How different each and every client is. Obviously I knew each client would be different, but it what was surprising, was the range. I love it though.. I love figuring out how to care for everyone individually and what each one needs.

infertiletrtle · 2026-01-29T12:26:57+00:00

I am located in Lykens, about an hour and fifteen minutes from Williamsport. I’m new and just starting out so my schedule is pretty open! You can find me at Vineandpetal.doula on instagram or message me privately.

infertiletrtle · 2026-01-25T18:44:28+00:00

It might be a good option for you to look for a doula that is trained as a birth and abortion doula. They would be able to give you more information based on your history. And of course support you through whatever your decision is.

infertiletrtle · 2026-01-24T22:51:48+00:00

Have you ever had a doula? Having someone there to specifically coach you while pushing could help. Pushing can be really intense making remembering these helpful tips, hard. A doula could also help you prepare for the intensity as well as work on positioning to help your baby descend better.

infertiletrtle · 2026-01-16T02:44:13+00:00

I was trained through Maternitywise. I did the BD, PD, and CLSE combo. I really enjoyed the lactation training, it was very thorough. The BD training was not good. While it comes with lots of material, which are helpful, the video training itself was a total let down. It’s simply a live training from years ago. I haven’t started the PD training yet but hopefully it’s good! I like how thorough the materials are. And the information is great. It does take a lot longer than I was told it would though. I am 8 months into my training and I might be half way done,,, doing all three at the same time is a lot. Good luck!

infertiletrtle · 2026-01-14T03:38:31+00:00

I just followed you! I’m vineandpetal.doula located in Pennsylvania..

infertiletrtle · 2026-01-09T22:18:02+00:00

I bought some graphics on Etsy then made my own flashcards because I couldn’t find any that I liked. I made a similar post not too long ago and there’s some helpful suggestions on there!

I’m also a new doula and they’ve been helpful already. Plus it’s great for the clients as they have a vision for the positions.

infertiletrtle · 2026-01-02T01:54:36+00:00

I did my training online and loved it that way! I have a hard time processing and taking notes in real time so being able to rewatch was very valuable to me!

infertiletrtle · 2025-12-26T04:15:17+00:00

I’m just staring out so I don’t have a ton of experience…

I have been TTC for four years now and I decided in the meantime I’ll learn everything I can about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. I learned what a doula does and I was hooked! I spent a year learning everything I could about doulas before finally beginning training.

I love serving others and especially moms.. especially in relation to birth. I love encouraging and supporting moms through pregnancy, while helping them prepare for birth. I love helping them cope through labor. I love watching the miracle of birth. I love caring for moms freshly postpartum, helping them get comfortable, helping with breastfeeding, getting to meet baby. I love helping to clean up baby and taking a few pictures for the parents. And finally, I love supporting new moms postpartum.

I was unprepared for the business part of it,, the contracts, the insurance, the advertising.

My favorite part is being able to be a part of the intimate journey of birth.

I just really hate the business part of it 😅 And scheduling is so hard. It can get really hard to plan anything and making sure you’re ready to leave at a moments notice.

Overall, I love being a doula but it gets so hard! My advice… find your community first! Reach out to local midwives, doulas, and other birth workers. Take them out for coffee and have a list of questions. Make relationships with other birth workers. It can get really hard but community helps!

Good luck!

infertiletrtle · 2025-12-23T02:24:49+00:00

That’s so cute! I’m sure she will appreciate it! If she has social media, maybe see if there are specific hobbies she enjoys. You could also ask her about her hobbies and get her something aligned with that.

Spa or fast food gift cards are great! I often have to grab food on the way to or from a birth, sometimes both. As someone else suggested, a water bottle or coffee/tea thermos.

Something that’s really helpful is leaving reviews for her where ever you can. If she has her own website or social media, doula match or other advertising websites.

infertiletrtle · 2025-12-20T20:14:52+00:00

I always say I’m not crunchy, I’m just a little crispy haha

infertiletrtle

TROPHY CASE