What is a postpartum doula?

Think of a postpartum doula as the best mother-in-law ever. A postpartum doula is there to help ease the transition to life with a newborn by supporting full body healing, cooking, newborn care, lactation support, birth processing and more. When things get tricky (as they often do in those first few weeks) we're there to help troubleshoot, lend a listening ear, and refer out to amazing providers in the community. I incorporate healing modalities like belly binding, mother roasting (Moxa), herbal baths, medicinal meals, and Abhyanga massage, just to name a few.

What is a birth doula?

A birth doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, spiritual, and informational support to a birthing person and any partner during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. A birth doula's role is to help the mother have a safe, memorable, and empowering birthing experience. A birth doula is there to be an added layer of support throughout pregnancy and create a safe container for birth to unfold within. Birth doula's integrate seamlessly with out-of-hospital and hospital staff.

Do I need a birth doula if I'm having a home birth?

You can absolutely benefit from a doula at your home birth. A doula is not a midwife, and as such, we can focus all of our attention on you, your little one, and any additional support people, without having to address any of the medical side of birth. Just ask your midwife - I bet she'll be thrilled to have another birthworker in the picture.

What's Ayurveda and Abhyanga?

Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine that originated in India over 3,000 years ago. Ayurvedic medicine focuses on bringing the body into balance based on a person's unique constitution and its relationship to the natural world. Ayurveda offers a deep well of wisdom when it comes to the postpartum time with specific practices, foods, and herbal suggestions focused on healing from and integrating the power of birth. Abhyanga is one of these practices. Abhyanga is a full body oil massage that aids in lymphatic drainage, grounding, and warming during the postpartum time.

Why is prenatal and postnatal yoga beneficial?

Prenatal yoga is a great way to help prepare your mind and body for a healthy pregnancy and empowering birth. From movement designed to target common pregnancy-related symptoms to practices that can be taken into the birthing room practicing yoga during pregnancy is highly recommended. It's also a great way to meet other expecting mom's in your community. Postpartum yoga helps new mother's gently recover from delivery, regain strength and mobility, and manage stress levels through the postpartum transition. It can also be a hugely beneficial time to share tips, tricks, and struggles with other new moms. Practice with me in person, or reach out for private zoom sessions.

What is Placenta encapsulation?

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