Hello, dear birth doulas and birthworkers! We know that your work is a labor of love, quite literally. Supporting families through the beautiful and transformative journey of childbirth can be incredibly rewarding, but it's also undeniably demanding. Today, we're here to discuss the importance of self-care and recovery routines for birth doulas, with a special focus on somatic experiencing. After all, taking care of yourself is just as vital as caring for the families you support. Let's explore how you can nurture yourself so you can continue to nurture others. 

​Imagine placenta encapsulation as an insurance policy for your postpartum journey—a support when you need it the most. If the pills bring relief amidst the chaos, that's fantastic! And if not, they make excellent plant food.

Here's why it's valuable:​

• It's tailored with your own hormones for your well-being.
• Aids in rebalancing your body after childbirth.
• Restores depleted iron, minerals, and vitamins.
• Boosts your energy levels.
• Reduces postpartum bleeding.
• Enhances milk production.
• Can contribute to a happier postpartum period.
  
• May help lessen baby blues, postpartum depression, and anxiety.
  

When you choose placenta encapsulation, you're in for a comprehensive experience designed to make your journey smoother:

• Clear instructions for handling, packaging, and transporting your placenta.
• Convenient pickup of your placenta from your birthing location.
• Timely delivery of your placenta products within 48-72 hours (accounting for weather, holidays, and weekends).
• A helpful Postpartum Recovery and Placenta Capsule Guide.
• Authentic placenta capsules, thoughtfully prepared just for you.
• A keepsake of your baby's umbilical cord.
• Follow-up care from your placenta encapsulation provider.

Starting at $250, this is an investment in your well-being. Ready to take the next step?

​Book now at www.placentadenver.com

Even if you can't "do anything" about your child's upsets, empathize. Just being understood helps humans let go of troubling emotions. If your child's upset seems out of proportion to the situation, remember that we all store up emotions and then let ourselves experience them once we find a safe haven. Then we're free to move on.Empathizing doesn’t mean you agree, just that you see it from his side, too. He may have to do what you say, but he’s entitled to his own perspective. We all know how good it feels to have our position acknowledged; somehow it just makes it easier when we don’t get our way.
“It’s hard for you to stop playing and come to dinner, and still, it’s time now.”

“You wish you could have me all to yourself, don’t you?”

“You’re so disappointed that it’s raining.”

“You want to stay up later like the big kids, I know.”

“You’re mad your tower fell!”

​Why this encourages emotional intelligence:

•  Feeling understood triggers soothing biochemicals; that neural pathway you’re strengthening each time he feels soothed is what he’ll use to soothe himself as he gets older.
•  Children develop empathy by experiencing it from others.
• You’re helping your child reflect on his experience and what triggers his feelings. For little ones, just knowing there’s a name for their feeling is an early tool in learning to manage the emotions that flood them.

Little ones can't differentiate between their emotions and their "selves." Accept your child’s emotions, rather than denying or minimizing them, which gives children the message that some feelings are shameful or unacceptable.
Disapproving of her fear or anger won't stop her from having those feelings, but it may well force her to repress them. Unfortunately, repressed feelings don't fade away, as feelings do that have been freely expressed. They’re trapped and looking for a way out. Because they aren’t under conscious control, they pop out unmodulated, when a child socks her sister, has nightmares, or develops a nervous tic.
Instead, teach that the full range of feelings is understandable and part of being human, even while some actions must be limited.

• “You're so mad your brother broke your toy! I understand, AND it's never okay to hit, even when you're very mad. Tell your brother in words how you feel.


• “You seem worried about the field trip today. I used to get nervous on field trips too, in kindergarten. Want to tell me about it?”


• "You're so frustrated! Nothing seems to be going right for you this morning...I wonder if you just need to cry? Everybody needs to cry sometimes. Come snuggle with Daddy and you can cry as much as you want."

Why this encourages emotional intelligence:

•  Your acceptance helps your child accept her own emotions, which is what allows us to resolve our feelings and move on, so she is better able to regulate her own emotions.
•  Your acceptance teaches your child that her emotional life is not dangerous, is not shameful, and in fact is universal and manageable. She learns that she is not alone. She learns that even the less pleasant parts of herself are acceptable, which means that she is wholly ok, just the way she is.

Remember, rage doesn't begin to dissipate until it feels heard. Whether your child is 6 months or sixteen, she needs you to listen to the feelings she’s expressing. Once she feels and expresses them, she’ll let them go and get on with her life. In fact, you’ll be amazed at how affectionate and cooperative she’ll be once she has a chance to show you how she feels. But to feel safe letting those feelings up and out, she needs to know you’re fully present and listening. Assured that it’s safe, children have an amazing ability to let their feelings wash over and out, leaving them relaxed and cooperative. Your job? Breathe through it, stay present, and resist the urge to make those troublesome feelings go away. Your child instinctively knows how to heal herself.

• “You seem so unhappy right now. Everybody gets upset sometimes... I’m right here. Tell me about it.”


• “You are so sad and mad you just want to scream and yell and cry. Everybody feels that way sometimes. I’m right here listening and see all those big feelings. You can show me how mad and sad you are.


• “You are so mad you’re yelling at me to go away. I’ll move back a little. But these feelings hurt and scare you, and I won’t leave you alone with these upsetting feelings. I’m right here and you’re safe. You can be as sad and mad as you want, and when you’re ready, I am right here to hug you.”

​Why this encourages emotional intelligence:

• The nature of healthy human emotions is to move through us, swamp us, and then pass away. When we fend them off or repress them, emotions get stuck inside us rather than finding healthy expression. But children are terrified of their strong emotions overwhelming them, so they try to fend them off until they feel safe enough to experience them. Because emotions are stored in the body, tantrums are nature’s way to help young children vent.
• When we help our children feel safe enough to feel and express their emotions, we not only heal their psyches and bodies; we help them trust their own emotional process so that they can handle their own emotions as they get older, without tantrums or repression.

Emotions are messages, not mud for wallowing. Teach your child to breathe through them, feel them, tolerate them without needing to act on them, and, once they aren’t in the grip of strong emotion, to problem-solve and act if necessary.
Most of the time, once kids (and adults) feel their emotions are understood and accepted, the feelings lose their charge and begin to dissipate. This leaves an opening for problem solving. Sometimes, kids can do this themselves. Sometimes, they need your help to brainstorm. But resist the urge to rush in and handle the problem for them unless they ask you to; that gives him the message that you don't have confidence in his ability to handle it himself.
“You’re so disappointed that Molly can’t come over because she’s sick. You were really looking forward to playing with her. When you’re ready, maybe we can brainstorm ideas of something else to do that sounds like fun.”

“You’re pretty frustrated with Sam not giving you a turn. Sometimes you feel like not playing with him anymore. But you also really like playing with him. I wonder what you could say to Sam, so that he could hear how you feel?”
Why this encourages emotional intelligence:

•  Kids need to express their feelings, but they also need to know how to shift gears to find constructive solutions to problems. That takes practice and modeling on our part.
•  Research shows that simply empathizing with our kids is insufficient to teach them to manage their feelings, because they still feel at the mercy of their emotions. Teaching kids to honor their feelings as signals about things they need to handle differently in their lives empowers kids.
• All children need coaching to learn to express their needs without attacking the other person.

When you notice a negative pattern developing, recognize that your child has some big feelings she doesn’t know how to handle, and step in with the best medicine: Play. For instance:
For instance, maybe your four year old always wants Mommy. Instead of taking it personally, help him work through his feelings about how much he prefers Mom by playing a game where poor bumbling Dad "tries" unsuccessfully to keep him away from her. Dad gets between Mom and son, and roars “I won’t let you get to Mom….Hey, you just ran right around me!...You pushed me right over!...You are too strong!....But this time you won’t get past me!”
Your four year old will giggle and boast and get a chance to prove he can ALWAYS have his mom. He'll also discharge all those pent up worries that make him demand her.
Why this encourages emotional intelligence:

• All children experience big feelings on a daily basis. They often feel powerless and pushed around, angry, sad, frightened, or jealous. Emotionally healthy kids process these feelings with play, which is how little ones of all species learn. Helping your child “play” out his big inner conflicts lets him resolve them so he can move on to the next age-appropriate developmental challenge.
• Your child can’t put his deeper emotional conflicts into words; that’s tough even for most adults. But he can play them out symbolically and resolve them without even needing to talk about them.
• Laughter releases stress hormones just as well as tears -- and is a lot more fun.

Want More?​
Teaching Emotional Intelligence When Emotions Run High 
Helping Your Child with Anger 
Books to Help Your Child Develop Emotional Intelligence

Cesarean section births can be beautiful and empowering, regardless of how we got to that decision. Not everyone wants a c-section, but for one reason or another, it is a possible option to ensure mom and baby are both healthy and safe for delivery.

Here is the rundown of what you can expect in a c-section WITH doula support!

Once baby is born, there is an option to lower the drape to see baby immediately after the cord is cut, which is very exciting! One-minute delayed cord clamping is the standard in most hospitals now, but you may advocate until the cord is white and/or stops pulsating. Then, he/she will go to the warmer to be assessed. You may advocate for immediate skin-to-skin beforehand, so long as baby looks ok and doesn't need extra support. Dad can go to the warmer while your doula stays with mom. Dad and your doula can trade spots at the warmer, take photos/videos and bring them back to show mom (or a birth photographer can as well). They keep trading spots until you are all reunited behind the curtain, as mom gets put back together. Some ORs have the warmer within eyeshot of mom being able to see baby.

It takes about 45 minutes from delivery of baby for surgery to be completed. Baby and dad usually go to PACU before mom does, so it's nice to have your doula with mom for the remainder of the surgery. You may advocate to wait and go together, even having mom hold baby as you go to recovery. Mom will be wheeled into PACU (Post-Anesthia Care Unit) recovery room, where baby and dad are, ideally doing skin-to-skin.

Your doula can feed mom ice chips, start breastfeeding, and keep things positive. The nurse will do fundal massages every 15 minutes for those 2 hours as well, but with the anesthesia, mom shouldn't feel it too much, just pressure. Mom and dad can equally do skin-to-skin, if desirable, as mom sometimes will have the shakes post-surgery, and it can feel difficult to hold baby comfortably.

​After 2 hours in the PACU, everyone will go to the postpartum room. For those first few hours, mom will likely feel pretty out of it and may forget a lot of what happened, so it's nice for photos to be taken for memories. The nurse will make sure mom is staying on top of her meds for the pain.

A birth doula will stay for about 2-4 hours immediate postpartum, so once mom, dad and baby go to their postpartum room is when your doula typically leaves, but they can definitely stay for longer to make sure everyone is a bit more settled in and ready to rest. All babies typically fall into a deep sleep 2 hours after delivery.

Some things to discuss with your provider, if they are open to these options:

• No drugs to relax for surgery (more conscious)
• Dim lighting, with the exception of surgical lighting
• Music in OR
• Clear drape for viewing baby being delivered
• Delayed cord-clamping until cord is white/stops pulsing
• Placenta be saved
• Immediate skin-to-skin (mom or dad), so long as baby is healthy and doesn't need support from medical team
• Essential oils for calming/dissolve unpleasant smells
• Baby be breastfed in the OR
• Ask your doctor for a vaginal swab. When a baby goes through the birth canal during a vaginal birth, he or she is exposed to a plethora of microbes that help build a healthy microbiome. With a gentle caesarean, your doctor or midwife can collect a vaginal swab and wipe it on your baby’s skin and in his or her mouth. Another option is to take a swab of your vagina and wipe it on your nipples before baby breastfeeds.
• Ask staff to refrain from "shop talk" during surgery
• Baby be held by mom while being wheeled into PACU
• Any and all usual post-birth procedures such as cleaning the baby and weighing the baby are delayed until parents are ready
• A doula, grandparent, or friend are permitted to photograph the birth so that parents can concentrate on bonding (most hospitals will not allow videography)

"Self-care" isn't just some catchy phrase. Self-care is a process that's all about prioritizing your mental and physical health in a way that lets you achieve your goals. If you're a busy mom with kids to care for, that may sound easier said than done. Don't stress. Here, we share some simple steps you can take to make it easier to stick to your self-care goals.
 
Love in Motion Doula Services can help you successfully navigate birth and postpartum.

Set up a soothing space that will allow you to prioritize wellness. Start by eliminating clutter, which is proven to alleviate anxiety, and cleaning your home. Vacuum regularly to remove pet dander, dust mites, and other allergens. A Shark vacuum is easy to use. Just empty it after each use. After it's two-thirds full, it loses suction power, which means you'll have to vacuum more frequently to get the same result.

​Once you have a clean space, it's time to concentrate on yourself. Action for Happiness provides tips you can use to set your objectives. Once you have your goals, create a step-by-step plan to help you reach them. For example, if you want to prioritize healthy eating, you might compile healthy recipes and take a cooking class.

Staying connected with old friends can help maintain long-lasting friendships, provide a sense of familiarity and support, and promote mental health and well-being. Using a search engine to find old friends in Denver can be an effective way to reconnect with people from your past. By using information such as their name, school, or location, this can be especially useful when social media or phone numbers are not available. 

​When you create your step-by-step map to reaching your goals, include a timeline. For example, you might say you'll get your degree within two years and obtain your first job in three years. You can then use this timeline to check your progress, making sure that you aren't wasting time and that you're sticking to the plan you made for yourself.

Holding yourself accountable can be difficult, especially when you're managing a household and raising kids. Your personal wants and objectives may not always take priority. If you struggle to hold yourself accountable, this Master Class can help you improve. Tips include getting an accountability partner, recognizing signs of procrastination, asking others for feedback, and rewarding yourself for every success.

​When you're striving to achieve your goals, you may get impatient with yourself. It can be frustrating if you don't make progress as quickly as you'd like, for example. It's important to be gracious to yourself. Remind yourself that every step forward is progress. You can improve patience with yourself and others—a valuable trait for any mom--by practicing mindfulness techniques. This encourages you to focus on the moment.

Just because you're focusing on your personal goals doesn't mean you have to do it all yourself. Find help where you can. For example, a personal trainer can help with fitness goals, while a nutritionist can help with diet goals. If you're struggling to figure out your career path, a career coach can provide the guidance you need.

​Finding time for self-care as a busy mom isn't easy, but it is essential to your long term happiness. The key to success is having a strategic approach. By reconnecting with old friends, creating a healthy home space, and holding yourself accountable, you can create a plan for yourself.

*Article by Janice Russell*

​If you're a stay-at-home mom, starting a business from your home is a savvy move. You can still care for your kids and spend quality time with them while also earning some extra money for the household. That said, starting a business of your own requires strategic planning if you want it to be a success. This guide from Love In Motion Doula Services provides some practical pointers for stay-at-home moms who are considering becoming entrepreneurs.

​Not all business models are suitable for stay-at-home moms. For example, you don't want to do something like dog walking or driving for a rideshare service since you have to be home to take care of the kids. Don't worry. There are many mom-friendly business options available. Woman’s Day notes that options include working as a virtual assistant, proofreading, writing, and flipping used goods like furniture for profit.

​Once you've decided what type of business you want to start, write out a business plan. This document describes your products and services, and details how your business will be run. Finder explains how to write a business plan that covers all the essential sections, like the market analysis, marketing and sales strategy, and financial projections. This document will serve as your guidebook as you get your business off the ground.

It's smart to register your business as a formal legal entity with your state. This could be a sole proprietorship, limited liability company, or partnership. Registering your business as a formal legal entity offers many advantages, from simplifying your tax filing to protecting your personal liability in case your business gets into legal troubles. 

Depending on the type of business you want to start, you may need additional credentials. More generally, getting a degree like an MBA can help sharpen your business acumen, giving you the knowledge you need to succeed. Look for online programs in topics such as leadership, marketing, and management. With an online degree, you can study when and where you want, getting the flexibility you need as a working mother.

When you're running a business out of your home, it's tempting to simply set up your laptop at the kitchen table or on the living room couch. However, it's important to create a distinct space for your work. This will make it easier to focus and avoid distractions. Small Business Co provides tips for creating a focus-friendly workplace at home. For instance, you want to ensure your workspace has plenty of light and that you have ergonomic furniture.

Marketing is essential to attracting customers. Great marketing starts with a strong brand, which will help you stand out from the competition. Your brand also includes your visual identity, such as your logo. You don't have to pay a fancy graphic designer for your logo. Instead, you can use a free online logo maker to create an appealing design yourself. You can personalize details like the text, icon, fonts, and colors.
 
Creating memes to share on social media is another strategy that will graphically convey your company’s personality, and do so in a fun and entertaining way. You can try a meme generator app to create memes that are relatable or inspirational that’s sure to get customers to interact with your brand. Just make sure you make the content relevant to your business and keep it in good taste – the last thing you want is to turn people away.

When you're starting a new business, it can be easy to get caught up in the process. When you're juggling entrepreneurship plus kids, this can leave little time for yourself. Make sure you're maintaining work-life balance by expanding your support network.
 
You may also want to look into finding a babysitter, too. Even if you don’t use them full time, having a few hours each day can make a big difference in the amount of work you can get done. Or you may even be able to carve out a little time for yourself.
 
Starting a business is a major undertaking—especially if you've got kids to care for, too. That said, entrepreneurship can be a great way for moms to balance child care with work, all while making some extra money. The above guide details the steps you need to get started.
 
Love In Motion Doula Services makes positive birth and postpartum experiences an outstanding normal for all. Connect with us today to learn more! 720-593-0014

When you become pregnant, your lifestyle changes, or at least should. Here is a helpful article written by Rebecca Wilde at the Birth Injury Center. Many injuries can be avoided by following some simple lifestyle shifts to ensure a health delivery, mother and baby throughout postpartum.
birthinjurycenter.org/what-to-avoid-while-pregnant

There are many other jewels of information on this website as well. Please go check it out!

Article written by Janice Russell
​
There’s nothing easy about launching a business when you’re already busy welcoming a new baby into the world. But life has a funny way of throwing everything at us all at once. In many ways, nurturing a new business is a lot like tending to the needs of a newborn. Entrepreneurs and parents both need resilience, a strong work ethic, and plenty of love. The hard part is figuring out how to balance your mental resources between the two!
 
Here are some great tools, resources, and strategies from Love In Motion Doula Services to help ease your transition into parenthood while you prepare for the launch of your new business.

Online tools can make your life a lot easier in the coming months and years. This can start with virtual doula consultations with Liz Foster CD(DONA), HCHD of Love In Motion Doula Services. You’ll be able to meet with Liz via video chat to discuss birth and postpartum plans, and discover ways to reduce stress and any fear that you and your partner may have leading up to the delivery date.
 
On the business side, by automating repetitive tasks and leveraging digital tools to tackle one-off projects, you’ll be able to carve out more time for your little one once they’re home. You can find online tools to help with almost any business task under the sun. For example, a cloud-based invoicing system allows you to easily maintain your records while interacting quickly and efficiently with your customers. 

Innovative technology can also come in handy for working parents. When you’ve got your hands full with work and newborn responsibilities, Mysa notes that hands-free smart assistants will make your life much easier! Smart voice assistants like Alexa and Siri can help you stay on schedule and avoid forgetting important appointments. Adding smart lighting, heating, and security to your voice assistant system will give you even more control over your busy life.

Routines generally help us stay grounded when life feels out of control. Create a simple schedule that works for you and your baby, so you know what to expect throughout the day. This can minimize the number of decisions you need to make and free up some of your mental bandwidth for business-related tasks.
 
To keep everything running smoothly, try to build your daily schedule around your baby’s routine. While babies may not follow a strict schedule, You should notice some kind of loose routine governing when your baby tends to require sleep, food, and play. The Bump explains that babies start falling into routines around 3 months of age. Until then, you’ll just have to go with the flow!

Combining your home office with a playroom is a great way to keep your little one close and get work done at the same time. Choose a safe baby playpen and set it up next to your desk. When your baby starts crawling, this will give them more space to move around and play while you work next to them. A pen will ensure your little one won’t wander off or get into trouble in your office while you're concentrating at your desk. Be sure to also babyproof your home office properly!
 
When you’re rearranging rooms, you may need to temporarily store items to free up space. This, too, is made easy when you use offsite storage. You can find affordable storage units in Denver by Googling facilities throughout the area. With more than 200 locations in and around the city, you’re bound to find a unit that’s nearby.
 
Launching a business while welcoming a newborn is bound to be challenging. It might take some time to settle into your new roles and find the best routines that work for you and your baby. With a little help from innovative tools and a smart schedule, you can manage parenting and running a new business at the same time.
 
Love In Motion Doula Services believes that the keys to a joyful birthing experience are safety, security, support, preparation and a calm mindset, all planned in advance, to be by your side for anything that should arise. Contact us today to learn more! 720-593-0014

Every pregnancy is specific, but all first-time moms-to-be out there share one thing - they overthink! And how not, you might ask, when our bodies and lives are soon about to change like never before? You already know that all fears and anxieties come from a lack of experience, which is easily solved. How? With some kind pieces of advice, cordial and professional support, and one detailed pregnancy checklist.

It is much easier to track fetal development if the pregnancy is divided into three stages. It's also because each stage is marked by characteristic developments in the fetus and a woman's body. Hence, each group of changes corresponds to a trimester.
​

• First Trimester (0 to 13 Weeks)
• Second Trimester (14 to 26 Weeks)
• Third Trimester (27 to 40 Weeks)

At the end of the third trimester, at 36+ weeks, a pregnancy is considered full-term. It means that babies born before week 36 are considered premature and may need to spend additional time in an incubator to grow and fully develop.

A pregnancy checklist is designed to help a future mom find herself in the coordinate system of pregnancy and help her focus on tasks vital for her and the baby.

Also, it is paramount to note that a checklist is only a reminder, and it should be regarded as such. There's no alternative to regular checkups and tests. Remember that every pregnancy is unique, and only a dedicated physician can give you guidance explicitly designed for you.

Nutritious food, light exercise, and sufficient water and sleep are the four pillars of a healthy lifestyle that become vital in pregnancy. Forget about smoking and alcohol, and consult your physician if you take any therapy. Find some books on pregnancy and preparation for childbirth, as learning how to prepare mentally and emotionally is critical.

Trimester 1. Month 1.

1. Schedule an appointment with your OBGYN/Midwife and confirm your pregnancy.
2. Double-check what prenatal care your insurance plan covers.
3. Keep a diary of symptoms and feelings. It will help you remember everything at the next checkup.
4. Consult your physician about your diet, any supplements you might need, such as folic acid, and exercise.
5. If you plan to lead an active life in pregnancy and work out, know what you can do safely and what you should avoid. Pelvic floor exercises are most welcome. Ask me for recommendations.
6. Do your best to rest as much as possible. Learn how to breathe, relax, meditate and get as much healthy sleep as possible.
7. This is when morning sickness is usually the strongest, so battle it by eating small, frequent meals to make sure you don't go overboard.

Trimester 1. Month 2.

1. It is time to schedule prenatal tests. Usually, tests are made between weeks 10 and 20, so consulting your doctor and scheduling well in advance will help you keep your peace of mind.
2. It's never too early to start readying your budget for when the baby comes, so why not start saving now? Perhaps you should also create a savings account for your child's education or future expenses.
3. Don't forget to put time with your partner on a pregnancy checklist and enjoy it while it's still uncomplicated.
4. Do some research and decide where you want to give birth. Should it be in a hospital, local birth center, or your home?

​Trimester 1. Month 3.

1. At this point, it is possible to learn the sex of the baby, and you and your partner should decide if you'd rather find out sooner or later.
2. Check your company's policy on maternity leave so you can make plans on time and prepare.
3. Pregnancy hormones can temporarily make your teeth loose and cause gingivitis, so make an appointment with a dentist.
4. If you prefer to hire the help of a doula, check their availability and schedule on time.
5. Pro: your breasts have likely increased in size. Con: they are also very tender. It's time to find a comfy but fitting bra!

​Trimester 3. Month 7.

1. Prepare and talk about your birth plan with your doula or OBGYN/Midwife and make your wishes known.
2. Send invites for your baby shower if you're hosting it, and share your baby registry with invitees.
3. Prepare maternity clothes for the last three months and a change of seasons.
4. Schedule Childbirth classes (Understanding Birth, Unmedicated Prep, Breastfeeding, Postpartum Prep, Infant Care, etc.) 

​Trimester 3. Month 8.

1. Have fun at your baby shower!
2. Wash the baby clothes and sheets, both new and borrowed, in newborn-friendly laundry detergent.
3. Free some space in your freezer and store cooked meals for after childbirth. You'll thank yourself later.
4. Install a baby car seat and prepare your car for the new passenger!

Trimester 3. Month 9. 
*If there is a risk that you may deliver early, consider checking these off in month 7 or 8.*

1. If you plan to give birth in a hospital, pre-register.
2. Prepare and pack a bag for the hospital.
3. If you have pets or kids, someone will have to care for them when you go into labor. If your family can't hop in, arrange for a pet or babysitter.

​
Finally, relax! It's all set. If you consult your pregnancy checklist, physician, doula, and everybody who works in your and your baby's best interest, you're on the path to a more informed and calmer pregnancy. Support and care are what you need and what you deserve!

A new baby in the home changes the entire dynamic of your household and learning to manage remote work with a newborn or baby can be quite the challenge to even experienced parents. Take steps to ensure the experience is a positive one for everyone involved. Use these tips to help succeed with both your baby and your job as you learn to navigate this new world.

​Humans of all ages benefit from a schedule and when you have a newborn, you have a unique opportunity to establish one that can work for you both. Things like feeding times, naps, and diaper changes should be scheduled and you should do your best to arrange your work schedule around your baby’s needs. If possible, arrange for more intensive work times when your baby is napping or after they have nursed when they are most content. Pay attention to when they seem to have the most need of you throughout the day and do your best to schedule the least demanding work responsibilities during those periods.
 
Understand that even with the perfect schedule, parenthood is unpredictable, and there will inevitably be times when you have to rearrange things to care for your baby. Go easy on yourself when this happens. It is a natural part of life and you are doing your best.

​During the times when your baby isn’t feeding and sleeping, plan activities that are engaging but require minimal supervision such as time in their bouncer, their activity mat, or other stationary play stations. Consider wearing your baby while you work when possible in a wrap or baby carrier so that they are still close to you and you can keep an eye on them.

Caring for a baby is deeply rewarding, but even without a job to distract you, it is a lot of hard work. It’s easy to feel like you have to do everything on your own or else you are a bad parent, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Humans are community creatures and historically, new parents have had any number of people to rely on to help them raise their babies.
 
Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it from your support system and trained professionals. According to Mental Health First Aid, not only is it important for your mental health to feel supported, but it is also good for your baby to learn they have a group of people they can depend on for love, care, and attention.
 
Additionally, don’t take on too much at work. Now is not the time to be taking on extra tasks. Learn to say no to extra hours and more responsibilities. You have enough on your plate.

If your job is overwhelming you or you no longer feel it is the right fit now that you have a baby in the home, consider a career change. With degrees available online in almost every industry and many that span multiple sectors, there’s no reason you can’t go back to school from the comfort of your home to make it easier for you to find something that works for both you and your family.
 
You are capable of rising to the challenge before you. Prepare when you can, ask for help as you need it and make changes as you need to. Both you and your baby will be grateful for it.

If you are planning a move while pregnant, you want to ensure that you have coordinated as much as possible in advance. If you have children who can help, it will actually make it better for you and them. Involving them in the process helps everyone be less stressed. Love In Motion Doula Services shares some tips on how to navigate the moving process when you’re expecting:

• When it’s time to move, pack your children’s room last and unpack it first in the new home.

• Stick to the old meal and bedtime routines throughout the move to give your kids a sense of familiarity.
• Hire furniture moving services - you will thank yourself and you’ll have more time to help your children. 
• Include your kids in some decisions, such as decorations, new plates, which new park to visit first.
• Find child and pet care for moving day to alleviate stress. 
• Prepare your kids mentally but be prepared for anxiety - adjusting can take up to 6 months.
• Get them pumped about their new school by taking a tour or even walking or driving by. 
• Help them create a memory book of the old house, school, neighborhood, friends, babysitter.
• Remember to practice self-care so that you’re on top of your game for your children.
• Try the stress management tips from ZenBusiness to help yourself stay grounded during this major transition.
• Whether it’s a comfortable new sports bra or your favorite jogging pants, make sure you wear easy clothes during and after your move.

For most people, moving is a very stressful and time-consuming activity.  For people with small children, the stress is even greater, and for people who are expecting and already have small children, moving can be so stressful that it may seem like an impossible task.  However, a little bit of preparation and a lot of patience can make getting through the experience a lot easier.

​

Article written by Daniel Sherwin [email protected] DadSolo.com

Going into the pregnancy as healthy as possible can reduce complications and make the pregnancy easier. You don't need expensive prenatal exercise classes to stay healthy. Simply walking or swimming on your own is effective.

Prenatal exercise benefits include less back pain, decreased constipation, better sleep, and shortened labor, according to Mayo Clinic. Check with your prenatal care provider to ensure exercise is safe for your situation.

Check on prenatal vitamins from different sources. You can get prescription or over-the-counter prenatals, so compare the costs to find the cheapest option.

Working remotely has its benefits for parents. Balancing parenting with work while your little ones are around, though, can feel like a tightrope walk. Liz Foster offers these tips for how to better manage remote work with children. 
 
1. Perfect Your Workstation
Having the kids in the home while you try to work is going to be distracting enough, even if your partner or another caregiver is watching them, so you need to have a workstation that is set up to limit distractions as much as possible. If you’re able, establish your office in a separate room or area of the house. Consider putting up a screen or room divider if you need to be in the same area so that you aren’t visually distracted.
 
Invest in a quality pair of noise-canceling headphones. If your cellphone isn’t necessary for work, keep it put away so that notifications won’t steal your attention away from work. Likewise, you should remove any apps from your computer that aren’t work-related to limit distraction.
 
2. Commit to a Schedule
Adults working from home benefit from a schedule, as do kids, according to the Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center. Establish one early on and don’t deviate from it unless absolutely necessary. Plan activities that are engaging for your kids that aren’t noisy and can be self-managed. Make “quiet time” part of your schedule so that kids know there are times during the day when they need to be particularly quiet to accommodate any meetings you must attend.
 
Incorporate breaks into your day for the benefit of both you and your kids, and consider eating lunch together when possible to give your children some face time with you. This will help everyone recharge for the remainder of the workday, as well as help lessen distractions. If children know they will have scheduled time with you each day, it can minimize their desire to interrupt your work as they'll know they can talk to you later. 
 
3. Plan for Emergencies
Even the best-made plans fail sometimes, so it’s important to have contingencies for when things go awry. Have emergency childcare in place in case you or your regular childcare provider are unable to watch the kids. When that isn’t available, have an emergency “bag of tricks” with ways to entertain and engage your children safely that can allow you to still work. This might include a movie you know the kids would love to see, a special art project that can be self-directed or a new toy that can entertain them for a few hours while you finish your work.
 
4. Adjust When Necessary
If your current setup isn’t working for you, consider going back to school online to earn a degree that can get you closer to your desired job in business, healthcare, education, and other industries. Many of these can be completed at your own pace so that you won’t have to worry about school getting in the way of your current job or caring for your children. If you want to continue working from home, there are many options in high demand, including website building and design and digital marketing. Do your research to see what profession will give you the opportunity to work and parent in a way you can be proud of.
 
Parenting while working from home can be tough, but the difficult bits can be managed with the right practices implemented and strong backup plans. Do your best, knowing at least your children will see you working hard to give them the life they deserve. 

​Written by Justin Bennett [email protected]

There are so many items that you'll find on any suggested baby registry. And it's overwhelming! Below are the bare basics of what you would need in preparation for baby's and mom's needs.

Essentials Baby Registry
​
For Baby

• Nose Freida Snot Sucker
• Baby saline spray
• Woolino sleep sacks
• Swaddle blankets
• Diapers
• Diaper cream/balm
• Baby wipes (Water Wipes)
• First-Aid kit (FridaBaby Bitty Bundle of Joy, Kinsa digital thermometer, baby nail clippers)
• Onesies (at least 4-8 long-sleeve and 4-8 short-sleeve) – magnet snap or zipper
• 3-5 Fleece booties & hats
• Bouncy seat
• Baby moisturizer
• Burp cloths
• Baby shampoo and soap

Sleeping

• Arms Reach Co-Sleeper
• A napper or lounger
• *Red light option* night light
• Hushh portable white noise machine

If bottle feeding

• Bottles
• Baby-safe dish soap
• Drying rack

For Mainstay recovery areas

• Moses basket for bedside or couch-time diaper changes
• Basket liner
• Diaper caddy (for mom snacks/hydration, diapers, wipes, diaper cream, snot sucker, etc)
• Diaper-designated small trashcan (one for upstairs and for downstairs next to the changing basket)

For outings

• Diaper bag/backpack
• Baby carrier (Lillebaby or Ergo)
• Car seat
• Stroller (ideally convertible)
• Portable changing station

For mom's postpartum recovery

• Sitting donut cushion
• Sitz bath and/or herbal spray
• Maxi pads
• Comfortable mesh underwear
• Peri bottle (put some sitz tea in this bottle)
• Tucks Witch hazel pads
• Dermaplast
• Ibuprofen
• Bekung belly binding fabric (optional)

For nursing

• Breast pads
• Nipple cream
• Cooling breast gel pads
• Breast pump
• Milk storage bags
• Haakaa pump
• Nursing bras/camis
• Pumping hands-free bra
• One-hand snacks
• Water bottle
• Glider rocker and ottoman

You shouldn’t need these until at least 4 months:

• Baby Tylenol
• Crib (crib sheets, blankets, etc)
• Small attachable booster chair for feeding around 6 months
• Feeding tools (bibs, utensils, plates)
• Baby food containers
• Amber teething necklace
• Silicone teether toys
• Baby learning toys and books (Lovevery subscription)

Every doula is different in what they carry in their doula bag to support clients for birth. Over the years, I have learned that less is more. However, there are quite a few tried and true tools that I continue to carry to every birth, regardless of their frequency in use.

I used to carry everything under the sun that I thought I needed. As the years passed by, I learned which items in my bag were merely just taking up space vs. ones that I actually used. That being said, there are some random items that I thought would never be used and just recently, they were a life-saver to a client.

​Certain items I thought I needed but don't are:

• A deck of cards: I thought I would use them during boredom...nobody has ever been bored.
• Portable speaker: Clients usually bring their own.
• A notepad and pen: Phones fix that
• Rice sock: They get dirty quickly because they are used to often for back pain. Use a pillow case to keep it clean and not directly on client's skin.

I like backpack diaper bags for my birth bag, along with a fanny pack (with LOTS of pockets) for the small things I need while moving around with my clients.

Here is the list of essentials, in my opinion. After attending over 200 births:

• Phone: for photos, birth notes, flashlight, contraction timer app, any websites or eBook downloads on birth (for those pesky OP babies)
• Rebozo: This is an authentic Mexican scarf used for many advanced positions.
• Snacks: honey sticks are WHERE.IT'S.AT. So are walnuts, coconut water, nut butter packets, and energy bars
• TENS unit: So helpful during an intense labor pattern.
• Kleenex: Hospital tissue paper will rub your nose raw.
• Massage tools: My hands are the primary tool, but others can come in handy for partners.
• Phone charger: Long hours.
• Portable fan: Surprisingly popular and it can hang around mom's neck if need be.
• Batteries: For the fan and TENS unit
• Soft White Tea Lights: Usually used for bathtub birth cave ambience.
• Personal toiletries (face wipes, hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, dry shampoo, eye drops, etc)
• Doula certification: Hospitals ask for it even now and then
• Non-scented massage lotion: Massage is necessary
• Yoga pants/jacket/Doula shirt/change of socks: The professional doula uniform
• Hand sanitizer
• In the car: Medical Emergency Kit (gloves, baby hat, chux pads, blanket): accidental home/car births happen!
• Stress balls & Birth Combs: A big hit for contractions
• ​Colgate Wisps & Breath Mints: Vomiting in labor is normal, stinky breath shouldn't be

Certain items not listed because I always keep on me:

• Breath mints/spray/gum: See above
• DONA certified doula name tag: So I don't get confused with being a nurse
• My business cards: Networking with new provideres
• Water bottle: Doulas need hydration too
• Hair ties, clips and headband: For laboring mom and myself
• Cash: For vending machines for partner or myself
• Ear pods: If there is downtime, Netflix on the phone is nice. Keep one ear alert!
• Bach's Rescue Remedy: Back-to-back births are no joke on a doula 
• Deodorant: BO is not pleasant for a laboring mom to smell from support people
• Chapstick
• Ibuprofen: Long births can create headaches

I am adding to my bag:

• Kneeling pads: For bathtub support time between partner and I
• Alcohol pads: A trick I learned from an L&D nurse. The smell quickly dissolves nausea faster than medication or even essential oils
• Energy shots/Liquid IV

​For many women who have just given birth, finding postpartum resources and care can be a
major challenge during the pandemic. This is the time when most new mothers need the most
support, especially following birth trauma, so it’s important to look for sources of advice and
encouragement. Love In Motion is one such source, with services like breastfeeding tips and
self-esteem building provided by birth and postpartum doula Liz Foster. Here’s a brief guide to
finding resources for yourself and your child when you’re stuck at home.

It’s not just your physical health that needs tending during times like these; you also need to pay attention to your mental well-being and make sure you’re able to cope with stress or anxiety in a positive way. That’s where social media comes in. Although getting lost in constantly-updating news feeds can be a detriment, social media outlets also offer a way to find support via groups of like-minded individuals who are going through similar situations. Most are moderated, but each group has its own set of rules, so check the guidelines before joining. 

​Stress, isolation, and lack of sleep can lead to depression pretty easily, so it’s important to practice self-care in order to manage those issues. Stay in touch with friends and family via video chats if possible, and utilize stress-management tactics such as meditation techniques and fitting in some exercise to give both your body and mind a boost.

There are endless tasks to take care of in the months and weeks leading up to having your baby, and one that should be prioritized is packing your hospital bag. While there are some essentials to remember, it’s also important to know what you don’t need. Use this guide to help you pack your hospital bag and be ready for your big day. If you need extra guidance, birth and postpartum doula Liz Foster can help.

​When it’s time to jump in the car and race off to the hospital, you’ll be far too distracted to carefully pack a bag. This is where preparation comes in: it’s a great idea to pack a bag at least two weeks before your due date so you can be ready when the time comes.
 
While each mother-to-be will have her own personal requirements, there are some big items that you can’t leave at home. One major must-have is a car seat: you’ll need a safe way to transport your new baby back home, and the hospital likely won’t even let you leave if you don’t have one ready to go.
 
A change of clothes is vital for your big day. Along with packing an outfit for the ride back home, you’ll also want comfortable clothes to wear in the hospital. Many moms opt for a special labor gown, which is a great alternative to the scratchy and unflattering gowns that hospitals typically have on hand for birthing moms. When you’re picking one out, try to find one that’s as comfortable as your favorite tee and that’s functional enough to be worn during labor.
 
It’s also a great idea to bring a nice top to wear in photos with the baby. It’s normal to feel pretty worn out after labor, so a flattering shirt will make you feel beautiful in photos. You can get a great top even if you’re on a budget — check online for an Old Navy promo code to get discounts when you buy.
 
Other important items to bring include any medications and special toiletries such as contact lens solution. Bring documents like your insurance policy information and driver’s license and a pen for ease in filling out forms. You’ll need a cell phone and charger to stay in touch with friends and family.
 
If you’re working with a doula, first check with her to determine what items you can leave out of your bag. For example, many doulas will bring comfort items such as massage oil, tea lights, and a portable speaker to make the birthing process more soothing. You may even want a book or magazine if you’re being induced as there may be some downtime.

Along with knowing what essentials to bring with you to the hospital, there are a few items that aren’t worth taking along. For example, the hospital will provide many items that are essential such as diapers. If you’re unsure, check with your hospital to learn what items they plan to provide for you and your new baby.
 
It’s not usually necessary to bring baby clothes to the hospital — they’ll likely send you home with a onesie. However, if your baby comes in the winter, you might want to pack extra blankets to keep them warm for the drive home.
 
Another item you might consider leaving at home is snacks. Many birthing mamas aren’t in the mood for snacks during labor. However, a couple of granola bars won’t take up too much space and could help your partner make it through the labor if you don’t have the stomach for it.
 
Packing for the hospital will likely make the birth feel far more real and imminent. While you may feel inclined to overpack, try not to load too many items into your hospital bag. A simple labor gown and comfortable clothes, plus a cell phone, charger, important documents, and ID cards will be sufficient. Just don’t forget the car seat.
 
Do you need some guidance as you prepare for the birth of your baby? Contact Liz Foster today to learn about her birth and postpartum doula services.

​Avery Jane arrived at 9:45am on Friday, August 12, 2016! I was 39 weeks, 3 days and we are enjoying her so much. I rocked my VBAC with flying colors.

There I was, 39 weeks and 2 days...it feels like an eternity when you’re almost to the finish line and you’re anxiously waiting for your new life as a family of four to begin.

We went to my 39 week appointment and I was 4-5 cm, as per usual for the past couple weeks, same as with Jackson. Apparently my body works well with pregnancy even though I’m not your typically happy pregnant lady. But I love having my babies once they’re born. But the process is so taxing on me! I had sent a recipe to my mom for Labor Inducing Cookies so she invited me over the afternoon to see if they work.

Here is the recipe: https://www.loveinmotion.net/blog/labor-cookies

The instructions were to eat as many as your can stomach, take a nap and wait for labor to start! Seeing as this would be the only time in my life that I would be able to eat as many cookies as I wanted, I. ATE. 11...IN ONE SITTING! They resemble a spicy Christmas cookie and are super delicious. We will definitely be making them this holiday season!

That evening, I took some Evening Primrose oil and waited for labor to commence. Around 9:30pm, I watch a little TV before turning in but something felt different, some cramping that had increased to a more than uncomfortable state. After 30 minutes of deciding that this was real labor, I went upstairs to wake up my husband John and tell him it is time. I called the midwife, who suggested to let her know when I’d like to go to the hospital. Being the indecisive person that I am, I waited for another 15 minutes and called everyone who needed to know that we were headed to the hospital: our doula Sabira Marike, photographer Kayla Raine Armstrong, Rachael, Lois, and Mireya, our neighbor who would watch Jack for us. I threw up the cookies mid-conversation with my photographer, bless her heart. I felt better after that, almost well enough to doubt if I should’ve alerted everyone so soon. But things were already set into motion so we dropped off Jack and headed to Castle Rock Adventist Hospital (best hospital food EVER!).

My doula and birth photographer arrived to the hospital around midnight, once we were all settled into our room. The same midwife I saw this morning for my checkup was there and on board with our birth plan and wishes, which was very comforting. We decided to strip my membranes to see if that would get things moving. Both Rachael and my mom had their phones off but I wasn’t worried. They would arrive in the morning if I didn’t have the baby by then. By about 3am, labor was fizzling out so we decided to sleep a bit, which was nice to get some rest before the main event. This photo below was a little bit of labor that night.

38 weeks: Feeling so fat, exhausted, weak, and very pregnant, ready to get going with my new life with baby. I am 2-3 cm dilated for about 3 weeks. My sister Laura finds an old friend from Boulder who is willing to assist in being my doula for labor and the birthing process. Praise the Lord! Baby has dropped into my pelvis.
39 weeks: Baby has dropped even more into my pelvis. At Wednesday's doctor visit, I am told I am 4 cm dilated and small bloody show (she agitates my cervix). Since the 4th of July, I'm having friends and family "walk" me every day. Thanks to Rachael and Rachel for getting me out of the house and moving, outside of my daila yoga practices. Laura suggests to take Evening Primrose and mom pumps me everyday full of pregnancy and red raspberry leaf tea, also provided by Laura. I don't know what I would've done without the tips and encouragement from her, seeing as she is the only one I know that is familiar with birthing babies as of recent (she had her 2nd baby boy Dillon in February via home birth).
Friday, July 8: Al and mom decide to take me out for PIE. Rachael joins us as well at Marie Callendars. Chicken Pot Pie and community shared banana cream pie, chocolate cream pie, and chocolate satin pie...yummm. Al's bet on the birth day is July 9th and his story is that his 2 kids (now all grown up) came when pie was ingested the day/night prior... So we go back home and watch Due Date, which seemed very fitting for what would go on for the rest of the night. We finish up the movie around 8, at which time I'm starting to feel contractions and they are inTENSE now! I head upstairs to see if it's really the real deal. More bloody show. Mom is upstairs brushing her teeth and I have changed moods from happy and excited to "this sucks" and "I think this is it" mood.
The texts between Rachel and I...
R 8:15 "Double rainbow at my house!!"
M 8:27 "Contractions r more intense now. Hard to time. Last one was 5 minutes from start to next start. In my back and causing pain in my stomach."
R 8:32 "Oh buddy. Double rainbow called it..."
M 8:32 "Come over??"
R 8:33 "On my way darling."


Rachel finds me in my room laying on the floor on my hands and knees, remembering any moves to alleviate the pain. Cat/cow, pelvic tilts and rolls, tailor sitting, childs pose...Wayne calls and gives some sound advice "I'm so proud of you. You can do this!" Rachel times the next contraction and it's closer than we thought: 3-3.5 minutes apart! Rachel says "It's time to go to the hospital." As everyone is getting things together, I'm thinking "Ok this is it. MAN that hurts!!! whewwwwwwoohhhhowwwweeeeee!! This better not take too long..."
From this moment on, everything is a big blur of events but eventful nonetheless. I crawl into the back of mom's car and the seat is laid down so I can move any way need be as Rachel lays there with me, rubbing my back and calling the need to know people, Jessica my doula, my doctor, etc. Mom is letting Laura and Lee know what's happening and I get to listen to Laura's voice on the way over. "You are meant to do this. Just breathe. Just focus and breathe." She can hear me breathing deeply and experiencing increasingly intense contractions. After what felt like forever, we finally get to Parker Adventist Hospital. I distinctly remember my mom being somewhat frantic. "Are they going to let us have a wheelchair?" I look at Rachel and we're thinking the same thing...that's my mom for you and I love her for it. They wheel me in and I try to ignore the glaring faces of other patients from the Emergency entrance area. I guess it's not every day you see a woman in REAL labor, except on TV, so I wonder if it's what they really thought it would look like. It must be like seeing a car accident in person when all you've seen is what you see on the news, you know? But movies and TV are sooo diluted in how labor and delivery truly is experienced. It's nothing like you see in the movies. ANYWAY, we get up to the birth center and I'm wheeled into a regular room and apparently I'm not registered...I'm thinking to ask about the "natural birthing room" but cannot muster up a concrete sentence that doesn't involve heavy breathing, a curse word, and "I don't want to do this anymore." So I just go with it and focus on my breathing. One of the nurses asks me to undress into their stylish robes and to give a urine sample if possible. EASIER SAID THAN DONE LADY! I'm not sure why I tried to give them a sample TWICE before giving up since the attempt at squatting was beyond excruciating and in the back of my mind I'm thinking, "I thought this position was supposed to give me relief."
From this moment on, it seemed as thought the nurses were against me. Jessica is not there yet so I work on leaning over the bed to stretch out my back. The moment I find some glimpse of relief from a contration, a nurse tells me I have to get in the bed. "Are you kidding me right now? I want to birth a baby and whatever position that will help, I'm going to do." I comply because I don't know what's going on. IV, fetal monitor, and who knows what else is established on my body and I'm examined at 8cm. What??? Then I remember Jessica finally arriving. She became my focal point from then on, which helped immensely. Even through hospital bed bars, she was able to intercede for me and be my advocate for any unnecessary intervention by the hospital.
Since I was not pre-registered, during contractions, they continuously explained paperwork and had me sign stuff when one would be over. You could've had me sign my life away, I was so focused on each and every contraction. As they became more and more intense, being reminded of low moans kept me at bay. All my inhibitions flew out the door as people kept prodding at me for information.
The ongoing frustration I had was as I found a comfortable position to alleviate any pain, specifically back pain, the nurses would come back in, saying the fetal monitor cannot read the baby's stats. The birthing ball, the birthing bar, squatting, hands and knees, they all helped until nurses forced me to lie back on my back, the worst position that increased the contractions. On TOP of this, the OB/GYN that tended me throughout my pregnancy was not on call and the least desirable doctor from the practice was on call. Yet another let down, but I didn't care. I was going to get this baby out naturally! 9cm....and I'm on an oxygen tank.
I kept hearing that people were amazed that I wanted a natural birth, that I was doing incredible, and later I come to find out that the reason why I was having so much back labor was because little Jackson was faced posterior, spine to spine. Anytime it was too intense, "back baCK BACK!!" was what I said. I recall that I kept looking at the clock on the other side of the room, hoping that time would fly faster and that I would see my baby soon. My mom read me some Bible verses and I overheard some calming music and hypnobirthing tracks that distracted my mind from the ever increasing contractions.
As the contractions became even more than I had ever imagined, my voice would want to go higher, saying "I can't do this. I don't wanna do this anymore" to Jessica. "Lower your voice, oooooooooo. Jackson is coming so soon. You're there. You're almost there." Almost 10cm.....
Around 11:30pm, there was continued failure in getting a continuous reading on the fetal monitor around my swollen belly. All of a sudden, I see 3 times as many people in my room, along with an unknown male doctor talking to my doctor. "She wants to birth this baby naturally." "Well my room is prepped when you're ready. She's not going to make it." This gave me more motivation to take this experience to completion...the arrogance of this doctor was just too much. I'm ready to push. It's go time!
I was surprised that at this point, the pain wasn't as intense as during transition (8-10cm). It felt like I was a ticking time bomb so whatever I wanted to do naturally, I had to do it fast before the nurses would make me sit back on my back so everyone helped me try to push on my hands and knees...it wasn't enough. Squatting...still not enough. My doctor said "we still can't get a good reading so we'll have to get a node on his head to get a good reading of his heart rate." "Oooookkkkaaayyyy..." Returning to my back once again, I feel like I'm pushing a camel out of the eye of a needle. It feels like progression but it wasn't enough for the doctors. "We're going to try to use a vacuum. I know you want to do this naturally, but your baby is in distress. Can we try with a vacuum?" *Nodding and crying at the same time* "This is not what I wanted...this wasn't in my birth plan!!!" my mind racing with thoughts and fears: "It'll be okay...he'll be okay. This is for the best." I get a nerve block to get the vacuum in and set on the top of Jackson's head. I can imagine what he was thinking: "wtf? Keep me in here! It's warm and cozy..." I push even harder but am having a hard time feeling contractions anymore, which was frustrating. Everything was happening so fast and I was losing so much focus with all the people in there. What is the need for all of these frickin people??? Didn't I ask in my birth plan for this not to happen? Of course my modesty is out the window but still, sphincter law is in full effect: Who in their right mind can seriously go #1 or #2 in front of THAT many people? At that point, I knew this wasn't going to happen if things didn't change. Nonetheless, I keep pushing whenever possible, even at the sight of my doctor talking to the male doctor, which angered me that if I were to push him out at that point, she would've been distracted and my baby would fall on the floor. They gave me one last push, "for good measure" is what I'm thinking the rude doctor is saying. "Nope, let's get you going." I immediately burst into tears, looking at Rachel with the largest fear in my eyes. "What's going to happen? I'm scared!!!" She looks back at my with her hands on her face, mirroring my thoughts and emotions. Everything will be okay. I hear a distant quiet voice in the back of my head. For I know the plans I have for you.
They wheel me into the OR, without Jessica, my mom, or Rachel, and I begin to panic. "Just put me out of my misery. Just put me out. I'm pissed at you guys." A nurse says "We need to move you to this table beside you. Now it's a narrow table so don't move too much." *Are you serious??* Ohhh, this is my worst nightmare...Oh God Oh God, what did I deserve to have this much go wrong?? They're forcing my legs straight and my arms to the side, crucifixion style...Just relax. "You're going to be ok, sweetie" says a male voice giving me gas. As I'm laying there, mourning my birth plan, I'm praying to God for deliverance from this pain and fear. Finally I fall asleep.....


When I woke up, my brain was foggy, uncertain as to what just happened. They finally bring in little Jackson, happily alert and more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. As I attempt to nurse him for the first time, all I can think about is how empowering this birthing experience was despite my birth plan flying away from my control. Lesson learned: God is in control. Jackson and I laying skin to skin, I felt an immense love for this new little being so much so that I could have laid there forever, staring at his tiny naked body, so peaceful, such a gift. My mom and Rachel come in to greet me and are so proud of me for laboring naturally all the way up to the end. A nurse comes in to take Jackson for his bath and they bring me back into my room to rest. Wayne and Rachel are there to stay the night with Jackson and I. I am so exhausted but feel an energy within me that anticipates my first night with Jackson. A few hours later, they bring him in, swaddled and sleeping peacefully. When all becomes silent, I start to nurse baby Jackson and hold him close, adoring each and every part of his body. 10 fingers 10 toes, lean long legs, and the softest skin, fresh from the womb. Throughout the night, he had his moments of little cries, melting my vulnerable heart as he opens his eyes for the first time. The brightest blue eyes that could pierce the coldest soul. We spent the next 6 hours of the night into the morning telling each other our stories: his journey from my body to my arms and my walk with enduring pain and immeasruable emotional intensity that is my rite of passage to motherhood.


He...is...perfect...

The roadmap of labor
I have created a visual guide to labor progress using the metaphor of a road map. It shows key labor landmarks and appropriate activities and measures for comfort as labor progresses (see Figure 1 above).
Parents can use it during labor as a reminder of where they are in the process and what to do. Teachers can use it as a tool for organized discussion of normal labor progress and as a backdrop for discussing laboring women’s emotional reactions, and how partners or doulas may assist. Health professionals can use it to help parents identify where they are in labor, adjust their expectations and try appropriate comfort measures.

Normal labor pathway
The roadmap portrays three pathways. The main brick road represents unmedicated labor and shows helpful actions, positions, and comforting techniques to use as labor progresses. The twists and turns in the brick road indicate that any normal labor does not progress in a straight line; the large turns between 3-6 centimeters and 8-10 centimeters indicate large emotional adjustments for the laboring woman, and present an opportunity to discuss emotional support and comfort measures for the partner or doula to use. After 10 centimeters, the woman’s renewed energy and confidence are represented by the second wind sign. Along with discussion of emotional support and comfort measures, the teacher can offer perspective and practical advice for partners and doulas, to use both when the woman is coping well and when she feels challenged or distressed.

The roadmap provides a clear and effective way to teach about normal labor. It keeps the discussion focused purely on the physiological and psychological processes, without inserting discussions of pros and cons of interventions, complications, or usual policies and hospital practices that alter labor.

Once parents have a solid understanding of normal labor, the teacher can explain usual care practices and possible options for monitoring maternal and fetal well being during labor. She can also discuss labor variations or complications and treatments with medical (including pain medications), surgical or technological procedures. With this approach, parents are better equipped to discuss risks, benefits and alternatives, because they can distinguish situations and conditions that are more likely to benefit from the intervention from those in which the intervention is optional, unnecessary, or harmful.

Planned and spontaneous rituals
The normal labor road suggests measures to use for distraction, comfort, and progress. Distraction is desirable for as long as it helps. The Relax, Breathe, Focus sign reminds parents to use this pre-planned ritual for dealing with intensifying contractions when distraction is no longer possible. Parents need to rehearse these rituals in childbirth class (i.e. slow breathing, tension release, and constructive mental focus) and use them in early labor. They set the stage for the spontaneous rituals that emerge later in labor (as women enter active labor), when they realize they cannot control the contractions or continue their planned ritual, and give up their attempts to do so, though sometimes after a stressful struggle. Spontaneous rituals replace the planned ones. They are not planned in advance – they are almost instinctual – and almost always involve rhythmic activity through the contractions – breathing, moaning, swaying, stroking, rocking, or even letting rhythmic thoughts or phrases repeat like a mantra.

​The three Rs
The spontaneous rituals usually involve the three Rs: relaxation (at least between contractions), rhythm, which is the most important, and ritual, the repetition of the same rhythmic activity for many contractions. In order to give herself over to spontaneous instinctual behavior, the woman needs to feel emotionally safe, uninhibited, accepted unconditionally by partner and staff, and to be mobile in order to find comfort.
The motto ‘Rhythm is everything’ means that if a woman has rhythm during contractions, she is coping, even though she may vocalize and find it difficult. The rhythmic ritual keeps her from feeling totally overwhelmed. The goal is to keep her rhythm during contractions in the first stage. Once in second stage, however, rhythm is no longer the key. The woman becomes alert and her spirits are lifted. An involuntary urge to push usually takes over and guides her behavior.

The role of the partner in labor
The partner helps throughout labor, comforting the mother with food and drink, distraction, massage and pressure, assistance with positioning, and constant companionship. Sometimes, a doula also accompanies them, providing continuing guidance, perspective, encouragement, and expertise with hands-on comfort measures, positions, and other techniques gained from her training and experience.

The role of an effective birth partner includes being in the woman’s rhythm – focusing on her and matching the rhythm of her vocalizations, breathing or movements – by swaying, stroking, moving hand or head, murmuring softly in her same rhythm. Then, if she has difficulty keeping her rhythm, and tenses, cries out or struggles – as frequently occurs in active labor or transition – her partner helps her get her rhythm back, by asking her to focus her eyes on their face or hand and follow their rhythmic movements. This is the take-charge routine, and is only used if the woman has lost her rhythm, is fearful, or feels she cannot go on. Partners who know about this are less likely to feel helpless, useless or frightened. Simple directions, given firmly, confidently, and kindly (‘look at me,’ or ‘look at my hand’), rhythmic hand or head movements, and ‘rhythm talk’ with each breath (murmuring, ‘Keep your rhythm, stay with me, that’s the way…‘) are immensely effective in helping the woman carry on through demanding contractions.

​During the second stage, rhythm is no longer important; now the partner encourages her bearing-down efforts and release of her pelvic floor, and also assists her with positions.

The motto “Rhythm is everything” means that if a woman has rhythm during contractions, she is coping, even though she may vocalize and find it difficult.

The detour for back pain
A second pathway, a rocky, rough road, represents the more difficult ‘back labor’, which may be more painful, longer, or more complicated than the normal labor pathway. Fetal malposition is one possible cause. The measures shown for back labor are twofold: reduce the back pain and alter the effects of gravity and pelvic shape to encourage the fetus’s movement into and through the pelvis. It helps a woman endure a prolonged or painful back labor if she and her partner use appropriate comfort measures, and if they know that dilation may be delayed while the baby’s head molds or rotates to fit through, or that changing gravity and pelvic shape may give the extra room that the baby needs to move into an optimal position.
​
The epidural highway
This third pathway represents a dramatically different road – smooth, angular, man- made, more comfortable – but it comes with extensive precautions and numerous procedures, monitors, and medications, which are necessary to keep the epidural safe. The woman adopts a passive role while the staff manage labor progress, and monitors the mother’s and fetus’s well being closely. The excellent pain relief and chance to sleep are the usual rewards. Discussion of how to work with an epidural in order to optimize the outcome is beyond the scope of the paper, but the basic principle is: treat the woman with an epidural as much as possible like a woman who does not have one! This essentially means,‘Keep her cool. Keep her moving. Keep her involved in the work of pushing her baby out. And don’t assume that if she has no pain, she has no distress! Do not leave her alone.’


Conclusion
The roadmap of labor provides a useful framework for teachers to explain the psychological and physiological processes of labor, and a variety of activities for comfort and labor progress for women and their partners to use. By focusing on the normal unaltered process, parents learn to separate the norm from the numerous interventions that alter the process, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. The intention is to give them confidence that they can handle normal labor and to participate meaningfully in decision-making when interventions are suggested.

Descriptions of birth tend to vary among all mothers; anything from tumultuous, scary and crazy... to joyful, challenging and exciting.

Seldom do we describe a birth as sexy, right?!

Why don't we see birth as intimate and sexy? Is it the environment?

Imagine for a second the most romantic daydream you could ever have...
Got it? Ok, keep that image in mind.

It's BABY DAY. You're in a hospital room with cords strapped to you, beds that move every which way, and the smell of freshly bleached stained floors...
Not the scene we just envisioned from our best romantic dreams, right?
One thing we do know: Something special is happening.
A baby will be born and there will be an outpouring of love and ecstasy coming soon!!!

Too often, birth is portrayed as a scary and dreaded event in a woman's life. However, with the age of social media, I am grateful to see the birth experience demystified through photos and videos. There are many beautiful birth videos and photos of women in their glory, swaying to the beat of their own bodies, breathing baby down and keeping calmly to her affirmations. But let's face it ladies, not many of us feel this way during birth, although we would like to.

The unknown aspects of labor can be scary. Very scary! Fear of the unknown is the leading cause of anxiety and stress in labor, and quite frankly, in life! With many fear-based books out there for new moms, it comes as no surprise when fears arise before and during labor. Our society is ridden with fear facts about everything from what is in our water to when the world is going to end. We don't stand a chance listening to those voices that can flood our screens every day.

A bit of great news: It is said that it takes 10 positive thoughts to erase 1 negative thought. Imagine what negative aspects of pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum can do to the psyche of an already emotionally charged pregnant woman? What if we replaced those thoughts with positive ones about birth? Would we be as afraid of the process?

I personally believe in the power of love and fear to embrace the intimacy of birth. Love and fear play vitally important roles in our life, and for good reason. However, birth is one of those moments to decide love and only love. The most rewarding, easiest and quickest births have been with women who have chosen to invite the role of love to play out in their labor setting.

Fear and anxiety have no proper place in labor. Kick them to the curb. They may want to peek their head in every once in a while but you have the power to turn them away, just like you would a light switch. Click!

The intimacy met in the laboring room can be unlike any other, if the stage is set properly. Lights dimmed, essential oil diffuser going, calming music, the sounds of oohs and ahhs...wait a minute, this sounds like a romantic evening we envisioned previously! We CAN equate birth to something so sensual because hey! We all know how the baby got there right?! ;)

As Ina May Gaskin says,
"The energy that gets the baby in, gets the baby out."

So if we set the scene for romance and sensuality, how do we prepare our mind, body and heart? 
Typically, in the realm of natural labor preparation practices, once a couple satisfies the
3 S's (Safety, Support, S​ecurity), a positive experience ensues, regardless of the outcome. Or the setting!

With having the ability for couples to be themselves in their own rite, parents set the stage for positive change in the birth realm. This is where a doula can come in to help create that setting, in advance, so that mom can feel safe, supported, and secure.

The journey to safety, support and security can be a rocky one, but one well worth embarking on. In fact, it would be wise for parents to establish these systems firmly, well before the baby is born. Help from a doula can be highly beneficial. Why? Because when the unexpected happens, there are safety nets. We all need that in life. For finances, we have an emergency fund. For auto accidents, we have insurance policies.

In short, with a doula equipped to hold that space for the 3 S's, you have an insurance policy on the livelihood of your family. Then you have a sacred space for a positive experience and engagement for everyone involved in the birthing process, especially mom! This creates much less turmoil physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually!!!

When we pull out an insurance policy on our own well-being, we create Possibility. Choices. JOY even! We start from a place of worthiness, peace, and love. We are essentially doing our children a favor by ensuring that we put the gas mask on ourselves first before they even make it out of the womb. For the betterment of ourselves, we owe it to our children to set a standard for love, joy, and peace for ourselves.

The joy found in embracing labor is uncanny. Labor is happening for you, not TO you. The intensity of contractions have a purpose, not to harm you. Joy wants to meet you in that space. In choosing love and peace over anxiety and fear, we open doors to joy. With the proper tools in place, it is a completely obtainable reality.

My job is to empower you! I want you to know that you are going to ebb and flow through the highs and lows of pregnancy, labor, and beyond, just as waves on a shore. The grace you bestow upon your body, mind, heart, and soul are paramount pieces to success in your journey through motherhood. Don't let fear take a foothold in your life because someone or something told you so. Any of those thoughts are garbage and have no place in your birth plan.

So give yourself some grace and birth the way you would if you were to plan a date for a special someone because that special someone is YOU, my darling dearest mama! Dim those lights, light some candles, play some beautiful songs, and clear your head of the gunk. Let your mind and heart open to the date you will have with your baby.

And ahhhhh...Let the intimacy begin with you. Your love surpasses all.

xoxo

It is so tempting to grab at all those BabyCenter Q&A's, What To Expect books, and advice from naysayers, but
Really, what is it all accomplishing?
A sense of doubt? Conspiracy? Fear? Uncertainty?

Let me give you a list of things.
Not a list of HOW-TO's
but rather a list of encouragement, of things to focus on.

​At a later date, be prepared to switch up your list, as the test of time allows and calls for. But for now, let's keep it simple and fun.

1.) Focus on dear 'ol Y. O. U. 
Address any cobwebs or unfinished business you may have in your life. You may be battling some unforeseen changes in your body and that's ok! Your old life may be flashing before your eyes. Trust that your life is not over but rather just beginning! Seek out a trusted counselor, mentor, life coach (me?), or a friend to walk through any struggles that could hinder you from becoming your best self through this process. 
This is NOT a good time to: Work on BIG issues. Be gentle on yourself. Your body is changing all over the place. If you have had previous birth experience, it may be a good time to journal through your experience, good or bad, rehash your thoughts around birth and your new expectations this time around. Discover what this might look like for you through Birth Life Coaching.

2.) Visualize
This one is fun, yet takes some getting used to if you haven't tried it before. It's like a muscle, the more you use it, the stronger it gets. Make it simple!

Close your eyes and think about what you life will be like as you're pregnant. Are you joyful? What does your partner think? How are they supportive of you? Do your friends rally around you or is it time to reshape your tribe to fit your current and future needs? Is your family close to you? What do they do to make this journey more pleasant?

Do this for every stage of your journey: pregnancy, birth, newborn, and beyond. There are no rules here. 
NOT a good time to: Visualize what could go wrong AKA Irrationalize fears. Whenever we go through change, it is completely normal to wrestle through the "what if's". What if I eat deli meat and my baby becomes autistic? What if I get a back injury during an epidural? What if I go crazy before this is over? Try as best you can to keep those thoughts at bay. The more you focus on them, the more they can invade the personal happy space you're trying to create for your baby, who feels what you feel.

3.) Focus on HEALTH
This goes without saying that your physical being needs support, mostly by you. Think about, or better yet, visualize what that support group looks like, how it feels, and make a list of things you desire in terms of support to get to your health goals.
NOT a good time to: Exercise more. Continue on the workouts your body is used to, whether it be walking or power lifting. As your belly grows, you'll know when to scale it down.

4.) Tap in to your INTUITION
You may or may not have tapped into your wonderful beautiful friend call Intuition yet but trust me, this is one tool that will help you throughout your life from now on. More on this later...
NOT a good time to: Let your inner critic run wild. Do your best to stay positive! Let your intuition guide you to what you need to do today in order to get out of any funk you find yourself in.

5.) Remove what doesn't SPARK JOY
On the heels of Marie Kondo, LET GO OF THINGS THAT DON'T SPARK JOY! While you are still very mobile, although I can't say the same about energy, think about clearing out some space. You are working hard on a lot of new things and your living space can be one of those things. Remember to be gentle. This is not an overhaul on your life. 
NOT a good time to: Begin a registry just yet. You're cleaning out your space. You've created something new and it also needs time to brew and make manifest. Don't rush your own process but making unnecessary steps towards your #pregnancygoals.

6.) Your emotional health
People don't lie about your emotions being a roller coaster during pregnancy. But how you handle it makes all the difference. Rather than spew out why it's not ok for your husband to fold laundry like that (*cue the Tidying Up with Marie Kondo music*), IT IS OK to feel those emotions first. As my friend, Maria Felipe says "You gotta feel it to heal it!" Recognize that ALL the emotions coming up. Because you are transitioning into a new dimension of your life, it is important. This is a new realm of existence that calls for a lot of change. Your emotions will carry you through those no matter how ugly it looks. Let those wide range of Inside Out emotions fly! Journal your experiences and allow your intuition to tell you what those emotions have for you in that moment. Free write what that gentle spirit wants you to hear today.
NOT a good time to: Judge yourself for being a basket case. Give yourself some grace, have a good cry, and pick up where you left off after you've filled the dustbin with millions of snot pillows. If you need some more encouragement and direction, feel free to connect with me to find some solutions!

7.) Connect with family and friends
I'll bet that your group of friends and family are amazing and so supportive of you having this baby! I wasn't so lucky however. If you are feeling less than stellar about your circle of people in your life, now would be a good time to start fresh. Go to the library, find a mom group, be-friend people at church, seek out a mentor, take a breastfeeding class... Work on these early as they will allow you to establish good relationships in a reasonable amount of time so that when baby arrives, you will feel confident in the tribe you've personally established for yourself and your growing family.
NOT a good time to: Throw out the friends that don't apply to your current life situation. If they phase out, what a good learning lesson to explore! We've all been there, my friend.

8.) Start reading a really good pregnancy book
This book may look like a week-by-week book that tells about your baby's growth or simply a book that addresses what goes on inside your body. Ask for recommendations from your tribe or jump over to my recommended books list HERE.
NOT a good time to: Make a birth plan. There will be plenty of time for that. TRUST, MY DEAREST!

9.) Plan a BABYMOON
What joy fills my heart when I see couples going to the beach, Disneyland, or the mountains with that adorable 2nd trimester baby bump! Planning for a baby can take a lot but don't discount your relationship with your partner. They are going through a lot right now too. Acknowledge how far your relationship has come thus far by celebrating the life you currently have with each other. It doesn't have to be glamorous but make it YOURS.
NOT a good time to: Move or remodel your home. Changing your space can be a huge overhaul for your already busy body. Plan to get away for a time, like for the babymoon so that when you come home, it is cozy for you to nest in.

10.) List and practice SELF-CARE
The latest buzz phrases going around are self-care and self-love. And for good reason!
"Find what feels good", says my favorite YouTube yoga guru Adriene Mishler. And practice at least 3 acts of self-love every day.
Some ideas are:

• Walk/Prenatal Yoga
• Meditate (DM me for FREE recommendations)
• Journal
• Take a bath with Epsom salts and pregnancy-safe oils
• Drink your ideal water intake
• Dance (Try out Qoya)
• Nap

There you have it! Cheers to a wonderful 1st trimester journey.

What are you planning to focus on during your first 3 months?

Hop over to our Instagram to stay connected with us, get more tips, and join other fellow pregnant mamas!

First off, CONGRATULATIONS!~!~!

​Not only for harboring a new life force inside of you but also for taking the time to understand more about yourself as you journey through this new stage from maiden to mother.

Oftentimes when we become pregnant, our mind rattles with so many things to learn and understand about pregnancy, birth, and beyond.

I'm here to tell you that there is no right way to approach this experience. However, there are many people that strongly suggest easing into the process, just as you would when meeting your baby for the first time.

Be gentle with yourself.
There is no time crunch.
​No one is telling you what to do but YOU, my dear friend.

To hear about some ideas for 1st Trimester things to focus on, head on over to my next blog post: 1st Trimester is a GOOD TIME to focus on...

While woman-to-woman maternity support has been around ever since women have been having babies (well, technically, Eve was on her own), doulas are relatively new. In fact, the first US professional organization for doulas (DONA, or Doulas of North America; now called DONA International) only started in 1992. This leaves many women wondering, "If I have a labor support partner and a nurse during labor, do I really need doula?" The answer: Maybe.

The point of having a doula is to provide encouragement and support to new moms throughout pregnancy and birth; postpartum doulas even help with breastfeeding, housework, and cooking. Her role is to promote healing and bonding with the new baby — basically, whatever you need! Sounds nice, right?
Research seems to think so, too. Studies indicate that when doulas are involved in the labor process, women have fewer C-sections and report greater satisfaction with their birth experiences.

Doulas understand labor and birth from both the physiologic and emotional angles, and they know how hospitals work. They're gifted at helping women overcome really challenging contractions and labor transitions. They understand medical language and routine procedures, but they also know how to help mothers work around interventions that don't fall into their birth plans. And when those plans need to change quickly, the really great doulas know how to shift gears and continue providing top-notch support.

Sadly, there are also some challenging doulas. A few have strict personal agendas and confrontational approaches. They start arguments with medical staff over minor issues like taking mom's blood pressure. There are even doulas who have told their clients that under no circumstances would they allow them to have an epidural or C-section.

Plus, reimbursement from insurance providers is unusual. What happens to women who can't afford doulas? They receive support from their labor nurses, midwife or doctor, their partners and the people they've chosen to provide labor support. For many women, that's all they need and they report feeling well cared for.

Side note: There are doulas that are getting started in their career and can offer free services in order to get certified or more experience.

Still, more often than not, doulas are a real asset to the birth experience. Here's how to find the perfect one for you:
​
1.) Check their credentials.
While DONA International offers certification programs, certifications aren't required to work as a doula. But a certification shows that your doula has passed a test that demonstrates her knowledge and competency. Before deciding on a doula, ask her where she studied, and if she received a certification.
2.) Ask for references.
See whom she has worked with in the past, and actually call them.
3.) Search wisely
Visit doulamatch.net to instantly find doulas, along with their availability, education, certifications, and testimonials. Also check out: BirthTube's Doula Directory and the DONA Doula Directory.
4.) Interview potential doulas — in person!
You're going to be spending a whole lot of time with this person, so you need to make sure your goals are the same, and that your personalities are compatible. If you don't fall in love with the doula you interview, find one that fits your desires and needs.

Have some fun and take the Birth Quiz to get a FREE Labor Cheat Sheet!

When you have some time to yourself, do you have to fill it with something? Something that serves a purpose to your regular life?

FOR ME, I fill it with:
A solo shopping spree🛍
Grocery shopping🍎🥦
Treadmill jog-shaming🏃‍♀️
Social media zone out🤳
Sleep 😴💤🛏 

But today was different. I was heading to the gym, in hopes that progress would be made today. However, I was not super jazzed about getting on a treadmill and doing weights. 

It sounded like cleaning up a bathtub my toddler pooped in (ok, bad analogy but you get my disgust).💩🛀 

On my way, I thought
"Well I could stop by a park."
"No, it just goes around a field, that's boring."
"Ok, turn here."
"Oh the Cheese Ranch walk! That's where I used to walk with my grandparents!"👵👴 

As this inner monologue continued, it was hard to justify that going for a walk was a workout. 🏋️‍♀️ But before I could rationalize, I had arrived, started walking... And the most amazing things happened...🍾

I took beautiful photos,🏞 took in scenery I forgot about, reminisced on memories of my gma Ellen and Gpa Abe, and... I got more than what I bargained for.

It was not only a healing experience to walk the literal paths of many wiser elders 🚶‍♀️ but I also connected with those who have gone before me, in the literal and figurative sense. What a blessing!

But wait a minute! That's not all! 🎉 I sat by a small pond, watching the ducks 🦆🦆 and letting my creativity skim across the water as the Holy Spirit/Higher Self spoke the most tender anecdotes:

"This is a gift. Do you receive it? If you kept on walking or going to the gym, you would have missed all this that I have for you."

WOAH...how many times do we miss out on these moments that can take our breath away and reaffirm that everything is as it should be? 🌌

I was shown so much more but I want to hear from you!

How do you take time for yourself?
Is it possible to drop our plans off at the store and go on an adventure?
With or without kids?🤱🏼👩‍👧‍👦

​Comment below about your story, your struggle or thought!! 👇🏻