Dearest Doula Podcast Episode 28

We are wrapping up this weeks topic-‘The Benefits of Herbs During the Pregnancy and Postpartum Periods’ on fire with Demetria Clark! This episode is a continuation of Episode 27, if you haven’t checked it out already, you should!  In addition to being a powerhouse of passion and inspiration, Demetria is the Global Director of Birth Arts International, and the Founder of Heart of Herbs school. Listen in as she continues to share her wealth of knowledge on this topic with the Dearest Doula community. It was such a joy and honor to listen to her speak on this topic- I think we can all agree she is on our #doulacrush list!

Dearest Doula Community, Demetria shares valuable insight into The benefits of herbs during pregnancy & the postpartum periods on dearest doula today! Click HERE to listen on itunes, or simply press play!

In this Episode we discuss:

More common herbs used during the pregnancy and postpartum periods

Herbs to avoid during pregnancy, labor, and breastfeeding

 Demetria’s Recommended Resources & Interview Links:

healthy.net

Heart of Herbs

Birth Arts International Blog

American Herbalist guild

Demetria’s Favorite Books:

‘Herbal Healing for Women’ -Rosemary Gladstar

‘Hygieia: A Womans Herbal‘ -Jeannine Parvati Baker

‘Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year’  -Susun S. Weed

‘Aromatherapy and Herbal Remedies for Pregnancy, Birth, and Breastfeeding’

-Demetria Clark

Demetria’s Favorite Quote:

“You are the expert of your body and your pregnancy, but you have to listen”

-Demetria Clark

 You can connect with Demetria and Heart of Herbs

through their Website, Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.

Lastly, if you enjoyed this episode please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review the show on iTunes. By doing so you will be automatically updated when new episodes air, and will also be helping to get word of the podcast to other birth workers. This show was made for people like you, and I value your input!

Until next time, my dearest doula community, have a wonderful day!

Sincerely,

Dearest Doula

Dearest Doula Podcast Episode 27

Demetria is back, and rocking our socks off once again in this incredibly informative episode on the benefits of herbs during the pregnancy and postpartum periods! In addition to being a powerhouse of passion and inspiration, Demetria is the Global Director of Birth Arts International, and the Founder of Heart of Herbs school. Listen in as she shares her wealth of knowledge on this topic with the Dearest Doula community. It was such a joy and honor to listen to her speak on this topic- I think we can all agree she is on our #doulacrush list!

Dearest Doula Community, Demetria shares valuable insight into The benefits of herbs during pregnancy & the postpartum periods on dearest doula today! Click HERE to listen on itunes, or simply press play!

In this Episode we discuss:

History of Herbal use during the Pregnancy & Postpartum Periods

What to look for and stay AWAY from when it comes to buying herbs

Demetria’s herbal background

Common herbs used during the pregnancy and postpartum periods

 Demetria’s recommended resources & interview links:

 You can connect with Demetria and Heart of Herbs 

through their website,

email: demetria@birtharts.com

or phone number: (866)303-4372

Stay Tuned for our thursdays episode-where we will continue to explore this topic!

Lastly, if you enjoyed this episode please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review the show on iTunes. By doing so you will be automatically updated when new episodes air, and will also be helping to get word of the podcast to other birth workers. This show was made for people like you, and I value your input!

Until next time, my dearest doula community, have a wonderful day!

Sincerely,

Dearest Doula

Dearest Doula Podcast Episode 26

Tashona Winslow is a doula and Licensed Massage Therapist who specializes in woman’s wellness. She is certified in Peri-natal and Fertility Massage, and is devoted to helping her clients restore their mind, body and spirit -to enable them to better do what they were created for. Tashona has an endearing voice and musical laugh, making this interview a real treat!

Dearest Doula Community, Tashona shares her valuable insights and journeys on dearest doula today! Click here to listen on itunes or simply press play below!

Moment of Struggle

Tashona shares how she struggled to make the transition into feeling more comfortable charging customers in order to create a more sustainable business.

“I was meant to be right here, right now”

Tashona shares a powerful and exciting moment she experienced on her very first experience serving a client as a doula.

Success Quote

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”

– Theodore Roosevelt

Recommended Resources & Interview Links

Youtube

‘Who Moved My Cheese?: An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life’
-Spencer Johnson

Want to find these books in audio form, and others like them? Try Audible and Get Two Free Audiobooks

You can connect with Tashona through her personal website, Viumbe Massage or on Facebook. 

If you enjoyed todays episode, I invite you to subscribe, rate, and review the show on iTunes. What you think matters, and I value your feedback. Until next time dearest readers, have a wonderful day 🙂

Sincerely,

Dearest Doula

Dearest Doula Podcast Episode 25

Elaine Stillerman is a licensed massage therapist who pioneered working with pregnant women in 1980. She went on to develop ‘Mother Massage’, a professional training course. Elaine is the author of four highly acclaimed books, and has written articles for numerous venues such as massage magazine and midwifery today, for whom she is a regular presenter. Elaine recently came on the Dearest Doula podcst to share her knowledge regarding ‘The Benefits of Prenatal and Postpartum Massage’ in todays episode.

 

Dearest Doula Community, elaine shares valuable insight into ‘the benefits of prenatal and postpartum massage therapy’ on dearest doula today! Click HERE to listen on itunes, or simply press play!

In this Episode we discuss:

Benefits of Prenatal and Postpartum Massage 

Contraindications for Prenatal and Postpartum Massage

Massage Therapy vs. Prenatal Massage Therapy

The ‘Nitty Gritty’ of Prenatal and Postpartum Massage

Steps YOU can take to put what you’ve heard into action

Elaine’s favorite Quotes:

“Work smart not hard”

&

“I’m emphatic about lymphatic”

 Elaine’s recommended resources & interview links:

Anything by Penny Simkin

Mother Massage: A Handbook for Relieving the Discomforts of Pregnancy
-Elaine Stillerman, LMT

 Prenatal Massage: A Textbook of Pregnancy, Labor, and Postpartum Bodywork
-Elaine Stillerman, LMT

Dearest Doula Community, I LOVE Audio books and have teamed up with Audible to give you the great opportunity to get a free audiobook like these for free! Click here to Try Audible and Get A Free Audiobook

 You can connect with Elaine through her website today! 

Lastly, if you enjoyed this episode please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review the show on iTunes. By doing so you will be automatically updated when new episodes air, and will also be helping to get word of the podcast to other birth workers. This show was made for people like you, and I value your input!

Until next time, my dearest doula community, have a wonderful day!

Sincerely,

Dearest Doula

Dearest Doula Podcast Episode 24

Brandi Spray is a Birth doula, Childbirth Educator, and owner of Dayspring Doula. It was such a hoot having her on the show, our interview was filled with tender moments between spurts of nervous giggles. A Hypnobirthing enthusiast and birth photographer, Brandi is a woman full of passion for her work and it was great listening to her journey.

Dearest Doula Community, Brandi shares her valuable insights and journeys on dearest doula today! Click here to listen on itunes or simply press play below!

Brandi’s “Elevator Speech” & Origin Story

Moment of Struggle

Brandi runs into a former client and experiences a powerful moment that  helps to reframe her perspectives on the experiences she shares with her clients.

“I was meant to be right here, right now”

Brandi shares her own personal birth story, and expands on how that triggered her passion for birth work.

Success Quote

“Calm. Confident. Fearless Birth.”

-Brandi Spray 

Recommended Resources & Interview Links

Bliss Born

Pinterest– you can follow ‘Dearest Doula’ on Pinterest here.

Hypnobirthing: The Mongan Method: A natural approach to a safe, easier, more comfortable birthing. 

-Marie Mongan

Want to find this book in audio form, and others like it? Try Audible and Get A Free Audiobook

You can connect with Brandi through her personal website, Dayspring Doula or through Facebook, Instagram or Twitter .

If you enjoyed todays episode, I invite you to subscribe, rate, and review the show on iTunes. What you think matters, and I value your feedback! Until next time dearest readers, have a wonderful day 🙂

Sincerely,

Dearest Doula

7 Things That Happen When You Become a Birth Worker

You are in awe of and simultaneously terrified during every full & blue moon. If your birth bag wasn’t in your car already, it is now.

New moon? Check. Birth bag? Check.

Your eyeballs hurt from rolling so hard at every television and movie depiction of childbirth.

C’mon hollywood. Sheesh.

Even the most totes-adorbs of baby strollers lose their charm. Baby wearing is where it’s at.

Your kids preschool teacher somewhat sheepishly informs you that your kid was blabbing on about breastfeeding and “um-belly-cole cords” during class, and you feel a total #fistbumpmoment is in order. That kid deserves some frozen yogurt.

We start ’em young. http://www.zazzle.com/future+doula+gifts

You begin to seriously consider getting one of those rad oxytocin tattoos, but could easily also settle for some gorgeous jewelry.

Kellymom, ICAN, and EvidenceBasedBirth are all bookmarked in your browser.

And the list goes on…

You have a deepened respect and appreciation for the female body. You root for every mom, in every circumstance.

You cry and you smile and you inwardly scream at times, but you wouldn’t trade what you do for anything.in.the.world. because

Birth Work is the Best Work.

Photo credit: Emery Co. Photo

Dearest Doula Podcast Episode 23

In this episode, doula, IBCLC, Bradley birth method child educator, and La Leche League Leader Tina Castellanos outlines the history and resources the ‘La Leche League’ has to offer to both birth workers and their clients. Tina is an extraordinary woman- a mother of three who divides her time between family, birth work, and spreading birth awareness with others. It was an honor and a pleasure to speak with her and learn about the fascinating and humbling beginnings of this great organization.

Dearest Doula Community, tina shares valuable insight into ‘la leche league’ on dearest doula today! Click HERE to listen on itunes, or simply press play!

In this Episode we discuss:

Brief history of ‘La Leche League’ 

How ‘La Leche League’ has grown and developed over time

How to become a ‘La Leche League’ Leader

Steps YOU can take to get connected with ‘La Leche League’

Misconceptions regarding ‘La Leche League’ 

 Tina’s recommended resources & interview links:

‘Womanly Art of Breastfeeding’– La Leche League International

‘Sweet Sleep: Nighttime and Naptime Strategies for the Breastfeeding Family ‘

–  La Leche League International

‘Dr. Jack Newman’s Guide to Breastfeeding’ 
-Jack Newman

‘The Breastfeeding Mother’s Guide to Making More Milk: Foreword by Martha Sears, RN’
-Diana West

Dearest Doula Community, I LOVE Audio books and have teamed up with Audible to give you the great opportunity to get a free audiobook like these for free! Click here to Try Audible and Get A Free Audiobook

 You can connect with La Leche League here, on Facebook and Twitter. 

You can also connect with Tina through her  website today!

Lastly, if you enjoyed this episode please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review the show on iTunes. By doing so you will be automatically updated when new episodes air, and will also be helping to get word of the podcast to other birth workers. This show was made for people like you, and I value your input!

Until next time, my dearest doula community, have a wonderful day!

Sincerely,

Dearest Doula

Dearest Doula Podcast Episode 22

 Chantal Shelstad is a placenta encapsulation specialist and doula who joins us in this episode, providing one heck of a unique Birth Worker Feature! Not only does Chantal talk about her inspiring journey as a birth worker, but she also shares with us what it’s like to be a doula in Seoul, South Korea! Listen in today for some truly valuable and global perspectives on doula life.

Dearest Doula Community, Chantal shares her one of a kind insights and journeys on dearest doula today! Click here to listen on itunes or simply press play below!

Moment of Struggle

Rather than one particular moment, Chantal shares the struggle she faced in balancing both family and work life, with the added difficulty of being a military spouse and often finding herself a ‘solo parent’ .

“I was meant to be right here, right now”

Chantal takes on a last minute client and shares a truly remarkable birth experience with the happy couple.

Success Quote

“You block your dream when you allow your fear to grow bigger than your faith.”

-Mary Manin Morrissey

Recommended Resources & Interview Links

vbacfacts.com

“Ina May Gaskin’s Guide to Childbirth” – Ina May Gaskin

Want to find a book like this in audio form? Try Audible and Get A Free Audiobook

You can connect with Chantal through her birth service website, Two Birds Birth Services, or through her Facebook business page. 

If you enjoyed todays episode, I invite you to subscribe, rate, and review the show on iTunes. What you think matters, and I value your feedback. Until next time dearest readers, have a wonderful day 🙂

Sincerely,

Dearest Doula

Dearest Doula Podcast Episode 21

In this episode we’re talking doula teams with the absolutely delightful Dr. Mai, our first official repeat guest. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out Dr. Mai’s Birth Worker Feature, where we discuss the highs, lows, and lessons learned on her journey to becoming a birth worker.  Dr. Mai was so sweet to return to the show and share her tips and resources for creating smart and strategic ‘doula teams’  with the Dearest Doula community.

Dearest Doula Community, Dr. Mai shares valuable insight into ‘Doula Teams’ on dearest doula today! Click HERE to listen on itunes, or simply press play!

In this Episode we discuss:

Different types of ‘doula teams’

What you should look for when finding other doulas to work with

Things to be aware of before teaming up with other doulas

Dr. Mai’s advice to doulas

Dr. Mai’s recommended resources & interview links:

In addition to the resources Dr. Mai recommended in her last interview,

she also recommends checking out the website Evidence Based Birth.

Dearest Doula Community, I LOVE Audio books and have teamed up with Audible to give you the great opportunity to get an audiobook like these for free! Click here to Try Audible and Get A Free Audiobooks

 You can connect with Dr. Mai via

Twitter

Facebook

Pinterest

LinkedIn

Or simply check out her website.

Looking for more? Don’t forget to check out the FREE webinar Dr. Mai is hosting with the Birth Institute.  You can register for this amazing event here.

There will also be an opportunity to send Dr. Mai live tweets during the webinar! Simply add the hashtag #LDPhysMed to your tweet so that Dr. Mai can access your questions.

Lastly, if you enjoyed this episode please take a moment to subscribe, rate, and review the show on iTunes. By doing so you will be automatically updated when new episodes air, and will also be helping to get word of the podcast to other birth workers. This show was made for people like you, and I value your input!

Until next time, my dearest doula community, have a wonderful day and remember Dr. Mai’s quote from the show, “To each their reach!”.

Sincerely,

Dearest Doula

Dearest Doula Podcast Episode 20

Clarissa Sanchez  is a “new-la” doula, and it was incredibly brave and inspiring for her to come and share her journey on the ‘Dearest Doula’ podcast. We discussed what inspired Clarissa to pursue birth work, her passions, strengths, weaknesses, and so much more. She possesses a kind and caring soul, and it was so nice to chat with her.

Dearest Doula Community, clarissa shares her valuable insights and journeys on dearest doula today! Click here to listen on itunes or simply press play below!

Moment of Struggle

When her very first client has an unsuccessful VBAC attempt, Clarissa finds herself struggling to deal with her own deep feelings of disappointment.

“I was meant to be right here, right now”

Upon meeting a client, Clarissa feels instantly connected with her and develops a deep bond that helps to boost her confidence.

Success Quote

“If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it.”

-Dr. John H Kennell, MD

Recommended Resources & Interview Links

International Cesarean Awareness Network

‘Special Women: The Role of the Professional Labor Assistant’ – Paulina Perez & Cheryl Snedeker

Want to find this book in audio form, and others like them? Try Audible and Get A Free Audiobook

You can connect with Clarissa through her Facebook. 

If you enjoyed todays episode, I invite you to subscribe, rate, and review the show on iTunes. What you think matters, and I value your feedback! Until next time dearest readers, have a wonderful day 🙂

Sincerely,

Dearest Doula