Doula Lu - Birth and Postnatal Doula

Just look at those numbers 👀

Having a Doula to support you along the way could even increase your chances of a successful VBAC 💕

Yet another study has found that VBAC calculators underpredict VBAC odds.

Look at the Latinx people who were deemed to have a "low chance" per the calculator.

The calculator estimated less than 35% would have a VBAC. But over 65% did!

And this same study concluded that there is no good evidence, in this study or previous research, that having a Latinx ethnicity reduces the chance of VBAC.

If you have clients who were given low VBAC odds per the calculator and perhaps scheduled a cesarean as a result, this is vital information for them to know!

PS: There is also a longer article and handout deconstructing VBAC calculators available here: vbacfacts.com/calculator

Long time no speak! Planning on re-starting my Doula life soon!

In my Perinatal Educator role I see more and more families in need of Doula support … but many have not even heard of Doulas!

So who are we? What do we do? What do we eat and where do we live?!

Answers on a postcard..... on here, in this page.... coming soon!

With the NHS needing to cancel antenatal classes, I am fully aware some families may not be able to afford private classes.
With this in mind, I would like to tell you that I am here to support you and answer any questions you may have (or signpost you to other free resources) until things return to normal (ish).
Luiza x

“When a flower doesn't bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.” This quote by Alexander Den Heijer says a lot about what should happen during pregnancy and birth. .
So many times I’ve seen women blaming themselves because XYZ happened during labour and they feel like they failed.... no one fails to give birth.... the environment fails you. .
That’s why it’s so important to have your birth preferences in place, for your birth partner and doula to advocate for what is right for you to be able to bloom. .

I was just explaining to my little one that she used to live in my tummy ... and she just can’t grasp the concept of her fitting in my tummy 🤣
Despite this, she makes no objections to the fact that she came out from my va**na..... that’s her normal.
So all I’m saying is; normalise birth at home. That’s when the real changes start to happen.

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If you do not take sips of water or juice between your contractions, you stand a good chance of becoming dehydrated.🍹⁣⁠
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When your body is dehydrated, your muscle output is decreased by 30%. That means that your uterus will contract just as hard, but it will do 30% less work. ⁣⁠
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Dehydration also heightens feelings of exhaustion and can elevate your temperature. If your temperature goes up, your medical team, intent on ensuring your baby is healthy, will assume this "fever" is caused by an infection and you may begin to receive antibiotics via injection or IV (which is a pain in and of itself). ⁣⁠
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What are you packing to drink during the birth of your baby?⁣⁠
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with

Such a great tool to have during pregnancy and birth!
Repost with
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A very simple decision-making tool and easy formula to follow when faced with making a choice about a test or intervention is the BRAIN model. BRAIN stands for Benefits, Risks, Alternatives, Intuition, and it also considers what will happen if you do Nothing. ⁠
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For example, if you are being offered an induction of labour as you have gone past your estimated due date, you can ask yourself what the Benefits of this would be. Find out if there are any Risks associated with an induction of labour and whether there are any Alternatives. Spend a moment tuning into what your Intuition or your gut feelings are about the induction. You can also ask your care providers what would happen if you choose to do Nothing.⁠
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Many doulas tell their clients about this acronym so that they can ensure that they have asked the right questions and can make informed choices. ⁠
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Find a doula that is right for you on www.thedouladirectory.com ⁠
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As once said, “we are the only species of mammals who doubt our ability to give birth. “
As developed mammals with a neocortex we fear the unknown. It’s almost like a survival instinct!
So we must learn about pregnancy and birth - the more we learn, the less we fear!

Have you got a question about pregnancy, birth or the early days of parenthood?
Instead of using Google you can now ask someone who will provide you with straightforward, evidence based information!
Who might this wonderful human being, who is offering her time for free, be?
IT’S ME! Your local Doula and Perinatal educator!
So come on.... ask me a question! Don’t forget to like the page and our Instagram .lu

People will tell you all sorts when it comes to “naturally” inducing labour....

“Eat a spicy curry”
“Definitely eat pineapple”
“Go wash the floors on your hands and knees”

😴

None of these have been proven to induce labour.... but do you know what has been proven to help with the ripening of the cervix?

DATES!

From 36 weeks onwards, eating the recommended amount of dates CAN help.

https://evidencebasedbirth.com/evidence-eating-dates-to-start-labor/

Natural Labor Induction Series: Eating Dates What is the evidence on eating dates to start labor naturally? Can the date fruit help ripen your cervix?

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The anatomical link between the va**na and the vocal chords is the largest nerve we own, called the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is primarily a sensory nerve. It picks up on signals and responds accordingly. The diaphragm that sits under your lungs puts pressure on the vagus nerve as we breath in and out. The way we breathe (or don’t breathe) affects the pressure from the diaphragm. When we breath naturally and calmly, adding in our voice for good measure, the vagus nerve is happy and sends beautiful messages throughout body. Those messages say relax, balance, and melt away anxiety. When we don’t have those nice messages, we have the opposite reaction - tension. Our bodies aren’t nice to us when we are tense. They harden and eventually begin to curb our oxygen exchange. That makes us feel really tired. The more the cascade of tension happens, the more the vagus nerve stops getting those pulses and stops sending nice messages to us. No communication between all these parts is problematic. That’s why, in labor, we focus on low groaning noises, those low noises come naturally. Anytime we are in discomfort or fear takes hold, our bodies tighten because of the adrenaline release. Think of scary movies or anytime you have cried out for help. Is it low and balanced or high and shrilly? Becoming conscious of your different sounds and their affects on the body can be beneficial to all parts of your life, especially in birth.
Words .

PREACH 🙌🙌🙌🙌

Midwives and doulas aren’t a luxury. They’re a necessity. PERSPECTIVE | I was born into the hands of a midwife. It’s a tradition that shouldn’t fade away.

Nothing to see here.... just a cuddle of doulas on a birth massage train!

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H A P P Y V A L E N T I N E’ S D A Y
I because time and time again they have cared for me and my family - regardless of how busy or understaffed they were, they provided us with high quality health care.
THANK YOU! .
Why do you love your NHS? .

After spending 4 beautiful days surrounded by incredible women, I’m feeling inspired and empowered to start this new path on my journey to support, empower and inform families.

❣️

nearly spat out my tea I laughed so hard when I saw this 🤣

If in doubt, contact your doula!

Who knew had been trying to promote Doulas since Cinderella came out?
SALAGA-DOULAAAAA .... I will be singing this all day now!

Wow wow wow! Just look at those numbers!

Graphic by

Wow wow wow! Just look at those numbers!

Graphic by Wild World Mama - Kristen Mantell, BBCI

Doulas.... who are we and what do we do?

As of March I could be your doula!

I will he offering a heavily discounted package for my 4 first mamas!

Follow me on .lu on Instagram or here on Facebook to keep up to date with offers and availability!