Birth Help

PLEASE VOTE! Today through August 15, please vote daily for Birth Help via brparents.com and click on Family Favorites/Mom and Baby. You can vote in two categories, Favorite Doula and Favorite Birth Classes.

June-July's Natural Birth Series start date was postponed due to a birth, so it will begin Tuesday, July 2, and there is one opening for registration. www.birthhelp.com

Great prep for birth!

There's one opening in tonight's Comfort Measures class (June 3) and 2 openings in the class on Monday, June 17.

Are you interested in learning more about comfort measures in preparation for labor and birth? Birth Help offers a one-session class for couples.

Comfort Measures Class complements information taught in Natural Birth Series and is a great resource for couples needing extra practice or to learn how to manage labor and birth more comfortably. It's a class for first-time parents, those needing a refresher in labor coping skills, or couples wanting to expand their knowledge of comfort measures for labor and birth.
Class location: Birth Center of Baton Rouge, 277 Rue de la Vie
This one session three-hour class is dedicated to learning, practicing, and feeling more confident using practical tools and techniques such as:
Relaxation
Breathing techniques
Positions for effective laboring and birthing
Use of birth ball, birthing tub, rebozo and other tools
Massage, counter-pressure, and acupressure
Hands-on comfort measures
Managing back pain
Visualization, vocalizing, and movement

There's one opening in tonight's Comfort Measures class (June 3) and 2 openings in the class on Monday, June 17.

Are you interested in learning more about comfort measures in preparation for labor and birth? Birth Help offers a one-session class for couples.

Comfort Measures Class complements information taught in Natural Birth Series and is a great resource for couples needing extra practice or to learn how to manage labor and birth more comfortably. It's a class for first-time parents, those needing a refresher in labor coping skills, or couples wanting to expand their knowledge of comfort measures for labor and birth.
Class location: Birth Center of Baton Rouge, 277 Rue de la Vie
This one session three-hour class is dedicated to learning, practicing, and feeling more confident using practical tools and techniques such as:
Relaxation
Breathing techniques
Positions for effective laboring and birthing
Use of birth ball, birthing tub, rebozo and other tools
Massage, counter-pressure, and acupressure
Hands-on comfort measures
Managing back pain
Visualization, vocalizing, and movement

Celebrating International Doula Month, we recognize that women have always supported birthing women.

Today Birth Help doulas Rene' Johnson and Ashton Reed offer support in Baton Rouge at hospitals and at Birth Center of Baton Rouge.

Learning through participation in Birth Help's Natural Birth Series and Comfort Measures classes prepare couples to work toward their personal goals for birth. Our doulas accompany them along the journey.

www.birthhelp.com

May is International Doula Month!

Did you know that the doula role precedes the modern profession by thousands of years? Anthropological evidence from nearly every human culture around the world suggests that community members, typically female family members and close neighbors, would provide practical support during the birth and care for the postpartum dyad, home, and family in the weeks following the birth.

Birth Help doulas have served more than 1,000 birthing families in the Baton Rouge area!

We're celebrating International Doula Month! Birth Help has offered doula support since 1991 and our well-respected doulas serve the Baton Rouge community.

How do I find a doula that's right for me? It's important that there's a good 'fit'. What's important to you? Is it their training and certification? Is it the doula's age and personality? Is it the variety of births she's attended? Is it their experience? Is it the fee?

Here’s a great guide on how to hire the perfect doula for you!

How to Hire a Doula – Questions to Ask How do you hire a doula? What questions should you ask a doula before you choose them as part of your birth team? Learn more about best practices in the doula field.

May 1-31 is International Doula Month. Do you know the benefits of using a doula at your birth? Find out what a doula can do for you! https://www.dona.org/what-is-a-doula/benefits-of-a-doula/

If you've had the support of a Birth Help doula, please share a comment.

Comfort Measures Class coming soon!

Are you interested in learning more about comfort measures in preparation for labor and birth? Birth Help offers a one-session class for couples, and there's an opening in the Monday, May 20 session.

Comfort Measures Class complements information taught in Natural Birth Series and is a great resource for couples needing extra practice or to learn how to manage labor and birth more comfortably. It's a class for first-time parents, those needing a refresher in labor coping skills, or couples wanting to expand their knowledge of comfort measures for labor and birth.

Class location: Birth Center of Baton Rouge, 277 Rue de la Vie

This one session three-hour class is dedicated to learning, practicing, and feeling more confident using practical tools and techniques such as:
Relaxation
Breathing techniques
Positions for effective laboring and birthing
Use of birth ball, birthing tub, rebozo and other tools
Massage, counter-pressure, and acupressure
Hands-on comfort measures
Managing back pain
Visualization, vocalizing, and movement

Are you interested in learning more about comfort measures in preparation for labor and birth? Birth Help offers a one-session class for couples, and there's an opening in the Monday, May 20 session.

Comfort Measures Class complements information taught in Natural Birth Series and is a great resource for couples needing extra practice or to learn how to manage labor and birth more comfortably. It's a class for first-time parents, those needing a refresher in labor coping skills, or couples wanting to expand their knowledge of comfort measures for labor and birth.

Class location: Birth Center of Baton Rouge, 277 Rue de la Vie

This one session three-hour class is dedicated to learning, practicing, and feeling more confident using practical tools and techniques such as:
Relaxation
Breathing techniques
Positions for effective laboring and birthing
Use of birth ball, birthing tub, rebozo and other tools
Massage, counter-pressure, and acupressure
Hands-on comfort measures
Managing back pain
Visualization, vocalizing, and movement

Penny Simkin has been a mentor almost my entire doula career. In 1994 it was an honor to apply for the certification program through Doulas of North America, when DONA was a new organization. The following year, attending one of the first training workshops in Florida as part of the program, Penny was the instructor. We all wanted to follow in her footsteps. Not long after, she personally made the phone call to let me know I had successfully completed the program as the 48th DONA-Certified Doula. Today, DONA has certified over 14,000 doulas.

Over the years I’ve read and recommended Penny’s books and still refer to her early research, “Just Another Day in a Woman’s Life”. She was always present while attending DONA conferences and often was a keynote speaker, quietly and lovingly sharing and encouraging us as we faced challenges.

Many years later, 2013, when the Birth Center of Baton Rouge’s staff, in preparation for serving clients, attended a 3-day training about working with survivors of sexual abuse, Penny Simkin and Ruth Ancheta were the trainers. They offered information, their combined wisdom about all things birth, and their sense of humor.

Since we were in the same hotel in San Diego, we had the opportunity to chat, usually during meals there. The picture is when we shared with Ruth and Penny the personal vision of the first birth center in Baton Rouge, and she offered to send a birth sling she created for the clients’ use. It’s the one still used today, so she feels a part of every birth when it’s utilized by birthing women.

Penny has been a leader, setting the bar high for being the best a doula can be, always remembering what she taught us so many years ago, “How will she remember this birth?” Penny will be missed, but she lives on through all of us who are (still) passionate about serving women during labor and birth, sometimes sitting quietly with women and sometimes actively nurturing, guiding, and educating them as they move through one of the life's most profound experiences.

Penny, you are missed.

Join us!

Thank you to all the vendors who've signed up to participate in our Birth Fair. We can't wait to showcase the diverse array of services to expecting families.

The Feeding Mom
Optimized Living Institute
Portia Witt
Maternal Love
Illuminate Natural Health
Resilient Chiropractic
Baton Rouge Perinatal Counseling, LLC
Birth Help
Synergy Stretch and Strength
Magnolia Lactation Consulting
Birthwise Doula
Birth Reform
Restoration Health Collective
Integrative Spine and Pelvic Health

This information is so important!

We encourage you to prepare yourself nutritionally throughout your pregnancy, not only for the work of growing a baby but also for the energy needed to birth your baby. Join us on Wednesday for our Enrichment Series.

Daphne Olivier, also known as The Unconventional Dietitian, designed a class to explore a diverse array of foods that can enrich your baby’s growth and foster their holistic development. Other topics include morning sickness, constipation, and swelling during pregnancy. Equip yourself with strategies for both your own and your baby’s wellness.

This Wednesday, October 4th at 6 pm
Join us at Birth Center of Baton Rouge
Free to BCBR Clients | $25 for Guests

During our labor with Rene’ and Ashton as our doulas, we had everything we needed and nothing we didn’t. Their care allowed my husband and I to be in the moment; their encouragement and direction allowed me to make decisions that were in my best interest and were based on my prior wishes. We could not have been in more capable hands.

"Excellent job! We learned a lot!. My partner and I knew that we longed for more coached 'practice', and this class was a wonderful resource to give the time necessary for mom and partner to refine those skills.”

Birth Help's Comfort Measures Class has an opening for the Monday, August 14 or Monday, August 21 sessions, 6-9 p.m. Registration required (http://www.birthhelp.com/natural-childbirth-classes-2).
This is a hands-on class for mom and partner and is great for building confidence on how to use a variety of techniques for moving through labor and birth in all settings.
Class location: Birth Center of Baton Rouge, 277 Rue de la Vie
This one session three-hour class is dedicated to learning, practicing, and feeling more confident using practical tools and techniques such as:
Creating a relaxing environment
Relaxation
Breathing techniques
Positions for effective laboring and birthing (comfort or progress)
Use of birth ball, birthing tub, rebozo and other tools
Massage, counter-pressure, and acupressure, hip squeeze, etc.
Hands-on comfort measures
Managing back pain
Visualization, vocalizing, and movement

Thanks for the review!

"I hired Rene’ to be my doula on the recommendation of the midwives at The Birth Center. I had no clue of the positive difference that decision would make during my labor. I was blessed to have Rene’, Chandler, and Ashton with me at different times throughout the process bc Rene’ had a class to teach for a couple hours. They were there with me through every moment. Childbirth threw me for a serious loop and challenged my belief of what I was capable of, but I truly believe that the calm confidence of the Birth Help team by my side is what gave me the reassurance I needed to keep going. It was like having a wise mother (Rene’), a tough yet loving big sister (Chandler), and a best friend (Ashton) in my corner the whole time. Especially if this is your first birth, I do not recommend doing it alone. Do yourself a favor and hire the Birth Help Team. It is 1000% worth the investment!"

Please remember to vote for Birth Help's classes. Thanks so much!

Please vote for Birth Help's childbirth classes, sometimes referred to as "birth center classes" and are well known to prepare couples for their best birth experience. Share with your Facebook friends!

Birth Help is nominated for BR PARENTS Family Favorites for best prenatal classes in Baton Rouge! Please support BH by voting via this link and going to "Mom and Baby". You can vote daily until August 15. Thank you for helping others in our community know about Birth Help's services.
https://www.brparents.com/2023-family-favorites/?utm_campaign=Family%20Favorites%202023&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=264746715&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--7jx3A05DjFJ_6dDwCAbjpheurnkrSzQGD_CX8M565NFq2Ih_xOTTw8WLKyEY2YfGvRPTSwd2bXD4WQNr67kti--Oc2g&utm_content=264746715&utm_source=hs_email #//

Please vote for Birth Help's childbirth classes, sometimes referred to as "birth center classes" and are well known to prepare couples for their best birth experience. Share with your Facebook friends!

Birth Help is nominated for BR PARENTS Family Favorites for best prenatal classes in Baton Rouge! Please support BH by voting via this link and going to "Mom and Baby". You can vote daily until August 15. Thank you for helping others in our community know about Birth Help's services.
https://www.brparents.com/2023-family-favorites/?utm_campaign=Family%20Favorites%202023&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=264746715&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--7jx3A05DjFJ_6dDwCAbjpheurnkrSzQGD_CX8M565NFq2Ih_xOTTw8WLKyEY2YfGvRPTSwd2bXD4WQNr67kti--Oc2g&utm_content=264746715&utm_source=hs_email #//

Let our community know about Birth Help's Natural Birth Series and Comfort Measures classes.

Please vote for Birth Help's childbirth classes, sometimes referred to as "birth center classes" and are well known to prepare couples for their best birth experience. Share with your Facebook friends!

Birth Help is nominated for BR PARENTS Family Favorites for best prenatal classes in Baton Rouge! Please support BH by voting via this link and going to "Mom and Baby". You can vote daily until August 15. Thank you for helping others in our community know about Birth Help's services.
https://www.brparents.com/2023-family-favorites/?utm_campaign=Family%20Favorites%202023&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=264746715&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--7jx3A05DjFJ_6dDwCAbjpheurnkrSzQGD_CX8M565NFq2Ih_xOTTw8WLKyEY2YfGvRPTSwd2bXD4WQNr67kti--Oc2g&utm_content=264746715&utm_source=hs_email #//

Vote for best prenatal classes!

Birth Help is nominated for BR PARENTS Family Favorites for best prenatal classes in Baton Rouge! Please support BH by voting via this link and going to "Mom and Baby". You can vote daily until August 15. Thank you for helping others in our community know about Birth Help's services.

https://www.brparents.com/2023-family-favorites/?utm_campaign=Family%20Favorites%202023&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=264746715&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--7jx3A05DjFJ_6dDwCAbjpheurnkrSzQGD_CX8M565NFq2Ih_xOTTw8WLKyEY2YfGvRPTSwd2bXD4WQNr67kti--Oc2g&utm_content=264746715&utm_source=hs_email #//

Birth Help is nominated for BR PARENTS Family Favorites for best prenatal classes in Baton Rouge! Please support BH by voting via this link and going to "Mom and Baby". You can vote daily until August 15. Thank you for helping others in our community know about Birth Help's services.

https://www.brparents.com/2023-family-favorites/?utm_campaign=Family%20Favorites%202023&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=264746715&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--7jx3A05DjFJ_6dDwCAbjpheurnkrSzQGD_CX8M565NFq2Ih_xOTTw8WLKyEY2YfGvRPTSwd2bXD4WQNr67kti--Oc2g&utm_content=264746715&utm_source=hs_email #//

Would you take a moment to support Birth Help?

Remember, you can nominate once daily until midnight on May 15! Thanks so much.

It's time for nominations for 2023 Family Favorites through Baton Rouge Parents magazine. Last year Birth Center of Baton Rouge's classes won first place. That means Birth Help also did, but was never named. Please go to https://www.brparents.com/2023-family-favorites/?utm_campaign=Family%20Favorites&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=254181880&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8n3x7YAANUo5vRrRkdgrvbRyNT4rsCmjq8SI75HOoag2cs7MhHkeGNIFbXwk7sqbf0gWXmCNCnrG6dAuOiQDEh_xO1uw&utm_content=254181880&utm_source=hs_email #// and nominate Birth Help for Prenatal and Postnatal Classes in the Mom and Baby area. You can enter once per day until May 15, then voting will begin.
Want to know what's even better? The more times you nominate, the more chances you have to win prizes, too! Help your favorites win and get a chance to win something, too.

Remember, you can nominate once daily until midnight on May 15! Thanks so much.

It's time for nominations for 2023 Family Favorites through Baton Rouge Parents magazine. Last year Birth Center of Baton Rouge's classes won first place. That means Birth Help also did, but was never named. Please go to https://www.brparents.com/2023-family-favorites/?utm_campaign=Family%20Favorites&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=254181880&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8n3x7YAANUo5vRrRkdgrvbRyNT4rsCmjq8SI75HOoag2cs7MhHkeGNIFbXwk7sqbf0gWXmCNCnrG6dAuOiQDEh_xO1uw&utm_content=254181880&utm_source=hs_email #// and nominate Birth Help for Prenatal and Postnatal Classes in the Mom and Baby area. You can enter once per day until May 15, then voting will begin.
Want to know what's even better? The more times you nominate, the more chances you have to win prizes, too! Help your favorites win and get a chance to win something, too.