Baby Bump Services

It’s been nearly a year since I’ve remembered to take a photo of my Confident Birthing class when we wrap a session. Can’t go back but I will be sure to from now on to record these happy faces so excited and eager to meet their babies! What a fun group of parents!

8 years! I learned today I've been teaching comfort measures and coping skills to nursing students at NNU for 8 years! I'm absolutely invested in nurses having the information, resources and skills to help laboring people as best they can while they juggle all their responsibilities. AND these nurses know that doulas are there because the laboring family hired them and the doulas working with the nurses complete the team!

Last night was the last class for this session of Confident Birthing! What a great group of parents! Like many cohorts, this group connected so well with each other - even meeting before class for dinner and conversation. As we wrapped up, I reminded them about the ongoing resources in their digital classroom and invited them to have a reunion once all the babies are born. Then I realized I could finally say “and I am not on call for births anymore so my chances of attending the reunion with you are 100%! Can’t wait!!!

Confident Birthing from the comfort of your own home, on your schedule.

Stopped by Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center Boise today and was reminded how lucky we are in the Treasure Valley to have these perinatal mental health providers for all families! Idaho Chapter- Postpartum Support International

Starting class 3 of Confident Birthing. Normal Physiologic birth and tonight we see all the places your pelvis can go!

“Literally loved every second of this training and can’t wait for this next step of my life.” Idaho now has six more birth doulas each at a unique place/stage of their life and bringing such insight and understanding. What a joy to get to know them and support their dreams!

Sure, feeling safe in labor does matter in birth. But without stability and mobility, the nervous system dictates how the joints open or remain closed.

Yes, stretching makes space - for a moment. But without laying down new neuro-pathways of movement, stretching is a just temporary shape shift.

In my new B4 Birth Cass expectant parents learn how to move to make make lasting change in both the brain and body. Moving meditations increase self awareness and lead to improved function and greater ease of movement.

Through intentional movement, you’ll create space for baby to move through the pelvis and minimize discomforts before and after delivery! Link for class in comments. #

I just opened Tuesday nights for the July-August Session of Confident Birthing - registration link in my bio.

This week is the last in-person class for the current series and is the birth rehearsal where we bring it all together.

It always feels like I am witnessing a room full of couples laboring together. It's that way every time - by the time we get to class 6, all the partners/dads are so present. committed and connected that I sometimes forget I am not actually at a birth.

You'd think it would be obvious, - we are in the classroom, but in each moment, when the "contraction” starts, I am transported to the birthing space. I watch them all carefully and find myself moving water bottles closer, adjusting pillows and whispering affirmations to both partners as I weave around the room - in between each couple - so deeply in their "couple bubble."

Maybe the Confident Birthing birth rehearsals will help me ease into the reality that I am no longer on call for births. 💜.

This past weekend, I taught the smallest birth doula workshop in Boise so far (two last minute cancellations meant just 4 participants) but it was kismet for sure. These four women are creating 2 doula partnerships! What's the likelihood of that? That made for a “specialized”training or point of view of sorts and it was a blast!

Doulas always work with back-up doulas (or should) but a partnership offers not only the peace of mind of knowing who the back-up doula is but also the opportunity to build a relationship with that person as well.

Two prenatal appointments can be done with each doula individually - allowing for connection for comfort but also the opportunity to get the unique knowledge, talent, experience and skill set of each!

Another perk is both your doulas can brainstorm with each other if necessary adding a fresh perspective if needed at any time.
And if your birth is a long one, you can be sure you have a well-rested doula available for you!

To say I had fun seeing all these babies and their moms was an understatement!
Thank you for asking me to come talk to their monthly Momma Circle.

We talked about how WE are our baby's environment and how we can create a responsive container with our arms to help the baby feel well supported.

Picking up and putting the baby down slowly from side-lying provides a three dimensional experience of rolling that they register through their inner ear and the mechanism involved in balance.

When we place them down slowly, letting them feel the side of their hips and torso they learn to anticipate and participate in the transition from being carried (being UP) to being placed on the ground or a surface (DOWN.)

We also talked about holding them in the horizontal plane often so their orientation to the space - their perception abilities are in relationship with their movement skills. When we do this - we meet them where they are - just as when we move OURSELVES to communicate with them where they are instead of bringing them into a vertical plane that their body isn't ready to support on its own.

And finally, I shared a little about how getting on the floor and mirroring their movements can be restorative to a parent's own body and mind. If that something you'd like to explore, let me know. I'll be teaching more Awareness Through Movement Classes starting in May!

Starting the celebration of waiting for my clients to arrive! What a lovely way to mark the first birth of my 28th year as a with a repeat client and with one of my favorite providers. 💗

I love when parents use music as one option in their comfort measures toolkit. Preparing a playlist is a great way to train for your labor and birth. I usually recommend starting early and using music from your playlist when you are relaxing, getting bodywork, meditating or, depending on the music, when you’re walking. I’ve now started suggesting clients/students play music for their playlist in the background when doing a SOMAttune lesson so when you use it in labor your physiologic response is a soothing one. “Randomized controlled trials have found that people report lower levels of pain when they’re listening to music during early labor. Music may also help lower your anxiety levels at during transition. In one study, 88% of people having unmedicated births said that music was at least partially effective in helping them to stay more comfortable.” Evidence Based Birth. I feel like I’ve heard everything and have certainly been introduced to great bands/artists through the wide range musical taste of my clients. I’ve complied a few lists and would love to add some new music. What did you listen to during your birth? #

It's hard to explain what I do in a SOMAttune session.

People always tilt their heads when I say "Feldenkrais" and their eyes begin to glaze over when I tell them it is 'Functional Integration'.

The truth is...what happens in one of my SOMAttune sessions depends on what you need. Are you hoping to get out of pain? Does your nervous system need restoration?
The line is thin between the two - when your nervous system finds the support it needs, it usually lets go of patterns of tension that create pain.

I work with mothers who need both - whether they are aware of that at the time or not, their nervous system needs someone to make space for them and hold it. That takes time and attention. Everything else must wait.

First, we let your bodymind know it is safe - by feeling support - from the table, from the floor and from my hands.

Then, I listen - first to your words, then to your body which also has a story to tell.

A conversation starts. You don't have to participate unless you want to - your body - your SOMA - and I are talking through movement and touch. Your embodied brain is listening and responding and I am doing the same.

And yes, it is much like when a parent holds their child - sometimes that baby is crying and needs to feel the arms of their caregiver to know they are safe so they can express what they are feeling. And just like a SOMAttune session, the parent must interpret the story that is told without words.

Are you tired? Are you hungry? No? Is there discomfort? Clearly, yes.
Do I need to know exactly what it is? No. Can I hold space for you to express it and let your nervous system calm itself? Yes. Do I trust that your innate wisdom will help you work out what it needs? Yes. Do you need me to help you get there? Yes?

I will gladly do just that.

Heat on your back during labor not only feels good but also helps the muscles of your low back release their grip and allow the bones of your pelvis to move and make room for your baby.
Hold the heat source (heated rice pack or electric pad) in place by placing it in a scarf (known to some as a rebozo) and you can move freely - following your intuition and your body's cues as to the next right position needed to let your baby through your pelvis!

Not everyone who takes my Confident Birthing class wants a natural birth and not everyone wants medication. In the first class I share that I am more invested in folks having a satisfying birth as they define it. Defining satisfying can only happen when you know your options. My personal definition is that folks are well informed, well prepared and well supported. All things Claire and Arley found for themselves in class and with the support of their doula and midwife. The next Confident Birthing session starts Jan 10 with room in the Tuesday night series.

It is not hyperbole.

For over 25 years, I've witnessed the range of care and treatment of mothers by their care providers. Never underestimate the power of intention or the influence of ignorance.

Never underestimate the experience of the motherbaby during this incredibly vulnerable time.
Bessel van der Kolk said: "Trauma is when we are not seen and known."

Maternity care leaves its mark on the people and the planet.

Mothers who are struggling, I see you. I know how hard it is - to be without enough sleep, to long for a break or at least a moment with no one touching you. I know what it is like to feel like you've lost yourself - and you miss her - that person you were. I know the thoughts that may be moving through your mind and how they may shock you. And how you never expected to feel that way.

I know you may have stood in the shower, perhaps with your baby on the floor of the bathroom because you simply can't wait any longer to wash your hair and even as you tell yourself that it's OK for your baby to cry for the 3 minutes you take to get clean - that you, too, may be crying and the water is washing your tears, along with shampoo down the drain.

I also know the holidays may make it feel worse - and social media may feed that feeling. It’s possible you are feeling and thinking things that are very unsettling to you and I wish more parents knew how common it is for new parents.. I want you to know you can feel all those uncomfortable feelings and love your baby deeply at the same time.
And I want you to know that even when it feels like it - you are not alone. I want you to know you can talk to someone.

These two websites include numbers to call and people to talk to who can help. Please reach out if you need help. Naming it is the first step in taming it.

https://postpartumstress.com

https://www.postpartum.net.

Limited Time Sale on the first 2023 Birth Doula Workshop. Now until January 5th
Link to Baby Bump Services Products in Bio

This client contacted me after experiencing so much postpartum hip pain she couldn't walk without pain and could not put her sock on or climb stairs on her right side.

I worked with her for 90 minutes. Near the end of our session, she hopped up to change her breast pad (times you're glad your bodyworker is a doula/childbirth educator/mother) and didn't realize she had walked across the room without pain until I mentioned it.
Once our session was over, we went to the stairs. I wish I had video-taped her face and her response when she climbed those stairs with no pain.

I just received this message from her and will see her again as soon as possible, and, in the meantime, I will provide her with lessons she can do at home to continue her body's self-organizing healing.

If you are having pain after your birth, don’t let someone tell you it is “normal.” Please contact me.

Want to have fun while preparing for your childbirth? Want to learn skills you'll use in your partnership and parenting as well as for the birth? Join us! We've added another Tuesday night class for the Jan-Feb session and registration has started for the Monday night March-April and May-June sessions! Book your spot now!

It’s Informed Choice week in Confident Birthing. Not only is it true that if you don’t know your options, you don’t really have any, it is also true that if you don’t know how to identify what you’re feeling, it is nearly impossible to know what you need. In this class, we explore the power of getting to our needs so parents are better able to communicate with health care providers but ALSO able to teach their children how to identify feelings and needs as well. Getting to the need gives big people and little people a way to understand what’s happening in their body (am I feeling angry, frustrated or sad?) and then connect the need (I need honesty, clarity or compassion.)

I was moved when the card arrived with messages from all the ISU nursing students in the class I taught last week but the flowers that arrived today were so thoughtful. I love teaching nurses and this group of ISU nursing students were so engaged and participated in all the comfort measures activities. It’s comforting to know these are the people who will care for you and your loved ones soon. 💜

Week 3 and 4 in Confident Birthing: starting with feeling your biotensegrity. We can make room for baby after we identify your body’s patterns/biases. I’ve done this in class - off and on - for years, but only now, with Feldenkrais, do I know for sure how your nervous system can find stability and mobility. Balancing with stretching and strengthening can absolutely help the birth go well. AND…there is a way the system finds support that is internal and lasting - movement that changes your brain as it changes your body. That is a place of support that you can return over and over.

Getting ready for round 2 of the nurses comfort and coping workshop . When a hospital values their nurses and provides training so patients are even better supported…those parents remember their births positively! ➕

Morning Altar #2 (see for #1)
I have spent most of the last 5 days with clients working through a very long prodromal labor. This was their second birth and it yearned to be a healing one.
This morning I looked at my little pile of garden treasures - things I used to pick up and throw into compost - and asked some questions:
What is worth saving? What holds beauty. shape and purpose?
What wonderful texture is there to acknowledge and celebrate?
What seeds are holding on - waiting to find soil that will welcome and nurture them into a new form?
What might I be able to hold gently so I do not disturb what it is capable of right now?
What new eyes can I see with now that others might not? What can I reimagine that I, too, used to dismiss and discard?
What clearing can I make for this creation to take shape and reveal itself? What canvas or backdrop will complement it most?
This was also my work as a doula since last weekend.
And the couples' creation took all our breath away.

This is the third time this year, the Monday night Confident Birthing Class sold out early! I just opened registration for a Tuesday night option for the July/August session.
The link for registration is in my bio through the rest of May.

In honor of Cesarean Awareness Month, I am offering my cesarean education video for free for the rest of the month.
This video was created for both parents and doulas so they can understand and be better prepared for the cesarean birth experience.
I hope you find it helpful!
Link to my vimeo page in bio.

Just wrapped up my second presentation on Physiologic Stress Responses and Polyvagal Theory to St Luke’s L&D nurses. When nurses can recognize and identify nuanced stress responses and help their patients regulate their nervous systems…is it possible there will be less birth trauma? I am so grateful to St Luke’s L&D nurses for their willingness to meet and match the moments we are in collectively. #