Bluegrass Doulas

As World Breastfeeding Week wraps up, we want to take a moment to celebrate the unique journey and all the hard work it entails 💖

We see the dedication and effort you put into feeding your little ones, in whatever way you can. Every drop of love counts!

What a beautiful cesarean birth! Doula Ashton was able to support this family in birth, including support IN the OR alongside MommaKT Shoots Katie Lacer.

Thank you to Woman Care Midwifery Services for always supporting families and our doulas! Thank you to the entire team yesterday for honoring this family’s birth story and including everyone in the OR. This is what true support looks like ❤️

We love these classes!
Birth Louisville is looking for a few more couples to join the Empowered Birth Series! Check out the link for more info and to register.

Empowered Birth - Birth Louisville Empowered Birth is a lamaze-inspired childbirth education class for pregnant mothers and their partners in Louisville, KY and Southern Indiana. Sign up now.

Do something nice for yourself and join doula Jaimie Johnson at Mokosh Holistic Massage for some prenatal yoga!

Everyone say hello to Naomi! 👋

We are so excited to welcome Naomi! Her fun sense of humor combined with her passion for supporting families is a great mixture for our team!

"Naomi lives in Southern Indiana with her husband and two children. Inspired by her own empowering birthing experiences, Naomi realized her passion for helping other families achieve similar positive experiences. This passion brought her to the professional side of the birthing world and she completed her birth doula certification through DONA International.

Naomi has seen how childbirth can empower families and seeks to positively shape the experiences of Kentuckiana families. She understands the invaluable nature of continuous support throughout the birthing process.
With a strong commitment to providing exceptional support, Naomi strives to be the same passionate advocate for your family that she is for her own. She brings exceptional communication skills, a keen listening ear, and a healthy sense of humor to her role as a doula.
In her free time, Naomi enjoys spending time with her husband and children, indulging in all things food, and going on cruises.”

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Next up… Meet Latoya! 👋

With Latoya’s extensive history in serving families in our community and desire to transform the lives of each of them, we know she will be an invaluable addition to our Postpartum Doula Team.

"Latoya has built an extensive career supporting families in Kentuckiana. She has spent 21 years working in childcare settings and has been a Professional Nanny for 11 years. Working with children of all ages and supporting families in all stages of parenthood has been her calling. This experience led to the natural progression of becoming a Postpartum Doula in 2021, to further support families in their earliest days together.

Inspired by Mary Poppins, Latoya admired how she not only cared for children but also transformed the lives of entire families. Specializing in making transitions as smooth as possible for growing families, Latoya's passion lies in easing the lives of parents and caregivers, enabling them to enjoy quality time with their children.

Many in Kentuckiana know Latoya as Louisville area’s nanny extraordinaire! She’s also the mom to her biggest love, an incredible 16 year old!

In her free time, Latoya loves to travel. She lives for adventure, good food, and fun with friends!"

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We’re working hard to meet the needs of our community and that means we continue to grow. We have quite a few new faces to introduce you to in the next few days and we couldn’t be more excited about it! This week we’re officially introducing FOUR new doulas to our team. They have been onboard for a bit and we are excited to finally introduce them! 😉

First up … A Huge, warm WELCOME BACK to Cari! Some of you may remember her from when she was with us before. She stepped away to have babies of her own and now we are so excited to have her back on our team! Her experience and desire to help our community is amazing.

“Cari has been a dedicated birth and postpartum doula since 2019. Her commitment to supporting families as they transition into parenthood is evident in her professional and academic endeavors as well in all aspects of her life. Her belief that there is nothing more special than watching people become parents is at the forefront of all she does.

Cari holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work with minors in sociology and psychology from IUS and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Health Administration and Organizational Leadership. She attended the International Doula Institute and has certification as both a birth and postpartum doula, as well as childbirth educator and lactation counseling.

Cari is passionate about supporting NICU families, a focus near to her heart since her first child was born premature. She has worked with the Norton Healthcare doula program since it’s inception. Her focus is on providing education to those with limited access and empowering the underserved to advocate for their healthcare.

Cari and her husband were married in 2018 and are the parents of three children. In their spare time, you can find them traveling, leading worship together at their church, or adventuring with their kids..”

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Jaimie shares baby Cade's beautiful birth story...

We love that Ashton was there to support her!

"I talked to my doula (and work partner), Ashton on the phone to help reassure me that we would not be having a baby in the car!"

Read the full post on the Tree of Life Family Birth Center's page.

🌸 Happy Mother's Day to all the incredible moms! 🌸

Today, we celebrate YOU and the beautiful journey of motherhood. Your strength, love, and dedication inspire us every day. Whether you're a new mom, a seasoned pro, or a mom-to-be, your love knows no bounds.

To our clients who have welcomed new life into the world, thank you for letting us be a part of your journey. Your trust means everything to us.

To our team of doulas, thank you for your unwavering support and care for moms and families. Your compassion makes all the difference.

To all the moms out there, may your day be filled with joy, love, and cherished moments. You are amazing, and you deserve to be celebrated today and every day. 💖

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The experience of welcoming a new life is an extraordinary adventure, but it can also bring so many changes to your body, especially your pelvic floor.

Incorporating things like yoga and pelvic floor exercises after childbirth can be incredibly beneficial for your postpartum recovery. These exercises can help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, support the recovery of your muscles, improve stability, core strength, and often improve bladder control.

It is important to note, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that women wait until they have had their postpartum checkup, usually around six weeks after giving birth, before starting an exercise program. Take it slow and listen to your body as you embark on this empowering journey. 💖

Remember, you're not alone in this. Reach out to your healthcare provider or a pelvic floor specialist for guidance and personalized exercises. One of our favorites is Melissa Ellis, owner of Momma Belly Fitness!

Let us know in the comments below, have you tried pelvic floor exercises?

Bringing a new life into the world is a miraculous journey but it can also bring changes to your body, especially your pelvic floor. These muscles stretch during pregnancy to accommodate your growing baby, and the added weight and pressure can lead to weakening of these muscles. While they're designed to bounce back, sometimes they need a little extra care.

After childbirth, a pelvic floor assessment can assess the strength, tone, and elasticity of your pelvic floor muscles. Often, these muscles may not fully recover on their own. Pelvic floor physical therapy can help with a number of concerns after having a baby, such as the coordination of the pelvic muscles, and aid in proper healing

One of our favorite local resources for a pelvic floor assessment and rehab is ProRehab, formerly Dunn Physical Therapy.

Your body has been through a lot, so be kind to yourself and listen to its needs. Remember, you're not alone in this. Take it slow, listen to your body, and prioritize your pelvic floor health.

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Exploring alternative and complementary therapies during pregnancy and postpartum is important for your health as they offer holistic approaches that can complement traditional medical care.

These therapies focus on the whole person, addressing physical, emotional, and mental well-being. They can help alleviate common discomforts such as back pain, nausea, and stress, promoting a more comfortable pregnancy and smoother postpartum recovery.

From acupuncture to chiropractic care, these holistic approaches can support your well-being through this transformative journey.

Additionally, these therapies can enhance relaxation, reduce anxiety, and improve overall mental health, which are crucial aspects of maternal well-being. By incorporating alternative therapies into your care plan, you can nurture your health and enjoy a more balanced and positive pregnancy and postpartum experience.

Learn more about these therapies and how they can benefit you in this insightful article from The Educated Birth:
https://bit.ly/4dxb8hN

If you used any of these complementary therapies during your journey, let us know and tag them below. ⬇

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👩 Happy National Nurses Day! 👨

Today, we honor and celebrate the incredible nurses who work tirelessly to care for families every single day. Your dedication, compassion, and expertise make a world of difference in the lives of those you serve.

To all the labor and delivery nurses, postpartum nurses, NICU nurses, and all nurses everywhere, thank you for your unwavering support, kindness, and dedication to ensuring safe and healthy births.

As doulas, we deeply appreciate the partnership and collaboration we share with nurses in providing holistic care for expectant and new moms. Together, we make a powerful team, empowering and supporting families through every step of their journey.

To all the nurses out there, thank you for your hard work, compassion, and dedication. You are true heroes, and we are incredibly grateful for everything you do. 💙

If you have a special Nurse you'd like to recognize, tag them in the comments below!

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You may have heard the term, but have wondered, what does a Postpartum Doula do?

1️⃣ Feed and Soothe
2️⃣ Household Chores & Sibling Care
3️⃣ Educational & Emotional Support

As a support for the family who is getting back into a routine with the newest addition, a postpartum doula's primary role is to assist parents with nighttime feedings, diaper changes, and soothing the baby back to sleep, allowing parents to get much-needed rest. Their goal is to support the family during the early weeks or months of the baby's life, ensuring that everyone gets the rest and care they need.

You don’t have to do this on your own. If you’ve never done this before, you can’t expect to be a pro in the first few days. If you have done it before and now you are navigating a toddler at the same time, go easy on yourself. It’s a huge adjustment. But, with the support of an expert from Bluegrass Doulas, you’ll be amazed at how quickly the new routines associated with being the parents of a newborn catch on. View more about this service on our website: bluegrassdoulas.com/postpartum

Share with someone who is in need of a postpartum doula or share your experience as a new parent below 🔽

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The first few weeks after giving birth can indeed feel like a whirlwind. It's a time filled with intense emotions, physical recovery, and adjusting to life with a new baby. Here are some helpful tips to ensure you're taking care of yourself during this transformative period:

1. Rest as much as possible: Your body needs time to recover from childbirth. Try to nap when your baby sleeps and accept help from family and friends with household chores.

2. Eat nutritious meals & stay hydrated: Your body needs extra nutrients to recover and produce breast milk if you're nursing. Aim for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

3. Connect with other new parents: Joining a new parent group or online community can provide much-needed support and camaraderie.

4. Accept help: Don't hesitate to ask for or accept help from others. Whether it's help with cooking, cleaning, or caring for the baby, allowing others to assist can alleviate some of the stress.

5. Take care of your mental health: The postpartum period can be emotionally challenging. Be open about your feelings with your partner, friends, or a mental health professional if needed.

Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish—it's essential for your well-being and your ability to care for your new baby.

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Did you know? Most first-time birthing people give birth after their due date!

This delay can be due to various factors, such as the natural variation in the length of pregnancy, the accuracy of the due date calculation, and the readiness of the baby.

While it's natural to feel anxious as your due date approaches, it's important to trust your body's natural process. Your baby will come when they're ready. Try to embrace this extra time as an opportunity to prepare and relax before the big day arrives.

Tag a parent-to-be who can relate or share your due date story below!

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Here we Grow Again!

We hate having to turn away families who are wanting to hire us for their birthing needs, so here we grow again! We’re looking for established birth doulas in our community. Doula will be joining an existing doula partnership and needs to be available for births beginning August 2024.

Requirements:
- Excited to work under the Bluegrass Doulas Brand, while expanding your own birth expertise.
- Preferred: 1 year experience working as a birth doula, supporting at least 5 births.
- Great communication and collaboration skills. Must be timely and accessible when in communication with doula partner and clients.
- Have a desire to work in a team and within a partnership model.
- Highly motivated and possess a strong ability to stay organized and plan ahead.
- Experienced birth doula is a plus, but open to doula who has been trained.
- Spanish speaking doula is a plus.

Must send resume, letter of intent, why you want to work with us etc to [email protected]

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There is nothing like the grip of tiny little fingers 💙

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Curious about birthing positions?

In the movies, most depict birthing positions such as back-lying or semi-sitting in bed. But there are so many more that offer benefits to both laboring parent and baby. Check out this insightful blog post from !

▶ The side-lying position is a great option for labor and birth. It can help improve blood flow to the baby and reduce the risk of tearing.

▶ When in upright positions like kneeling or hands and knees, weight is taken off the sacrum. This can relieve back pain and create more flexibility in the pelvis. More flexibility = more room for baby!

Read More:
https://evidencebasedbirth.com/evidence-birthing-positions/

Have you tried any of these positions? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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Postpartum Doulas provide invaluable support during the critical early weeks and months after birth, offering practical help and emotional guidance. We assist with newborn care, including feeding and soothing techniques, as well as provide education on infant care and development. We also offer support to parents, helping them navigate the physical and emotional challenges of the postpartum period. Whether it's helping with household chores, providing a listening ear, or offering evidence-based advice, a postpartum doula can make the transition to parenthood smoother and more enjoyable.

Here are 5 ways Bluegrass Doulas can help postpartum:

1. Sleep - Doulas are there to care for you and help make sure you have a chance to rest (we even do nightshifts).

2. Household support. - A pair of extra hands to help make sure you have time to eat a meal and shower in peace makes a huge difference and you feel pulled in so many directions with a new baby.

3. To help you with your Breastfeeding goals. -Establishing a successful feeding relationship is a challenge and postpartum doulas are trained to help provide support

4. Recovery - Providing assurance and assistance as you physically recover can help you focus on emotional attachment to your new little one.

5. Family assistance - A doula is there to support the needs of the entire family and help alleviate pressure off of new parents.

Our goal is to support you as a new parent through the struggles so that you can focus on bonding with your new little one.

Read More Here:
https://bit.ly/3Poy4pf

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Having a Spring Break Staycation? Check out these great ideas for free things to do around Lousiville from
https://bit.ly/3VjwKHG

What are some of your favorite kid friendly places to visit in the Kentuckiana area?

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🐰🌷 Happy Easter to every bunny out there! 🌟 May your day be filled with egg-citement, chocolatey treats, and lots of cuddles. 🐇 #502

We are so thankful for our clients! We love being a part of their birth experience. 💞

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🐰🌼 Planning your baby's Easter basket? It can be tricky to find non-candy items that are safe and fun! Under 1 can still be fun! Here are 5 ideas to fill their basket with joy:

1️⃣ Mirror - Perfect for baby's curiosity and self-discovery.
2️⃣ Sensory blocks/balls - Engaging textures and colors for sensory development.
3️⃣ Wooden musical toys - Introduce them to the world of music in a safe way.
4️⃣ Play tunnel - Encourage crawling and exploration.
5️⃣ Stacking cups - Great for learning coordination and creativity.

Check out these ideas and make this Easter special for your little one! 🌷🐣

Looking for more ideas that are NOT candy related? Check out our comprehensive list of gift ideas on our blog, Link in bio!

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Did you know we offer both Birth Doula and Postpartum Doula services?

As experts in building confidence and preparing families for parenthood, we believe that unbiased support is crucial to the process. When you engage our services for labor and or postpartum support you can be sure that your wishes are our desires. No agenda. No pre-conceived ideas about what birth and parenting should be.

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We see you.

How is it that a 7 pound tiny person can cause us to second guess our abilities and make us feel completely incompetent?

Trust us, you are not alone. You don’t have to do this on your own. If you’ve never done this before, you can’t expect to be a pro in the first few days. If you have done it before and now you are navigating a toddler at the same time, go easy on yourself. It’s a huge adjustment.

But, with the support of an expert from Bluegrass Doulas, you’ll be amazed at how quickly the new routines associated with being the parents of a newborn catch on.

Our Postpartum doula team is top notch and can be with you every step of the way. Send us a DM to learn more about this service and if it would be a fit for your family. We are looking forward to connecting!


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Today we got to spend with some of our team for the virtual conference. It solidified how well we work together and how much we feed off each other. It was a great way to celebrate this career!

In honor of World Doula Day - Please share a story or a comment to celebrate your doula below!

Kate and Rebecca have found the secret to attending virtual conferences. Renting a cute local Airbnb and running away together for 3 days may have been the best idea we’ve ever had. We filled our days with lots of learning, ordered ALL the yummy foods, enjoyed sunshine on the patio (with Rebecca’s new bff), hot tub soaks, card games, and late night chats. LamazeLive 2024 was a success!

In 9 years as business partners, we’ve only had dedicated time together like this 3 times. It was exactly what we needed to refresh, dream, and grow together!

Now we can’t wait for Friday…we get to recreate some of this fun with our birth doula teams for the Evidence Based Birth virtual conference!

What's something unexpected you learned during your pregnancy or early parenthood journey? Comment below!

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