Bearing Beside Doula Services LLC

Because of the potential rain, we will move to a private location. Please DM for the address.

Becoming a parent is a monumental transition in our lives, and we know it takes community (ie a village) to thrive! If you are looking to connect with other new parents or parents of new little ones, join us!

ID: Postpartum In The Park is written large and bold just above and to the left of center. Underneath the main heading it says "Postpartum in the Park is a support group for Postpartum Families. We envision this group being a collective of parents with new babies that prioritizes rest, has discussions, and offers general support to one another. It lists three dates: 20 July 2024 at 10:30 AM - 12 PM, 17 Aug. 2024 at 10:30 AM - 12 PM, 14 Sept. 2024 at 10:30 AM - 12 PM. 1480 Girard St. Akron OH. For more information: [email protected] or [email protected] visit our Facebook group page. There is a QR code in the bottom right for the page.

Here is the truth, white supremacy and its tactics (paternalism, hierarchy, professionalism, and so many more) harms everyone. If the proposed rules for Ohio Doulas by the Board of Nursing are passed, everyone will be harmed. Unsurprisingly, Ohio is trying to hide all the harm behind the premise of expanding doula access by reimbursing "approved" doulas through Medicaid. Thank you to for bringing awareness to these issues and to for putting together a joint signed letter to the Board of Nursing.

The images are on a navy background with cream lettering. First image: My comments to the Board of Nursing on their proposed rules for Doulas in Ohio. Second image: The proposed rules will punish Black, Indigenous, and Doulas of Color. These rules follow historical patterns from the medical system in the USA which have targeted and harmed Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. The main historical pattern is the Sheppard-Towner Act that was utilized to try to eradicate Black Midwives. Third image: Doulas are not medical providers, so the field should not be regulated by the Board of Nurses. Evidence continues to show that doulas provide an abundance of benefits, but these rules and regulations act as if doulas are the cause of the harm in our medical system. Fourth Image: It is vital to expand access to doulas, but you can't use oppressive systemic tactics to provide liberating care. These bureaucratic rules are paternalistic and strip birthing people of their autonomy in who supports them through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. We must think creatively on how to honor birthing families in their autonomy, while also honoring birth workers and valuing their work at acceptable wages.

🗳️ BIRTHWORK IS POLITICAL 🗳️

Issue 1 is about body autonomy and access to health care. When health care is restricted because of politics, we lose. We lose the ability to make the right choices for our health and body; we lose access to life saving care; and we lose in making advances in maternal and infant mortality rates.

I believe:
🗳️Every person has the right to make choices about their body.
🗳️Bodily Autonomy is directly linked to birth autonomy.

Voting yes on issue one in this election brings us closer to our rights of bodily autonomy.

ID: Vote yes on Issue 1 is on the top right of the image. In the middle is a picture of 4 people in line facing a sign that says vote here. In the bottom left it says Vote today!

👶 JOIN US FOR A JOYFUL CELEBRATION! 👶

You're cordially invited to our FREE Community Baby Shower in Akron! 🎉

Date: Monday, November 13th, 2023
Time: 1pm-7pm
Location:  Firestone Park Community Center, 1480 Girard St, Akron

This heartwarming event is all about coming together as a community to support birthing and recently postpartum families. Organized by a passionate team of birth and postpartum doulas, we're hosting a day filled with love, laughter, and generosity.

🌟 HOW TO PARTICIPATE:

1. Mark your calendar and save the date!

2. Gather new and gently used items to donate: baby clothes, baby linens, baby gear/equipment, feeding supplies, diapers, and postpartum essentials.

3. DM me to coordinate pickup/dropoff of donations or drop them off at  in Brecksville.

4. Please share this post. We want this event to be as successful as possible, and we need your help to reach more people.

5. Bring your beautiful spirit to the event!

Let's create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for families who deserve our support. You and your donations will make a meaningful difference in their lives.

Spread the word, bring a friend, and let's make this baby shower an unforgettable experience! See you there! 

ID 1: An announcement of a community baby shower in Akron on November 13, 2023 from 1pm-7pm. Hosted by Akron area Birth and Postpartum Doulas at Firestone Community Center.
ID 2: Asks for donations of new and gently used items to donate: baby clothes, baby linens, baby gear/equipment, feeding supplies, diapers, and postpartum essentials.

Below is a letter template you can copy and send to your Rep and senators .

I am writing to you to voice my need as your constituent.

What Hamas carried out against innocent civilians is terrorism, but we cannot be participants in a genocide. The response and language of the Israeli government is that they intend to carry out a genocide. It has already started with the shelling. Over 2600 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli shelling and operations since Oct. 7. Over 700 of those killed are children and babies. We were rightly told to be outraged by the killing of Israeli babies, and we must be outraged at the killing of Palestinian babies.

Demand a ceasefire. Demand that humanitarian aid can enter to Gaza. Demand that Palestinians can leave and be given aid. Demand that the electricity, food, and water be given. Demand that the siege end. Demand that the apartheid ends.

We should not be able to travel the world and have our leaders claim that we respect international law and that's what makes us different. Supporting the actions of the Israeli governments response and apartheid is not respecting or following international law.

War crimes are not the answer or response to war crimes. If we continue with our support: verbally, financially, and via weapons and military, we are more than complicit in genocide, we are the actors.

Now feels scary. The tension is in our bodies. The sadness can be overwhelming. Our brains want to make sort the complexities into neat categories so we can process, but life doesn't fall into neat little boxes.

I'm so thankful for some good friends who I was able to collectively hold space with and process through what is happening for Palestinians and Israelis.

Murdering, torturing, kidnapping, harassing, surveilling, starving, and sexually violating civilians: babies, children, women, men, the elderly (every category) violates humanity and dignity and is against international law.

Terrorism is used by governments, militaries, organizations, and religions. It violates everyone's humanity and dignity. It's against international law.

Apartheid is terrorism. It is against international law.

Siege of places that includes civilians is against international law.

White supremacy limits our imagination in creating peaceful solutions.

I hope that those who are grieving receive support.

I hope that those with immense power will stop the genocide that is about to unfold.

I hope we can co-create a liberated world that honors all of our humanity.

CO-CREATE A JOYFUL COMMUNITY EVENT WiTH US

Preparations are underway for our FREE Community Baby Shower in Akron!

This heartwarming event is all about coming together as a community to support birthing and recently postpartum families. Organized by a passionate team of birth and postpartum doulas, we're hosting a day filled with support and generosity.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
1. Gather new and gently used items to donate: baby clothes, baby linens, baby gear/equipment, feeding supplies, diapers, and postpartum essentials
2.Message me to arrange pick-up/drop-off of items.
3.Stayed connected for the date so you can attend and bring your friends.

Let's create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for families who deserve our support. Your presence and contributions will make a meaningful difference.
Spread the word, bring a friend, and let's make this baby shower an unforgettable experience! See you there!

ID 1: An announcement of a community baby shower in Akron in November 2023. Day TBD. Hosted by Akron area Birth and Postpartum Doulas at Firestone Community Center.
ID 2: Asks for donations of new and gently used items to donate: baby clothes, baby linens, baby gear/equipment, feeding supplies, diapers, and postpartum essentials.

New Offering:

Nourish Your Nest: Less Stress, More Rest Before Meeting Baby Nesting Session

Select 4-8 hours for your specific nesting needs.

Offerings:
👩🏻‍🍳 Cook Meals
🧹 Cleaning & Laundry
🍼 Assemble, Prepare, and Organize baby items and nursery.

$30/ hour

To Celebrate Kaylani being 3 months old, use nesting2023 from today through Sept 15 for $20 off.

🌟Contact Bethany through the Link in bio🌟

ID: Nourish Your Nest Less Stress, More Rest Before Meeting Baby Nesting Session is written in the center of the image. "Hello baby" is in the top left. A banner spelling love is in the top right. At the bottom center is "Bearing Beside Doula Services". All font is in navy and on a cream background.

Update your contact list! Bearing Beside Doula Services can now be reached by call or text at (234) 206-1510. If you used our old number, please update your contact with the new number.

ID: In the middle of the post it says "Bearing Beside Doula Services' new number (234)-206-1510 in white font on a dusty rose background.

🗳️ BIRTHWORK IS POLITICAL 🗳️

Today's special election will directly affect your ability to exercise bodily autonomy.

I believe:
🗳️Every person has the right to make choices about their body.
🗳️Bodily Autonomy is directly linked to birth autonomy.

Voting No in today's special election brings us closer to our rights of bodily autonomy.

ID: Vote No on Issue 1 is on the top right of the image. In the middle is a picture of 4 people in line facing a sign that says vote here. In the bottom left it says Vote today!

🍑Cloth Diapering on the go. 🍑 Bonus is it's made easy if you are bodyfeeding/breastfeeding your baby.

Because Kaylani is exclusively fed my milk, I don't have to rinse her dirty diapers. They go straight into an open wet bag (helps make it not smell) and then straight into the washer.

What I carry with me:
🍑Wet bag
🍑Extra Newborn covers (1-2)
🍑Folded inserts
🍑Peri bottle (to wet the wipes)
🍑Flannel reusable wipes

ID: In the center of the post is a picture with a baby torso down showing their cloth diaper on the right, the clean cloth diaper and trifold insert in the center, and wet bag on the left. Above the clean diaper is 2 flannel reusable wipes and a peri bottle. Everything is laid on top of a beach towel. Above the picture it says Fluff Butts. Below the picture it says Cloth Diapering on the go.

Happy World Bodyfeeding and Breastfeeding Week!

Congratulations to all the parents who have been able to feed their babies human milk. That includes using donor milk, pumping, nursing, combo feeding and exclusive feeding!

Feeding babies has a complex history and has many systems of oppressions that have at times in history and currently have decreased the number of babies who receive human milk.

Bearing Beside Doula Services supports clients in their efforts to bodyfeed/breastfeed. Currently I am working on completing a certification as a Lactation Support and Educator. I'll be sharing more about this in the coming months.

🎉 Share in the comments a proud moment you have from bodyfeeding/breastfeeding 🎉

ID: Bearing Beside Doula Services supports and celebrates World Bodyfeeding and Breastfeeding Week August 1st - 7th is in the middle. On the top left is a picture of a person using a pump. The top right is a person leaning on their right elbow while nursing a baby. The bottom right has an image of a person nursing in a side-lying position. On the bottom left is a person cradling their nursing baby.

🗓️ Availability announcement! 🗓️

I'm coming back from Maternity Leave in August. I'm offering daytime postpartum support and in home CPR classes (American Red Cross certification).

For Aug, Sept., and Oct. I have 60 hours available per month. For Nov., I have 50 hours available, and for Dec. I have 40 hours available.

ID: Daytime Postpartum Support is across the top center. On the lower left, it has Aug - 60 hours, Sept. - 60 hours, Oct.- 60 hours, Nov - 50 hours, and Dec.- 40 hours. On the lower right is an image of two women looking at each other pushing a baby in a stroller. The background is rose colored and the font is navy.

Kaylani and I had a very helpful lactation visit with Anne from . Kaylani has been gaining well and has great diapers but usually at the beginning of nursing there is pinching. I got very helpful feedback and small adjustments for a deeper latch and will be looking into bodywork for Kaylani.
we did a weighted feed. Kaylani is now 10 lbs.
did adjustments with the latch and discussed latching and different positions.
Anne did an oral assessment on Kaylani.
Measured for fl**ge size with pumping.
Got a referral for bodywork.

33 weeks today! A few things I'm doing differently this pregnancy:

I've worked on embodiment through the years and I'm more in tune with my body and with baby 💜 I felt when baby moved head down and have been very aware of baby's position and movements.
I hired a doula 💜
I am a lot more consistent with gentle movement/yoga this pregnancy.
I started Pelvic Floor Therapy, and it's a good accountability to be doing stretches and preparation.
I have regular chiropractic appointments.

ID: A side view Bethany in the living room. Her right hand is below her baby bump and her left hand is on her lower back. She is smiling, has shoulder length brown hair, is wearing a black t-shirt, and dark grey leggings.

Advocacy during preventative screening tests:

🤰🏻At 28 weeks and 2 days, I took my glucose test.
👩🏼‍⚕️Around or prior to 20 weeks, I had an in-depth conversation with my OB about taking the fresh test. This was an easy conversation because although she wasn't familiar with the test, she was open to it. I looked up the info and messaged it to my OB for her to look into. She okayed it.
Prior to me going to the lab, my dr called and left them a message about the approval. However, I don't know if they ever listened to it. When I spoke to the lab tech, she never heard of it and asked her supervisor who said, "absolutely not!" I responded that this was the test my OB had ordered for me (and I was prepared to refuse doing the test if they wouldn't agree. They called their supervisor, who called someone else (not my OB) and then said okay we just have to put it in the notes.
🤰🏻Advocacy tips🤰🏻
1 talk early with your provider:
Have questions prepared for why they would prefer the standard test vs this one (really the science is about the quantity of sugar you consume in a set time frame)
2. Be prepared with having conversations that might start out with initial resistance (your care is probably in a set system and the people you talk to are likely going to have to get approval from someone else)

Pregnancy Reality

I've had heartburn since the first few weeks of pregnancy. My heartburn has turned into a cough, and that cough makes me gag at times and almost throw up 😩 Did you know coughs from heartburn is a thing? I actually had this in my other pregnancy but it was never explained that it was from my heartburn.

Today I'm starting Pepcid and hoping that will reduce the coughing.

[ID: a picture of a medicine bottle. The label reads "Femotidine 20 mg Tab Tav Qty:60 3.00 refills of 60 until 11/18/23]

🎉Big Announcement and changes for 2023🎉

Baby Kanneh #3 is joining the family a little sooner than expected this May/June. We are at 14 weeks, so they say baby is the size of an orange 🤰🏻

I'm going to be focusing on Postpartum Support (primarily day time) for this spring until I need to focus on birth and recovery.

I'm also offering pregnancy and birth coaching sessions to help others prepare for their littles.

I'll be making posts and my newsletter will focus on my own pregnancy and birth prep.

ID: Bethany and her husband smiling and standing next to each other on the steps of the front porch. Bethany is holding an orange. Both are wearing farwas and you can see Bethany's jeans and red sweater.

On Saturday baby made his way earth-side after a fast labor (about 5 hours). Part of this family's prep was hypnobirthing which mama found very helpful in staying connected to her breath and working through the contractions. She arrived at the hospital fully dilated. It was a little later than they had meant, but it was meant to be. 46 minutes later mama pushed baby out in hands and knees and dad got to announce "It's a boy!"

The transition to parenthood and nursing has been going well. Everyone is being patient with the learning and getting a hang of the new skills. Congratulations family!

3 weeks ago baby made her way earth-side after a longer labor but continual progress. It was a joy working with this family. We had many conversations and prenatals and really got to know each other. The family has been transitioning into parenthood and nursing. They have a lot of great family support too.

One month ago baby made his way earth-side after a positive induction and 3 pushes. This little fella was 9lbs 5.2oz. The family has been happily transitioning to a family of 4 and big sister and pretty happy with her baby brother.

What I loved about working with this family is they were very clear about the advocacy they wanted. Even though we only knew each other for a month prior to the birth, our prenatals focused on advocacy and the rolls we would all play. At the day of the labor, we worked together to get conversations going with the staff and overall the family thought this birth was completely different from their first and they said it was the advocacy that made the difference.

Saturday morning baby made her way earth-side after 52 hours of labor. This birth was supported in collaboration with . Mama and baby are spending a lot of time skin-to-skin and getting nursing established. We look forward to continuing to support and encourage this new family.

Read the full testimonial 👇🏼

"I learned a great deal from Bethany about different techniques for taking care of the baby and also great tips for supporting my partner."

ID: Client Testimonial is written in large green font at the top center. Under that it says "Dylan - first time dad". Below is his review "I learned a great deal from Bethany about different techniques for taking care of the baby and also great tips for supporting my partner." Under the review on the right side it says "Postpartum Support". At the bottom it has the Instagram handle and the website. The logo is at the top left of the post.

Read the full testimonial 👇🏼

"Bethany was incredibly friendly and supportive. Having another person there experienced with the most recent birthing practices during our child's birth freed me up to focus on my partner. That was invaluable to me."

ID: Client Testimonial is written in large green font at the top center. Under that it says "Drew - first time dad". Below is his review "Bethany was incredibly friendly and supportive. Having another person there experienced with the most recent birthing practices during our child's birth freed me up to focus on my partner. That was invaluable to me.." Under the review on the right side it says "Birth & Postpartum Support". At the bottom it has the Instagram handle and the website. The logo is at the top left of the post.

Read the full testimonial 👇🏼

"I'm so glad Bethany was our doula. She was attentive, caring, supportive, and did a lot of research and answering questions. She was crucial in helping me have the labor/birth I wanted. My only wish is that I booked way more postpartum visits because the days when she came by were 1000x easier."

ID: Client Testimonial is written in large green font at the top center. Under that it says "Heather - first time mom". Below is her review "She was crucial in helping me have the labor/birth I wanted. My only wish is that I booked way more postpartum visits because the days when she came by were 1000x easier." Under the review on the right side it says "Birth & Postpartum Support". At the bottom it has the Instagram handle and the website. The logo is at the top left of the post.

Read the full testimonial 👇🏼

"Doulas weren't something on my radar before my wife's pregnancy experience so I didn't know what the point was - until I met Bethany and saw how supported my wife was during their interactions. Once it was go time and my wife was in labor, Bethany offered priceless support and even contributed to my wife and child still being alive as the hospital staff were problematic. During the labor and delivery process Bethany was great at offering moments for my wife and I to check in with each other to make sure I was offering the type of support and engagement my wife desired which helped me be more comfortable since it was our first birthing experience. I otherwose would probably have felt unsure of how to be supportive and unaware of how I could check in with my wife without distracting her as she focused on bringing our daughter safely into the world."

ID: Client Testimonial is written in large green font at the top center. Under that it says "Nate - first time dad". Below is her review "During the labor and delivery process Bethany was great at offering moments for my wife and I to check in with each other to make sure I was offering the type of support and engagement my wife desired which helped me be more comfortable since it was our first birthing experience." Under the review on the right side it says "Birth Support". At the bottom it has the Instagram handle and the website. The logo is at the top left of the post.

Sunday afternoon baby made his way earth-side. Everyone was a great team. It was really great to see how we all (husband, med staff, and me) worked together to support Mama. Mama was laboring really well, had a perfect epidural, and was feeling motivated and strong to have baby. A situation came up and the team had detailed conversations about the options. Mama was supported and made the decision to birth baby by cesarean.

Baby was welcomed and adored by dad and then had skin to skin and nursed really well once mama was feeling a bit better in recovery. Baby and mama are on their healing journey and have a lot of support and great care. We can't wait to see how baby grows and this wonderful family comes together.

Read the full testimonial 👇🏼

"It mattered so much to me that my daughter arrive into the world surrounded in love, joy, and community. Receiving support from Bethany during our prenatal, labor and delivery, and postnatal journey provided my daughter the opportunity to not only arrive into the world with love, joy, and community but also receive that support before and after her birth. Bethany supported me in having the intuitive and embodied birth that I desired to have, especially when hospital staff were trying to force aggressive interventions on me within moments of arriving at the hospital. Bethany helped me advocate for myself until my actual doctor was able to get there and address the problematic hospital staff. All in all, deciding to receive support from Bethany was the greatest decision I could have made for our family. I recommend Bethany to any birther who wants to be seen, believed, and supported in their prenatal, birthing, and postnatal experience."

ID: Client Testimonial is written in large green font at the top center. Under that it says "Lori - first time mom". Below is her review "Receiving support from Bethany during our prenatal, labor and delivery, and postnatal journey provided my daughter the opportunity to not only arrive into the world with love, joy, and community but also receive that support before and after her birth. Bethany supported me in having the intuitive and embodied birth that I desired to have..." Under the review on the right side it says "Birth Support". At the bottom it has the Instagram handle and the website. The logo is at the top left of the post.