There are specific herbs which are especially helpful in improving overall health and wellness during pregnancy. Some Mums grow or gather themselves, but if this is too overwhelming, there are many lovely apothecaries within the Seattle area where you can easily seek out and purchase at minimal cost. There are varying ways to incorporate herbal medicine within your daily ritual, the most popular being tea, or an herbal infusion.

Through regular use, you have the ability to increase the supply of necessary minerals and vitamins, find more energy throughout the day, and strengthen your uterus.

Let’s explore the most effective and supportive herbs to utilize during this most sacred year…

There are a lot of feelings when it comes to cesarean birth. Which you will never hear us referring to as a C-section. The word itself carries so much weight. We prefer C-birth or cesarean birth. Meat is sectioned by a butcher; you birth your baby. The way that we say things has a profound impact on how we view them. We hold a lot of ideas and old conditioning around cesarean birth in our culture. How we speak about birth, what we are saying, is huge.

A cesarean birth is when an incision is made to the lower abdomen and uterus to deliver a baby/babies surgically. Cesarean birth is still a birth. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. It takes massive bravery to lay down you’re your body to be cut open to deliver your baby safely into this world. That is courageous.

When a mother chooses minimalism, the storm of options is hushed. Your life is simplified. Quiet. You can focus on the most important things: your well-being and taking care of your family. I really, truly do believe that minimalism was meant for mothers. That simplifying, purging, and cleaning out makes life so much easier, and will bring more joy than any "thing" ever could.

It has been awhile since I checked in, but tis the life of a busy Birth Doula Mama. It feels really good to be diving back into the birth blogging world, and growing my brain in preparation for all of the winter and spring babies on their way in chilly Seattle…

I receive texts on the daily from parents-- I am officially done being pregnant, what are some things that we can do to get things moving?! Once you hit full-term, each day can become increasingly uncomfortable. Between backache, swollen fingers and feet, the waddling, and the outrageous effort it takes to simply change positions on the couch, late pregnancy can be tough. Along with the overwhelming desire to meet the next love of your life, this combination can make for one restless and frustrated parent.

I have connected with several families recently, who all have a very similar story. Their sister, cousin, teacher or friend had the support of a Doula through their birth and postpartum journies, and every person stated that it was “seriously THE best decision we could have ever made for our family.”

I am beginning to pick up on this phrase the more I immerse myself in birth and postpartum work.

Last week, I supported the sweetest little family in bringing their strong, beautiful babe earthside. After baby arrived, Dad was talking to our Midwife, and spoke these title words, and I stopped and asked him “what made your experience so dramatically different the second time around?” Here is what he said…

I attended a beautiful parenting workshop a few weekends ago, where I was introduced to the earth shattering piece Wholehearted Parenting Manifesto by Brené Brown. This unveiling was honestly the catapult for the words you are about to read. I hope this brings a little bit of peace and balance to the lives of every Mama.

I am so privileged to have the job of bringing life into the world. My wish for all pregnant women is the gift of a mindful pregnancy and childbirth.

As a Seattle Birth Doula serving in hospitals, birth centers, or at home, building a soothing, peaceful nest within the birth space is one of the most important aspects of my work. It is of utmost importance to me to make each family feel calm and relaxed in their space, wherever that is. The birth of your baby is a sacred beginning, and I honor this, and you as new parents, by mindfully putting together a space where you feel blissful and supported.

I seriously want to flick my friends when the minute I walk into their house they say “UGH, I’m so sorry my house is such a mess.” Girl. Please. Not only is your house not messy, your house is immaculate. Your children’s toys remain confined to a rug – which, by the way, is not sprinkled with crumbs. Your kitchen counters are bare. Playdough goes nowhere but the kitchen table, and your dog never sheds. Insisting your house is dirty speaks to clinical delusion, your misunderstanding of life with small children, your secret desire to make me feel guilty, or maybe your need for reassurance. Probably all of the above. Seriously, stop it.

Life after birth is a whole new world. A brand new normal. Like any major life change, the weeks and months after giving birth can bring with them not only a rollercoaster of emotions, but an endless list of questions you need answers to. In my experience as a Birth and Postpartum Doula, as well as a seasoned Mama, I find it a bit concerning how little we talk about life after birth, a.k.a. postpartum, or the “fourth trimester.”

The beginning hours of early labor are a sacred time. It can be a beautiful, exhilarating, anxious, tedious, exciting and torturous journey all wrapped into one….

“Is this it?”

“WHEN will this pick up?”

“Oh, THAT'S a contraction? And it’s going to get WORSE?!”

Early labor can make you and your partner feel like crazy people with this swirl of emotions. Watching the clock and timing contractions can drive impatience, which can lead to heading to the hospital before labor has truly kicked in. Here are a few things you can focus on to help you cope until shit gets real (or until your Doula arrives).

Every so often I find something so magical that I can barely contain my excitement. I know I’ve come across something good when I feel it pulsating through my soul. Like an onlooker, I watch in amazement as this new wonder unravels new and inspiring ideas in my mind. Recently, I fell in love with a podcast upon which I stumbled accidentally (although I know it was no accident at all, in fact, I am confident there is a deeper purpose behind this discovery.)

Not to future trip but I cannot believe we are getting ready to ring in 2019 you guys…I don’t know about ya’ll but I am so ready. I love the opportunity for a fresh start, a clean chapter, time to deeply rest, rejuvenate and set mindful goals and intentions for the year ahead…

For now I am completely immersed in the holiday season and watching the wonder on my babies faces as they experience all of the magic, decorating, baking, sparkly lights, and sweetness that this time of year brings…

I am going to keep this really simple- self-care is non-negotiable when we are caring for little humans. Being a parent is legitimately such a hard job. Self-care can be seen as putting your own oxygen mask on in an airplane before attempting to assist your child. In my work, I encourage parents to set patterns early on that ensure the meeting of their own basic needs. Taking time for yourself so that you are able to be fully present for your children is a gift to your entire family. “Being ‘present’ means that we are fully engaged and emotionally connected with what is happening. If we do not take breaks- time to find our chill space and take a few breaths, we tend to drift off, being physically but not emotionally present.