We are no experts, Ashlie Yair and I are just 2 neuro-spicy doulas who see our fellow neurodivergent parents having a harder time. Who is a neurodivergent parent? Typically they are a person whose brain processes information in what is considered a non-traditional way. These thing can include but not limited to ADHD, autism spectrum, dyslexia, OCD, bipolar, sensory processing disorder, epilepsy and so many more. In a large part thanks to social media, many of us are recognizing we fit into this category.

As a postpartum doula I find great joy in supporting new families during the postpartum period. Meal prep and cooking are not just tasks for me, but a way to nourish both the body and soul of the parents as they navigate this beautiful yet challenging time. There is something truly special about preparing wholesome meals that provide comfort and sustenance during those early days of parenthood. It brings me immense satisfaction to see the smiles on their faces as they enjoy a warm, homemade meal without having to worry about the added stress of cooking. In these moments, I feel grateful to be able to make a difference in their lives by providing this simple yet impactful form of support.

When making foods and meals, I try and focus on healing and nutritional foods that aid in postpartum healing and lactation.  Fennel and beets are 2 of my favorite ingredients. 

Before we can say if cervical check is needed before labor, lets ask ourselves “What is a cervical exam and what is the purpose of a cervical exam or check?” A cervical check is when your medical provider (OBGYN, Midwife or OB nurse) examines your cervix for dilation (how open is the cervix), effacement (how soft is your cervix) and baby’s station (how high in your pelvis is baby). In labor the reason for these cervical exams is to determine if these 3 things are progressing. Once your cervix is 10cm dilated, 100% effaced and at a station of at least 0, it is time to birth your baby. There is one thing you need to have your cervix move from 0cm dilated, 0% effaced and a station of -3: and that is contractions. Without the presence of contractions, we would not expect your cervix and baby to make much change without them. ​

I began learning about childbirth hypnosis when I was pregnant with my second baby. I had a difficult and long birth experience the first time around. It wasn't so much the discomfort of birth that I was worried about, but the length of my birthing time. Knowing that my first birth was long, I really focused on the element of time. I really wanted to decrease the length of my birth and avoid the extra interventions I had during my first birth. I LOVED the phrase in my Hypnobabies Tracks that suggested "Every 15 minutes feels like 5 minutes to me". I practiced my Hypnobabies Program faithfully every day. ​

I usually don't share my children's birth details for a few different reasons. Mostly because I do not want clients to have expectations that their birth will be like my births. We are different people who will experience things differently. I really meditated on if I would open up and share my cesarean experience. After lots of internal discussion, I came to the realization that my experience may be similar to those who have had a cesarean or who may one day face one. 

​So, I’d like to write about my thoughts and feelings surrounding my mental health after having a cesarean. That even though I am a doula, a cesarean birth can happen to anyone and it really might be the best choice to safely bring your baby into this world.

​When I 1st brought baby Violet home, sharing my experiences didn't feel safe. I gave cliff notes and vague details. I needed to process and work through what I had been through. Slowly but surely I began opening up.

I meet Sarah through the breastfeeding group I help admin on facebook. Such a warm, bubbly and down to Earth women! I knew Sarah had a less then ideal birth story (understatement of the year) and was thrilled when she offered to share her story. Unfortunately Sarah's story ended like many unplanned cesarean other mother's where they were left feeling abandoned and unheard by their care provider. Here is Sarah's experience, told by her in her words. 

I first meet Tricia when she called for an interview. She was looking to have a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) and her and her husband knew they wanted a doula this time around. Talk about the most warm and down to Earth couple! We instantly clicked. They hired me on the spot and we began to plan and prepare for their birth. Events unfolded and Tricia did not have her VBAC, but she did have the most beautiful family centered cesarean birth. I am honored that Tricia ​has taken the time to put into words her experience. I do not believe any 2 births are the same. I do love reading birth stories to learn about different perspectives and journeys.
Here is Tricia's story from her point of view.  Her beautiful healing family centered belly birth.