Hi! It's been a busy year for me as a doula, a student midwife and life in general. While it's been awhile since I've blogged, it's been on my mind each time I sit down. But sitting down at my computer typically entails editing birth photos, answering messages and emails, studying and/or reading doula and midwifery textbooks. But, alas, it has been a wonderfully beautiful and busy year, and there has been little time for blogging. At least for me. I've said before, I'm not a writer so to add a … [Read more...]
COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS OF DOULAS
It is so interesting to hear many of the same things throughout my years of being a doula and more so lately. I was reading a post earlier today which sparked me to write a post about this topic. I’m going to touch on a few things that I’ve learned from clients, potential clients, and people in general to hopefully alleviate some apprehension that goes along with these common misconceptions of doulas. 1. A doula will take control of my birth: I’d like to talk first about partner apprehension … [Read more...]
A Soul So Beautiful
My blog has always consisted of happy, beautiful births. I'm switching it up today in honor of a very special woman. This woman has given me so much unspeakable joy. The same amount of joy I receive each time I attend a birth. Perhaps this is why I love my job so much. The awareness is real. This woman gave me love. This woman gave me purpose. This woman gave me everything I needed to grow into the person I am today. I'm not perfect, but I don't want to imagine where I would be had my Jesus … [Read more...]
Renly’s Home Birth Grand Forks, ND Birth Photographer
Before I even begin, I know I am way late on this blog post but was such a lovely home birth, I couldn't resist sharing. Here's Renly's story: I met Ash, Drake and little Lestat at a birth rally in Grand Forks, ND, back in 2013. I remember visiting with Drake on how wonderful it was that he was there to, not only support his wife on Improving Birth, but also that he was there in support of the National 'Labor Day' birth rally as well. What a great guy! Fast forward to July 2014, I was super … [Read more...]
Welcome to the World, Della!
Kaitlyn first got in touch with me back in September 2014 through my Heart & Hands doula page on FB. We met in person at a Breathe & Stretch class shortly thereafter. After doing a lot of research, she knew that she wanted a doula for additional support. Her partner, Madison, worked away from home much of the time, but we were finally able to get together one fine day in November. I arrived to their adorable country home, just out of Grand Forks, filled with rustic and country decor and … [Read more...]
Owen’s Birth
Before our initial consultation, Mandy and I had a great phone visit about her past birth and what she was hoping for with the birth of her next child. Our conversation flowed easily, and I couldn't wait to meet her! She and her husband, Ryan, along with their young daughter, Charlotte, moved from Arizona to raise their family…What were they thinking! Their first winter here was one of the coldest Grand Forks had seen in a very long time! I met with them at their charming apartment and felt … [Read more...]
Rhonda the Doula’s 2014 Year in Review
After attending a hospital breech delivery for the first birth of 2014, I knew it was going to be a year full of excitement and it was! I enjoyed each and every one of the 28 births I attended last year and, if your birth was one of them, thank you for allowing me to part of your special day! Some of the highlights from the 28 births I attended in 2014 were 27 doula births, one as a midwife's assistant. There were 8 baby girls and 20 baby boys…that's a lot of boys! There were 24 normal … [Read more...]
Ollie John’s Birth
Whitney dreamed of being a mother since she was a child and could hardly wait to have children. Upon finding out she was pregnant with their first baby, Whitney didn't hesitate to get in touch with me to see if I were available for her birth. :) I was excited for John and Whitney, and truly enjoyed the time we spent getting to know each other and preparing for their birth. Outside of morning sickness, Whitney enjoyed everything about being pregnant and couldn't wait for the time her little … [Read more...]
Welcome to the World, Catherine!
Congratulations to Ashley and Jared on the birth of their first child! Catherine is a sweet little baby who took her time making her entrance, but everyone was smitten by her preciousness and her sweet and adorable personality. You worked so hard to bring your precious baby into the world, Ashley, and I couldn't have been more humbled by your strength and courage! Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of one of the most intimate and beautiful days in your lives. You and your family will … [Read more...]
Cooper’s Birth
I'm so excited to introduce this handsome little man! His momma was such a trooper during her labor and birth, and even before. Cooper's birth wasn't your typical birth by any means. Jess was really sick toward the end of her pregnancy with preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome. She was hoping for a home birth but when her health was at risk she knew that she needed to switch gears in order to have a safe birth. She went in for an induction 3-1/2 weeks before her due date. She was so amazing! Even … [Read more...]