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1/13/2015 0 Comments Mommies need yoga!Saturday, August 28, 2010 Mommies need yoga... So, I cleaned my 5 and 3 yr old's rooms. (Which were very scary!) And then about an hour later, came back upstairs to two seriously disastrous rooms!! I should tell you that before children, my house was very clean, almost OCD. But, over the yrs, I have come to terms with not being a clean freak like I would like to be.
And so, here I am, standing at the doorway thinking, just breath Chris- in thru the nose, out thru the mouth......I could possibly go insane, as I am screaming on the inside. Oh look- now my 1 yr old is crying for me to hold him, I never signed up for attachment parenting, but I got it! And doesn't it figure that he has a poopy diaper?! Of course. Why do they poop right after Daddy leaves for work...hmmmm.... My life can be pretty crazy sometimes, but those kisses and smiles make it all worth it, oh yeah, and yoga really helps!! **one last note, I tried to take pictures of their rooms, but since I let the kids play with the camera, the batteries are dead. Think positive-at least the camera STILL works.
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1/13/2015 0 Comments Dedicated Doula
Here I am on the left. My 3rd child was due 14 days later. On the right, is my doula: Elizabeth. I had her come in case I needed to rest, either to help my client or...me!
I was with this mommy for her first child and when she was expecting her second, she called me to be her doula again. Yes! Of course I will! Not knowing at the time of the call, that I too was pregnant again. Come to find out, our due dates were within 2 weeks from each other. But I was not worried, since my babies love my belly so much, that they never want to come out....yes my 3rd was 3 weeks past due. There is nothing that will stop me from being the doula I love to be. I have missed family functions, I have spent many hoildays in hospitals, and I have doula-ed when I was due myself. All of which, I am very proud of!! Saturday, September 4, 2010 1/13/2015 0 Comments So what can I do for you?So What Can I Do For You?
Help you every step of the way! I am so passionate about birth, I want you to have the birth that YOU desire, and I can help you achieve that. Education is a big step. Throughout your pregnancy, we will meet, email and contact over the phone. You will have me on speed-dial before your birth! Any questions you may have, I can find answers for you. We will create a birth plan together, and I encourage you partner to participate as well. While in labor, I will be with you the whole time, assisting with physical and emotional support. Getting your partner involved, knowing what your wishes are and advocating for you. I will remember this and be forever blessed that I was able to assist in the beginning of your family. After the baby is born, I help to get breastfeeding established. I will get you more comfortable and of course fed-birth is hard work!! Pictures of these precious moments can be taken with your camera too, and it's ok if your hair is messed up! Soon after your birth, I come to your home for a postpartum visit. See how breastfeeding is going, answer any questions you may have, and just be there to see you and the baby! It's funny how much moms forget what happened during the birth, so it's great to just talk. And the best part is holding the sweetest little gift. I can also help you with postpartum care. Helping make the transition into motherhood easier. Caring for the baby while you rest, feeding, helping with siblings. 1/13/2015 0 Comments A gift from dadTuesday, February 8, 2011 A gift from Dad I attended a birth this week for a couple that I had just met that very same day. As she was in early labor, we discussed some of the birth options that she would want. Normally, at the birth planning appointment, I ask the partner how he would like to be involved in the birth. But since she was already laboring, I only was able to ask Dad if he was interested in catching the baby and cutting the cord.
All the while, he was wonderful with her. The love between them was very present. He was very quiet, and not knowing him, I couldn't tell what he was thinking. And I wondered what he thought of my presence. But I knew there was trust in me. My wonderful doula friend Roz, was also at this amazing birth. All of us together, created a wonderful birth team! After she delivered her son, Dad walked over to me and gave me the biggest hug ever. No words, but no words were needed. I knew how he felt, just by that, I knew that I had done good. A gift I will always remember. 1/13/2015 0 Comments In honor of my sister This blog is for my big sis, Wendy. I love her dearly. She has attended all my births, and by the third, if I told her she was catch the baby-she would! Just by listening to my stories as a doula, and a homebirthing mom, she became very educated herself.
I joked with her when I was pregnant with my second child, and told her she needed to get pregnant-so we could be pregnant at the same time. A few months later, she was!! This would be her first child. She was empowered to switch her care provider during her pregnancy, knowing that there were better options for her out there. She had some complications that worried her throughout her pregnancy, but finally the moment arrived! Her water broke early on, and knew it was not necessary for her to rush to the hospital. When we did arrive, she labored SO well! It was only a few hours later, that her little girl was born. No pain medication, just the love and support from her husband and her doula sister. Knowing my sister like I do, I would think years earlier, she would have gotten pain medication, gotten to the hospital early, and stuck with her original care provider. Wendy was so strong and brave, and I was honored to be at her birth. Tuesday, June 14, 2011 Perineal Massage...yes, I'm a fan! When I tell my clients about their "homework," perineal massage is high on the list. I swear by it and the olive oil that comes with it. I believe it is best achieved by the partner.
Olive oil not your thing? How about almond oil, coconut oil (smells yummy!), or evening primrose oil. Coat 2 fingers with the oil. Insert 2 fingers into vagina up to knuckles. Press and hold down for 15 seconds. Widen and hold for 15 seconds. Create a "U" shape back and forth for 3-5 (5 is better!!) minutes. At least once a day, or every other day beginning from 36 weeks. Why do this? The stretching combined with the oil, will make your perineum soft and pliable. This is the area that needs to stretch while pushing. This helps avoid tears and episotomies. It also helps you practice your breathing and staying relaxed, that will come in handy during labor. I believe, when done on a regular basis, by your partner, it greatly reduces your likelihood of tearing. **Perineal massage should be done prior to labor, this is different then having your care provider do it during the pushing stage. I know it doesn't sound fun...but I truly believe in it! |
Chris HerreraI am a certified birth doula in the central New York area. I am a founder of the CNY Doula Connection. I also offer postpartum care, childbirth education classes and trainings, lactation support, belly binding, and placenta encapsulation and training in the greater Syracuse area. Archives
June 2018
CategoriesAll Baby Dedication Doula Family Homebirth Midwife Nanny Newborn Nurse Postpartum Sleep Support Syracuse Two Doulas |
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