Lawrencetown Doula

There were 82,837 reported COVID-19 cases world wide in April of 2020. We were both sent home from work and told to isolate. Schools shut down and we were told to stock up on groceries. International travel was banned and most countries were locking up their borders. But we were getting ready to have a baby We had our son, Ezra Roy on April 9th after being induced due to lack of hospital staff during the pandemic. We brought him home to a lysoled house and 0 visitors. Our f...amilies were both on the other side of the country. It was a confusing, stressful, and isolating 4th trimester. Day in and Day out we planned how we could possibly travel east to isolate with our families and for our parents to meet our baby. We came to the conclusion that we would TENT CAMP across the country with a 2 month old. Figuring that camping would be the safest bet for our family in a world of so much uncertainty. Call us crazy because we are. We set off on our adventure on a rainy morning in early June. We did around 7 hours of driving a day. We soon realized Ezzy was a better road tripper in the early mornings and we shifted driving patterns to suit his needs. Lots of meltdowns (both Ez and Mum), side of road dance parties and changing blow out diapers in the backseat we managed to cross 1,318 km to northern Ontario where we met my parents and where my parents met their first grand baby for the first time. We continued on with my parents. 1,997 more kilometres. We endured torrential downpours. Thunderstorms in a tent with Ez. Pumping on the floor of a soaked tent getting eaten by bugs. Camp ground bathrooms being closed due to COVID. Trying to keep breast milk cold while on the road. Setting up and taking down the campsite every day and night while managing a baby’s needs. Cooking every meal on a Coleman stove (Realizing that this story is too long for one post! Come back for part 2!) #novascotiadoula #novascotiadoulaassociation #halifaxdoula #doulaphotography #lawrencetownbeach #conradbeach #roadtrip #travellingwithbaby

Studies following people with doulas have reported better birth outcomes, happier partners, lower rates of interventions, and lower rates of postpartum mood and anxiety disorders. Doulas normalize birthing people’s experience and allow partners to feel calm and supported so they can best support the birthing person. Doulas are proven to be effective in improving labour and delivery outcomes. 1. BETTER BIRTH OUTCOMES Studies following birthing people with doulas have shown a d...ecrease in: cesareans, requests for an epidural, length of labor, and use of oxytocin. With a doula attending their birth, women have also reported having a more positive birthing experience. 2. DOULAS HELP PARTNERS Doulas guide your partner on to help you throughout your labor and birth and in-still confidence so they can be as hands-on or as hands-off as they'd like to be. We're also good at making sure your partner is taking care of themselves so they can savour every moment. 3. DOULAS HELP DO RESEARCH AND ANSWER QUESTIONS (ANYTIME!) All those questions you have between appointments with your care provider I’m happy to help answer if i can or refer you the right people to ask! I work with evidence-based research and I am happy to send you up-to-date peer reviewed studies so you can make sure you're getting the most current information to make decisions that are right for you. 4. ENCOURAGEMENT There are so many pain relief methods during labor and birth that don't involve anything other than words of encouragement and a doula or partner normalizing your experience. 5. HELP FORMULATE YOUR "BIRTH PLAN" Really trying to go without an epidural? Dead set on having one? Regardless of how you feel about it, my job is to make sure you know your choices, your rights, and make sure you are informed of your options. We can talk about many different aspects of birth and situations allowing you to feel fully in control of your choices and understand alternatives, benefits, and risks. #novascotiadoula #halifaxdoula #doula #doulasupport #pregnancy #maternity #novascotia #lawrencetownbeach #conradbeach #Lawrencetowndoula

THIS WEATHER! It’s November 29th and its feeling like September! We have the Christmas tree up and its absolutely gorgeous outside. We are feeling incredibly lucky to have this in our backyard today and everyday. What is everyone up to on this beautiful Sunday afternoon?

Physical support is important because it helps the birthing person maintain a sense of control, comfort, and confidence. Aspects of physical support provided by a doula may include; Soothing with touch through the use of massage, counter pressure, or a rebozo Helping to create a calm environment, like dimming lights and arranging curtains Assisting with water therapy (shower, tub)... Applying warmth or cold Assisting the birthing person in walking to and from the bathroom Giving ice chips, food, and drinks See more

‘Who has had to sent a really hard boundary this year? Like telling someone they can’t come see your new baby, or that you’re actually not going to have Christmas dinner together this year. Ugh this is hard. You’re trying to make the best decision for your family, but you also know that others will be disappointed. The truth is, anytime we set boundaries, other people might not really like it. That’s not your problem to take on. Your job is to get clear about what works for you, and then figure out how to clearly and respectfully communicate that. And then...don’t allow yourself to spiral into guilt. You’re doing the best for you and your family and sometimes that involves disappointing people.