Birth, Doula

The 5-1-1 Of Labor

One of the most frequent questions we receive as doulas,
“HOW DO WE KNOW WHEN TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL?”
Really this is a topic to be discussed with your care provider, however most hold to the 511 of labor. You are welcome to print this reminder and place on your refrigerator with you providers phone number or the number for Labor and Delivery at your local hospital. Email us for more information info@inspiredoulaservices.com
#inspiredoulaservices #511oflabor #detroitareadoula #detroit #baby#pregnancy #labor #birthdoula #labordoula #doulasoflivonia

Birth, Dads, Depression, Mom, Paternal Postnatal Depression, Postpartum, Postpartum Depression, self care

After Baby – Postpartum Depression For Women and Men

Now that your precious baby is here…

How are you feeling? Emotional, exhausted, overwhelmed and yet, so in love?

Are you struggling? Maybe not recovering like you wished?

Where are your support people? Friends? Family? Spouse?

Having a baby can be the most trying time for new parents. You want it to appear like all things are going perfectly, but honestly, you are suffering inside. Getting up, a shower, and even feeding yourself are tasks that are met with difficulty.

You are not alone!

Many new parents, especially mothers, find themselves in a time of despair. They are desperate to reclaim their bodies and life as they once knew it. As many as 1 in 7 women suffer from Postpartum Depression.

Did you know that men can also suffer postnatal? Yes, it is true. PPND (Paternal Postnatal Depression) can have crippling, lifelong effects. 1 in 4 new fathers may experience PPND. PPND is more common when the spouse is also suffering from Postpartum Depression.

Here is what to look for:

Women

Men

  • Mood swings
  • Uncontrollable weeping
  • Lack of bonding with your baby
  • Withdrawing from others
  • Loss or excessive appetite
  • Insomnia or Hypersomnia
  • Extreme fatigue or statements of no energy
  • Little to no interest in hobbies and activities you once enjoyed
  • Intense irritability and anger
  • Worry of being a failure or not a good mother
  • Overwhelming emotions
  • Inability to focus or think clearly
  • Excessive stress, anxiety and/or panic attacks
  • Recurrent thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
  • Insomnia or Hypersomnia
  • Hormonal changes
  • History of depression
  • Spousal Tension
  • Strained relationship with family
  • Excessive stress about becoming a  parent
  • Poor social functioning
  • Intense irritability and anger
  • Lack of support from others
  • Financial difficulties
  • Exclusion from the mother and baby bond
  • Recurrent thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

 

Make the Call

Unfortunately, many parents of newborns suffer in silence with no idea of where to turn or who to call. They fail to recognize the symptoms and fall further into the hole of depression.

Both Postpartum Depression and Paternal Postnatal Depression can be treated. Help is available; your midwife, doctor and/or hospital will have resources for you. This is a serious matter and you need to seek a professional.

Call your care provider as soon as possible, if the signs and symptoms:

  • Don’t fade after two weeks or are suicidal in nature
  • Are getting constant or debilitating
  • Make it hard for you to care for your baby or yourself
  • Have thoughts of harming your baby or other children

As a doula and a therapist, I have seen the beauty of mothers and fathers being restored after treatment. Their families have thrived and the bond with their child was better than ever! You are worth it!

Call the suicide hotline number — in the U.S.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK

(1-800-273-8255)

Bed-rest, Birth, Birth Hospitals and Centers, Breastfeeding, Breastfeeding Difficulties, Meals, Mom, Nanny for Siblings, Newborn Care, Parenthood, Postpartum, self care, Support for after having a baby

Support Matters

I remember a time when I felt all alone. 7 months pregnant with 3 others under 5 years old. I was trapped. At 29 weeks, I went to a standard appointment and explained to my obstetrician that I was having some Braxton Hicks. After that appointment I was filled with shock and in awe of what she discovered…I now had to be on complete bed-rest. I was not allowed to pick up my toddler or stand longer than it took to walk to the bathroom. I was instructed to only do the stairs once a day…in my tri-level house. I could not play on the floor or cook my family dinner. My priority was to keep my little baby in the womb as long as possible. For just about, 6 weeks I was captive in my own home and in my own body hoping the best for our unborn son.

Can I tell you something? 

Having no immediate family living in our state. Having a husband who had to work to provide for our family. I was left hopeless.

I was surprised in the most unbelievable and humbling way. There was a tribe that rallied around our family.These women made meals, watched our children, and cleaned our home as if it was their own. I had never seen anything like this!

Part of the reason why I became a doula, both birth and postpartum, is because of this tribe. I hope that no family is left unsupported. There are trained professionals ready to help you with newborn care, bed-rest situations, breastfeeding difficulties, nanny the siblings, make you meals, and lend a hand during your postpartum time.  Support matters, because it made a difference to me!

Birth, Dads, Parenthood, What's a Doula

Doulas, Baseball and Dads

What’s a doula from the Dad’s Perspective?

Okay dads, this is written just for you. Yes, I am a doula. I also love sports. I know you probably have a hundred questions, but I hope to answer a few here. If not, please email.

What is my role in birth?

doula, also known as birth supporter or labor coach, is a person who assists a woman before, during, or after childbirth. This coach may also provide encouragement to the spouse and family by providing physical and emotional support.  Continuous support during labor has been linked with improved maternal and fetal health, including lower risk of induction and interventions. These benefits are particularly significant when continuous support is provided by someone who is not there as family/friend or as medical staff (such as a doula). Sometimes, a doula is hired to support families in the postpartum stages for as long as needed (sometimes, this support can be ongoing for several years)1. A doula, in this role, may care for the newborn while the parents sleep, work or take care of their physical or emotional needs. 

 

So, let’s put that into a sport. How about baseball?

Baseball Analogy

Mom is the pitcher. She is going to control the game. She wants this win!

Dad is the catcher. Not to say you will do the catching, but it is the relationship between the pitcher and catcher that will win the game! The catcher can calm the pitcher and knows her the best.

The doula is the base coach. They watch the field, encourage the players, and knows the game very well.

Head coach is your care provider. He/she is there to take lead of the game when necessary.

 

Does that make sense? Dad’s you have an amazing opportunity during the birth of your sweet baby to become a new dad and to be the hero of your spouse.

Doulas want you to feel supported and cared for too! This a family job. We care for mothers, babies, and fathers. During the birth process, which can go on for many hours, a doula is there to grant you opportunities to go for nourishment or to take a brief break. Your spouse will be supported the entire time. Once the baby is born and you are enjoying those precious new moments as a family. Many doulas will take pictures for you. When you are settled, your doula slips away to allow further bonding.

In a few weeks, your doula will make an appointment to follow-up. At that time, they will make sure the family is adjusting well. She will offer encouragement, support  and be on her way. She is available for other services as requested.

Take care new dad and enjoy your family!

 

1 Doula. n.d. In Wikipedia. Retrieved August 28, 2017.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doula

Birth, What's a Doula

Why I became a doula and how am I qualified?

Birth is intimate and challenging, beautiful and inquisitive. I have seen birth in many aspects and experienced trials and triumphs. My reason for becoming a doula starts with my own birth experiences. We struggled for many years before we were able to become pregnant. I remember that first day like today. Pregnancy is beautiful!

 

I noticed that between the birth of my first special baby and my last sweet one…the hands on support the care givers were able to provide was hindered. I am unsure of why this change has happened, but I know that I do not want any woman to be without full on support during birth. It is a precious and special time. A time for family bonding and first moments.

In the past 8 years, I have attended births in different capacities from photography to birth support. I love it! I cannot tell you how it feels to see this miracle of birth, but each time I get goosebumps! Being hands on support to a family prenatally through birth and to see the beautiful moments postpartum… I live for this!

So down to the nitty-gritty, how am I qualified to be your doula?

I am a proud mother of 4. ProDoula trained labor doula. I have a deep passion for family and that lead me to receive my Masters in Counseling Psychology with a focus in marriage, family and child development. I have various other certifications and an unquenchable love of learning. I strive daily to develop myself personally and professionally, so I am at my best.

I look forward to hearing from you and would love to support your very own inspired birth!

Live Inspired,

Ang

 

 

 *Contact me today (248) 919-8182!