Author: Dawn Oliver
Informed consent form for refusal to separate birthing parent and infant.”
Birthing in the time of COVID-19 – Evidence Based Birth®
Birthing in the time of COVID-19 – Evidence Based Birth®
— Read on evidencebasedbirth.com/birthing-in-the-time-of-covid-19/
Free resource for those that may need this information, its not the childbirth class in its entirety. Its small crash courses.
New Evidence Based Birth Pod Cast on the Coronavirus
Virtual Services Coronavirus 2020
Coronavirus Update on my services:
Unfortunately, we have all been affected by this virus. We have had to lock ourselves away from our loved ones, friends, and co-workers. We are forced to practice social distancing. Doulas and our support have also been affected. Some hospitals are only allowing 1 person to support a laboring person. Some hospitals are not allowing anyone at all. In effort to help ease this stressful time in an already stressful time for a mom, some doulas are offering “Virtual Services”. I have tried my best to keep my packages as close to what I normally offer. Please know that my heart and well wishes are with you always. I will support you as best as I can while following CDC guidelines to help protect all of us. My love to you all at this stressful time ❤️ Dawn Oliver
Breastfeeding and Essential Oils
Breastfeeding and Essential Oils
I always suggest that before you use any oils please check with your practitioner. If you are applying topically, use on a small area of your skin to check for adverse reaction. Wait 24 hours. I am not an expert, I am suggesting based on my learned experiences along with information provided, and accumulated through myself as well as my clients.
Most moms are looking for relief in swelling and soreness during the first few days of nursing their babies. Most problematic are sore nipples, cracked nipples, and bleeding nipples.
The best defense is a good offense. I dont know why, but one thing that I discovered as a mom, doula and childbirth educator is that, we never discuss how to prepare our breast for breast feeding. We practice all other aspects of birthing, but we leave breastfeeding to sort of “figure” it out later.
1.Examine your breast/nipples. Are your nipples inverted? You may need a nipple shield
2.After or during your shower, use a wash clothe to go around your nipples to simulate a baby nursing. It helps “roughen” them up.
3.Gently give yourself nipple massages to also help get your nipples ready for baby sucking and pulling during nursing.
4.Avoid soaps on your breast, this could dry out your nipples.
5.Make an appointment and build a relationship with a Lactation consultant while you are still pregnant. Most hospitals boast that they have breastfeeding “help” or LC’s. I have found they are available few and far between and most often incorrect information.
6.Join a breastfeeding support group like Le leche league.
7.Look for a really good breast pump. Not all breast pumps are the same.
8.Some insurance companies will pay for a good breast pump and will also pay for a lactation consultant or a IBCLC.
9.Be prepared.
Essential Oils that are good for sore cracked and dry nipples are:
Essential oils for Sore Nipples
Sore nipples happen. It is especially common in the first few weeks as you adjust to nursing or when baby starts to get teeth. We can use gentle oils to help soothe the nipples but make sure to wipe off before baby nurses
•Dilute oils applied to the nipple to avoid drying out the skin. Coconut Oil is great for sore, cracked nipples and it’s a great carrier.
•Your own Breast milk is also recommended as a soothing healer
•If you don’t have Coconut Oil, you can use Olive or Almond as a carrier oil.
•Apply after baby nurses so there is plenty of time for it to absorb and fade before nursing again
•Always always, wash the oils off your nipples before nursing your baby. We dont want the baby ingesting the oils.
•Allow good air flow to your nipples after nursing your baby.
•Apply *diluted Oil to your nipples only after your baby has nursed
•Best suggested dilution is 2 to 3 drops per spoon of carrier oil.
•You could make your own DIY roller bottle for easy use and access.
• Best oils for sore nipples: Frankincense and Melaleuca. These oils are gentle and great for skin support. They will calm irritation and support a health bacterial environment as well (DoTerraOils)
•If you are interested I make a great herbal breast cream that is very soothing and can help heal cracked nipples.
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Preparing For Parenthood as a First-Time Mother
Preparing for Parenthood as a First-Time Mother
You’re about to begin the most rewarding chapter of your new life, one filled with happiness, discovery, and fulfillment of your greatest purpose in life: being a mother. There’s no denying the excitement that grows as the big day approaches, but it may be mixed with anxiety as you know raising a child is hard work. You’ve heard the stories of waking up in the middle of the night to soothe a sobbing infant or change a dirty diaper. However, a little preparation will make it a whole lot easier, and you’ll be able to enjoy parenthood rather than just get through it.
Be Mentally Fit
Delving into your past may provide answers to some of your most pressing questions. According to Psychology Today, pregnancy stirs up memories about your own childhood and how you were raised. Dealing with those issues can help you identify what you want to do differently as a parent to better provide for your child, both physically and emotionally.
As for the present, identify the biggest sources of stress in your life now and do your best to eliminate them. If it’s finances that keep you awake at night, examine your expenses and come up with a new family budget that provides enough for you and the baby, as well as a little extra to deal with any emergencies that might arise.
Take Some “Me” Time
Of course, it’s always important to have some fun, and self-care should be a priority. Why not get out of the house and head to some of your favorite hangouts, such as the mall, the park, or the local cafe? Yes, it’s a great way to unwind, and you’ll also see which places are baby-friendly and stroller accessible. Bring your friends along for the jaunt and make a day of it.
While you’re enjoying the simple pleasure of life, treat yourself to a warm bath or a massage. These are quick ways to relieve stress that come in handy when you don’t have much time, and as child-rearing website Mother & Baby explains, “Taking care of yourself is as important as taking care of your baby, and will help you to adapt to motherhood.”
Find a Helping Hand
A huge part of motherhood is multi-tasking. You’ve got to juggle feeding, changing diapers, and cleaning up little messes with all of your everyday chores like washing the dishes and doing laundry. No matter how independent you are, you’ll need a helping hand, so look for it now while you’ve got the time.
What kind of help? Let’s start with the housework. Paying someone to come in once a month — or even more often — is a worthwhile way to spend your money if it means more time with your newborn. It will also save you stress. And as much as your four-legged friend likes to take a trot around the neighborhood with you, they can get used to a dog walker if necessary.
Meet Other Moms
You’re not alone in this. Reach out to your friends and family who have already been where you are going. They’ll be able to give you advice and support when you need it. Another option is to check out meet-ups for pregnant women in your area, and there’s a myriad of support groups online that provide valuable social interaction in addition to tips on childcare when you can’t leave the house.
Remember all the fun you’re going to have and all the things you have to teach to your little bundle of joy as they discover the world around them. And as for all the little hassles, you can meet them head-on thanks to all the homework you’ve done. You’ve got this.
Written by Alexis Hall Click here for Alexis’s site
Resources and Links:
Insurance Payment or Reimbursement for Birth and Postpartum Doula Services
There has been some talk amongst child-birth professionals as to whether or not doulas are able to apply for payment from insurance companies. Some people are supportive and some disagree. There have been some cases where doula services were reimbursed for full or partial payment by the insurance company to the client.
What I have discovered is that you can submit a letter to the insurance company requesting that these services are covered or at least reimbursed. I have secured an NPI number and know the CPT codes to help you find out if you qualify. There are over twenty insurance companies who have paid or reimbursed for services. Upon request, I can send you the information. Your Doula must be certified, have a tax ID number or a social security number, and an NPI number.
You may need to write a letter explaining the need for doula support. You can site the decrease in cesarean rates, which will lower costs to the insurance company. Doulas can help shorten labor. Parents supported by doulas have less incidence of postpartum depression. Hiring doulas and having childbirth education helps parents to opt out of the use of pain medication. The maternal and infant mortality rates are high in the United States, especially in the African American communities. These communities need and would benefit from doula support. There several real-time statistics that can support these findings. According to the “WHO” The World health organization, recommends that Doulas attend all births globally”. **March 23, 2016, International Doula Institute
ACOG The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists says, ” The recommendations also suggest that women benefit from continuous emotional support and the use of non-pharmacologic methods to manage pain. Support offered by trained labor coaches such as doulas has been associated with improved birth outcomes, including shortened labor and fewer operative deliveries. In addition to considering use of medications or epidural anesthesia to manage pain in labor, practitioners are encouraged to offer women coping techniques, such as massage, water immersion in the first stage of labor, or relaxation techniques. Recognizing that the complete absence and elimination of pain is not what all women value, use of a coping scale rather than pain scale is recommended to evaluate the multifactorial experience of labor.
“Techniques such as an epidural can relieve pain but may not ease anxiety or suffering,” said Tekoa L. King, CNM, MPH, ACNM liaison committee member and lead author. “Providing emotional support and coping mechanisms have proven positive outcomes, therefore, it’s recommended that providers consider instituting policies that allow for the integration of support personnel in the labor experience. This strategy may be beneficial for patients and cost-effective for hospitals due to an association with lower cesarean rates. It is important that midwives, ob-gyns, and other care providers collaborate to support women both emotionally and physically over the course of labor.” **American College of Obstetricians and Gynococlogist January 25, 2017
As a final consideration, you may attach a letter from your practitioner. You may find that your practioner can also be very supportive of doulas.
Compassionate Care Doula will help you find out if you are eligible for payment or reimbursement of payment for my services.
If you have any further questions or interest in summiting information for doula care please contact me at Compassionatecaredoula123@gmail.com I can provide you with the information that I have. Happy Birthing Dawn
Placenta Encapsulation Certification
Compassionate Care Doula Services is happy to announce that I will begin offering Placenta Encapsulations services to my surrounding areas Bluffton, Beaufort, Charleston and Savannah Areas. I received my training from Traditional Doula Arts. I adhere to strict protocol in accordance with the OSHA Blood borne Pathogens Standards 29 CFR 1090.1030. I have completed my training and hold a certification in blood-borne pathogens & infection control for Doulas, Midwives and Placenta Encapsulators. I pride my self with being certified with Traditional Doula Arts. I attended a 3 day workshop, where we were given a hands on chance to learn the TCM (Traditional Chinese Method) of encapsulation. We learned the raw dehydration method, cubed, smoothies, tinctures and prints. We were required to take the blood born pathogens certification. Once certified I added chocolate truffles. I offer a separate preparation area away from all family areas. According to my training organization we are only allowed to have one placenta processing in our possession at a time. By separating and processing this way it eliminates cross contamination. If you have any questions please let me know. Below is me encapsulating
