www.doulamom.com

Doula - Wendy Mathews

2010-09-21T13:32:00.001-07:00

Hello! My name is Wendy. I am a Doula trained with Birth Arts International. I live in North Delaware and I am the proud mother of four wonderful children ranging in age from 15 to 8. Each one of my births was different and amazing. Including a beautiful and natural twin birth with a midwife in a hospital.

Since the birth of my oldest I knew that one day I would work towards becoming a Midwife, and that journey has started. I have been there for friends through the years as a labor coach. I have helped them prepare their birth plans and become truly informed about what type of birth they want and how to get it. I have been the go to girl for herbal remedies. In a way I have always been a Doula of sorts just never "practicing".

When my sister became pregnant with her first child she asked me to be her Doula. I was over joyed! It was a wonderful experience my sister was a strong amazing woman and I learned so much. This winter I again was able to be a doula for my sisters second child. The labor was different but just as amazing. It was then that I decided I wanted to provide other families that same comfort and guidance during labor and birth.

Birth is a beautiful time in a woman's life. I believe that the most important thing a doula can do is to serve the mother the way she needs to be served. Each mom will create the birth she desires. It is my job to help you have the experience that you want without judgment or criticism. I will help educate you so that you can choose the options that fit into your ideal birth plan. Different things work for different people, and every woman needs and deserves a doula. Let me support you in the way you choose to give birth.

Doula - Amy Machado

2010-09-21T13:31:00.001-07:00

Hi! My name is Amy Tirrell Machado. I am a doula, that lives in Reading, but serves any where up to an hour away from me.

I am married to my wonderful husband Eddie, and have 5 beautiful children, Ellianna, Quinton, Cecillia, Evellyn and Adaline. I have had 2 hospital births, 1 birth center water birth and 2 home water births. My dream to have a drug free birth with my son lead me to look into doula work. ( But it would still be 3 years before this would happen!!)

I love the birth process, and love working with new families.

I started out my doula work, in 2005, only wanting to do births. But in the years since I have started, I have found many rewarding outlets for my passion. I love finding new ways to help families, and offer many classes and workshops to help throughout your pregnancy, birth, post partum period and beyond!

I firmly believe every woman deserves to have the birth that she dreams of. I do not care if you want to have a more medical or more holistic birth. My job is to make sure you are educated in your choices and to support you no matter what.

I am certified with Childbirth International. I am also certified in CPR/First Aid/ AED.

Labor Doula - Heather Busovsky

2010-09-20T23:03:00.001-07:00

My name is Heather. I am 34-years-old; a wife to a wonderful husband and a mother to the two beautiful little girls who have blessed our lives.

I have trained with both DONA and Birth Arts International and will draw upon my knowledge and experience as a birth doula and a mother of two to provide you and your family with physical, emotional and informational support prior to and during the birth of your child. My role is to help you and your family have a satisfying birth as you define it, whether that is in a hospital, birth center or at home, medicated or natural. I have experience with a variety of birth scenarios, including: unmedicated vaginal birth, medicated vaginal birth, high-risk, cesarean section, and single mother. I am also trained as a breastfeeding peer counselor through the Philadelphia Department of Health.

I became fascinated with the subject of birth and had a growing desire to connect with other women about this transformative experience after the birth of my first daughter in the hospital in 2005. I began to understand the importance of making informed birth choices, of truly understanding the models of care available, of knowing where to find accurate information and of having the right people there to support you during labor. In 2008, I had my second daughter in a planned and wonderful home birth with a caring team of trained professional midwives. It was a defining moment in my life, prompting me to pursue work as a birth doula and helping to shape my beliefs about pregnancy, labor and birth.

I believe that the period of pregnancy and birth is a remarkable and incredibly special time in a woman’s life that should be honored with dignity and respect.

I believe that all women have immense inner strength, both physical and emotional, that equips them to rise to the challenges of bringing new life into the world and that when surrounded by caring and empathetic people who support and encourage their efforts, they are able to tap into this inner strength and successfully realize their vision for birth.

I believe that a laboring woman is best served by other women who have an intimate understanding of the profoundly transformative experience of giving birth -- women who have found their own inner strength and can help the laboring woman to find hers.

In addition to my training and experience, I bring to the birth space many assets--an extra set of hands, a basis of knowledge and experience regarding the normal process of birth and, most importantly, a positive and encouraging attitude and a willingness to support the laboring mother and her birth team to the best of my ability during this incredibly special time.

Labor Doula - Lori Daley

2010-09-20T23:02:00.000-07:00

Lori is trained through Birth Arts International (Sep. 2009) and is currently working towards her doula certification and in the process of becoming a La Leche League leader.

Lori earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from Millersville University in 2002. While attending college she worked various jobs with children and youth, incorporating things such as promoting confidence and leadership.

After college, she has spent her time between then and now working as a special education teacher, nanny, soccer coach, and a full time MOM – the job that has taught her the most! She had two very different pregnancies and births, but is happy for both experiences because they led her on her journey to becoming a doula and advocate for women. She believes every woman deserves to have support from another mother who is informed and compassionate towards individual situations and willing to help her navigate her own personal path in becoming the mother she wants to be. She believes a woman’s journey to motherhood starts in pregnancy and hits its first of many climaxes, with birth.

In addition to being a friend to all the important women in her life, all of her previous roles have taught her many skills that she applies to her doula support for women in their childbearing years. She lost her mom to cancer as a child and understands what it is like to be a mother without a mother. She values her sensitivity, listening skills, and empathetic heart just as much as her knowledge and growing experience of pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding.

Lori is passionate about spreading love and empowering women and families through information and support.

She lives in Drexel Hill, PA with her wonderful husband and two energetic boys.

Happy & Healthy Mom Fair - September 19, 11A to 3P

2010-09-14T13:50:00.000-07:00

The Happy & Healthy Mom Fair of Philadelphia will be held at The Please Touch Museum in Fairmount Park, Memorial Hall, that will display a wide range of products and services available to new, expectant and seasoned moms in the Philadelphia area.

• First 200 registrants will receive our V.I.P. swag bags!

• Over $750 worth of baby products to be raffled!!!

• Mini-seminars covering healthy meals, fitness, shooting amazing baby videos, and more!

Free with paid admission*

For more information go to:

www.happymomphilly.com

Vendors include:

BellyButtonBoutique.com • Premier Baby Concierge

Premier Sitter Services • babyBdesigns.com • O’Boy Organic

Wow Baby Gifts • Mama’s Little Helper • Healthy Fit Girl

Linda Morrow Photography • KT Steppers • Malvern School

Please Touch Museum • HappyandHealthyMom.com

Hot Mama Gowns • BabyMeTV • PhillyParentCircle.com

Envision Within 3D/4D Imaging • Traditional Medicinals

BellyPilates • And more!

*admission is $10 for fair

attendees without children

Updates on www.doulamom.com

2010-09-06T18:34:00.001-07:00

Check out our main website for calendar updates and recent births!

Profile on Postpartum Doula, Kate Beschen

2010-08-30T15:57:00.001-07:00

I am a DONA Certified Postpartum Doula, promoting and protecting evidence-based mother/baby-friendly practices.

I draw upon my experience as both a mother and a friend to bring compassion, empathy and strong listening skills to meet the needs of each family I work with. I believe all families deserve support and non-judgment in the fourth trimester. It is my goal to reveal to families the strengths they already possess.

I have worked with a diverse group of families with their own unique experiences, including; twins and VBAC's. I always try to broaden my knowledge base and stay up to date on all the current trends in childbirth & postpartum education with advanced trainings.

I believe that all women deserve to feel empowered, informed and supported before, during and after their births.

I live in Mt. Airy, Philadelphia with my two happy children.

Profile on Postpartum Doula, Jen Magaruh

2010-08-30T15:56:00.001-07:00

My name is Jennifer Magaruh and I am a CAPPA trained Postpartum Doula. I am a very friendly, caring person who loves to help others. I am open-minded, non-judgmental, and supportive with the families that I work with.

Over the past 20 years, I have developed a diverse and extensive early childhood background through various child care positions. This includes working as a substitute elementary school teacher, nursery school teacher, nanny, and the head infant room teacher at an early childhood learning center. Throughout my numerous nanny positions, my specialty has been working with twins. My experiences have taught me that caring for newborns/infants and helping their families is my calling.

I graduated from Shippensburg University in 2001 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Early Childhood Education. From 2001-2007, I attended Holy Family University where I obtained 33 credits towards my Master's Degree in Education with a dual certification in Special Education and as a Reading Specialist. I am a lifelong learner and believe in continuously furthering my education and knowledge. I am certified in First Aid, as well as CPR and AED for infants through adults. I also have my Reiki I Certification. I love dogs, but I’m very allergic to cats and cannot work in a household that has cat(s). I live in Bucks County, PA with my loving husband.

A Doula Birth Story, by Becky Button

2010-08-30T11:39:00.000-07:00

Becky was not a client of Before, During & After, but was kind enough to share her personal experience with a doula.

My birth doula became a post-partum doula when I had an emergency caesarean at 34 weeks. I'd just met Patti, our doula, the week before I had a placental abruption (I'd been diagnosed with a marginal placenta previa at 30 weeks, but I'd suspected it since about 15.) With all the chaos around the emergency hospitalization (at Christmastime, during a nurses strike!) and the decision to do a caesarean, I never had a chance to call my doula, also, she wasn't really supposed to be on call for us for another few weeks. Not to mention, I wasn't sure at the time about a doula's role at an emergency caesarean. Now, of course, I wish she'd been with us, because my husband left to accompany our son to the NICU and I spent a few hours alone with no husband, no baby and no support team. I lost two liters of blood during the procedure and the details of the next few hours were hazy, but I remember being alone a lot and that was never what I'd anticipated for my birth experience. The comfort of a doula, focusing on me during that difficult time, would have made all the difference.

Our son, Griffin, had to be intubated due to his prematurity and underdeveloped lungs, and luckily, the Berkeley hospital where I delivered had a recently-renovated Level 3 NICU. When we left the hospital on Christmas Eve, we had to leave our little boy behind and it was one of the hardest things either of us had ever had to do. Then we called Patti, told her the whole story and asked her if she could be our post-partum doula instead.

Patti was very sensitive and flexible, coming over to our house during the challenging time when Griffin was still in the NICU. She brought her massage chair and did bodywork on Jake and me. She helped with housework and mostly served to buoy our spirits while we went through the daunting grind of driving 30 minutes to the hospital five times a day to see our son. She was a bright light during that time when I was healing from surgery, pumping around the clock and rushing vials of milk to the NICU.

On Griffin Liberation Day (January 1, 2008) we got the call to come get our son from the NICU. He'd passed all the required milestones, nippling all his feedings, breathing on his own, avoiding heart arrythmias and was ready to come home. I jumped in the car in my slippers, my husband forgot his wallet and neither of us thought to bring any clothes for the baby. We were just beyond ready to have our son home.

Patti came over again and helped us with the slippery task of giving five-pound Griffin his first bath and later helped us wash the poop out of the tub. Initially the thought of someone else folding my laundry seemed invasive, but I knew to surrender to Patti's experienced hands and soak up all the help she had to offer. Patti was one of the bright lights during the dark weeks after my son was born and our original birth plan went through the proverbial shredder. I'm glad she was flexible enough to transition from birth doula to PP doula and next time, I hope to have both. You really can't have enough support.

Now we've moved from the Bay Area, but we keep in touch with Patti via Facebook, the great connector. She gets to see all the pictures and videos of our son, Griffin, who is now two and a half and has completely recovered from any birth trauma or prematurity issues. Right now he's chasing his kitten with a mop. Hmmmm? I guess I should go now. :)

Becky Button

"Why Babies Are Born With Light Colored Eyes"

2010-08-29T20:48:00.000-07:00

By Jenn Mossholder

I was out running errands with my 10 year old today and she asked a question a lot of new parents ask, "Why are babies born with blue eyes? Why do they change?".

Here is your answer:

Melanin, the brown pigment molecule that colors your skin, hair, and eyes, hadn't been fully deposited in the irises of your newborns's eyes or darkened by exposure to ultraviolet light. (Like sunlight!) Melanin production generally increases during the first year of your baby's life, leading to a deepening of eye color. The color is often stable by about 9 months of age.

Some babies can be born with their eyes already turned brown (blue eyes in the States currently only account for less than 20% of babies born after the 1990's); however, we all start out in the womb with blue eyes.

My husband and I both have very dark brown eyes but our four girls have: light brown eyes, green eyes, bright blue eyes and dark brown eyes. Why the variation? Both of our fathers had blue eyes! (If you remember your Punnett Squares from HS Biology, he and I are "Bb" and not "BB" as we just assumed we'd were.)

According to wikipedia, the breakdown for eye color is classified in the "Martin-Schultz Scale". Green eyes are the rarest to have; about 2% to 3% of Americans have them, whereas Icelandic populations it is as high as 87%! Blue eyes have decreased in frequency as intermarriage among ethnicities has increased over the years and are about 17% in America but occur more frequently in Europe. Brown eyes are the World's most popular eye pigment accounting for over two-thirds of the population.

"Co-Sleeping"

2010-08-28T16:41:00.000-07:00

There is a great debate within the medical community about the safety of co-sleeping; one or both parents sharing their bed with the newborn. I shared my bed with my firstborn child for a number of reasons. The first being plain old conveniences. I was breast feeding and at night, rather than getting out of bed, I would just roll over, attach her to my breast and drift back to sleep. Other reasons were pure first time parent paranoia. It had been drilled into my head about the dangers of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and I wanted her with me at all times during the night.

The professionals against co-sleeping cite that there is a risk of "over-laying" (rolling over on top of your baby); risk of entrapment, such as wedging up against a wall or sleep with bedding not approved for infant use; and their idea that co-sleeping may have a negative effect on childhood development.

Pro co-sleeping advocates believe it is part of the mother-child bonding process that has been going on for centuries. They cite that bed sharing promotes breastfeeding; the mother's exhalations of CO2 triggers infant breathing stimulation; there is even an argument that the frequent nocturnal feedings (via breast) keeps the mother's prolactin levels high enough to suppress ovulation (thereby allowing for "child spacing") and may lead to the prevention of some cancers.

Whatever your decision is on to share your bed or not, there are some guidelines to follow for both "schools" of thought:

Infants should always be placed on a firm mattress, whether it's your bed or their crib. Never allow an infant to sleep on a water bed or on a soft couch.
Remove all cords, ties and other strangulation risks (especially window blinds!) from near the crib or bed.
Always put your baby to sleep on their back. If you are breastfeeding while side-lying, when the baby is done, roll her onto her back.
Parents who smoke have babies have a greater chance of dying from SIDS. Mothers who smoke should not co-sleep.
Parents who are over 175 pounds should not co-sleep. Studies have shown higher weighted parents have over-laying issues.
Never co-sleep if you have been drinking alcohol or taking sleeping medication.

"Our Journey to Unschooling", by Patrice London

2010-08-27T21:10:00.001-07:00

Our Journey to Unschooling

By: Patrice London, Labor Doula, Placenta Encapsulator, Mom, Wife, Opera Singer and Author

I remember unschooling my oldest daughter Jaiela before I even knew what unschooling was. It was just a natural thing for us. I was in college in FL when she was born and was very active in the drama club and opera ensemble. It was nothing to come to rehearsal and see me on stage with a script in one hand and my nursing baby on the other arm. As she grew we enjoyed laughing, reading, singing, acting, dancing, cooking, baking, opera’s, (adult and children’s opera) library storytime, frequent trips to the beach, and so much more. I soon began to dread the day we’d have to stop and send her off to school.

One day at an expo, Jaiela (then two) began to talk with a little boy of about 8 and his mom watched them and came to me and said “You homeschool don’t you?”. I had no idea what she was talking about and asked her to elaborate. She was a homeschooling mom and she said she could tell that I did a lot with my daughter. We exchanged information and I immediately left the expo and got every book I could find about homeschooling. I was so excited! I didn’t have to ever send my daughter off to school after all!

To my dismay, I did have to have my daughter in daycare off and on until she was 4 years old. While there, we went through a myriad of situations. She was two at the time and as a result of a helpful set of 3 year old twins I kept frequently, she quickly moved from “in training”status to fully potty trained. Because of this she was moved from the two year old class-and away from her new best friend to the class of 3 year olds whose room was conveniently located next to the bathroom. In a matter of months, she was moved from the 3 year old class to the 4 year old class because she knew the material being taught. At that point things began to get weird when all the children treated her like she was a baby and my once self stated “big girl”, began to act like a baby, which was completely out of character. I was able to take her out in the middle of the confusion and have her home again.

Some months later, we moved to DC and again I had to enroll her in a school. I felt absolutely terrible every morning for the entire year that she was enrolled. While there, I was able to get a real glimpse of what “school life” would be like as a parent. One thing that had me particularly horrified was the field trips. I somehow managed to take off or go in late whenever there was a field trip so that I could go along. While on various trips, I saw how little the teachers minded the children in their care. I remember while on a trip to the zoo, the teacher had four kids that she was to keep up with. One boy kept letting go of another boy’s hand and the teacher never noticed. I witnessed some other family bringing the boy back to the teacher after realizing he was straying from the group. Another time, the teacher looked back and the little boy was holding the hand of a complete stranger, walking along. I also remember bringing my daughter to school one morning to find one of the teachers screaming a child’s name, she’d lost the child! When she saw me she asked me if I’d seen him and I wanted to run out of there with my child so fast. At that point I began to beg my husband for a date that I could take her out, quit my job and come home for good. As if that weren’t enough, there were other negative aspects to the whole arrangement. Jaiela would often complain about not being able to do things when she wanted and as long (or short) as she wanted. She loves math and hated when “math time” was over and she had to move on to the next subject. She began to beg me to take her out. It was absolute agony. To make matters worse, I received a progress report that seemed to describe a totally different child. It was very apparent that her teacher knew nothing of her capabilities. She stated that Jaiela could not do things that we did together all the time. I became desperate and knowing I couldn’t quit, I asked my boss if I could change my schedule to four 10 hour days a week with Sunday being the first day of the week. He quickly replied no because it just wasn’t done and he could get in trouble but with my persistence and ingenuity I was working my Sunday thru Wednesday schedule in two weeks. I was happier knowing that Jaiela would only have to go to school 3 days a week but still pressed my husband for a date to get her out. After pushing the date a few times, September 2002 was the last Jaiela has seen of school and the first week in October I quit my job and we’ve never looked back. During the first year, we deschooled ourselves and just lived. The next year I got nervous, bought a packaged curriculum and bored Jaiela witless. I quickly came to my senses, and sold most of it. When I saw that she learned better without it I figured hey, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. We’ve been happily unschooling ever since.

Interview with Linda Morrow, Photographer

2010-08-27T20:50:00.000-07:00

Linda Morrow, photographer and owner of Linda Morrow Photography, is here to share some tips and insights on photographing maternity portraits and pictures of your new bundle of joy!

How did you get interested in taking pictures?

It feels like I was born a photographer sometimes. I was always the one with the camera when out with my friends and was even on the yearbook committee in high school. Then when I was 19, a local studio had a program to train people in wedding photography. I completed the program and since then, have photographed over 200 weddings and events. In 2008, I started Linda Morrow Photography. In my business, I specialize in weddings & events and also maternity & newborn photography.

How do you make clients feel comfortable for a maternity shoot? Should they wear anything specific? Do you do these pictures in studio or at home?

My clients and I have several conversations before each photo session both on the phone and via email. We go over what kind of session they are looking for....what types of shots they feel comfortable with...what to wear and what the session itself will be like. My goal is for each session to reflect the client's personality. I also have a maternity and newborn FAQ page that I give out in advance. The FAQ puts my clients at ease because they know what to expect.

How hard is it to get a good picture of a newborn? Do you work at the clients' homes or in studio? Should parents bring props? Extra clothing? What type of clothing looks best for photo announcements?

Newborn sessions can be challenging but at the same time are a whole lot of fun. The key to photographing a newborn is patience. When it comes to babies, we all just have to realize, it is not in our control. I go in with 10 or 20 ideas knowing that if I am able to accomplish a handful of those, it's a good day. A newborn session can take up to 3 hours depending on changings and feedings. Photo sessions seem to make babies VERY hungry! It's hard work I guess.

Since my newborn sessions are usually with babies until 15 days old, it's much easier for mom and dad if I go to them. I use the family's home surroundings as the background for many of my photographs, especially the nursery.

I bring everything I need for a newborn session so the parent's don't need to purchase anything. If they have a special hat or something like that, then that's great! The only thing that I always use is a boppy pillow. I don't bring one since so far, I haven't met a mom that doesn't have one on hand.

I generally photograph the babies either nude or in a diaper, so there's no need for clothing choices. For the parents, solid, neutral colors that compliment each other are your best bet

Any tips for mom and dad out there to use when they are playing photographer?

Some tips for photographing your baby are:

Natural Light - go to the window or take the baby outside to get the most flattering light. If it's a sunny day, shade will provide the softest light. Turn off your flash.
Keep it simple. Watch for busy backgrounds or patterns on clothing. All you really need is to come in for a close up on your baby's pretty eyes for a winning shot!
Pick the best time of day. You know your baby better than anyone in the world. Some babies are smile the most right when they wake up, some later in the day.
Keep shooting. It takes a lot of photos to get that one amazing shot.

When should clients contact you for maternity photos/birth photos/announcements (at what month? how far out?)

The best time to contact me for a maternity/newborn shoot is about 8 weeks before you give birth. It's best to do a maternity shoot when you have a nice size belly but are still comfortable. 8 weeks will give us time to make sure we can schedule your session in time. Moms pregnant with multiples should definitely contact me sooner. The newborn session should be within 15 days of your baby's birth if at all possible. This is when your baby is the sleepiest!

Linda preserves memories for families in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. To contact Linda, visit this link. Linda will be at the Healthy and Happy Mom Fair at The Please Touch Museum on September 19, 2010.

"Dads and Doulas"

2010-08-26T18:44:00.000-07:00

By: Jennifer Mossholder, CLD, CBE, Before, During & After Doula Service

Let me say straight out of the gate: Doulas do not replace spouses.

For most couples, this is the first time they are in a hospital or a birthing center. It is not something they face everyday: the machines, the sounds, the emotions. A doula is more accustomed to labor and birth sessions. Even if she has not given birth herself, she has generally attended more births than the pregnant couple.

Studies were conducted in hospitals, where fathers' and doulas' behaviors were observed during early and late labor. Fathers were noted to be in the room during early labor (less than seven centimeters) 78% of the time and 95% of the time during late labor (more than seven centimeters). During all stages of labor doulas were in the room 100% of the time. Throughout early and late labor, doulas remained physically closer to the mother than the fathers. Fathers also seem to have a tendency to watch the monitors more than their partner. I've heard some say (even my own husband) "Whoa, get ready, here come a big contraction!"

Does this demonize fathers and call for them to be thrown out of delivery rooms? Of course not. The father is just wired differently. He sees his wife in pain and wants to fix it. That is natural and normal. This makes them want to ask every nurse and doctor who comes into the room when is it too late to get an epidural. Most fathers are not trained in the medical terminology, the stages of the birth process and what all those beeps and alarms are in the room.

With doula support, fathers or partners tend to stay more involved with the birthing mother rather than withdraw in times of stress. Having someone "on your side" (not that the medical staff is against you), exclusively attending to the family is of great help to all of the growing family's needs.

Jennifer Mossholder is a "doula of all trades" and the owner and doula-match coordinator for Before, During & After Doula Service. Jenn has four daughters, which includes a set of triplets.

"Empowered to Be ME!: October 2"

2010-08-26T18:36:00.000-07:00

Patrice London will be starting a new series called "Empowered To Be Me!: A Girls' Rites of Passage Workshop".

The workshop covers a multitude of topics including:

Real Beauty
Being Yourself (Because everyone else is taken!)
Respecting Yourself and Others
Social Website Etiquette
Female Anatomy- how it all works
Cycle Charting: know your body and learn how to accurately predict the arrival of your menses

The age range is around 10 and up although younger girls are welcome. (at discretion of parents) Each participant is asked to bring a snack or dish to share. (Please no males of any age!)

The fee is $30 per girl; households with more than one attendee will have access to reduced fees.

If you have specific questions about the program or the fees, contact Patrice via patrice_london@hotmail.com for details on how your child can still take part for free!

Location questions should be directed to Jenn at jenn@doulamom.com

Light refreshments will be served; please let Jenn know if there are any dietary restrictions/allergies.

Please visit our FB fanpage (www.facebook.com/beforeduringafter) to RSVP today!

Breast Pump Rentals & Sales

2009-07-06T03:16:00.000-07:00

Before, During & After Doula Service is a now a proud supplier of Hygeia Breastpumps!

We have pumps for rent and pumps for sale, as well as the necessary accessories. Hygeia pumps have been approved by the FDA to be multi-user equipment. What this means is we are able to rent our pumps to moms that are of hospital quality and grade (if not better!) to you. All you are required to do to make the the pump your "own" while leasing is to purchase your personal accessory set. This is the same situation if you were to rent a pump from the hospital or any other lactation consultant. At no time does "anything of yours" come in contact with the machine! All of your milk goes through your personal tubing that you purchase for your personal use.

What Before, During & After also offers that a baby store or the majority of other lactation consultants do not is door-to-door concierge service! If you decide to rent or buy Hygeia equipment through us, we come to you!

We can also have the company drop ship directly to your home.

For $45.00 a month (which is about $1.50 a day) you can rent the EnDeare, a high-quality, satisfaction guaranteed pump! The accessory set (which comes with all the tubing, flanges, collection bottles, etc.) is a one time fee of $35.

If you decide you like the rental model, we have models for sale as well! Hygeia's ENJoye pump is comparable, if not better, than the leading retail competitor. This means quality, satisfaction AND price. For the pumps and all necessary accessories (car adapters, carry bags, et al) Hygeia's ENJoye comes in, depending on what accessories you'd like to buy, at $220 to $350. The comparable model at a retail store is well over $300.00; for the pumps alone! Plus, if you don't like the Hygeia for any reason, you can return it for a refund!

Please contact Jenn Mossholder, jenn@doulamom.com or 610-529-3249, or come to the Open House on July 17 in King of Prussia, to see what Before, During & After has to offer you! We will also be having an Introduction to Breast Pump Drop Ins on Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, August 2 in King of Prussia, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm

Is Birth a Feminist Issue?

2009-07-06T03:15:00.000-07:00

Women in childbirth have a variety of experiences. As a doula I try to make that transition into motherhood as positive as it can be. The biggest obstacle to having a “good birth” is the mindset we have inherited from not only our families but from society. Mothers are told to expect pain and suffering and to embrace narcotics to avoid the natural sensations of labor and birth, Instead of being taught good coping skills and making labor and birth a team effort. The medical establishment has taken birth as their own away from women, from mothers and from midwives and from montrices, and made it more paternalistic and interventionist and modern.

To think of giving birth as a feminist issue takes some people a little getting used to. Labor and birth are parts of many women's lives but even those who are not mothers can take to heart this issue on other levels. By modernizing or medicalizing a natural event and perverting it does not empower women to make sound choices in their healthcare. It teaches them to be afraid of their bodies and of change and of trusting their internal minds and instincts. Some women have become so frightened of the labor process they are seeking out voluntary cesarean sections, i.e. major abdominal surgery, to forgo trusting their bodies.

With my efforts, and the efforts of many other women in my area, we are trying to bring the focus of labor and birth back to where it began. Making babies is messy. Having babies is messy. Life is messy.

July 2009 Events for www.doulamom.com

2009-07-06T03:00:00.001-07:00

Events

JULY 2009

Healthy Pregnancy & Birth Class (8 weeks long, start date is listed)
Start date of Wednesday, July 1: 6:45 pm to 9:15 pm
Jenn Riedy, jenn@knittedinthewomb.com, teaches this intensive 8 week course, covering: pregnancy nutrition, exercise, normal labor, complications in labor including cesarean birth, informed decision making, and comfort techniques for labor. Expectant women may choose to take the first two classes of this series in early pregnancy to aid in having a healthy pregnancy.

The cost of this course is $150.00 per couple and it is best started in the middle of second trimester to the beginning of the third trimester.

Meet the Doulas Open House Night!
Friday, July 17, 2009, 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm - The Healing Point, King of Prussia, PA 19406
Come out and meet some of the doulas of Before, During & After and see our "new digs" at The Healing Point, 215 W. Church Road, King of Prussia, PA 19406. Free gift bags to the first 50 guests; filled with information, gifts and offers from Before, During & After and local businesses. Get a chance to see some body henna art, relax with a foot massage and bid on a small silent auction.

Items so far are signed books by Parenting Authors, a Motherlove Product Basket, handmade infant girl hats, a Burt's Bees Baby Product Basket, a sling from Hotslings, an Infant Scale, Homemade Blankets from babymomo and Two Professional Photography Packages. Admission is FREE!

5% of the Silent Auction will be donated to Fox Chase Cancer Center; the links between the benefits of breastfeeding and the reduction in risk of breast cancer are fairly definitive.

The silent auction will be held for the whole Open House so please stay and enjoy meeting other expectant moms in the area and learn about doulas, acupuncture, massage, reflexology and all other benefits you can take advantage of at The Healing Point!
For full information about the Open House, click on the Open House link to your left!

Introduction to Breast Pumps: Saturday, July 25, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
The Healing Point, 215 W. Church Road, Ste 112, King of Prussia PA 19406
This is a FREE, drop-in event. See what Before, During & After has to offer you in the Hygeia line of breast pumps!

Small Group Childbirth Ed: Saturday, July 25, 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
The Healing Point, 215 W. Church Road, Ste 112, King of Prussia PA 19406
Pre-registration and pre-payment is required. Please email jenn@doulamom.com three (3) days prior to the class or the class is in jeopardy of being canceled. This is a 2 to 3 hour session (ONE CLASS) and class size is limited. Small Group is a great environment to learn in. The benefit to limiting the class size and it being in a small environment is the personalization and having the ability to get all your questions answered or addressed. Light snacks and beverages are included in the tuition. The cost of this class is $60 per couple.

Open House - Meet the Doulas

2009-07-06T02:56:00.000-07:00

*NB* Please be prepared to pay for your item THAT evening! Bring your checkbooks!

Open House - July 17, 2009

Friday, July 17, 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm
The Healing Point, 215 W. Church Road, Suite 112, King of Prussia
Please Park Behind the Building, Towards "Sweat Gym"

Admission is FREE, The Only Paid Portion of the Evening is Our Awesome Silent Auction!
5% of the proceeds from the silent auction will be donated to Fox Chase Cancer Center

Free Loaded Tote Bags to the First Fifty Guests
Light Refreshments
Opportunities for Henna Art Demonstrations and Reflexology
Meet the Doulas and Other Expectant Mothers in the Area

Auction Items, In Alphabetical Order

Angela Pursell, Photographer - Custom Photo Session...Maternity or Newborn
2 8x10's, 4 5x7's, 25 Wallets - 25% off of all future sessions and prints for 1 year; on location or studio sessions available
Retail Value of $380.80

Anne Butler, NCTMB - Relaxing and Theraputic Pre and Post Natal Massage Package (one hour each)
Retail Value of $145.00

babymomo Chenille Blanket & Burp Cloths - Handmade 100% Organic Cotton Burp Cloths & Coordinating Blanket
Retails for $30.00

Burt's Bees Bundle of Joy Gift Basket - Includes 5 All Natural Products & a Comb
Retails for $26.00

Crabby Creations Soft Knit Hats - 2 Soft Brown with Cream Flower Accent, 1 Chocolate Brown with Ribbon
Retails for $21.00

The Doula Guide to Birth: Secrets Every Pregnant Woman Should Know - Signed by the Author, Ananda Lowe
Retails for $12.00 and it is a SIGNED COPY

Empowered to Birth Naturally: One Woman's Journey to Homebirth - Signed by the Author, OUR very own Patrice London. We have 2 copies available for bidding!
Retails for $13.00 a piece, and they are SIGNED COPIES

Hotslings Pouch Style Baby Carrier with Instructional DVD - La Vie en Rose, Size 3
Retails for $48.00

Hygeia Baby Infant Scale - Weighs Babies up to 44 pounds
Retails for $185.00

Kuttin Up Hand Crochetted Hat - Hot Pink Infant Hat with Detachable Flower Barrette
Retails for $7.00

Lisa Phillips Photography Session - Includes Seating, Two 5x7 prints, Two 4x6 prints & 8 Wallets
Retails for $175.00

Motherlove Mamacare Pack - Includes Pregnant Belly Oil, Pregnant Belly Salve, Rhoid Balm, Nipple Cream and a Sitz Bath. A must have for any new natural mama.
Retails for $20.00

Schedule of Events

7:00 p.m. - Doors Open
7:45 p.m. - Bidding Ends on Lisa Phillips' Photography Package and babymomo Blanket/Burp Cloth Set
8:15 p.m. - Bidding Ends on Hygeia Infant Scale, Hotslings Carrier and Burt's Bees Basket
8:45 p.m. - Bidding Ends on Massage Package, The Doula Guide to Birth Signed Copy and Empowered to Birth Naturally Signed Copies
9:15 p.m. - Bidding Ends on Angela Pursell's Photography Package, Motherlove Mamacare Pack and Handmade Hats
9:30 p.m. - Our Evening Ends

Post-Adoption Depression

2009-07-06T02:54:00.001-07:00

Here is a great link to a suite101 Article about PPD in Adoptive Mothers:

http://adoption.suite101.com/article.cfm/postadoption_depression

What to REALLY pack for a hospital birth

2009-07-05T20:44:00.000-07:00

You've seen the lists. They're in books, magazines, on-line - they're everywhere. The trouble is, which to adhere to?

Here are "Jenn's Picks for Labor and Delivery"

Film or Digital Camera (can be of the disposable variety even).
Don't forget batteries!!!
Breath Mints and/or Chewing Gum. You ARE going to need them :)
Socks or Slippers with Treads. The hospital socks are itchy and ill-fitting.
Phone Book (written or digital) of those you'd like to share the good news with.
Pillows are debatable. The "lists" say to bring your fave. I think this is a bad idea as your "favorite pillow" will soon become your "most disgusting pillow". If you're set on it, bring one you can part with at the end of it all.
Decks of Cards - Uno and/or Standard.
Chargers! Cell phone, PDA, Camera
Rice Sock - this is very cool. Take a big men's sweat sock and fill it 2/3rds with rice. Knot the open end. When you encounter back pains in labor (or even while pregnant) just microwave the sock for no more than 2 minutes and presto, it fits nicely in the curve of your back.
Music - another source of debate. Some people come with the boom box bigger than the bed and their whole CD collection. I suggest an iPod or Walkman. If you want others to enjoy music - send them to the cafeteria or nearest elevator.

The number one rule of all is, if it doesn't all fit in one medium suitcase (like the 14" x 24" model) you don't need it. And guess what? Other people can fetch you things at your command. They have gift shops and cafeterias. People "from the outside" may be summoned to bring you things as well.

If you over pack, you and your mate are responsible for getting "camp" moved to the recovery floor. And those rooms are small in comparison to the room you just had your baby in.

Trust me.

www.doulamom.com/whattobring.php

www.doulamom.com

2009-07-05T20:39:00.000-07:00

What we offer: Childbirth Education, Birth Plan Preparation, Labor & Birth Support, Postpartum Support, Breast Pump Rentals & Sales, Breastfeeding Assistance...

so tired and worried

2009-07-05T20:38:00.000-07:00

My youngest triplet getting her tonsils & adenoids out tomorrow. Mommy worry mode....

Open House - Meet the Doulas

2009-07-05T20:36:00.000-07:00

Please com to open house on July 17, 2009, 7:00 pm at The Healing Point, 215 W. Church Road, Ste. 112, KOP PA,www.doulamom.com/openhouse.php