Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Meet The Doula Event 2016


 
 
 
Greetings Beautiful Mommies and Mommies to be!!

I am overjoyed to announce I am hosting my very 1st Doula event.

 Meet The Doula will be an event filled with raffles, fun games, information and great birth chat. It is time to bust some old wives tales and have fun relax and talk birth. There will be snacks offered as well.

 If you know anyone expecting who maybe interested in a Doula or would like to know more about what a Doula can offer please bring them. If you would like to tell your provider all about it they are welcome as well.

 

 Event: Meet The Doula

When: January 30th, 2016

Time: 1pm-3pm

Location: Vitality Women’s Physical Therapy and Wellness, LLC

263 N. York Rd suite 200

Elmhurst, Illinois 60126


 

Raffles prizes courtesy of :

Celar Chiropractic -2 Acupuncture sessions  

4413 W. Roosevelt Rd suite 100

Hillside, Ill 60162

 

Cleaning Time , INC - Basic Cleaning session

420 W. Stone Rd, ste G2

Villa Park, Il 60181

Marta Predko

(630)634-8095

cleaningtimeservices@gmail.com


 

Peaceful Birthing Doula - 1hr in home massage session  

Addison, Il

 (630)481-6079


 

This is just to name a few…

 

P.S. If you refer someone for Doula, Placenta or Massage

services you can earn a complimentary 1hr in home massage session for you to keep or gift to someone

You can visit www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com for information on services and rates
 

Monday, November 9, 2015

Birthing from with in




Birthing from within

Every woman has her level of strength and pain tolerance. One thing I have noticed is no matter how strong or how intolerant you are to pain every woman will finish the race. Many say “labor and deliver is much like a marathon”. I can say” for some it may be a great comparison”. One thing is for sure No one has ever said I just couldn’t do it, I’ll try next time or I just didn’t know what to do. Can you imagine carrying your baby for 10 more months to try and do it again?

Delivering a baby may need some instruction or even a little bit of detail. No matter what you think baby will come out with or without your help. For some delivery is effortless. For example, I had a wonderful Mom who I worked with for her and her Husband first delivery. They called me for their second delivery and I was more than honored to be a part of this joyous occasion. This Mom has a background of athleticism and working out throughout her pregnancies. We created a game plan for the second delivery. Baby was determined to meet her parents as they were determined to meet her. I must say I didn’t know what to expect for this delivery however I will say this was the fastest delivery of all time and without much work. This Mom only pushed once and the princess came right out.

What most don’t realize is if you can find that mental peace during labor, allow your body to work for you and get in a great position your body will do what it was designed to do. If this isn’t your story that’s fine, because one thing you all do share is the end of the delivery you will never be the same.

Delivery will change you. It doesn’t matter if you labored for 1 hour or 60 hours. It doesn’t matter if you had a vaginal delivery or cesarean the results are the same. You will be changed for life. You are now a new woman. You my dear have put the WO in WO-MAN. You will be the most confident, resilient, strong and accomplished than you have ever been. Men cannot fathom carrying, delivery or caring for a child as we do. Who better to do it than you?

We have to remember we are strong and courageous. Do Not allow the thought of labor and delivery to overwhelm you. You can do it. Remember that you have support. Lean on the people around you. Focus on your inner strength. Think of what you are working for. Labor is what it Is, work. There is no way around it. Know that you were created to carry, labor, deliver and Love your Baby.

You can do this. Birthing is something that comes from within you. Get it?  Birthing comes from within?

Okay beautiful Mommies remember love yourself, love your baby, love your belly.

Enjoy these moment and journal to remind yourself of the precious kits, punches and movements.

To hire labor or postpartum support call www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

Have a great day!!
Tunisia Macklin
Peaceful Birthing Doula
Educate, Encourage, Empower and Serving Women
http://www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com
peacefulbirthingdoula@gmail.com
(630)481-6079

Monday, September 21, 2015

The Dirty Little secret


The dirty little secret



Your typically excited at the idea that your married and ready to conceive. How hard can it be right? Your intimate with your spouse and BAM! Your pregnant. For most that is exactly how it may happen. There is also a percentage of women that unfortunately like me it doesn't happen that easily.
I remember how excited I was for preparing to have my husband and I first child. We started and nothing. We eventually started ovulation kits, period tracker apps, then I called my OB GYN
Dr. Beister  from Partners of Woman health who checked to see if there was any blockages in the tubes or was there anything to be concerned about. There was nothing. I had a clean bill of health. We went back to it. I became ridiculous. I would call my husband and say " I'm ovulating can you come home for lunch"? eventually it became a chore to him. I though I would never hear the day when my husband would say he can't perform under these circumstances. I was putting to much stress on him.
The funny thing is I was on the phone with my sister and she said "Hey! did you get your menstrual"? of course, I didn't realize I had been unbearable to deal with. She mentioned I had been moody and mean. I checked my period tracker since I decided to be more relaxed about monitoring and it said your 45 days late. I started to scream, jump and became so excited I started to drop my phone. On Thursday evening I took a pregnancy test and it was official I AM PREGNANT. I took a picture of the positive test and texted it to my husband and called him all at the same time. He could hardly understand me. Finally we did it. We are pregnant. Yay!!
I wake up Friday still riding off the high of it all. My husband kiss the belly. We start to plan our future, figuring how and when will we tell everyone?  On Saturday I wake up and the Hubby handles his weekend errands as usual. I'm on the phone with my sister and realize my stomach is hurting I go to the bathroom and there is blood. No!? What is this? In her calmest voice she tells me to go to the hospital now. I head over and call the hubby.
The worst day of my life has begun. My heart is racing, I feel a emptiness and fear. I find out I have an ectopic. My baby is in my fallopian tube. I am devastated, I have to choose to do a shot of methotrexate or remove the tube. In my mind I'm killing my baby. What if it can detach? Who says it can't happen? I believe in miracles.  I decide to reluctantly do the methotrexate and thinking everything is okay. I continue my days mourning what could have been. I found myself being thankful we found out we can have a baby now its just a matter of healing and moving forward. While working I notice my insides are hurting and I feel like something just isn't right. I get home and off we go to the hospital. After a 6 day hospital stay my fallopian tube has ruptured and I am now bleeding internally. I have to have emergency surgery to remove the tube I wanted to salvage. The scariest thing in the world is to have your family all in a lobby praying for you as you go into a surgery. Your very first surgery ever. I could see the concern and worry on my husband face.  
Now our journey to conceive has become altered. Why can't I just simply have a baby. The one thing women are design to do without question. I find myself with my husband in Fertility clinics of Illinois in Oakbrook with Dr. Ulher discussing our options. We left there with so much hope, peace and joy. it was God who led us to her. After 2 cycles we have our little precious Elianna. We are now parents.
I wish that women would speak more of the struggle, the disappointment and expectation when trying to conceive. You hear about miscarriage, still birth and premature delivers that result in loss of infant. You rarely hear about fertility issues and you rarely ever hear about ectopic pregnancies. I was very angry when I had my experience. After the experience  I had friends tell me "sure I know what that is I had two. I don't have either of my fallopian tubes" or I heard stories of women having at least one ectopic or having a family member that experienced it. The one thing that bothers me the most is that in the African American community women don't share their personal experience. They never share  to know their story. They do not want to give the impression they are less of a women. The pride in the community can be crippling.
African American women we must share our experiences in life to educate the next generations. The elders have a job and it appears we are not hearing the necessary stories. Now being a Doula I am very open and candid about pregnancy to help women understand no matter the situations it is a beautiful experience.   I like to have my families that I work with enjoy the pregnancy experience but also discuss the tuff stuff. Most mothers aren't sharing with their spouse about their fears, concerns and worries. The spouses aren't being honest either. They are hiding their feelings as well. I love having them deal with this and what I really love is it brings them closer once they understand how the other feels. To have your spouse be a support to you in every way during the pregnancy is important.
Women I hold you responsible. Be honest with yourself as well as those around you. Share your story with friends and family. More importantly share with your daughters when they are older. Let's prepare others and let them know they aren't alone. I remember that was one emotion I felt during my healing process. My husband was awesome. I just needed someone who had that experience to support me.
Find support groups for women who have had your experience. You can counsel through your church. If you don't have a church home you can find a neighborhood church that shares your same beliefs and meet with a Pastor there or you can make an appointment with counselors near you.
If you have an opportunity to prevent postpartum depression even if you experience a stillbirth please consider keeping your placenta and encapsulating to improve your chances of recovering physically and emotionally from the experience in addition to the counseling and support groups. www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com
 I have a list of groups if your need suggestions. I hope you find them helpful.

Tunisia Macklin
Peaceful Birthing Doula
Educate, Encourage, Empower and Serving Women
http://www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com
peacefulbirthingdoula@gmail.com
(630)481-6079

If your currently pregnant and looking for support I have availability www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Is a birth plan necessary?





Is a birth plan necessary?
Do you think preparing a birth plan is a  waist of time? In my opinion Never.. A Birth Plan is probably the best thing you could possibly do for this special moment. What's funny is most physicians and nurses will role their eyes at them and then there are some who welcome birth plans.

I had a family that a nurse told them on a hospital tour not to even worry about bringing one they will not even look at them. Well let's just say we are glad we didn't get her for he delivery.
Many people don't bother doing birth plans because they aren't sure where to start. this shouldn't be a reason not to do them. There are so many template's on the internet that make writing your birth plan as easy as pie. looking over the templates will help you to get an idea of what are something's you will encounter while laboring from monitoring you and baby, to delivery methods and post delivery procedures.  If your not knowledgeable of these things in advance how would you know if your okay with these methods and procedures?
 I like the Earth Mama angel Baby http://blog.earthmamaangelbaby.com/birth-plan/ it is very detailed but great to use as a conversation starter with your provider.
 There are so many things to consider. such as:
  1. would you like to labor at home?
  2.  what are you comfortable with if you go past your estimated due date? (stripping the membrane, teas, movement, waiting till you naturally start labor or available  schedule cesarean).
  3. would you like to stay mobile?
  4. do you want undisturbed laboring?
  5. would you like to squat or side line or lay on your back to deliver?
  6. would you like baby vaccinated at hospital?
  7. would you like baby bathed after delivery?
  8. do you want to naturally tear or have an episiotomy?
No one ever really knew that these were options. Everyone need to know their options. you deserve to be able to have a say in your birthing process.
Many hospitals may not be excited about the fact you know that you have choices. You need to be prepared and informed. Preparing a birth plan is easy. we you attend a child birth class whether it's Lamaze, Bradley, informed beginnings or
 birthing you will be given advice and information on putting together your birth plan.

The beautiful part of having a birth plan is there are fewer question that need to be asked because it's already in black and white. whether you have your partner or doula present your wishes are always there and for anyone to refer back to periodically.

I always advise families to prepare a birth plan so that we can make sure mom is focused only on one thing delivery. as the Doula I should be able to refer back to the birth plan and allow mom to have undisturbed time focusing on her most important task. Delivering a baby :-) I'm there to give gentle reminders of family wishes to ensure that things haven't changed and if so we are able to review what those changes may Intel. I am also able to give provider and staff friendly reminders that there is a birth plan that can be and should be followed if they attempt to improvise when not necessary.

So, hopefully you have found value in the wonderful birth plan. If your considering conceiving this is the perfect time to start to research what labor and delivery should look like for you. Also refer back to the previous blog post it takes a village. I discuss putting your team together before conception. if you currently pregnant I hope you have looked into all the birthing classes available to you. you can find links to some classes on www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com as well as find additional blog posts.


Tunisia Macklin
Peaceful Birthing Doula
Educate, Encourage, Empower and Serving Women
http://www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com
peacefulbirthingdoula@gmail.com
(630)481-6079

Enjoy your day Beautiful Mommies to be and Mommies!

Monday, August 17, 2015

10 ways you can benefit from hiring a Doula


10 ways you can benefit from hiring Doula

I remember when I was pregnant I thought I had it all under control. I completed my DONA Doula training and 2 weeks later I was pregnant after trying for several years and recovering from an ectopic 1 year prior. Yay!! Right??

I sat down and discussed with the Hubby that it only makes since to have a Doula. The Doula needs a Doula. Well, my Husband and lovely Mother convinced me that they could work as a great power house team and help me to achieve all my Birthing goals. I labored at home while my husband slept for a while. I felt that if I allow him to rest he will have the necessary energy during the big show. Plus Macks our wonderful Golden Retriever walked with me and stayed with me the entire time I labored at home. Needless to say my Husband was wonderful but not as effective as I needed him to be.

I labored for 22 hours and pushed for 3 hours with wonderful family support. How ever not the necessary support to prevent me from over working, not finding comfort on the contractions and not preventing the epidural.

Yes, the doula had an epidural. I hate to say it but “If I would have had a doula she would have kept me focused, relaxed and managing my level of discomfort as well as reminding me to change position because my daughter was OP and that’s why I had such uncomfortable back labor. I think I could have managed without the epidural”.

Many do not see the importance of having a doula.  We are a necessary part of the birthing community.

There are some who need it more that others and we are needed by families for various reasons.

Here is 10 ways you benefit from having a doula:

1.      You receive consistence non-judgmental support during pregnancy.

2.      You receive unlimited continuous support during labor & delivery

3.      Take the feeling of being overwhelmed assist in Feel more secure & cared for

4.      Results in shorter labor with fewer complications

5.      Reduces the need for Pitocin, forceps, vacuum extraction, episiotomy & cesarean.

6.      Reduces mother’s request for pain medications & or epidural

7.      Have greater success with breastfeeding

8.      Necessary resources to assist in making sound decisions.

9.      Assistance with creating your birth plan

10.   Assistance navigating the birthing system


As a Doula, I work with the mother. Most do not realize we also work with the Dad as well. It really depends on Dad comfort leave dealing with managing experiences like delivery. I work with Dad in many ways. I am there to remind dad tell mom she is beautiful, you Love her and she is doing a great job. I also remind Dad to eat, sleep you have to keep your energy up. Give family updates. I also take picture of those wonderful and powerful moments you don’t even realize you have.

 I have had dad’s stay at the head of the bed and just hold moms hand the entire time. If you’re a Mom who need more interaction then a Doula would be great.

 If dad is one who is not a very affectionate person and not one for many words and you need verbal encouragement, words of affirmation and physical touch to help get you through then hiring a Doula is a great path to venture.

If your partner is everything and you just simply do not want him doing anything else just stay by your side the Doula can make sure your other needs are taking care of. Reminding you to breath, change position if you are experience certain contractions or if you need to remind dad when to take charge when staff is coming around and decisions are needed and you just don’t understand what choices you have.

The Doula isn’t there to take anybody place. We are there to help your experience be as close to your birth plan as possible. We are you enforcer, task master, coordinator and your source of caring and compassion. We are who you need us to be in addition to being your Doula.

If you have been considering a Doula feel free to schedule a consultation with me and see if we will be a good fit for one another. www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

Tunisia Macklin
Peaceful Birthing Doula
Educate, Encourage, Empower and Serving Women
http://www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com
peacefulbirthingdoula@gmail.com
(630)481-6079

Birthing your little one is a beautiful experience make sure you enjoy it. You will never forget. Make sure your memories are as precious as your little one.

For information on fact based information on hiring a doula

http://dona.org

to review testimonies from Mom’s I’ve worked with

Monday, August 3, 2015

It takes a village




Not for just the Crunchy

Have you been told your Crunch? Well if you agree with more than half of this you maybe a Crunchy Mom to be. There is no shame in it. Natural is great and if your borderline to not at all Crunchy I know you will still benefit from this post. Enjoy …

Throughout my life I have heard the phrase “It takes a village to raise a child”. In fact it does; but what about preparing for the conception and delivery of the child? You need to work on putting a great pregnancy, labor and delivery support team.

 Far too many times I have spoken with families that are not sure about their confidence in their provider for their wishes in their laboring or delivery. Most families haven’t considered what their idea of birth is. This can pose a bit of confusion when you’re intending to communicate with a provider.    

Whether you are considering having a baby or already pregnant there are a few things that should be addressed. Start to build your village (Support team). Conception can be a fun time or a daunting task that can be stressful depending on who you have in your village.

Most women would use their Obstetrician that has been treating them prior to considering conceiving. There is nothing to consider when just doing an annual pap smear.  However there are several things to consider when preparing for your new addition.

Most would think it all start with the easy part. The great part. The practice sessions. Great right? Now you’re using your Obstetrician through your prenatal. No one ever ask the Obstetrician the big and hard questions.

List below are a few questions to spark up conversation with your provider. These are also question you and your partner need to consider.

1.       Is this the Obstetrician for me during pregnancy and delivery?

2.       How do you know if this is the provider for you?

(a) You will need to consider whether their open to fewer interventions and more alternatives unless you’re okay with them.

(Such as: epidural, cervidil, cytotec, narcotics, vacuum, forceps and cesarean)

3.       Will they support me in my birth plan?

4.       Do they have midwives?

5.       What choices do I have in delivery?

6.        What hospital do they do deliveries?

7.       What is their cesarean rate?

8.       What’s their procedure on episiotomies?

9.       What’s the procedure for pregnancy past due date?

10.   What’s the procedure for if your water break while at home?

All these questions are valid questions and your provider should have an answer to and be willing to have a conversation with you about.

I am a firm believer of not waiting till you’re pregnant. Build your Birthing Team/ Village now. You are a customer your Obstetrician  should be someone you trust and they respect your wishes long as they are within reason.

Who should your birthing Team/ village consist of you ask? I’m glad you asked.

1.       Obstetrician /Midwife- ensures that you have a healthy birth. They are there to make sure that you and baby are experiencing a safe delivery.

2.       Doula (Doula options Antepartum doula, Labor doula and postpartum doulas)
3.       Chiropractor

4.       Massage therapist www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

5.       Women’s health physical therapist

6.       Pediatrician

Each of those listed are helpful in many ways before, during and after pregnancy.

Your Obstetrician  / Midwife will provide the best care for you and your precious baby during pregnancy and delivery. They are there to ensure your prenatal care create a healthy environment for you and baby.

 The Midwife is more natural in many areas unless you are fortunate enough to find an O.B. that practices are similar to a midwife.

 doula  is there to create a safe environment one that the mother feels safe and comfortable being her natural self during labor and delivery. The labor Doula is there to make sure that the family has the information needed to make sound decisions as well as laboring effectively and safely.   
Your Chiropractor is there to make sure your spine is healthy. They make sure your structure is healthy and sound. Chiropractors have many practices that can help you for comfort throughout pregnancy especially if baby is malposition they have a technique named Webster and Logan technique that can help with either breached or posteriorly positioned which can cause additional discomfort during labor and can also cause longer laboring experience.

Your massage therapist can help provide relaxation, stress reduction, loose musculature and if needed there are massage techniques that can assist in natural labor induction.

women health physical therapist can work with you before during and after child birth. They help you to make sure your pelvic floor is healthily functioning, this comes in handing especially after delivery for women or men that have incontinence issues, chronic hip pain and core stability issues.

And, last but not lest the pediatrician. Pediatrician should the first thing on your mind when you are considering conceiving. Please speak with your insurance, speak with mom’s in your area and take to social media to ask around. There are a host of questions to ask your possible pediatrician. This is not for just the Crunchy Mom.

1.       What is your overall philosophy?

2.       How do you feel about alternative care over medications if it’s a minor issue?

3.       What are your views on vaccines and adjusted scheduling?  


If you would like to add me to your Team/Village please feel free to go to www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com  and if you would like to see about others to add to your team/village go to my resources page and you will find plenty of wonderful people who will be more than happy to join your team.  Remember it takes a Village please build your village early.

Tunisia Macklin
Peaceful Birthing Doula
Educate, Encourage, Empower and Serving Women
http://www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com
peacefulbirthingdoula@gmail.com
(630)481-6079