Birthing in Peace

https://youtu.be/qc2RAxiegAwhttps://youtu.be/qc2RAxiegAw

Friday, December 15, 2017

This is Motherhood

Friday, December 1, 2017

This day to shall pass

This day to shall pass

Receiving a call from this family was funny. This Beautiful Mommy is excited yet nervous about her up coming labor and birth. She did the one thing I advise women not to do. I always advise women never listen to other women birth stories while pregnant, I am fine with you listening. I prefer that you only ask your Mother and or Grand Mother their birth story. If you listen to anyone story it should be Mother or Grand Mother. Your story can be close to their birth story. This family was transplants from the West coast so they were a laid back family.

This family is awesome. To see how the Husband is so loving and attentive to his wife is great. Every moment that we spend together I learn that his primary concern is that she is safe.

I get the call that she is experiencing contractions and Dad is a little nervous. I can tell by the tone of voice and the lack of conversation. As I arrive at the triage to is was clear she was uncomfortable and eager to meet her baby. I immediately get caught up on how things are going. Dad is standing guard. I love how when I explain to Dads their duty is to anchor the room, be a show of authority and protect their wife integrity.

As we speak with the staff they are determined to have my anxious Mom hang in the most uncomfortable bed. With sore hip and stressed breathing I have to calm her down. Dark room, waterfall music and sweet aroma's take the air. We work on breathing as I massage her back. finally her heart rate normalizes and baby calms down. Staff continue to do what every person dreads, interrupt our calm atmosphere.

Finally we make it up stair and Momma receives a comfortable bed and she is able to rest before we get the party started. This Momma was beautiful and so delicate in her laboring. The relationship was clear they have a deep connection. His gentle touch was more comforting to her than she probably noticed.

I remember as the contractions began to increase and she was becoming more restless she gave an effort to relax as we attempted to distract her. Finally, Momma was able to rest easy after she received her comfort. We were able to relax as well. As time went on Momma and Baby were ready to meet.

There is nothing like watching a Mother give her all to meet her Baby. This Mother was ready and eager to have her baby in her arms. Observing the father as he stand firm to protect his wife when he wasn't sure of the request being made of his wife during the birthing experience. This quite Dad had transformed into a super hero. With every push they came closer to completing their family unit. It was the most exhilarating moment. This Mom was blessed with a physician who had faith that she could birth her baby in the most beautiful way.

To see this Mother when she met her see Baby Girl it was a moment you could caption. As this family started their bonding experience you could feel the thickness of Love in the atmosphere.

It was great observing and supporting this lovely family.

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

Saturday, June 17, 2017

Sweet Love

This Momma was so excited and ready to have her baby Boy. Every month makes this mom more and more excited to hold and hug her baby boy. I received a call from this Beautiful Momma with such a sweet voice rich with a thick accent that I adored. I remember her explaining that her career requires her to care for many people and she would need someone to care for her. I could hear the relief in her voice the longer we speak. I express to her that Doula's not only take care of you the momma but I also ensure that your partner is taken care of, this will give you comfort as well as I can pace the room and keep the space grounded. After explaining how I will support her and her partner she sighs.

She was full of faith. Everything about her shows how she has been the primary emotional caregiver for many people not just for work. I couldn't wait to meet her husband to hear his understanding of this Beautiful Momma.

I meet with the Husband and Momma. Both Mom and daddy are so excited and ready to meet his little boy.We go over birth plan and option, things to consider and plans for comfort. This was the cutest and conservative couple. I could tell their laboring was going to be one of much love and peace.

As time goes on baby Boy C was a little more excited than his parents to meet them. We are met with early growing contractions. Every moment is a nail biter. There are changes Moment to moment and Evanston hospital staff kicks into gear. This Momma had to leave her comforting Highland park Midwife for Evanston Hospital.

This Baby Boy Rafa is strong and prepared to conquer what ever comes his way. We are praying for a full healing and no issue in development. Preemies are very resilient. This Momma is strong, full of faith and prepared to petition the heavens all nigh every night.

As a Doula we continue to support till the Mom doesn't need us.

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

#peacefulbirthingdoula
#doulalove
#prayforrafa

Thursday, June 15, 2017

Secrets to having a intervention free pregnancy

The Secret to having a intervention free birth

More women are looking into natural birth these days. I love it. I have noticed no matter your back ground, your culture the women are more interest in the benefits it offer not just them but baby.

every woman has a reason for their journey into the natural. Some are drawn because they were raised in a family full of natural living people, lifestyle changes and because it seems like the trend amongst the crunchy parents. it truly doesn't matter which is your reasoning. what's most important is that you know what your goal is and you have a support system to make it attainable. The funny thing is everybody idea of what natural is appears to be different. To be honest what you consider natural is your opinion. Know your limits in the labour and birthing process. If you set a goal higher than you truly believe you can achieve you can come out on the other end of the birth feeling disappointed. we tend to be harsher on ourselves than we should be.

Birth is a very beautiful experience and preparing for it is such an intimate process. think about it. during the entire process you are developing a beautiful relationship with your baby while in the womb. We learn our babies personality and corks during the preparation time. baby let you know when you fatigued, over doing it, need to eat and need to prepare for their arrival. I loved the process.

you have to have a positive out look no matter your symptoms, experience with those around you and what your physical body look like. When you think pregnancy in the start your excited and eager to get started with the journey. You know you may gain a lot of weight but you don't know how your body with respond to the over all process. This is why I have a few tips to assist in the intervention free experience.

How you are before the pregnancy start can tell you many things:

here are some questions to consider.

1. will I feel out of control?

2. will I be able to submit to the experience?

3. will I be able to let my body work naturally?

4. Can I rely on my body?

5. am I comfortable in my own skin?

6. can receive help without rejecting or trying to take over

I have a talk I do titled the 7 secrets to having an intervention free birth. The tips aren't difficult they are just things that most have a issue handling or identifying.

1. Mentality (meditation/visualization/

Pregnancy is hormonal and so staying positive is important. I always advise families to sort through your stuff before labour and delivery because emotion can translate through your pregnancy and labour. If you have unresolved stresses, angers, family issues this all can affect the way your pregnancy will play out as well as your labour.

To clear your mind and prepare for this journey of a life time I advise you to work on meditation, visualization and daily affirmations. I just started to provide affirmations for Mom and Dad for pregnancy, Labour and delivery. Your mental state is so important. If you are not mentally sound this can also affect your postpartum recovery. I also am a firm believer if your mental state is the healthiest than how can you positively receive support.

2. Support
Every woman who is looking to conceive or expecting their partner need to understand the importance of their support.
The comfort you experience knowing that your spouse, parents and friends are supportive and willing to be a part of your experience in what ever way is needed is very comforting.

All of this is very helpful to Mom and will give a breath of fresh air before delivery. This will allow Mom t enjoy pregnancy with out the huge list of tasks. I always suggest creating a pregnancy and postpartum task list for family and friends. be specific with time slots so there is no confusion or disturbances while your home resting with the baby.The funny thing is in North America we are so behind culturally with pregnancy and the birthing experience how can we expect our culture to be understanding of the postpartum experience. In some cultures the Mom is not allowed to do anything. the family will come in and care for the house and family until her healing and bonding process is complete. In Asia, India and Africa the village come together to make sure you are prepared to care for your new addition and family without any relapse. We are still behind in breastfeeding and maternity leave. we are even behind with paternity leave. that's right men are allowed time off of work to help the Mom. If your partner can stay home for at least 2 weeks you decrease your chances of postpartum depression significantly.

3. Relaxation (yoga/ massage/
spend time relaxing. Anything that is mentally soothing and physically calming. If you do not have any allergies aromatherapy is great. A little lavender goes a long way when you put a couple drops in a defusor or hot tub of water. It is ok to use during pregnancy, labor and delivery. Get prenatal massage and frequent a prenatal yoga class as often as your schedule will allow.

4. Mobility (walk/ exercise) A walk around the blog is great. There are pregnancy and Mommy groups that you can join so you can have someone to walk with the same journey a head as you.

5. Chiropractic (joint and structural health

6. Nutrition ( eat for preventative health, healing in food ( helps with hormonal balance, anxiety, hydration etc..

7. Doula

When you hire a doula we are there to decrease your chances of C-section, Pitocin, epidural and we increase your chances of a natural labour an delivery. We assist you in staying the course with your birth plan within reason. We help you with any information you need to make decisions about your birthing experience. We also help you to trust your body and find a healthy place mentally during the pregnancy, labour and delivery. We help with any resources you may need during your journey. We also assist with your transition from hospital to home during those postpartum stages. Having a Doula allows you to not free to experience without stress the beautiful journey of birthing.

I love watching the families transform and grow. Each woman that has delivered I have witnessed them turn into what I call a womb warrior. Birth turns you into the most resilient woman you will ever become without having to experience a trauma.

For questions about hire Peace Birthing Doula for Birth Doula or Postpartum Support, Placenta Encapsulation and Massage please visit www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com or (630)481-6079

Tunisia Macklin DONA(CD), Placenta Encapsulator, Massage Therapist

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Meet The Doula

Hello!! I would like to introduce myself. I am Tunisia Macklin a Wife, Mother of 2 precious Angel Babies and my sweet precious little 3 year old Princess Elianna. I am also a Massage Therapist, Doula and Placenta Encapsulator. To learn more about my services you can go to www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

As a young lady I experienced birth work very early. I guess you can say I was born into it. I actually found out that my Great Great Grand Mother was a Midwife. Wow! My first birthing experience was with my Mom. I remember her starting to have contractions with my little sister. It was the most exciting moment ever. That pregnancy was so much fun as all my mother’s pregnancies were as well. My mother was so strong walking through the house, walking the stairs and doing yoga poses. Her favorite was all fours which ironically was great for me during my laboring with Elianna. As time neared my mother to prepare to leave for the hospital I remember her saying “run me a tub of water please”. I sat on the floor and chatted with her while she dosed off a few times and laughed as my sister applied extreme pressure on her low back. What was amazing was I remember when my mom water broke and she called for my dad to get the car ready. “William it’s time for real.” My Dad was cool then and displayed that same cool demeanor when my Mom told him I was heading out to have my daughter Elianna. Some things just don’t change. You have to love my cool Dad. The only thing that I didn’t find fun was having to clean that tub out afterward. That I thought was pretty cruel.

My first experience from there on became a norm from my Mom to being present at a few close friends’ births and my Nephew. Some of my dearest moments were being present for my 3 God children’s birth they were awesome. The funny part is I only worked in an official Doula capacity for my most recent God daughter Grace. By then I knew what a Doula was and had completed my training through DONA International. The funny thing is with all the experience I have from life and training who would have thought the Doula couldn't Doula herself.

I was trained in December of 2012 and 2 weeks later I found out I was pregnant with our baby girl Elianna. It was fun working with families while pregnant. I remember I was 2 weeks from my estimated due date September 5^th 2013 working with a fun family and Dr. Sklar of RPW in Elmhurst, Il. I recall him and the Mom who was delivering asking me “are you ok”? I found out recently Dr. sklar still remembers that day.

So much has changed since then. I love this wonderful world of birth work. I look forward to helping each family understand and improve their birth choices. I also plan on working toward educating families on preparing for birth, the choices they have and how your voice matters. You can read some of my testimonies on www.doulamatch.net/profile/6185/tunisia-macklin and on my website www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

Look out for the next post on building your birth team to birth your way.

Have a GREAT Day Beautiful Mommies & Mommies-to-be!

You can also follow me on Facebook www.facebook.com/peacefulbirthingdoula and twitter www.twitter.com/peacefulbdoula for tips, information and video's on birthing, breastfeeding and fun.

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

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

This Mother's Prayers

Mothers Prayer for the womb

Every woman feels this desire to have their womb filled at some point in life. Many say it’s your biological clock. We desire to marry the perfect man for us who will be this great companion and parenting team with you as you raise your beautiful baby. You get the husband and you adore him. Now your pregnant and it is all gravy from there so you think, right?

I connected with this Mom on a different level. It was so many similarities in our journey of conception and pregnancy. It was funny. In the birth community, you here many say every pregnant woman isn’t meant to be your client. I have been so blessed to meet my ideal Beautiful Momma. I was told If she doesn’t connect with you then she isn’t the client for you. As a doula, we give so much of ourselves during the time we are serving and supporting. Every momma doesn’t respect it or appreciate it. This Mom wasn’t just pregnant with a pulse she was one I surly connected with. I will never forget receiving her email. It was so confident. I replied and knew this would be a family that would leave a mark.

I arrived for the first meeting at her home and it was like we met before. She was full of energy and laughter. I could tell this was a woman who was going to have a lot knowledge. She didn’t disappoint. We chat and immediately she displayed type A characteristics as her lovely friend who I also supported. These were the most fun and pleasant type A women I have ever met before.

This beautiful Momma was all about being prepared for everything.

ü Conception

ü Doppler

ü Task list

ü Scriptures

ü Music for ever leg of the labor

ü Make it past 12 weeks

ü Midwife

ü Doula

After explaining to this Beautiful Mommy to let go and let God breath and continue to do your normal scriptural meditations we knew we would work well together.

Though this momma was reluctant to release some things we laughed and parted ways. I was glad to receive my updates on the progress she made after our meeting.

I finally had the pleasure to meet her husband the better half who was so cool and laid back. I have noticed a pattern of the Mommies I have supported. The husbands are always very mellow. This daddy was so cool, supportive and ready to keep Mommy on task by not becoming to tasked oriented. Our meeting was both informative and full of laughs. Mr. J made sure he assured me understood everything. He was funny as Mom and I are having a conversation about Birth plan, what relaxes her, how does she mentally prepare and what comfort measures she think will work for her. Dad find himself looking up peritoneal massage and all of the topics we discussed. I check in with Dad to make sure he understood everything. Dad says" if I don't get it I'll youtube it". "Everything is on youtube". We collectively laugh. I also mention to him everything on the internet isn't correct. I head out and remind mom to relax and don't over think anything.

Momma had made it to 6 months and Mommy and baby had been going well. No complication for either. We met over the weekend and she filled me in on all her milestones and excitement about how she is feeling baby and getting mentally prepared.

While finishing up my final birth till August sleeping like a doula with no births anytime soon my phone rings and I hear a voice I wasn’t prepared for. “She is here with me and having contractions. I jump up and start to pray. I met them at Evanston Hospital. This family rallied quick. Everyone full of positive energy and prayers. This Beautiful Momma was blessing with a solid rock of a husband. Mr. K.J. was everything she needed and more in this time. Momma and baby make first milestone recovering from surgery. Baby is with NICU and Mom is recovering. After all the excitement and rush this Momma was in good spirits. I ensure her baby is in the best hands. She sends updates to employers, family and friend. I must stop her from sending updates. No computer, no phone till you are through the day. This Beautiful Momma is trying to focus her energy on something else other than worrying. We pray about peace, comfort, healing and staff sharp and keen response. I make sure family is ok and understand what is going on.

The family is so full of love of the Lord, positive energy and hope. This Baby Boy has a tone of people petitioning the Lord for miracles. To date Baby Boy J is reaching many milestones as Mom and Dad continue to grow in faith, love and relationship. Again, this family has such a special place in my heart. I will continue to petition the Lord for their strength as they continue to make many milestones.

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

#prayingforKJ
#peacefulbirthingdoula
#doulasupport
#doulalove

Thursday, March 16, 2017

Vulnerable in Birth

When your determined anything is possible. In birth women defy odds daily. This Momma did what most hope to do.

"I am pregnant". "I am so excited I can't wait to start showing". says the new and excited first time Mom. I was so full of joy for her knowing that this was something she was waiting for and anticipating.

"I'm 40 weeks and nothing is happening" says Momma. I remember having to remind her to Please don't worry just continue to walk, have intercourse if you can tolerate it, use the yoga ball, do some squats and prepare for a marathon each day through great meals, hydration and rest when your able.

As I get the call they have to schedule an induction I could hear the sadness in her voice. the sound of defeat. " In no way have you been defeated. You did great you ROCKED this pregnancy. We can continue to work in hopes that Baby will decide to grace us with her presence or she may not want to come out. Can you imagine being in a warm space, your mother sing to you every day and rock you through constant movement, you hear a rhythmic heart beat that is soothing to you. Why would you want to come out?

As I enter the room to check on Momma I could her the family conversation and enjoying each others company. I remember thinking this baby will have so much love around her. As we tried to beat the clock Baby Girl was not interested. We listened to beautiful worship music as Momma pray and ask God to please use me, strengthen me. Hearing her sweet voice in the most delicate way communicate with our God almighty, our creator you could see how genuine her heart was and how vulnerable she was in that moment. With the room busy and people coming in an out asking questions and typing on the computer she still managed to labor in a peaceful way. You could see the discomfort on her face as she was hit with each contraction like a wave. Each contraction attempted to make her give but never did she cave Momma stood strong determine to have her natural birth. Breathing with every wave and napping in between when she could I could see moments of concern on her husbands face. Every question serious with much concern. I had to remind him this is an natural part of birth. Labor is work and her body has to go through this experience. Ever so often he will ask the question is this okay? Should he feel this way?

We get in the tub with the jets going while the sweet lavender aroma fills the room and soft worship music plays in the background Mom floats around in the water and sings softly. Relaxed and able to manage her thoughts. The Dr's come in to check progress and inform her of options. we are on to Pitocin. After everything has started I remind them sometimes baby need a little nudge. She really isn't interested in coming out. After we have walk the halls, squats, sat on the toilet used the yoga ball used roobozo finally the birth stool evicted her from the womb.

Baby girl head peaks out while Mom is on the birth stool and the nurse has to hold babies head as Mom moves to the bed. Okay Now sit up and lets help her out. Momma exhausted but determined pushes for 15 minutes and welcomes her Baby Girl into this beautiful family. The Love that filled the room was so overwhelming and pure. Tears and kisses flowed freely with such joy and excitement. You could see reality over take Dad. Its that quite moment when they see baby for the first time it is obvious he realized this is real. I AM A FATHER.

Baby Girl was eager to eat and exited to meet her Momma once out. So sweet and beautiful Precious Baby Girl E...

Welcome to the wonderful world. You are going to make a difference you have a purpose because Your Mother will make sure of it. God has a hand on you because your family is a praying family.

God Bless this Family and Baby Girl....
This was a beautiful and inspiring birth. This story has to be shared.

Determination, Love and support is what made it all happen for this Momma.

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

#BirthisBeautiful #Doulalove #peacefulbirthingdoula

Friday, January 20, 2017

Wow Factor!!!

WOW factor!!!

When I describe this couple the words that come to mind is WOW, exciting, loving and fun! From the moment I met them I knew they would be fun. I never knew exactly what to expect with them but one thing I knew is that they would be fun. This couple was so cute and in Love. Their story was one for the books. I giggle every time I think of their story of friendship, courtship and marriage.

I start what I thought would be a normal day. I was at a potential clients house wrapping up their first prenatal appointment when I get a call from the Mom. She was so calm "I'm just calling you to give you a heads up, I had a contraction". "I don't think you would have to be in a hurry just letting you know". I thought I would have plenty of time to finish up. I guess that is what I get for thinking. Lol!
I ask my normal questions. how do you feel? how far a part are they? where do you feel them?
I have never heard a mom in labor laughing and joking like this joyful Mom. Dad is in the back ground excited and ready to meet his Baby Boy. I could hear him speaking and laughing as well. Clearly, they did something that got the party started a little sooner. All I will say is Oxytocin is a wonderful hormone. The Midwife calls me to check in and see what my take is on the situation. We both agree we should head out. I will head to client and she will meet us at the hospital.

Every client is special and this one proves to be more than that. I told her she would give birth like a rock start after we met. I never knew that she would leave me at a loss for words. As I'm heading out to there place the husband calls me laughing still with music in the back ground saying "we may need to go straight to the hospital". As I'm speaking with them the midwife is calling telling me she just spoke with them and she advised them to go straight to the hospital.
"WAIT... WHAT??Okay!

Everyone arrives to the hospital except me. I'm still in route. I remember the midwife called me with what felt like every 15 minutes. I have never seen her so rushed. This was different for us both. Usually, I would have time and I could stop and get my regular Starbucks Venti Emperors Cloud tea and lemon loaf. As I am coming up on the Starbucks I call the midwife. " Hey I'm passing the Starbucks would you like something". I remember she said with a snicker. " Girl you better not stop this baby is coming now, we just arrived at the same time and Mom is 7cm and bag is bulging. I think I instantly started to speed all the way there. I began to get the details on Mom. The Midwife and I were shocked at the turn of events. I arrived, walked in the room, I see dad's face beaming with joy and excitement. Mom was clearly feeling the contractions now with her bottom wagging in the wind, hands and knees and rocking labor like I knew she would do. Before we could breath Mom had become complete and baby had put so much pressure on that already bulging bag that it ruptured and splattered all over the midwife and I. I have officially been christened with amniotic fluid all over my shirt. The energy in the room immediately increased. Baby had no plans of taking his time. The young man who name means King clearly had a plan to come in this world in thee most memorable way. I truly will not ever forget this day.

Mr. King you are going down in history.

My first Christening as a Doula you got to love it.

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