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

www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

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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

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

www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

www.facebook.com/peacefulbirthingdoula

www.twitter.com/peacefulbdoula

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Beautiful Zen Birth

Beautiful Zen Birth

I call this Momma  Zen. Ha! "I would like to have contractions called waves or surges please." I remember walking away and I knew that this birth would be calm and beautiful. When I heard they had a Midwife I knew this would be a birth that I would never forget. the provider can really make a difference.

The day has come and I received the call. I arrived and I remember thinking their home reminded me of contemporary country living. I am greeted by the Dad who is nervous and anxious. I ask him how is she doing? He answered concerned but calm "strong". I sneaker. I can see mom laboring strong on the side of the bed with her room set for labouring. I enter her room and immediately drop my bags and get to work. My little Zen momma is determined to meet her little princess Gulianna. She is 5 days before her estimated due date. The soon to be Grand Ma so excited comes to collect the excited pups that has so much excitement because they know something is happening. I have Mom on the yoga ball for pelvic rolls, ice chips soft music and the most beautiful and aromatic lavender. Dad patiently and eagerly awaiting instructions comes over and rubs my back and in a soft voice says "that smells so good. Thanks". I was so pleased to see the look of relief on Moms face after breathing in the lavender. Watching Mom breath and Dad move so quietly around the room as he wait for my next set of instructions was so endearing to observe.

Time was near we had approach 5-1-1. I told Mom to let me know when she was ready.  Normally, I would start to head over but this Mom is so confident and in tune with her body. As that final surge passed mom looks at Dad and says I think its time. To see the softest and concerned look in Dads eyes showed excitement but a level of concern. I remember him rubbing her back and saying to her in the sweetest Italian filled accent "Your doing so good babe."

We arrived at the hospital with birth plan in hand and update staff on terms to use. I set up the room. we start in the shower, guided meditation/visualization, soft music and dark room. I start the lavender and prepare mom to experience every wave. Chanelle her Midwife enters the room and I notice how hands off and caring she was toward the mom and dad. I had a feeling this will not be the typical hospital midwifery delivery.

I hear my favorite words "I feel like I need to push". I notice my friend determination and drive have shown up and  I am eager to match them as they arrive. This Mom is pushing with so much drive, determination and resilience. We worked on relaxing and allowing her body do what's natural. momma Zen breathing and focusing on with every breath breathing the princess out. I have her visualize a wave of water washing over her body and as the wave starts to relax and breath. I love it. You can see Dad eyes light up with so much Joy as he realizes he is going to be meeting Gulianna in a few seconds. Being here apart of this family experiencing life, Joy and love all in a split instance is so heart warming and overwhelming.

Being a Doula is such a Blessing and being able to observe and be a part of a family new Journey is a Gift. I Thank each family. Each family push me to be great and be the best doula I can be.


Let's write your birth story.  

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

www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

www.facebook.com/peacefulbirthingdoula

www.twitter.com/peacefulbdoula

www.instagram.com/peacefulbdoula