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

www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

www.facebook.com/peacefulbirthingdoula

www.twitter.com/peacefulbdoula

www.instagram.com/peacefulbdoula

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

www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

www.facebook.com/peacefulbirthingdoula

www.twitter.com/peacefulbdoula

www.instagram.com/peacefulbdoula

#prayingforKJ 
#peacefulbirthingdoula
#doulasupport
#doulalove 

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

www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

www.facebook.com/peacefulbirthingdoula

www.twitter.com/peacefulbdoula

www.instagram.com/peacefulbdoula

#BirthisBeautiful #Doulalove #peacefulbirthingdoula

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

www.instagram.com/peacefulbdoula

Born To Birth

Born to Birth

This Mom is very strong in appearance, athletic and in no way does she look like she is soon to deliver. After speaking with her Mother about their expectation and why she is screening Doulas I was excited knowing this family is prepared and fully conscious of the benefits of having a doula support during this precious moment.

This Mom and Dad you could tell are a quite but strong team. After speaking with them you hear the excitement in their voice for the year they are experiencing.

After 41 weeks Mom and Dad have patiently waited to meet their baby Boy. Labour was easy for this Mom. I laughed because she completely confused me. I arrived at her home to asses the situation, to see if she in fact was in labour. She had been experiencing contractions for days off and on again. There had been no steady pattern and according to her no strength. Once I arrived and observed her quietly i realized It was official she is in labour. However, her pain threshold is very high.

After going for a walk and doing some squats with a little laughter and silliness thrown in there started a great pattern. this mother truly was strong. I realized this Momma was a runner. she had run many 5k's and a marathon. I had to remember when you train for marathons you have to push past that burn. you have to tolerate pain mentally in a different way. We laughed when I told "her you have complete confused me I have to deal with you in a different way. Your threshold for pain is unlike any Mother I have ever assisted".

As she rested in the bedroom to prepare for the labour marathon I relaxed and got me some sleep. While rested with massage and the soft aroma of lavender going  I was surprised she was able to sleep through the night. I was finally told around 7am "I am more uncomfortable but I am still able to manage". Not much later did I finally hear the words I'm ready to go to the hospital. Everyone heads over to the hospital ready to finally meet baby Justice. It was great arriving and finding out Mom is 5cm dilated. All the work and rest helped baby make his way closer to hi Mom and Dad.

Dad had been calm from the very moment I met him. He always have had calm demeanor. This Mom and Dad have had a start to a great year and to add the ready to give birth of their Baby boy on the day They were hoping for some exciting. Nothing shook this family no matter what the Dr. said they were calm and confident that everything was under control.

This Mom is ready to give birth to her baby Boy. After some work and determination Mom gave birth to her Baby Boy with a little assistance and love. Baby Justice had another plan and Mom and Dad was ready for every challenge with confidence and love. It was so beautiful watching this Mom go on this journey and experience her baby entering this world.

VBAC MY WAY

 

 

 

 

VBAC My way

 

 

 

When we met it was clear she said" I think my birth was stolen from me and I would like to allow my body to do what is natural." Boy this Momma put me to the test." We had plenty of time. This Momma is sure what she would like to experience. She called me at 9 weeks pregnant. "I need a provider, where can I deliver and who can help me make this a reality? " I quickly took a deep breath and realized this Momma trust me with more than just her comfort she trust me to shape her village. Wow!! I was more than honored. I went over her birth plan with her and listened to the Husbands thoughts about the Birth. They were so disappointed. After hearing the way they experienced birth in North Carolina I was disappointed because I was born in North Carolina. How in the world could my home state be so oblivious to the beauty and natural strengths of a women during child birth.

 

Did they miss the memo 6 is the new 4cm? Did they know that birth is not a procedure its an experience? This is why women are now birthing at home. I collected a list of O.B GYN's and Midwives and off Momma went to meet her future OB. After a few weeks we soon had our O.B. and will be delivering in Alexian Brothers in Elk Grove Village. This Momma was a true warrior Princess ready to face the Birthing room and meet her son. The Dad was so cool about every thing we faced in preparation. Mr. J main concern was his wife and child. "I just want her to be safe". I do not want to have the same experience as North Carolina."

 

I can recall receiving the call to come to the hospital. We were disappointed but we were prepared for what could come. I remember the Dr. coming in and saying "hello doula". She knew the moment she saw me Dad has questions. I have experienced birth with this O.B. before so she is use to my questions. Lol!! "I assume you want time to do natural methods first?" Ok Doula I will give you til 10pm so you have plenty of time. Everyone was stuck on her failure to progress labeled in first birth. No one asked did mom move around? How long did mom lay down? How long did staff allow Mom to labor?    

 

 

Mom was relieved that Dr. already had a rapport with me and was ok with my style of work. Immediately we got to work and as several hour passed staff updated Dr. about how things were going. No pressure. Lol! as time went on Dr. thought it was ok to say Doula it looks like I will have to call this one. I looked at her and asked for a few more minutes. After dancing with her Mom and Husband, walking, squatting Momma body kicked into action and after Mom's hard work and determination we were all experiencing this Momma have a full on Vaginal Birth.

 It was wonderful observing her with her parents and Husband supporting her. It was the cutest thing watching this beautiful Mom dance with her parents and husband to make sure labor would stay consistent. This Mom was fun. I had a previous conversation with her about dancing being one of the methods used to get thing going steadily and she was all on board. She had me laughing with the comment "put a little Chris Brown on and you will have no problem getting a party started with me". I thought we were going to shoe Alexian Brothers how the Peaceful Birthing Doula can get down with her Mommies. Lol!

After fun moments of dancing and walking I can see clear as day the face of a determined Mom to meet her child on her terms. With every breath and every push this Mom let me know "I can do this". I loved being a part of this womb warriors experience. Being a part of this moment with a family that stood together in triumph.

Watching the face of a mother who realized I did it was so rewarding. I knew she could experience a beautiful birth. Momma gave me a bit of a scare though. She focused so much energy on the birth when it was all done she was so tired we had to tell her to open her eyes. Job well done. I wasn't shocked this momma has such a fire in her it couldn't be any other way.  After the delivery I experienced for the 3rd time this Dr had to give me a high five. We both had to hug Mom and let her know she did a beautiful job... This Mom was determine to have her VBAC. Once she set her mind to the goal at hand and understood her birth plan would be followed within reason unless something medically changes she had no limitations. I really enjoyed this birth as I enjoy all. This Womb warrior was truly and is absolutely a VBAC Princess resilience is definitely a word I will use to describe this Momma.

I feel so much gratitude toward each Family that allow me to be a part of such a beautiful and life long experience. This family is truly a great and blessed family I look forward to the next time I see them again.

for information in services offered please visit www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com or email peacefulbirthingdoula@gmail.com    

 

 



 







VBAC MY WAY

VBAC My way

When we met it was clear she said" I think my birth was stolen from me and I would like to allow my body to do what is natural." Boy this Momma put me to the test." We had plenty of time. This Momma is sure what she would like to experience. She called me at 9 weeks pregnant. "I need a provider, where can I deliver and who can help me make this a reality? " I quickly took a deep breath and realized this Momma trust me with more than just her comfort she trust me to shape her village. Wow!! I was more than honored. I went over her birth plan with her and listened to the Husbands thoughts about the Birth. They were so disappointed. After hearing the way they experienced birth in North Carolina I was disappointed because I was born in North Carolina. How in the world could my home state be so oblivious to the beauty and natural strengths of a women during child birth.

Did they miss the memo 6 is the new 4cm? Did they know that birth is not a procedure its an experience? This is why women are now birthing at home. I collected a list of O.B GYN's and Midwives and off Momma went to meet her future OB. After a few weeks we soon had our O.B. and will be delivering in Alexian Brothers in Elk Grove Village. This Momma was a true warrior Princess ready to face the Birthing room and meet her son. The Dad was so cool about every thing we faced in preparation. Mr. J main concern was his wife and child. "I just want her to be safe". I do not want to have the same experience as North Carolina."

I can recall receiving the call to come to the hospital. We were disappointed but we were prepared for what could come. I remember the Dr. coming in and saying "hello doula". She knew the moment she saw me Dad has questions. I have experienced birth with this O.B. before so she is use to my questions. Lol!! "I assume you want time to do natural methods first?" Ok Doula I will give you til 10pm so you have plenty of time. Everyone was stuck on her failure to progress labeled in first birth. No one asked did mom move around? How long did mom lay down? How long did staff allow Mom to labor?    

Mom was relieved that Dr. already had a rapport with me and was ok with my style of work. Immediately we got to work and as several hour passed staff updated Dr. about how things were going. No pressure. Lol! as time went on Dr. thought it was ok to say Doula it looks like I will have to call this one. I looked at her and asked for a few more minutes. After dancing with her Mom and Husband, walking, squatting Momma body kicked into action and after Mom's hard work and determination we were all experiencing this Momma have a full on Vaginal Birth.

 It was wonderful observing her with her parents and Husband supporting her. It was the cutest thing watching this beautiful Mom dance with her parents and husband to make sure labor would stay consistent. This Mom was fun. I had a previous conversation with her about dancing being one of the methods used to get thing going steadily and she was all on board. She had me laughing with the comment "put a little Chris Brown on and you will have no problem getting a party started with me". I thought we were going to shoe Alexian Brothers how the Peaceful Birthing Doula can get down with her Mommies. Lol!

After fun moments of dancing and walking I can see clear as day the face of a determined Mom to meet her child on her terms. With every breath and every push this Mom let me know "I can do this". I loved being a part of this womb warriors experience. Being a part of this moment with a family that stood together in triumph.

Watching the face of a mother who realized I did it was so rewarding. I knew she could experience a beautiful birth. Momma gave me a bit of a scare though. She focused so much energy on the birth when it was all done she was so tired we had to tell her to open her eyes. Job well done. I wasn't shocked this momma has such a fire in her it couldn't be any other way.  After the delivery I experienced for the 3rd time this Dr had to give me a high five. We both had to hug Mom and let her know she did a beautiful job... This Mom was determine to have her VBAC. Once she set her mind to the goal at hand and understood her birth plan would be followed within reason unless something medically changes she had no limitations. I really enjoyed this birth as I enjoy all. This Womb warrior was truly and is absolutely a VBAC Princess resilience is definitely a word I will use to describe this Momma.

I feel so much gratitude toward each Family that allow me to be a part of such a beautiful and life long experience. This family is truly a great and blessed family I look forward to the next time I see them again.

for information in services offered please visit www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com or email peacefulbirthingdoula@gmail.com   

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