DOULA AND THE MOON

Doula and the Moon  

Blood moon, Blue moon, Super moon and Full moon. Whatever the moon I welcome you.



I would love it as every Mom approached her EDD (estimated due date) if I knew there was a full moon or any special lunar event expected I would get excited. I knew something special would happen. Every labour and delivery moment is special how ever when there is a full moon or some special lunar event I just know this labour and delivery experience will be different. I know there will be a story to tell.

I remember my very first super moon baby. Oh! boy this was one for the record books for me in my Doula career. My very first home water birth. I remember when I received the call I headed out. The moment I arrived at the families house and saw the moon, it appeared to be perched so perfectly on the roof of their home as to call all of nature. A beacon it seems to let every animal know to come out and great baby Corbin.

Momma labored beautifully and strong, Hubby was anxious and excited, kids were excited and their dog was on alert and standing guard outside the bed room as to say I know he is coming. Me the Doula of course you know I was ready and excited. I couldn't get over how beautiful everything came together. It was as if the heavens were shining upon a new birth.

After guided meditation, massage and hip rocking on all fours in the pool Momma had been welcomed into labour land. We no longer existed. As morning broke right outside the window humming birds, chipmunks, lizards, geese and rabbit all came out to meet the new addition. I truly felt like I was in Bambi. It was the most beautiful thing. Baby boy was born with a hint of lavender and a lot of love in the air. Oh! how I thank the beautiful super moon for such an experience that it set into motion. That night I realized the science behind the relationship with the human and the moon, nature and the moon and now the Doula and the Moon.

Good night Moon!
I long to see you again.


To learn about me and my service please feel free to review my website. I would love to meet with you and help you have a safe, bold and beautiful birth...

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

Tunisia Macklin, Doula, Massage Therapist and Placenta Encapsulator
www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

 

Fabulous almost 40 and fertile

Fabulous 40 and Fertile

I remember when trying to conceive at 38 years old my O.B. who I must say is the best.

Dr. Beister told me as long as I stay healthy without complications along the way she would support me with my journey for as long as I wanted to try.

I'm pleased to say we conceived when I was 39 years old. My O.B. still support our journey of conception if we would like to continue the journey. I am now 41 years old with a beautiful daughter and would love to continue my journey and I still have the support of my O.B.

 My advice will always stay the same find a physician who will be honest, genuine and supportive. You can shop around for the best fit for you.  Now, I must say be realistic in your request; conception is serious keep your health, your spouse & family in mind.

 I have been there and know what a family can go through. I had an ectopic and my fallopian tube ruptured. Do all the necessary exams to ensure the health of your reproductive organs.

Every O.B. you interview must be on the same page with you for care and labour and delivery. Discuss your idea of labour and delivery. Do the research stand your ground.  Also, Know the truth about your request, know the risks and know the hospital procedure for your request.

Everything you think is fantasy or unreal may in fact be a reality for you during this journey.
One thing I advise to families when I meet with them is to sit down and think about the most fanciful labour and delivery they can come up with and then we will discuss how we can make that fantasy a reality using realistic methods. I worked with a family this past January that blessed me so much with being a part of their best and most intimate moment. The Mother at the time of delivery was 49 years old. Yes, you read it right. I said “49 years old”. They had a beautiful baby girl.

Know this your journey doesn’t have to be over. Yes, you may have to have help. Look into your options. There are so many ways you can be helped if natural conceptions isn’t realistic for you. Speak to a fertility Dr. check into IUI and IVF. Believe it or not your medical insurance may cover some or all of the process. We were so blessed you have BCBS and they covered almost the entire IVF process.  

If you haven’t read my Blog, it takes a village I suggest you do. It will give a little direction on who you should look into as your team to prepare you for this journey.

A Doula is a great way to start with building your team.
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

Visit my website www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

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

www.VitalityWomenPT.com

 

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

www.cleaningtimeservices.com

 

Peaceful Birthing Doula - 1hr in home massage session  

Addison, Il

 (630)481-6079

www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

 

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

 

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

www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

www.facebook.com/peacefulbirthingdoula

www.twitter.com/peacefulbdoula

www.instagram.com/peacefulbdoula

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

www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

www.facebook.com/peacefulbirthingdoula

www.twitter.com/peacefulbdoula

www.instagram.com/peacefulbdoula

www.meierclinics.com

www.stillbirthay.com 

www.dupagecris.org

www.edwards.org/wings

www.facebook.com/ectopicpregnancysupport

 www.ICAN.com
www.compassionatefriends.org

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

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

www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

www.facebook.com/peacefulbirthingdoula

www.twitter.com/peacefulbdoula

www.instagram.com/peacefulbdoula

Enjoy your day Beautiful Mommies to be and Mommies!

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

www.peacefulbirthingdoula.com

www.facebook.com/peacefulbirthingdoula

www.twitter.com/peacefulbdoula

www.instagram.com/peacefulbdoula

Email peacefulbirthingdoula@gmail.com  

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://evidencebasedbirth.com/the-evidence-for-doulas/

http://dona.org

http://doulamatch.net  

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

http://doulamatch.net/profile/6185/tunisia-macklin