There’s so much I adore about being a doula, but the holiday season truly holds a special place in my heart. Seeing your beautiful family holiday photos and getting updates on my babies (yes, my sweet bonus babies!) warms my soul. Watching them grow into these amazing little humans is such a priceless gift.
Thank you for sharing these moments with me—it means the world. Please keep them coming! Your joy and love make this work so deeply rewarding. 💕
Tag me or send your updates—I’d love to celebrate the season with you! 🌟
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#doulababies #nycdoula #metrodoula #bonusbabies
Mother's Day holds a complex tapestry of emotions for many women beyond the traditional celebration of motherhood. For those who have lost their mothers, this day is a poignant reminder of cherished memories intertwined with a sense of longing and absence. They hold onto fragments of laughter shared, lessons learned, and the enduring love that transcends physical presence. Despite the ache of loss, they find solace in honoring their mothers' legacies through acts of kindness and remembrance, affirming that their influence lives on in their hearts.
To the women navigate the silent struggles of infertility, grappling with the profound desire for motherhood yet facing barriers beyond their control. Despite the ache of unfulfilled dreams, they channel their maternal instincts into nurturing relationships with nieces, nephews, and friends' children, embodying the essence of motherhood in their unwavering love and support. Their journey may be marked by heartache, but their capacity to love knows no bounds.
Some women embark on the rollercoaster ride of fertility treatments, braving the highs of hope and the lows of disappointment with unwavering determination. Each Mother's Day carries a mixture of anticipation and apprehension, a silent prayer for the miracle they yearn for. They cling to memories of shared dreams with partners, the tender whispers of encouragement, and the resilience forged through every setback, knowing that their journey, is a testament to their unwavering strength and resilience.
Then some women have embraced unconventional paths to motherhood, whether through surrogacy or adoption, rewriting the narrative of what it means to be a mother. Their Mother's Day celebrates the extraordinary journey that led them to parenthood, marked by the joy of new beginnings and the triumph of love over adversity. Each milestone reached is a testament to their unwavering determination and boundless capacity for love. They acknowledge the pain points and challenges
"During Black Maternal Health Week, we honor the journey of black mothers and highlight the critical need for equitable healthcare. One powerful solution is hiring a birth team comprising a black midwife and doula. Research shows that when black women are cared for by black providers, maternal mortality rates significantly decrease. With culturally competent care, these professionals not only offer medical expertise but also provide emotional support and advocacy, ensuring mothers feel empowered and respected throughout their pregnancy and childbirth experiences."
"Statistics reveal the profound impact of midwifery care on maternal outcomes. Studies indicate that receiving care from a midwife reduces the likelihood of preterm birth, cesarean section, and interventions during labor. Furthermore, the personalized attention and continuity of care fostered by midwives contribute to improved overall satisfaction with the birthing process. By prioritizing the inclusion of black midwives in maternal healthcare, we take a crucial step towards addressing racial disparities and promoting positive birth experiences for all."
"To find referrals for black midwives and doulas, consider reaching out to local birth advocacy groups, community health centers, or online directories specializing in diverse healthcare providers. Additionally, engage in conversations with friends, family members, and healthcare professionals who may offer recommendations based on personal experiences. By actively seeking out and supporting black birth professionals, we affirm our commitment to advancing maternal health equity and ensuring every mother receives the quality care she deserves."
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#pregnant#doula#pregnancy#expecting#breastfeeding#healthcare#postpartum
"During Black Maternal Health Week, we honor the journey of black mothers and highlight the critical need for equitable healthcare. One powerful solution is hiring a birth team comprising a black midwife and doula. Research shows that when black women are cared for by black providers, maternal mortality rates significantly decrease. With culturally competent care, these professionals not only offer medical expertise but also provide emotional support and advocacy, ensuring mothers feel empowered and respected throughout their pregnancy and childbirth experiences."
"Statistics reveal the profound impact of midwifery care on maternal outcomes. Studies indicate that receiving care from a midwife reduces the likelihood of preterm birth, cesarean section, and interventions during labor. Furthermore, the personalized attention and continuity of care fostered by midwives contribute to improved overall satisfaction with the birthing process. By prioritizing the inclusion of black midwives in maternal healthcare, we take a crucial step towards addressing racial disparities and promoting positive birth experiences for all."
"To find referrals for black midwives and doulas, consider reaching out to local birth advocacy groups, community health centers, or online directories specializing in diverse healthcare providers. Additionally, engage in conversations with friends, family members, and healthcare professionals who may offer recommendations based on personal experiences. By actively seeking out and supporting black birth professionals, we affirm our commitment to advancing maternal health equity and ensuring every mother receives the quality care she deserves."
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#blackmaternalhealthweek #midwives #doulas #birth #midwiferycare
In the wild and wonderful world of childbirth, think of a doula as your ultimate dance partner, ensuring you groove through the process with absolute confidence at every step. It's like hitting the dance floor of life, and the doula is there to make sure you've got the right moves and the perfect rhythm. Birth can be a bit like a dance – unpredictable, intense, and sometimes a bit nerve-wracking. That's where your doula steps in, not just as a cheerleader, but as your seasoned dance instructor, guiding you through the waltz of labor with a mix of expertise and a touch of humor.
Picture this: you're in the middle of the birth dance, and your doula is the one busting out the electric slide of emotional support and the cha-cha-cha of advocacy. They're not just there to watch from the sidelines; they're your partner, your teammate, twirling you through the unpredictable turns of childbirth. In this birthing ballroom, a doula brings a vibe of assurance and companionship, turning what might feel like a solo performance into a duet of strength and resilience. Together, you and your doula are co-stars in the greatest dance of all – the dance of birth, where every step is taken with a dose of confidence and a whole lot of heart.
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#doula #birthdoula #postpartumdoula #doulasupport #blackdoulas #blackdoulasmatter #deathdoula #abortiondoula #fullspectrumdoula #nycdoulas
I'm Annette, a doula with a penchant for fashion and a knack for storytelling. My journey into the world of birth and parenting began when I stumbled upon my sister's enlightening book, 'Our Bodies Ourselves'. Despite the awkwardness of discussing reproductive health with my Afro-Latina mother, I delved into understanding and advocating for better birth experiences, especially for black and brown communities.
Parenting my sun had its challenges, particularly during the infamous "meanager" phase, but my determination never wavered. Despite my aversion to hospitals, I find myself there frequently as a doula—a twist of fate I find both ironic and fulfilling. Amidst my hospital births, my passion for advocacy remains steadfast, as I strive to build a community where storytelling and empowerment intersect.
My history of report cards echoing "Annette talks too much" led me naturally to podcasting, where I embrace my gift of gab to inform, uplift, and connect with others who share my passion for reshaping the narrative surrounding birth and parenting. Join me on this journey of breaking stereotypes, sparking meaningful conversations, and weaving a tapestry of change—one story at a time. Welcome to my world, where passion, purpose, and a dash of humor reign supreme.
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#doulalife #momlife #nyc #birth #babies #hospitalbirth #homebirth #midwives #postpartumisforever
#pregnant #expecting #breastfeeding #postpartum #fourthtrimester #postpartumsupport
You can have a great hospital birth. It requires a little effort on your part.
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#greathospitalbirth #birthdoula #birthdoulasupport #hospitalbirth #nurses #doulasofinstagram #doulasofcolor
Caught the Clearbirth Podcast’s latest episode? Tune in.
In this episode, your host, Annette Perel, remembers Marlise Nicole Muñoz, a pregnant mother gone too soon. The maternal mortality rate for Black women and women of color is egregious, and before diving into every episode, Annette makes sure she acknowledges a mother that she’ll never forget.
Later, your favorite NY Doula discusses why she became a doula. Sharing stories of her first time catching a baby, her first paycheck, working for free, and getting certified—Annette reveals why she’s the 1 not the 2 😂😉.
She even details the different types of doula ranging from birth to death, and gives tips on how you can become a doula too.
Broken up into segments that reflect the stages of pregnancy including, the First Trimester, Second Trimester, Third Trimester, Labor, and Postpartum, Annette asks you to travel back in time with her to see how she got to where she is presently.
Catch the episode wherever you get your podcasts.
#doulasofnewyork #manhattandoula #doulawisdom #blackdoulasmatter #birthworker #pregnancyjourney #birthdoula #postpartumdoula #pregnancylife #doulasupport #doulasofcolor #maternity #homebirth #childbirth #motherhood #postpartum #doulasofinstagram #nino #partohumanizado #Embarazada #childbirtheducator #motherhood #birth #nycdoula
I love this quote by Timil Jones! Let’s unpack why:
The issue of maternal health is a crucial area of concern in the United States, especially for black women. Black birthing women face significant disparities in maternal health outcomes compared to their white counterparts. According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women. This disparity exists irrespective of income, education, or social status. This is why it is essential that black birthing women are allowed the freedom to birth and life.
The issue of maternal health disparities can be traced back to systemic racism and discrimination in the healthcare system. Black women are more likely to experience inadequate prenatal care, higher rates of pregnancy-related conditions like preeclampsia, and bias and discrimination from healthcare providers. Furthermore, black women are more likely to face economic and social barriers affecting their access to quality maternal healthcare.
To address these disparities, it is critical to create policies that improve access to quality maternal healthcare for black-birthing women. This includes increasing funding for maternal health programs, improving access to prenatal care, and implementing policies that address implicit bias and discrimination in the healthcare system. By ensuring that black birthing women are allowed the freedom to birth and live, we can significantly reduce maternal health disparities and improve the health outcomes of black women and their babies.
Share your experience in the comments.
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#blackmaternalhealth #postpartumisforever #blackmommasmatter #blackdoulasmatter
#blackdoulasofinstagram #speakupandspeakout #midwivesofcolor #doulasofcolor #birth
Rest during early labor is crucial for both the mother and the baby. When a woman is in early labor, her body is working hard to prepare for childbirth. This can be exhausting, and getting rest can help conserve energy for the later stages of labor. Additionally, being well-rested helps to be better able to cope with the discomfort and intensity of labor. Rest can also help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can improve the overall birth experience for both the mother and the baby.
Working with your doula can also provide many benefits during labor and delivery. Doulas are trained professionals who provide emotional and physical support to women during childbirth. They can help to reduce the length of labor, lower the need for pain medication, and decrease the likelihood of interventions such as cesarean sections. Doulas can also help to advocate for the mother's preferences and needs during the birth, ensuring that the experience is as positive as possible.
Staying home for as long as possible during labor is also a key factor in reaching birth goals. When in a familiar and comfortable environment, you are more likely to feel relaxed and less stressed, which can help to progress labor. Additionally, staying home can help to reduce the likelihood of unnecessary interventions, as hospitals often have policies that require certain interventions after a certain amount of time. By working with a doula and getting plenty of rest during early labor, women can increase their chances of having a positive birth experience and reaching their birth goals.
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#blackdoulasofinstagram #earlylabordoulatips #earlylabortips #doulawork #clearbirthdoula #hospitalbirth #homebirth #birthteam
Attention, everyone! It's time to talk about something that might make you a little uncomfortable - newborn poop. Yes, you heard that right! We're going to dive deep into the world of baby poop and trust me, it's an exciting world.
Now, the first week of a baby's life is crucial for many reasons, and one of them is tracking their pees and poops. On the first day, a newborn usually has only one pee and one poop, but things quickly escalate from there. By day two, they may have two poops, and by day three, three poops! It's like a poop party in there, and you're invited to keep track of every single one.
But why is it important to keep track of their poop habits? Well, it's a great way to ensure they're getting enough breastmilk or formula and staying hydrated. Plus, if you notice any changes in frequency or consistency, it could be a sign of an underlying issue that needs attention. So, don't shy away from the poop talk, folks. It's a crucial part of a newborn's health journey, and you don't want to miss a thing.
In conclusion, if you're a new parent, get ready to embrace the poop talk because it's a significant part of your life now. Keep track of your baby's pees and poops and don't hesitate to contact your doctor if you notice any concerning changes. And who knows, maybe you'll even become a poop-tracking pro and impress all your friends with your newfound skills. Happy tracking!
Leave a comment and let me know if this was helpful.
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#newbornpoop #postpartumdoula #labordoula #newbornpooptips #newparenttips #lactationinfo
