Olive Tree Doula Services

07/08/2021

" See that tiny pink bead on the lanyard? That is the size of a newborn's tiny tummy. When baby is born, the birthing parent produces colostrum for baby, which is the perfect super food for baby. Colostrum contains just the amount of food baby needs and passes antibodies. It's liquid gold! In this photo, I have a standard 2 ounce bottle of formula that is given to new babies. So, if baby's belly is only the size of a marble, what happens when baby is fed 2 ounces? Well, baby will usually spit up all the extra, which then can be spinned into baby having reflux. When really, baby is just being over fed. This leads to interventions like formula changes, antacid medications, etc. It's important that we give families all the available information so they can make the best decisions for their families."

07/28/2020

This is so so important. Know your rights!

If you're pregnant and having a hospital birth COVID19 does not give providers permission to strip you of your rights.

1. You do NOT have to be tested. Period. You don't have to explain why, and you don't need any kind of excuse.

2. They CANNOT take your baby from you if you refuse to be tested.

3. They CANNOT take your baby if you test positive for COVID.
*Both the WHO & RCOG strongly recommend keeping mother and baby together, even if mom tests positively. You can show this resource to your provider if they say otherwise:

WHO- https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/clinical-management-of-severe-acute-respiratory-infection-when-novel-coronavirus-(ncov)-infection-is-suspected?fbclid=IwAR3F5ceFqT9yj-jd9_SlPa88EYF6pCHOP2vkW1LH99Rw1c6j6k2-QrJJwlk

RCOG- https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/coronavirus-pregnancy/covid-19-virus-infection-and-pregnancy/?fbclid=IwAR0Ncyovu935FEoZ11D8U46JioR3i5N_A0bR-bBb70rOxewybtccw5f3EyE

4. There is NO known medical reason to stop breastfeeding if you test positive. Current research shows no evidence of the illness being transmitted via breast milk. Breast milk does however have valuable antibodies to build your baby's immune system. If you planned to breastfeed, it is still recommended by the WHO.

WHO link about COVID & breast feeding- https://www.who.int/news-room/commentaries/detail/breastfeeding-and-covid-19

CDC link about COVID & breast feeding- https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/pregnancy-breastfeeding.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fprepare%2Fpregnancy-breastfeeding.html

5. They CANNOT make you wear a mask while laboring/pushing. You can voice that you are uncomfortable, and take it off.

YOU get to decide what you consent to, COVID does not change that.

—— https://evidencebasedbirth.com/covid19/

This has A TON of evidence based links and info. Evidence Based Birth is a very solid source of information.

—- https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/clinical-management-of-severe-acute-respiratory-infection-when-novel-coronavirus-(ncov)-infection-is-suspected?fbclid=IwAR3F5ceFqT9yj-jd9_SlPa88EYF6pCHOP2vkW1LH99Rw1c6j6k2-QrJJwlk

06/26/2020

Here is an excellent resource for anyone having a baby during this time who is concerned or confused about their rights as it pertains to staying with their baby and not being separated. Print this out!

06/17/2020

https://www.npr.org/2017/02/07/513764158/remembering-anarcha-lucy-and-betsey-the-mothers-of-modern-gynecology

J. Marion Sims is remembered as the father of modern gynecology. Forgotten are the mothers of that medical specialty — the enslaved women whose bodies were used for the advancement of his research.

06/14/2020

If you’re looking forward to welcoming your coronial or future quaranteen and would love support, let me know! 😉😍

02/25/2020

>>{Your body is not a lemon.}

02/17/2020

It is normal for a new born to lose 8 to 10% of their birth weight.
It usually takes about 10 to 14 days for baby to get back to birth weight.
If you are induced, have a hard delivery or C section (or anything causing you to receive IV fluids) and have an IV, you will most likely have water retention after delivery and so will your baby. When baby looses this retained water, baby will show a higher weight loss.
An IV is very necessary and helpful for many moms. Just keep in mind that if you had an IV for 24 hours prior to delivery, baby may show a bigger weight loss and still be totally within a normal range.
You got this Mommy!❤️

02/14/2020

😉😉

(971)404-7717 👌🏽😉😏

01/28/2020

I had no idea when I wrote this that 10 months later I would be pregnant and given this same opportunity for my own healing.

My pregnancy with Forrest was redeeming in a way. I was in control of the decision making and could do so knowing that I knew what I was deciding between and that I could trust my midwife Joani.

I also had no idea that I really hadn’t fully processed or healed from my traumatic birth with the boys. And though Forrest’s birth didn’t go as planned and did result in another emergency c-section and ruptured uterus, it wasn’t traumatic like the boys was because I knew what was happening every step of the way and had support. Desiree taught me so much about being a doula and was incredible the whole time.

Thankful for this baby we didn’t think we’d ever have. ❤️

The word ‘trauma’ is often used to describe birth. For many women, a traumatic birth is reality. I am one of those women. I have worked through and healed from that trauma and use my experiences to help fuel me in helping other women from having similar experiences.

I have heard from several women lately that they want more children, but because of their traumatic experiences in a hospital they don’t know if they could go through it again. This completely breaks my heart.

I don’t fault anyone for the kind of birth experience they have. Your experience is such a deep part of who you are and I think everything experience is an opportunity for growth.

I want you to hear this, though: There is hope. This does not have to be your story.

I want to work with you to removed fear, hurt, shame, and anxiety from ever being associated with new birth experiences. I want to help you believe in the strength of your body and the beauty with which it was created, whole and capable.

None of us can perfectly predict how our pregnancy or birth experience will go, but no matter how it goes I want you to feel proud that you know all your options and empowered because of your strength.

I want to make it so your past experiences, good or bad, don’t dictate the size of your family. I want to hear your hurt and your fear and work with you to bring you a sense of peace and triumph through education and encouragement.

Will you triumph over your trauma with me?

01/13/2020

You might guess my favorite thing about being able to support women through labor and birth is the baby snuggles I sometimes get after baby is finally here. And, while it is an awesome added bonus, it is far from my favorite thing about this job.

I get to be a part of something intensely vulnerable and sacred. The most humbling part is that they have invited me to step into that with them and support them through all of it. What a beautiful gift that is.

I’m back at it after having a baby of my own. If you are pregnant and in the San Antonio area and would like to learn more about what I do, please let me know! ❤️

01/13/2020

What a wonderful thing! Cheers to all you breastfeeding mamas out there! 😍

It's 2018, yet the breastfeeding in public 'debate' is still ongoing. Sigh. Women who breastfeed in public places are variously insulted, asked to move or even told to cover themselves.