Just like any other service, you have choices when it comes to who you choose for childbirth education, doula care, lactation support, and placenta encapsulation. And we LOVE that our community has options, especially since historically the Pensacola area has not had as many birth options as other places. This is why we brought BEST Doula Training to town in February--and eleven new doulas entered the community as a result! 

We get a lot of questions about what makes BTC different--and why we might be the right choice for a family's birth team. Obviously, a personal connection can't be created through a blog post, but we'd like to share a few things that we feel make us different from other options, and knowing those differences might help YOU narrow down which options are right for YOUR birth!

When you hire one BTC team member--you're automatically hiring an entire TEAM of birth professionals. We take our clients seriously, and cooperate to provide each client with whatever support they need. If you’re taking our childbirth classes, you’ll have access to more than one instructor who are familiar with our area options, but who will provide unbiased information. If you’re a doula client, this means that you are GUARANTEED that one (or more) doulas will be by your side for as long as you need, whenever you need. Our lower priced On-Call doula care option provides you with access to FIVE doulas for the same price some companies charge for one!

​This dedication to teamwork also means that one of our IBCLCs will touch bases with you and be available to answer questions or schedule a visit with you after your baby is born. As a postpartum client, questions or concerns that go beyond your postpartum care provider's range of knowledge will be fielded by one of the experienced doulas. Utilizing a single service still means you're OUR client. This gives you the option of starting out with one service and expanding to other services later if you discover you love the care you're receiving.

It's no secret that birth services can be pricey--but with BTC you get what you pay for! By setting our prices a little higher than you might pay elsewhere, we are able to sustainably provide undivided attention to fewer clients within a more condensed service area--which means more time and attention for YOU! We have doulas on-call 24/7, 365--the moment you sign your contract we are on call for you immediately. If you were to go into labor at 27, 35, or 42 weeks, we will be there. And there is no time limit for your care once you need labor support. While we may encourage you to labor on your own as long as your are able (to save the good stuff for when you really need it), as soon as you indicate you need your doula's support, she will head to you and stay with you as long as you need her.

​While some doulas may have a time limit on this continuous support before charging you more, we believe the last thing you need is to have to watch the clock in labor. As a result, your doula might be with you at your birth for 4 hours or 24 hours--your baby will decide that for us! If your labor is unusually long, no worries. Your doula has the ability to bring in a relief doula for a few hours to provide you with fresh support while she recharges, at no additional expense to you. On average, our doulas spend over 24 hours providing the combination of your prenatal, birth and postpartum support. This doesn't include the innumerable on-call hours waiting patiently for your phone call.

If you've chosen Essential Doula Care, your doula will make every effort to attend your birth--which includes making sure that her own family and personal obligations are taken care of well in advance so that she can focus on YOU when you need it. This may mean that your doula drops everything, cancels appointments, postpones plans, or doesn't commit to certain things so that she come to you in labor. Your birth becomes our personal priority once you hire us. And rest assured that if something unexpected prevents your doula from attending your birth, that your care will be taken over by someone as amazing as she is! This doesn't just apply to our doulas--our IBCLCs are always available, making last minute appointments because we understand that feeding your baby is one of the most important, and also one of the most overwhelming, things about your postpartum experience. Working as a cohesive team means that every single one of our clients receives timely, continuous, consistent care--whatever it takes to make you feel special and well cared for.

Talking about prices--who wants to contact a company just to find out what their prices are?! We love to save prospective clients time, so we aren't afraid of being transparent about our prices so that you can decide right away if we are a good fit from a financial standpoint. And our transparency doesn't end with our pricing. We have always prided ourselves on clarity regarding our philosophy, services, and service abilities. This means that we commit to uncovering your expectations for the services you’ll receive early in the relationship, being clear about what your money is paying for, and what to expect from whichever team member you hire. We also love sharing what’s going on with BTC with the community! What you find on our website and Facebook page is the most up-to-date information possible.

Your Birth is one of the most important events of your life—and having long-lasting relationships should be a natural extension of this amazing time in your life. BTC provides you with a ready-made community of trusted care providers and resources in addition to the ACTUAL community we’ve built for all of our clients. This includes our vibrant, active Facebook group and our regular Mom-Tot Playgroup. Whichever team member you work with will also be in touch from time to time to check in and see how you’re doing! The end of your contractual arrangement doesn’t mean your relationship with BTC is over—not by a long shot!

As Doulas we always talk about what to expect before and during labor. But something we might overlook prenatally is what to expect after your little bundle arrives. So, I asked mothers to weigh in on their postpartum experiences and what no one had told them about. Here are the top things our clients were surprised by in the postpartum!

Breastfeeding is HARD
Nursing can be painful for some women, especially initially--and it generally is just challenging. Steph says, “I remember calling all of my mom friends and saying, 'Why didn’t you tell me?!'” When establishing a nursing relationship, normal pain may last for the first 30-60 seconds of a nursing session, which could last for up to two weeks, but pain during sessions should not last the entire feeding, and soreness between sessions should improve everyday and not get worse. If pain and soreness persist, contact your local IBCLC--persistent pain can usually be resolved by assessing latch, positioning, and for the potential of tongue and/or lip ties.

Hemorrhoids are a pain in the butt
“Nobody told me what hemorrhoids could/would be like.” Ashley shared. If you have hemorrhoids while you’re pregnant, there’s a chance they’ll come back to plague you post-delivery. Hemorrhoids are a result of stress on the perineum in the months before, and during delivery. For some, hemorrhoids may simply be itchy and annoying but for others, they can be pretty painful. Here’s a few things to help ease the discomfort:

• Postnatal icepacks
• Warm sitz bath
• Peri bottle
• Witch hazel infused pads

This is just crampy...
So you've birthed your baby and...YOU'RE STILL HAVING CONTRACTIONS?? What is that about? Afterbirth pains are caused by contractions of your uterus as it involutes, or returns to its pre-pregnancy size. They are usually mild for first-time moms but may get more intense with each subsequent delivery. Afterbirth pain will be most intense for the first day or two, but it should start tapering off around the third day or so. Nursing can cause afterbirth pains to intensify because your baby’s sucking triggers the release of oxytocin.

The First Poop
Pooping after having a baby can be intimidating to say the least. Linda says, "No one warned me about the first poop. For me, it was worse than recovering from a C-section infected with MRSA.” That sounds terrible, Linda! Voiding your bowels for the first time can be REALLY scary, but it should NOT be terrifying or impossible. Staying hydrated before, during, and after delivery of your baby will help make your first “poo” a little easier. Asking your doctor for a stool softener may help to assuage your fears. Don’t forget to stay hydrated after coming home… I speak from experience on that one, otherwise there’s not enough Vaseline and Jesus to help if you don’t! Utilizing a Squatty Potty may also help you assume as natural and relaxed of a position is possible which should reduce the need to bear down. Many moms don't know that it can also be very normal for bowel regularity to take several days to return to normal after birth.

Second Night Syndrome
More commonly known as cluster feeding, the second or third night after baby is born can make a lot of moms feel inadequate and overwhelmed. “Holy crap that second night in the hospital was probably the toughest in my life to date!" says Kelly. Immediately after your baby is born he/she will most likely be very sleepy, so take advantage of this by limiting visitors and get lots of rest. Charge your iPad so you can binge watch Netflix, have your husband get the snacks you like, act like you're having an awesome slumber party, and just try to enjoy those moments bonding with your baby--sans slumbering.

I had a client contact me saying, “I’ve been doing some research and I think I’d like to have a rebozo incorporated into my birth.” Thus, the search for a rebozo credential ensued. I found a great course created by birth superstar, Gena Kirby, and promptly joined. During the course, I learned so much more than just the basics of “rebozo”. Gena shared where the rebozo originated, all the ways it has been used over the years, and lastly how to use it to comfort a laboring mother. 

But what is a rebozo? Let's start with a little history lesson...

A rebozo is a long piece of fabric, usually about 6 feet long or more. Women in Mexico have been wearing them for centuries. Originally thrust upon them by the Spaniards, they were required for religious reasons to cover their heads with a piece of fabric. The women eventually took it and made it their own. That’s how the “rebozo” came to be known. Each family had different patterns they passed down from generation to generation. Years ago, you could tell if a woman was married by how she would wear her rebozo. A rebozo is given in wedding ceremonies, women are buried in their favorite rebozo, still today in the event of stillbirth, rebozos are treated with herbs and essential oils and the baby is buried in it. The rebozo is more than just a piece of fabric; its sacred to the people in Mexico.

But why (and how) would you use a rebozo during labor? During labor a rebozo can be used for SO many things:

• labor comfort (this soft piece of fabric is large enough to act as a light blanket and "anchoring" tool for mom and partner).
• optimal fetal positioning--a frequent use of the rebozo is "belly sifting" where the fabric is used to shift and shake baby into alignment when mom is on her hands and knees. A rebozo can also be used to do abdominal lifts to take pressure off of the pubic bone as well as encourage baby to dip into the pelvis. 
• double hip squeezes: as doulas we are very well acquainted with the double hip squeeze which can be extremely useful for labor comfort--and tiring for the arms of whoever is doing the squeezes! When wrapped around a mom's hips, the rebozo gives the support person the ability to provide sustainable hip squeezes for longer periods of time. 
• pushing: the rebozo can be used in a variety of ways to provide mom with better leverage during pushing. 

Used in a labor setting the rebozo helps to bring the couple closer, and the techniques I share during a Rebozo Integration Session will ensure that even the most under-confident partner, can be hands on and supportive throughout labor and delivery. The rebozo helps make mom feel safe, calm, and comfortable. Mom needs her entire birth team to be confident and grounded, and taking my rebozo instructional session will help achieve that goal. This means that you can use a rebozo with or without the services of a doula! ​

Rebozo isn’t just for labor! Rebozo if used properly can help relieve back strain and even that pesky belly pain late in pregnancy. When you take my private session, you will choose which rebozo you want, after labor and delivery you can use your rebozo for baby wearing. I will share with you how that can be achieved during our session as well. And maybe the very best part of our new Rebozo Integration service is that you receive a traditional rebozo of your very own to keep as a tool for your birth, your postpartum, future births, and as a treasured keepsake!

Are you curious about how a rebozo could play an invaluable role in your birth? Contact me today to schedule your session!

If you live in the southeast United States, it's safe to say that you've heard about the imminent threat from a wandering monster of a hurricane named Irma. There's a meme floating around Facebook that says something along the lines of "you know you're a Floridian if you find out a hurricane is now a category 3 or higher and now you have to care." While winging it *might* be a (sometimes misguided) option for some folks, parents of small children and pregnant women should be especially prepared for whatever emergency situations they might face--especially with the hurricanes, earthquakes, flooding, and wildfires happening around the United States right now.

Evacuation
Usually evacuation wouldn't be the first thing on the list of things to consider, but this may be on the top of the list for pregnant moms who are especially vulnerable in situations where access to emergency services, basic utilities, or safe travel cannot be guaranteed. For instance, a strong hurricane can produce extremely low barometric pressure, which in turn can produce labor (even prematurely). Being caught in a situation where the baby might be born without access to emergency services, the hospital, or even electricity is certainly not the safest option--especially if there are birth complications. So what is a mom to do if she needs to evacuate for emergency reasons, especially if her due date is looming?

• Get access to your medical records. Most hospitals and care providers now provide remote access to records, virtually. Contact your provider and hospital to find out how to get access so that you can "take" your records with you wherever you go. Some hospitals are now part of a care network--meaning that if you go to another hospital elsewhere within that same network, the providers there would have immediate access to your records (i.e., the Ascension Network that Sacred Heart Hospital is now a member of). Call your hospital to find out if they have network partner facilities and where they are. 
• Plan your destination. Go where you will have the most support if you do go into labor, and find out what your birthing options are where you're going in case labor does start while you're away. Calling facilities ahead and speaking to labor and delivery about your situation will help you get a feel for what it would look like if you walked in laboring without any prior care history there. (If you need help connecting to resources where you're heading, please contact us!)
• Take your hospital bag, and supplies for a baby for 7 days. Packing for your baby seems to ward off the evil emergency spirits--hopefully you'll never need it, just like insurance! (Don't forget the car seat and sleeping arrangements for baby!)
• Make sure that you have all your important documents--ID, birth certificate, social security card, insurance cards, and birth preferences with you to make any prenatal or birth care as seamless as possible.
• Leave ahead of the crowd. Generally, the last 48 hours before a storm or fire requires mandatory evacuations is the worst time to leave. Deciding on evacuation sooner rather than later helps you avoid bumper-to-bumper traffic and reduces your stress levels. If nothing else, it just gives you more relaxation time!

If You Stay...
For some, staying put may be the only option. If you do, consider the following, with the understanding that emergency services and utilities may still be spotty or nonexistent for hours, days, or even weeks after a disaster. Most local government agencies recommend preparing just like you will be on a camping trip in a remote area for at least 72 hours, if not longer.

• Check with your doctor or midwife to see if your birthplace offers a shelter of some kind for pregnant women and their families. One of our local facilities provides this for women who are 36+ weeks pregnant and planning to give birth there.
• Having a well-stocked emergency kit is absolutely necessary. Overstock it if needed. Here is a great kit list!
• Water. Pregnant women need more water than the average joe, so stock up on more water than you ever thought you'd need. The usual recommendation is 1 gallon of water per person per day for drinking, 1 gallon per person per day for hygienic needs and cooking. Definitely stock that much if not more! You can fill up your bathtubs and sinks as well and use that water for bathing, or for drinking if you boil it. The waterBoB is fantastic for this! Also consider filling empty milk jugs or soda bottles almost all the way full (leave some room for expansion) and filling all the empty spots in your freezer with them. This will extend how long your freezer remains cold and then the water in the bottles can be drunk when the ice thaws.
• Food. This is somewhat obvious, but considering what to stock is even more important since a lack of electricity may impact how you will be able to prepare food. Having a grill and propane, sterno cans, or simply food that needs no preparation will make life easier.
• Light. Stock up on batteries and flashlights, and consider getting solar powered lights (the garden variety) or solar powered hand-crank lanterns.
• Emergency birth kit. Whether or not you ever need it, having an emergency birth kit could be invaluable in an emergency situation. Emergency birth kits can be purchased at www.preciousarrows.com.
• Supplies for baby. Go ahead and have a few baby supplies on hand--just in case. This would include diapers, wipes, and even some premade formula in the event that baby is born and breastfeeding isn't going well for some reason--you would at least have something to fall back on! And remember that not all water, even bottled, is safe for formula prep, so having premade formula insures that it is sterile.
• Radio. Keeping up to date with the weather when the electricity goes out is imperative. A hand-crank radio is a necessity for this.
• Support. Don't sit a disaster out alone if you can avoid it! No matter who you are, pregnant or not, pairing up to ride out an emergency with someone else can be a literal life saver.

And always remember--don't be scared, just be prepared!!