The 7 Natural laws of Breastfeeding

Everyone knows that I'm pro-breastfeeding and anything that's natural for baby and mama. During my certification to become a postpartum doula, I've had several books that were required reading. One of the subjects, breastfeeding, was something that I've started to read up on.  One of the books that I'm reading highlighted seven natural laws of breastfeeding that I felt was extremely important for breastfeeding mamas and those pregnant individuals who may be considering breastfeeding.

7 Natural laws of Breastfeeding

1. Babies are hardwired to breastfeed

2. Mother's body is baby's natural habitat

3. Better feel and flow happen in the comfort zone

4. More breastfeeding at first means more milk later.

5. Every breastfeeding couple has it's own rhythm

6. More milk out equals more milk made

7. Children wean naturally

I just wanna be a doula!!!

I say this constantly to myself. I just wanna be a doula..I want to support women during an abortion or a miscarriage and after she gives birth.  Yes, I can be pro choice and still want to support women and families. It's a part of health care for women. Abortion and miscarriage has been so stigmatized that people don't realize that it's needed.  I will admit I've felt defeated at times when I've tried to volunteer and get my face out there so that I can gain experience but has been shut out. It just makes me want to push even more. I won't give up despite some of the adversity and set backs.  Once I'm finished with my postpartum certification I feel like I can successfully advertise more.

I was given the idea to support women over the phone during a medical abortion which is a great idea that I'm toying with.  I'd love to be able to support women across the country. Recently I've had the crazy idea of the traveling doula.  I really just want to help and support others.  I just want to be a doula...

If you're considering on having a medical abortion or knows someone who is please contact me.  I can be emailed at ujimadoulaservices@gmail.com or by phone (216) 282-6972

Updates

Hi all! I've been really meaning to blog and give you all some updates but I've been busy with so much stuff both personal and professionally. I've started back to a regular 9 to 5 position with a nice company that combine my slight medical knowledge with customer service and sales. I've also, as you know, written a full spectrum handbook for doulas as well as starting an online store to showcase and sell my crafts.   I've been working on marketing the full spectrum side of my doula business and attempting to  work with my local woman's clinic and Planned Parenthood. I've been trying to normalize abortion and miscarriage and reduce the stigma associated with it.
Often times it doesn't feel like its enough and I don't know how I'll reach a large group of people. That's what I'm still struggling with.  Even volunteering to gain experience has been hard. It upsets me and makes me sad that I can't help people and provide care and support the way I know they need it.  So if anyone knows of any new ways to market my full spectrum business please contact me.

I plan on attending my postpartum doula training in October and once I'm certified and I can start accepting clients and helping women, children and families.

The good part is that I'm finding ways to educate others about what a doula does and how she can help before, after and during labor.

The Full Spectrum Handbook

Hello All, I'm so excited to be able to say that my handbook for full spectrum doulas is available for download!!  This has been a true labor of love and I'm proud to say it's done.  The decision to write a handbook for doulas who want to support people during abortion, miscarriage and stillbirth.  Below is a link directly to the website where it's available to be purchased for a low price.
The Full Spectrum Doula: A Handbook

Updates....and more updates

Hello everyone out there in the blogoshere! I know it's been over 2 months since I posted but I have truly been busy.  I'm in the process of finally writing a handbook for full spectrum doulas.  I've always wanted to  write something for full spectrum doulas and people who want to provide support for anyone experiencing abortion, miscarriage or stillbirth.  Currently I'm in the editing phase and depending on how long that takes the handbook could be available online as an ebook within two weeks.

I also ordered business cards specifically for my full spectrum business. It was exciting to finally have a physical card to pass out. The hardest part about being a full spectrum doula is marketing. How do I market and where do I market at are some of the questions that I've had to ask myself as well as my other doula sisters.  I decided to get really creative and leave them on the city buses and trains. I also left some at the Greyhound station and at coffee shops.  I've also written a letter of introduction to local clinics and medical providers who may have patients that might possibly need support during a miscarriage or pregnancy termination.

Honestly, it's been rough to maintain a positive attitude in regards to marketing the full spectrum side of my business. There are so many ways to market yourself as a birth or postpartum doula but relatively no ways to truly market the full spectrum business. I've just been taking to social media and remaining vocal about reproductive justice and rights.  Hopefully soon I can volunteer more at our local abortion clinic to get experience providing support.  The biggest marketing strategies are word of month and building healthy relationships with the community in general.

Don't lose the faith!!

I will be the first to admit that I've felt like giving up on my dreams to be a birth worker.  There's been financial difficulties and marketing difficulties. I've even had some self doubt whether I could make a living as a full spectrum/postpartum doula.  Switching careers after 10 plus years of one field to the next has been difficult. Some days I truly lose my faith then I see an article or hear about one of my doula sisters making changes within her community and I get a renewed sense of joy. My goals that I'm working towards become real and I realize that I can't quit or give up.

Some days I really wish that I could just travel around the country and support women and families. i want to just immerse myself in my work and devote my time to helping as many people as possible.  Birth work and supportive services are so necessary for women and families. I wish every women could have a doula during labor and afterward. I wish that insurance companies paid for these supportive services for the poor and low income women who would benefit from it the most.

Recently, I ordered my business cards to market the full spectrum aspect.  When they finally came I was so overjoyed and proud.  I proudly took a picture and posted on my social media pages. I realize it won't be an overnight thing and it will take time to get clients and to get people talking about abortion, miscarriage and stillbirth/fetal loss. It's a tough touchy subject for both. I sincerely hope I can create a positive conversation and reduce some stigma.

Here is a picture of my new business cards. What do you guys think? If you know anyone in Northeastern Ohio that needs my services, please contact me.

Full Spectrum Support?

Did you or someone you know need extra support during your abortion or miscarriage experience? Here is a survey that will give me an idea about how much support is needed during and after. My goal as a doula, primarily as a full spectrum doula is how I can support my clients.  I hope to find out what types of support is  really needed.  Your participation is greatly needed and appreciated.    Take Survey here.