This Is What I Doula

It’s been a while since I’ve shown up here, but I can’t let World Breastfeeding Week pass without sharing.

This will likely be my last WBW while still breastfeeding. L is 3.5 and only has one or two feeds a day and has gone days without anything at all.

Each WBW there is a theme. This year’s theme is Closing the gap: Breastfeeding support for all.

The campaign will celebrate breastfeeding mothers in all their diversity, throughout their breastfeeding journeys, while showcasing the ways families, societies, communities and health workers can have the back of every breastfeeding mother.

Over the next week I plan on sharing some moments and feelings about my journey ♥️

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I don’t know if Maternal Health Awareness Week was last week or this (getting conflicting dates online 😵‍💫) but I wanted to send all my love to the mothers experiencing difficulty in their postpartum period right now. As a mother who experienced postpartum anxiety, my heart goes out to you ♥️

Whether that be rage, depression, anxiety, trauma or anything in between… On Mother’s Day eve, I want you to know that these feelings don’t make you less of an incredible mama.

Happy World Hypnobirthing Day! ✨

Over the last 5 years teaching the program, I have seen incredible things.

Women who have previous trauma who are petrified to birth again have gone on to birth their babies in their own power, aware of their rights and choices, supported by their birth partners and in complete confidence.

I have seen women have calm, quiet and tranquil births.

I have seen women roar their babies earthside with no awareness of anyone else in the room.

I have seen women’s circumstances change and either require or desire a c section, and I have seen those women accept those decisions with an open heart. I have had a woman describe her unwanted (but necessary) repeat c section as healing and powerful.

I have seen partners who initially had no idea what an umbilical cord was, go on to advocate for their partners and support them in the most beautiful ways.

The power of Hypnobirthing reverberates far beyond birth. It makes its way into your immediate postpartum and I believe can even influence your entire parenting journey.

I’d love to hear your experience of Hypnobirthing in the comments! 😍

3 years breastfeeding my sun ☀️

6.5 straight years (plus pregnancy) of nourishing little people with my body.

A journey that has taught me patience, resilience, and the incredible strength of the bond between a mother and her child.

Every milestone reached, every cuddle shared while feeding, has only deepened the profound connection between us.

First feed 📸: