Happy Labor Day!

9/3/2014

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A MESSAGE FROM
Natalia Hals, LCCE & CD(DONA) Birth \| Postpartum Doula & Childbirth Educator

Happy Labor Day!
Can you believe how fast this year is going! I feel like summer just decided to stick around and now the kids are preparing for school, we are sorting through summer clothes (because all of my kids seem to be having a growth spurt at the same time), rotating the fall clothes in and cleaning out the garage (to get rid of summer gear and to make room for the cars). Fall is one of my favorite seasons. It might be because I am a November baby (my mother reluctantly left her Thanksgiving meal to go to the hospital - maybe she should have had a home birth) or simply because I love sweaters and that the temperature is just cool enough to get rid of pesky bugs so that I can enjoy a nice lounge outside. How do you prepare for season changes? Send me a note at natalia@awomansdesign.com. I'd love to read them and share them on the next newsletter. You are fearfully and wonderfully made, Natalia Have you seen the article that came out last week: How Doulas Have A Huge, Positive Impact On C-Section Rates? In short, "The new study is not the first to highlight the potential benefits of doula care, both financial and otherwise. A comprehensive Cochrane review of more than 20 trials published last summer found that women who had continuous care during childbirth -- whether by a nurse, midwife, family member or doula -- were more likely to have spontaneous birth without a C-section or use of instruments including a vacuum or forceps; less likely to use pain medications; more likely to have slightly shorter deliveries; and more likely to say they were satisfied with their birth experience after the fact." In the past few months I have heard some humorous and flattering things about the presumed powers that doulas have. I was told by one father that I had "super doula arms", a nurse asked me to pull out some tricks from my doula bag to help a posterior baby (presenting face up) turn and one midwife returned to the room after I'd joined a couple and said, "You must be the doula?". I nod and return a smile. " She tells my client, "I can tell, because you look so much more relaxed than a half an hour ago." As sweet as these comments are and how great it is to see the benefits of doulas becoming more known, the truth is you make the difference in your birth experience. When you seek out labor support, engage in thoughtful discussions with your provider and you are an active participant in your care. That combined with professional labor support makes the difference in how you are left feeling about your experience. Also know, that even if your insurance covered a small amount or nothing at all, the more they keep getting requests and inquiries along with the studies that are coming out the closer we will be to insurance companies recognizing the value and more reimbursements/coverage. With that said, can women have babies without doulas? Absolutely. Should they? Well, I spoke with a mom who'd had five babies without professional labor support, but wanted one with her next baby. She said, "I know I can do it, but with this next birth I wouldn't want to without one." Please welcome... I'd like to introduce you all to another beautiful doula I have the pleasure to work with, Hope Lien! Hope will be teaming up with Hallie to support A Woman's Design clients. She is DONA trained birth and postpartum doula as well as an Certified Lactation Counselor. I have such a passion for the postpartum period that it almost brings me to tears and they share the same passion. "Supporting women gently to be empowered during their pregnancy, birth, postpartum and beyond is my passion. I take great delight in journeying with women of all ages and backgrounds as they enter motherhood. It is very important to me to tailor my care to each individual family. My demeanor is very gentle as I guide and support you throughout your own mothering experience. I have been doing birth work for the past 5 years, and postpartum work for the past 3 years and have worked with children and families for more than 10 years in various capacities." Hope L. If you are interested in more information about postpartum services feel free to contact us at info@awomansdesign.com.

Mark this date! Date: Saturday, October 04 2014 Time: 9:30am to 3:00pm Location: Burroughs school, 1601 W 50th St., Minneapolis, MN The mission of the Twin Cities Birth and Baby Expo is to connect local families with empowering, multicultural resources and education that promote healthy birth and parenting and celebrate the transformative experience of becoming parents. The Expo showcases local businesses and organizations that operate in line with this mission. We aim to connect parents and families in the Twin Cities with experts, businesses, and organizations that offer education, products, or services promoting healthy birth and parenting from diverse perspectives. For more information If I have made a positive difference in your family with professional labor/postpartum support and/or childbirth education, then please nominate my business, A Woman's Design, for the Best of the Twin Cities Birth & Baby Awards! Thanks so much! Birth Availability I have births already on the calendar for 2015 and I appreciate the opportunity to be able to get to know my clients early on if possible. I do have one more spot available for October and November birth months. If you or someone you know is considering doula services or would like more information, please feel free to reach out. I love talking babies and labor support! Classes at The Nesting Place are picking up. Requests for private classes as well. If you are a mom on bed-rest, would prefer a more private education or if you or your partner travels and it is hard to commit to a series Private Childbirth Classes may be a solution. The next series of (Re) Discovering Childbirth begins Saturdays, September 20th - October 25th, 2014 from 1:30-4:00pm Great Sibling Preparation September 21st, 1:00-2:00pm Early Pregnancy Workshop September 30th, 6:30-7:45pm Finding Comfort Workshop October 7th, 6:00-9:00pm The Fourth Trimester October 14th, 6:30-8:30pm
If you are on Facebook you can also "like" my pages (A Woman's Design and The Nesting Place Twin Cities) where I post relevant information about pregnancy, childbirth and parenting daily. Latest blog post : "In The Blink Of An Eye"


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About A Woman's Design
A Woman's Design, LLC. Provides Birth And Postpartum Doula Support And Childbirth Education In The Minneapolis, St. Paul And Twin Cities Area.