Holly Wiersma, Doula

This Is What Working With a Virtual Doula Really Looks Like

This is a very accurate explanation of what having a Virtual Doula looks like

parents.com From prenatal Zoom sessions to FaceTiming from the delivery room, the pandemic has changed how doulas work. But by keeping communication the focus, new parents can get the guidance they need no matter the mediums required.

How Birth Doulas Are Helping Parents Navigate Coronavirus

Doulaing during the time of Covid-19

yesmagazine.org Doulas provide emotional and physical support before, during, and after birth. With concerns over the spread of COVID-19, this service has become even more crucial.

Research Review: Is Routine Induction at 41 weeks Better Than Expectant Management until 42 Weeks?

Routine induction at 41 weeks is a big issue these days. This is a great research based article. Pay special attention to the Take Away at the end.

lamaze.org What are we to make of a new Swedish trial in which women were allocated by chance to either routine induction at 41 weeks or expectant management until 42 weeks (Wennerholm 2019)? The trial was stopped midway through because it had already shown a statistically significant increase, meaning unlikel...

Why It's Worth Waiting to Go Into Labor

It's so hard to wait for labor to begin as the end of your last trimester looms. It's so important thoughtfully weigh the pros and cons of an induction!

lamaze.org Some things are worth the wait. Standing in a 45 minute line for a 2 minute ride at a theme park? Nah. Waiting until your body and baby signal it's time to go into labor, even if that means you're still pregnant at 41 weeks? In most cases, yes! "Letting labor begin on its own" is the first of the La...

Speaking Up for Yourself in Labor

As your doula I help you Speak Up for Yourself in Labor... it's especially helpful
in your informed decision making!

lamaze.org Have you ever heard the saying that goes, "if you don't stand up for yourself, no one else will?" This saying is especially important to remember during your labor and birth. You, along with your birth support team (partner, friend, doula, etc.), are you own best advocate when it comes to communic...

Birth With Treesa

I’ve had several midwives offer this option to my clients with back labor. It’s amazing pain relief!

I've used sterile water injections to help my clients in labor. It is like a bee sting, but almost all had immediate relief from back labor, enabling them to get into positions that helped their babies move into better positions to be born.

Giving Birth with Confidence Post

As your doula I can help you ask important questions and help you make informed choices about your care.

lamaze.org Lamaze childbirth education offers healthy birth practices, teaching healthy pregnancy and safe, natural birth.

Ten Tips to Keep Baby Safe in Extreme Heat

Such very good advice during the summer months...

lamaze.org Right now, many countries worldwide are experiencing higher than average temperatures. In places that aren't used to the extreme heat, it has become more than just an annoying situation -- it's dangerous. Without regular air conditioning in homes and other common areas, it has been a struggle to kee...

What Do Doulas Really Do? | Midwifery Today

Great article on What Doulas Really Do!

midwiferytoday.com Doula Penny Simkin discusses the positive impact that doulas have on birth outcomes. They provide a unique form of labor support that is different from that of other caregivers involved in the birth process--but complements the roles of others. Simkins describes why this is so.

Evidence on: Induction when your Water Breaks at Term

As your doula I share with you evidence based information so you can make informed choices

evidencebasedbirth.com When someone's water breaks before labor at term, they have 2 choices-- wait for labor to start on its own, or induce labor. What does the evidence say?

8 Breastfeeding Positions to Make Nursing Easier

So many good options explained in this article!

thebump.com

Six New Care Recommendations that Every Birth Doula Should Share with Their Clients | DONA International

It’s so important to be educated about Best labor Practices. Following them can make a big difference!

dona.org ACOG has new recommendations for reducing interventions for people in labor and birth doulas need to be sharing this information with their clients.

Lamaze for Parents : Blogs : 16 Helpful Distractions to Get You Through Labor

This is a great article discussion helps during labor. As a doula I help my clients utilize these tools... depending on which ones will work best for them.

givingbirthwithconfidence.org Have you ever sat and talked with a friend while you waited and noticed that the time flew by? Have you ever struggled more through a run or gym session when there isn't any music playing? Do you find yourself turning down the radio in your car when you are trying to figure out where you're going? ...

The Fourth Trimester – AKA Why Your Newborn Baby is Only Happy in Your Arms

The 4th Trimester can be really challenging - consider it from baby's point of view.

sarahockwell-smith.com “My baby is only happy in my arms, the minute I put her down she cries” “He sleeps really well but only when he’s laying on my chest, he hates his moses basket” “She cries every time we lay her on …

VBAC Facts

Old news to me as a doula,but it’s a choice new parents can decide

“The research shows this practice is ineffective, outdated and unethical,” said midwife Liza van de Hoef.

A good explanation of what doulas do!