I don’t believe in fear mongering as a form of public health messaging, so here are some helpful considerations if you’re pregnant or nursing and concerned about potential impacts of COVID-19. ⁣
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If you are having a hospital birth soon, it could be helpful to check with them to see how COVID-19 protocols may affect your birthing experience (number of visitors, entrance locations, etc.)

I know, there’s a lot going on and things are changing daily but one thing is for certain—you gone get this support! Now more than ever it’s critical to educate yourself, tap into your intuition, and know how to advocate for the best birth experience possible. ⁣
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Many hospitals are restricting visitors and #saferathome protocols may limit in-home prenatal sessions, so I’ll be offering some of my services virtually:⁣

• Virtual birth goal setting;

• Prenatal education sessions (including comfort measures and positions)⁣;

• Labor and birth support; and

• Postpartum support sessions
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Starting from the upper left, this is an example of the changes that the cervix makes during labor. But there are no rulers involved—the cervix is “measured” during a cervical exam in which your healthcare provider feels the cervical position with their pointer and middle fingers. ✌🏾

✨NOTE: Consent should always be the first step of any cervical exam and you have the right to decline or delay exams during labor them as well.

One of the most common questions that I get is “can I have sex while I’m pregnant?”. The answer is YES—have all the consensual sex your heart desires! (UNLESS you have been diagnosed as a high risk pregnancy and your physician has instructed you to refrain. In which case, explore other safer methods of pleasure!) .
Sex during pregnancy is great for a number of reasons:

• it’s a great bonding tool for you + partner

• it’s a great way to feel sexy and grow confidence in your changing body

• nipple stimulation encourages labor and strengthens contractions

• orgasms release adrenaline which can reduce stress during pregnancy and labor

• the hormone that starts contractions is oxytocin, which is the hormone that is released during orgasms

• if partner is male, semen contains natural prostaglandins that help to soften the cervix, causing it to open

Positions can be tricky as baby + belly grows so be sure to get creative with which ones make you the most comfortable. Laying on your side or on all fours tends to be preferable—use lots of pillows! And don’t trip, your growing baby is protected in the womb and surrounded by shock absorbing amniotic fluid 😉

Yellow milk, golden milk, creamy milk, green tinted milk, watery milk. All milk is different because all babies are different. Our bodies modify the vitamin and nutrient levels in breastmilk (and thus the color, consistency, and even quantity) according to the nutritional and immunological needs of our baby. Aren’t our bodies amazing?! There’s absolutely no need to compare. No matter the color, quantity, or duration, you’re doing great mama! #atldoula #liquidgold #atlantadoula #blackbreastfeeding #doulaofcolor 📷: @paulalopezdroguet

We had such a great time this past Saturday! I love when I learn so much from my own events! Let’s continue to own our own narrative when it comes to family planning and birth control. A special thanks to @ken.ya and @plannedparenthoodsoutheast for bringing the goods and to @forkeepsbooks and @antylc for hosting and always supporting me!!

Most experiences of pregnancy and loss are never spoken of. Never shared. Many womxn who were once a home suddenly feel alone. ⁣⁣
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You are not alone. ⁣⁣
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As many as 1 in every 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage. One. In. Four. This month is a month to honor those that have experienced infant loss or miscarriage. There is no perfect way to heal, but you WILL heal. ⁣⁣
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Reach out to your tribe. Love them. Honor them. Because you never know what they’ve lost. ⁣⁣
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Some pages that I love that offer loss support: @ihadamiscarriage @iamreneeashley @stillstandingmag ⁣⁣