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5/23/2021 0 Comments

DOIC Member Spotlight - Meet Grace Swartzendruber

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Doulas of Iowa City members bring a wide variety of trainings, skills, and experiences to their work with families in Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, and surrounding communities. We're excited to highlight our member doulas through this series.

Today, meet Grace Swartzendruber of All Bodies All Births Doula Services.
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What clients say about Grace:
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During virtual prenatal visits due to COVID, Grace helped us with our birth plan and shared many resources. She walked us through what to expect when arriving at the hospital to birth our baby which helped us feel more confident and prepared. It was clear Grace had attended many births and was very informed about staff and procedures at the hospital we would be going to. Most of the staff at the hospital knew who Grace was and were elated to know Grace would be attending the birth. I understood it was important to have a “village” of support during my pregnancy and birth and Grace was at the center of it. She connected me to a chiropractor, acupuncturist, lactation consultant and prenatal massage therapist and also went above and beyond by communicating with my midwife. 

Grace kept in close contact in the days leading up to birth and arrived at the hospital at just the right time. She provided many comfort measures (my favorite was rolling a lacrosse ball on my rear and lower back while on all fours!) and offered many suggestions for birth positions. When the birth was grueling Grace offered encouragement and affirmations. She supported us while we made difficult decisions about how to get our boy out. When our son was finally on my chest Grace was there to help with his first latch. 

When the birthing gets rough Grace knows how to bring love into the room and bring you back to yourself. She is the master of unconditional positive regard, has no judgement providing only support, and is the Validation Queen. Two and a half weeks out from birth Grace continues to check in, normalize how I feel, and directs me to resources. I feel like I hired a doula and ended up with a friend!"

Services Provided:
Pregnancy & Birth Support, Postpartum Support, Specialized Support - VBAC preparation, cesarean birth prep, cesarean birth recovery, induction preparation. She offer both in person and virtual support.

Three things about Grace outside of her doula work:
In addition to her work as a full spectrum doula, Grace advocates for birthing people across the state as a representative and advocate for the Iowa Maternal Quality Care Collaborative through the Iowa Department of Public Health. Additionally, Grace helps to facilitate Pregnant & Postpartum in the Corridor, a online and in-person support group and resource for local parents. Grace is also a founding member of Doulas of Iowa City, a local professional networking and continuing education organization for doulas. In her free time she enjoys cooking, gardening, traveling and also good old-fashioned Netflix binge.

How long have you been supporting families?
Since November 2016

When did you first know you wanted to work with families in the time around birth?
After the traumatic birth of my first child in August 2015.
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Three words that describe your approach to working with families?

Compassionate. Non judgemental. Empowering.
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Anything new you are excited to share about your business?
​I plan to launch a limited collection of postpartum care boxes that will include local, handmade products to support post birth recovery and the transition to parenthood.

Looking to connect with Grace and our other members? You can learn find all our member businesses on our homepage or join us for our next Meet the Doula Event.
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7/28/2019 3 Comments

Surviving a Summer Pregnancy

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Although fall will be here before we know it (I can almost smell the flannel and Pumpkin Spice Lattes), it is currently quite hot and muggy in Iowa. As my second summer pregnancy draws to a close, I thought I would throw together a quick guide to surviving the summer while pregnant. You may not know that when you are pregnant, your body temperature is typically a little higher than normal, so it’s not your imagination that you’re running hot! The combination of your increased body temperature plus the often extreme heat of midwest summers is not a pleasant mix for those of us who are or have been pregnant during the summer. When you are pregnant it takes about twice the amount of energy to cool both you and your baby off! These factors all increase your risk for heat exhaustion. So, how do you cope?

It may seem super obvious, but hydration is key. It’s pretty easy to become dehydrated while pregnant, especially during the summer heat when you’re sweating out much of what you’re taking in. I know, I know, it’s a double-edged sword because the more you drink the more you have to pee, which is already annoyingly frequent when pregnant. None the less, I know that I feel markedly better when I’ve been drinking lots of water. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends that pregnant women drink a minimum of 2.5 quarts of water per day, more if you are exercising and/or spending time outside in the heat. I know I struggle to remember or force myself to drink enough water, so here are some tips and tricks to help up your consumption.

Make it visually appealing! I am much more likely to reach for my water if it’s in an appealing vessel. I love cups that have built in lids and straws, filled with ice, so that I can easily tote them from room to room, inside or outside, or into the car with me. I also don’t have to worry as much about my toddler knocking it over and spilling it! There are a number of glass, plastic and stainless steel options that are all reusable. Insulated stainless steel tumblers are great because they can keep your water cold for many hours.
Make it tasty! Your water doesn’t always have to be plain. I like adding fresh fruit and herbs to mine. A favorite combination is the “mock mojito,” with fresh mint leaves and
lime juice and/or wedges. Many people enjoy some thinly sliced ginger and cucumber in their water as well. Fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries and blackberries can make a tasty water infusion as well! Citrus is always a good addition – anything from grapefruit to lemons to oranges. I also enjoy an occasional sparkling water such as La Croix or San Pellegrino – the effervescence makes for a refreshing
treat.
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Have water conveniently available. I don’t know about you, but I often find myself in a mad dash on the way out the door and realize I don’t have a water bottle handy. You don’t want to be out running errands on a hot day with no water. Having a few bottles ready to go in the fridge, freezer or pantry at all times can help ensure that you always have water available even when you’re in a hurry. I also have water bottles easily accessible so that my toddler can grab one for me when I’m busy with the new baby.

Alright! Enough about drinking water already. What are some other tips for keeping cool during the summer? If you are fortunate enough to have central A/C in your home, that can be really helpful, but keeping the temperature cranked down low can also be very expensive. I try to help this by balancing my time at other public locations that have air conditioning such as the mall, the library, grocery stores, etc. to keep cool. My toddler and I also enjoy time spent our wonderful local pools and splash pads.

Wearing minimal light, breathable (think natural fibers like 100% cotton) clothing, and keeping my hair out of my face and off of my neck is a must. Placing cool or frozen wet towels around your neck and forehead, or even ice on your wrists can also help you keep cool, especially when you have to be outside on a really hot day. I also sometimes stick my head in the shower and run cold water over the back of my neck for a minute to lower my core body temp just a bit.

I think it’s also important to rest when you are feeling exhausted during pregnancy. If you can’t lie all the way down, at least try to prop your feet up and sit for a few moments. Even minimal physical activity such as carrying laundry up and down the stairs or groceries in from the car while heavily pregnant and in the heat can be completely draining and leave you panting for breath.

I also solicited advice from some wise pregnant and postpartum parents on a local facebook group that I help admin. One mom suggested: 

“When we’re not at the pool, we often fill the kiddie pool in the yard or turn on the sprinkler. The water in Iowa is so cold (it does not get this cold where I’m from)! I love it! Also ice cream all the time and carrying cold drinks on my walking commute to work.” (Thanks Christine!)

Another mom (who also happens to be a former client of our business) suggested “Ice cream sandwiches made my day! Also sometimes I made myself a cool foot bath (with cold water, no ice) at the end of the day” (Thanks Jenna!)

Sometimes body heat from your partner doesn’t feel the greatest when trying to sleep at night. “If you sleep with your significant other and have a full size bed (that starts to feel like a twin), upgrade to a queen (or king!) size. So much better!” (Thanks Megan!)

Several moms mentioned eating lots of water rich foods like grapes, watermelon and cucumber to help meet those hydration goals. (Thanks Kayla!)

​So there you have it – my tips to survive a summer pregnancy. What would you add?


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​Grace is passionate about supporting and empowering families during pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. Grace trained with ProDoula and DONA International has been a doula in Iowa since 2016. Grace's business All Bodies, All Births Doula Services offers inclusive, unbiased, non-judgmental and compassionate birth and postpartum doula support for all birthing people and every kind of birth in the Iowa City-Cedar Rapids Corridor.
3 Comments

5/15/2019 0 Comments

Meet the Doulas Giveaway & Sponsors - June 2019

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Our June Meet the Doulas event is almost here! For this meeting, we're so excited to offer a gift basket of amazing items and gift certificates from Doulas of Iowa City member businesses. Everyone who attends the Meet the Doulas on June 1 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Robinson Family Wellness will have the opportunity enter to win!
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Thanks to Nested Mama Prenatal & Postpartum Doula Support for donating a free class registration to any June 2019 Ready for Baby or July 2019 Ready for Birth single class.

Nested Mama's mission is to provide support and expertise that empowers parents in the childbearing year and beyond. Johanna is excited to share with you about her services, including fertility, prenatal, and postpartum doula services, private and group classes on breastfeeding and childbirth education, and infant sleep education workshops and consultations.
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Thanks to Kind Roots Doula and Birth Services for contributing a free hour of postpartum doula support when you book a placenta encapsulation.

Kind Roots offers birth and postpartum doula support as well as placenta encapsulation.
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Thanks to Rachel Dolan Wickersham of Transformative Passage for contributing these soothing products by Healing Earth Botanicals.

​Rachel recently relocated to Iowa City from Chicago where she spent the past 25 years serving families as a childbirth educator, doula and, more recently, a certified professional midwife. She also holds a nursing license and lactation certification. She offers DONA approved doula trainings as well as consultations for community-based doula programs. Rachel has three daughters and one granddaughter. She feels a strong calling to serve her community and empower doulas, childbearing individuals and their families by supporting them through the ‘key’ life experiences of childbirth, breastfeeding and parenting.
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Thanks to All Bodies, All Births for the New Mom Essentials set including swaddles, security blanket, and coffee mug.

Grace Swartzendruber is the doula behind All Bodies, All Births and offers pregnancy, birth and postpartum services. Grace specializes in supporting plus size birth, cesarean birth, and vaginal birth after cesarean birth, in addition to her other services. All Bodies, All Births is pleased to provide individualized, unbiased, non-judgemental support to all birthing families in the Iowa City/Cedar Rapids corridor.

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Thanks to (em)powered by birth doula services for donating Beautycounter’s Baby Daily Protective Balm! A safer option for babe & mama’s skin!

Emma Benson of (em)powered by birth doula services offers birth and postpartum doula support.

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Thanks to Kristin Bergman, LPN, LMT and Doula for contributing this gift certificate $40 toward a massage.

Kristin Bergman, LPN, LMT, Doula has been supporting birthing families and teaching massage techniques for healthy outcomes for 20 years in the Iowa City community. 

Looking forward to seeing you there!

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0 Comments

4/15/2019 2 Comments

Classes & Events - spring/summer 2019

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​Check out these fabulous classes and events from Doulas of Iowa City and member businesses!
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Gentle Transitions: a toddler sleep workshop
Wednesday, May 15, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Taught LIVE via small group webinar
​Perfect for families anticipating the toddler stage or already well into it.

​We'll cover:
  • Developmentally normal expectations
  • Toddler emotions
  • Night-weaning
  • Moving from shared to solitary sleep
  • Setting loving limits
  • Self-care for parents of toddlers
  • Plenty of time for Q & A

Register Here

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Doulas of Iowa City - Meet the Doulas FREE Event
Saturday, June 1, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
At Robinson Family Wellness
​Learn More Here

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 Nested Mama's Ready for Baby Series
​Register for a single class or take the full series for a discount!
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Breastfeeding: basics & beyond
LIVE Webinar on Sunday, June 9, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Together we'll cover:
  • The Science of Breastfeeding
  • Breastfeeding at the Start
  • Troubleshooting Challenges
  • Finding Support
  • Working and Breastfeeding
  • Bottle-feeding the Breastfed Baby
Register Here
Dream on: the art & science of infant sleep
LIVE Webinar on Sunday, June 16, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Together we'll cover:
  • Art and science of infant sleep
  • Creating a nursery that works for you
  • Ensuring sleep is safe
  • Creating a healthy attitude about sleep now for fewer issues later
  • Strategies to soothe baby to sleep
  • Nighttime parenting​
Register Here
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Planning for Postpartum Workshop
LIVE Webinar on Sunday, June 23, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
​Together we'll cover:
  • Finding Joy - acknowledging yourself and your partner
  • Setting Expectations - understanding postpartum recovery
  • Bringing Baby Home - understanding infant behavior
  • Setting Boundaries - charting your vision for postpartum life
  • Intimacy After Baby - deepening your connection as a couple
Register Here

Birth Doula Training ​

June 28 - 30 at Robinson Family Wellness, Coralville
Hosted by Transformative Passage LLC 
This DONA approved workshop meets one of the major requirements for DONA birth doula certification.  For more information about the certification process, visit DONA.org. 
​For information about this workshop, contact Rachel Wickersham @ 630-750-9444. 

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Nested Mama's Ready for Birth Series
​Register for a single class or take the full series for a discount!
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Nested Mama's The Birth Process
​Wednesday, July 17, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Taught LIVE via small group webinar
Take a deep dive into understanding labor and birth.
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Register Here
Nested Mama's Comfort Measures
Saturday, July 20, 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Hands-on Workshop at Robinson Family Wellness, Coralville
​Build a toolbox of comfort techniques for labor and birth.
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Register Here
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Nested Mama's Planning for Birth
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Wednesday, July 24, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Taught LIVE via small group webinar
Workshop the questions you need to answer to craft your birth preferences.
​
Register Here

Don't want to miss out on future Doulas of Iowa City events? Connect with us on Facebook.
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4/4/2019 8 Comments

Physical Therapy in Pregnancy and Postpartum - learning from Kim Blackwell, MPT, RYT

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One of the best parts of bringing our member businesses together in Doulas of Iowa City is the chance to gather for continuing education from experts in our community.  In March, we were thrilled to have Kim Blackwell, MPT, RYT of Progressive Rehabilitation Associates join our members to share with us about the benefits of physical therapy in pregnancy and postpartum.
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Kim Blackwell received her BS in Exercise Science as well as her Masters of Physical Therapy from the University of Iowa. She has additional training in treating a variety of issues related to pregnancy and postpartum, along with pelvic floor issues experienced by both men and women.  Outside of her PT work, Kim is also a Registered Yoga Teacher and active with her three children.
As doulas, we interact with clients who experience a range of discomforts during pregnancy and after birth. Kim shared with us a variety of different approaches she has in her physical therapist skill set that can address these common and often painful issues.

Low back pain is a common complaint in pregnancy as joints become more mobile due to hormonal changes. Physical therapists can help address with muscle energy technique - an approach that uses the patient's own muscles to realign problem areas.  Additionally, the posture changes that come with a growing belly can result in discomfort and the use of support belts and Kinesiotape can be helpful.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a painful condition of the wrists experienced during pregnancy and physical therapists can provide stretching, splinting, and ultrasound therapy.

Pelvic floor issues during pregnancy and postpartum can include discomfort, incontinence, and pain during intimacy. Often Kegels are the exercise we think of to address some of these issues, but Kim notes that our pelvic floor needs to be able to both tighten and relax, and some issues can require more focus on relaxing than tightening - all this means that it is really worth the time to have a physical therapist provide your direction in how to engage and rehabilitate these muscles.

Diastasis Recti is a separation of the abdominal muscles.  This separation occurs at the end of pregnancy and for some it closes just fine, but others may need physical therapy to address the issue. Kim notes the value of a professional evaluation, because there are different extents to the condition. Many birthing parents desire to return to exercise, but retraining the abdominal muscles and redeveloping core strength is important in order to do so safely.

Scarring from a cesarean birth or significant vaginal tearing can both benefit from a professional evaluation where exercises or scar tissue massage can provide valuable assistance with healing and long-term well being.

As someone who works frequently with pregnant patients, Kim notes that she is always cautious with the modalities she chooses to work with to meet pregnant patients' needs, making certain to choose only those established to be safe and beneficial during this time.

So what does a visit to a PT look like? Kim notes that patients do an initial visit of an hour to evaluate the issue and then follow up visits of 40 minutes. The number and frequency of these visits varies by condition and individual patient needs.

What about insurance? A quick call to your insurance can verify if you require a referral, and in many cases you are able to self-refer.

Do you have some of these complaints or concerns associated with pregnancy, postpartum, or life after baby?  We highly recommend Kim Blackwell - you can find her over at Progressive Rehabilitation Associates.

Thanks so much, Kim, for sharing your experience and expertise with Doulas of Iowa City members!

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​​Johanna Tomlinson is a mother to three little ones and a doula, childbirth educator, and sleep educator with Nested Mama Prenatal & Postpartum Doula Support. Read more of Johanna’s writing on pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting here.
8 Comments

2/1/2019 0 Comments

DOIC Member Spotlight - Meet Johanna Tomlinson

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Doulas of Iowa City members bring a wide variety of trainings, skills, and experiences to their work with families in Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, and surrounding communities. We're excited to highlight our member doulas through this series.

Today, meet Johanna Tomlinson of Nested Mama Prenatal & Postpartum Doula Support.
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Services Provided:
Prenatal & Postpartum Doula Services, Childbirth Education, Breastfeeding Education, Infant Sleep Education and Consultations.

Three things about Johanna outside of her doula work:
I love hiking and am happiest when exploring the outdoors with my family. I also love lasagna and science fiction movies.

How long have you been supporting families?
I often joke that I've been doulaing for family, friends, and the occasional stranger for a long time. As a business, Nested Mama is now in its second year.

When did you first know you wanted to work with families in the time around birth?
Before I became a doula, I was an academic and taught classes exploring women and children of the past. One I became a mother, I realized how many of my passions were relevant to the present day. When my little ones became a bit older, I felt ready to make the jump into supporting families.

Three words that describe your approach to working with families?
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Heart-centered. Trust. Joy.
 What clients say about working with Johanna:
"Johanna is an extremely kind, gentle, and peaceful presence. I feel as though she truly enjoys everything she does for mamas, even picking up my used nursing pads and putting them in the laundry! You can feel the joy she has for caring for people in their postpartum time of need and it puts you at ease - particularly if you're someone who has a hard time asking for help or feel guilty having others do things for you. She's so authentically happy to help, it is refreshing and relaxing. Johanna is also incredibly easy to talk to and non-judgmental if you have any motherhood questions while she is there." - Becca D.

Anything new you are excited to share about your business?
I'm currently enrolled in a Fertility Specialist Certification course. I'm so excited to support parents on their journey to grow their families.  Look for classes and consultations to be available in mid-2019.
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Looking to connect with Johanna and our other members? You can learn find all our member businesses on our homepage or join us for our next Meet the Doula Event.
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1/4/2019 4 Comments

DOIC Classes & Events - spring/winter 2019

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Yoga For Mamas - 9 Week Session, January 19-March 18, every Saturday at Heartland Yoga
Prenatal yoga 1-2:15 (all trimesters).
Postnatal yoga 2:30-3:45 (up to 2 years postpartum, babes in arms up to full on crawling welcome to join mama)

Contact [email protected] with any questions.

Ready for Baby Series - January 20, Noon-6:00 PM at Robinson Family Wellness
Nested Mama's one-day intensive workshop series help prepare you and your partner for life after baby, including breastfeeding, infant sleep, and postpartum planning. $159 per couple.

Q & A for Prospective Members - January 27, Noon-1:00 PM in Coralville
Are you a doula serving the Corridor and want to learn more about membership in Doulas of Iowa City? Are you considering becoming a doula and want to connect with local doulas? Join us for an informal gathering with light refreshments. For location address, please e-mail [email protected].

Meet the Doulas of Iowa City - March 2, 2:00-4:00 PM at Robinson Family Wellness
Join DOIC members for this free and informal opportunity to meet our member doulas.
Please note: this event is intended for expectant parents. If you are a doula and want to learn more about DOIC, please join us for one of our informal doula gatherings.

Can't make our events? Find all our services and our member businesses here. Private classes and consultations available from all our members.
4 Comments

1/4/2019 0 Comments

DOIC Member Spotlight - Meet Kimberly Hendricks

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Doulas of Iowa City members bring a wide variety of trainings, skills, and experiences to their work with families in Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, and surrounding communities. We're excited to highlight our member doulas through this series.

Today, meet Kimberly Hendricks of Beloved Bonds Birth & Bodywork.
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Services Provided:
Doula Services (prenatal, labor and birth, and postpartum). Breastfeeding services (education, clinical evaluation, breastfeeding support group, general support and guidance). Bodywork Services (massage therapy, guided meditations, prenatal yoga).

Three things about Kimberly outside of her doula work:
I’m a mother of four daughters. I love the mountains and I enjoy knitting.

How long have you been supporting families?
I have been providing birth and breastfeeding support for seven years.

When did you first know you wanted to work with families in the time around birth?
As I grew into my own motherhood, I knew my passion was grounded in offering support, affirmation, and care to women. When my triplets began school, I returned to school to pursue education in Maternal/Child health.

Three words that describe your approach to working with clients:
Listen. Affirmation. Unconditional support. (I guess that’s four). 
What clients say about working with Kimberly:
"Working with Kimberly was the best decision we made regarding our son's birth.  She is a dream doula! She is kind, perceptive, strong and skilled, and she made a world of difference at the birth and after.   From the first prenatal consultation to our last postpartum consultation she was consistently there, consistently attuned, and consistently providing insight we couldn't find elsewhere.  I would work with her again in a heartbeat. " - Elizabeth Q.

Anything new in your business you'd like us to know about?
I will be offering in-home breastfeeding visits and postpartum doula services once again!
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Looking to connect with Kimberly and our other members? You can learn find all our member businesses on our homepage or join us for our next Meet the Doula Event.
0 Comments

11/21/2018 0 Comments

Pregnant Holidays - tips and suggestions

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Pregnant holidays can present some joys and some challenges. Allison of Divine Doula Services, Emma of (Em)powered by Birth Doula Services, and Johanna of Nested Mama Prenatal & Postpartum Doula Support collaborated to share their best tips and suggestions for making your way through a holiday season full of expectations!
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Magical and exhausting- two things the first trimester of pregnancy and the holidays have in common! And as an expecting momma it is so important to both enjoy the magic and wonder but also to give yourself grace and time to rest and take care of yourself and baby. It is no secret that the first trimester is rather notorious for bringing on some pretty intense symptoms.

If you are in your first trimester during the holidays and experiencing some of these more intense symptoms- remind yourself that there will be other holidays. Actually, next year, you will be celebrating your baby's first holidays! So for this year, allow yourself to change your expectations and let others take care of some of the extra food preparation and shopping. I found having a routine in the first trimester (and through all of pregnancy) helped so much - consistent meals and frequent snacks, extra hydration, and good sleep hygiene all made my pregnancy more comfortable. So with the hustle and bustle of the holidays, enjoy your time with friends and family but also know the only expectation of you is to care for yourself and baby!

​Many families also spend their first trimester keeping their pregnancies on the DL. A few things with this - there is absolutely no rule or proper etiquette when it comes to announcing a pregnancy besides announcing at the time that is best for you and your partner! You can't announce too early or too late. If you want to announce in the early weeks of pregnancy because it is the holiday season and you have family around to celebrate with you and also support you during this time - then announce and celebrate! (As I am writing this, I just looked up holiday pregnancy announcements and they are just the cutest.) If you and your partner choose to keep your news to yourselves, set up a plan prior to going to any sorts of gatherings to be sure you will be able to get the space and time you need to keep yourself healthy and happy.

This holiday will be unlike any other! Enjoy the beauty of the season, the company of so many loved ones, and the excitement that your little "poppyseed" will be a sweet baby to snuggle by the tree at this time next year!
The second trimester is the most beautiful time of pregnancy according to most moms. You are coming out of the "morning sickness" state (let's be honest- whoever named it "morning" sickness needs a reality check) you're finally getting a noticeable bump AND the most miraculous thing happens. You can feel your baby kick! Starting as tiny flutters and making their way to full blown elbow jabs.

With Thanksgiving and Christmas happening right in my second trimester, I couldn't have been more excited. I was finally able to eat food again. And I wasn't to the uncomfortably huge, cant-fit-any-food-in-my-belly stage, so I could eat and enjoy it. So let's talk about foods you can enjoy at Thanksgiving and Christmas while in your second trimester!
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Eat as much as you would like:
  • Fully cooked meat (turkey, ham, chicken etc)
  • Fruits and Veggies
  • Stuffing
  • Relish trays (pickles, olives etc)
  • P.I.E (apple, pumpkin, you name it)
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Gravy: all the gravy!
With this, just be smart. If you question if you can have any food item, it's best to avoid it until you get further clarification from your medical provider. 

Hold off (until next year):
  • Stuffing cooked INSIDE the turkey. One reason: Salmonella.
  • Soft cheeses: Listeria, no go, sorry mama!
  • Hollandaise sauce: Reasoning? Egg yolks are usually not fully cooked and could contain Salmonella.
  • Smoked Salmon: Again, Listeria.
  • Cider: It is typically unpasteurized and can harbor E. Coli
  • Alcohol: There is no known safe amount during pregnancy, so toast with sparkling fruit juice instead.
  • Eggnog: If it contains alcohol or raw eggs, you need to skip. The pasteurized, nonalcoholic eggnog found in your grocery dairy aisle is considered safe.
Germs seem to make their ways around family get-togethers, too, with many family members all in one tight house sharing food. It can be difficult being pregnant and getting sick. Things like the common cold are hard because there are some OTC medications that you are not allowed to take while pregnant or until your third trimester. Your OB or midwife will give you a an info sheet with all the medications safe for you to take during each stage of pregnancy for varying issues (if they haven't, call them before taking any medication). More serious illnesses like the flu should be brought up to your doctor right away so they can monitor you and baby and watch for signs of dehydration among other things.
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Third trimester - you are almost there, hooray!

If you are still going full steam and want to do all the things, that's great.  But, sometimes pregnant bodies start sending out the message that they need something other than all the things - REST. If your body is sending you that message, heed it and know that there will be so many magical holidays ahead.  For now, going to bed early as well as prioritizing the few obligations that bring you joy and not stress is a perfectly fantastic approach.

In the same vein, prioritizing self-care (which could be rest, a massage, good food, prenatal yoga, chiropractic care, things that bring you joy) is another excellent goal for this last holiday before little one arrives. Pregnancy can bring with it aches and pains, so anything that makes you feel good in your growing and stretching body should be at the top of your to-do list.
As your pregnancy becomes increasingly visible, you may find friends, family, or random people while you are out running errands making comments about your size.  First of all, anyone who says anything to you other than that you are beautiful and glowing needs etiquette lessons. Secondly, know that your body is doing exactly what it needs to grow that sweet little babe, and anyone who assumes that you are "having twins" or "ready to pop" or declares with astonishment that "you should have had that baby already" has no obstetric knowledge and no conversational skill, either.

If you find that people are reaching out to touch your growing belly without your consent, feel empowered to say no - this is your body and no one should touch you without your permission. The work of establishing your little family will certainly come with moments where you have to emphasize boundaries and advocate for yourself. This is the perfect, if totally annoying, chance to practice.  Know that you are strong, and you've got this. And, baby will be here soon!
Feeling all ready for baby? Check out all the services offered by Doulas of Iowa City and see how we can support you before, during, and after birth.

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Emma lives in North Liberty, Iowa with her one year old daughter, husband, and two pups. She is a Montessori program coordinator at La Montessori Nurtury and a birth and postpartum doula with (Em)powered by Birth Doula Services.
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Allison Carfizzi is a trained prenatal and postpartum doula with Divine Doula Services. She has a history in working in healthcare and offering compassion to her clients. She is a mother of four under 6 and loves spending her time researching and learning anything new pertaining to conceiving, pregnancy, labor, delivery and postpartum. She will offer non-judgmental support to any family, from all walks of life, through pregnancy, labor & delivery and beyond.
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​​Johanna Tomlinson is a mother to three little ones and a doula, childbirth educator, and sleep educator with Nested Mama Prenatal & Postpartum Doula Support. Read more of Johanna’s writing on pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting here.
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11/14/2018 0 Comments

Starting Traditions - tips for baby's first holiday season

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There is something truly magical about baby's first holiday season. Seen through the eyes of our children, the lights on the tree take on a whole new kind of wonder.

But, if you are like me, the stress of the holiday season (especially when weathering the witching hours, teething, or developmental leaps with baby) can take its toll.

Here are a few tips for starting traditions that will nourish your family for seasons to come!

Keep it Simple
Often the gift-giving aspect of the holiday season can be a source of joy and stress. Baby's first holiday season is the perfect time to embrace simplicity that will allow you to focus on being together. For example, a three-gift approach - something you want, something you need, and something to read - or a four-gift approach - something you want, something you need, something to grow on, and something to read - offer concise, catchy frameworks for gift-giving for the family

This may also be the perfect time to shake up family traditions. If gift-giving with extended family now includes lots of nieces and nephews, moving to a gift exchange where family members draw names instead of purchasing a gift for every person can make those gatherings less about stuff and more about enjoying time together. 

Start Small
What was your favorite holiday memory from childhood? Seeing the Nutcracker Ballet? Riding the Polar express? Singing carols door to door?

Whatever tradition speaks most to you, if the thought of enjoying it with babe in arms or carrier sounds appealing - go for it. 

But know, too, that traditions will grow, change, and deepen as your family does. Maybe between the middle of the night wake-ups and the pumping at work and the holiday obligations, adding one more thing sounds like the opposite of holiday joy.

So, pick something small, something meaningful, and something you can circle back to each year. Maybe it is hot cocoa by the tree. Maybe it is a winter walk to see the lights. Maybe it is hitting your favorite trail as a family. Whatever it is, make time for it, and forget all the pressure to do ALL the things.

​Your baby isn't holding a checklist - he or she just wants to be close to you and wrapped in your love. It's truly that small and that big.
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Enlist Outside Help
Food traditions are some of the most fun but intensive parts of the holiday season if you've got a little one in arms. If you feel compelled to prepare a holiday meal, enlist the assistance of a friend or family member to help you juggle baby and food prep. Here, babywearing can be a big help, too!

You can also make decisions now to prioritize low-stress choices - ordering a holiday meal from a local vendor can give you the traditional items you crave, ready to heat and serve.

Another option is to reinvent your traditional meal using your crockpot or pressure cooker. You can also turn meals into a potluck, providing drink and desert while your guests bring the more intensive to prepare items on the menu.
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Establish Boundaries
Starting your own family often comes with the task of setting boundaries with your family and friends - and holidays tend to be more the rule than the exception when it comes to this particular work of family making.

Do you know that playing "pass the baby" stresses out both baby and you? Does baby nurse best nestled in the carrier and then stay there for a snooze? Do you need to have baby swaddled and shushed before 6 p.m. or things go sideways, making the 7 p.m. holiday dinner too tricky?

You know your baby. You know yourself and your partner. Trust your instincts for what works for you and establish boundaries that help your little family flourish.

Offer options and compromise when you can - so you can't make that 7 p.m. dinner, but, wow, baby is SO happy in the morning. What about suggesting everyone meet for brunch the following morning so they can get their fill of your beautiful baby at a good time? Be collaborative, be creative, and know that one holiday season soon your now-babe-ever-so-soon-kiddo will be able to stay up and munch on cookies and drink cocoa way past bedtime - but it is okay that this holiday isn't that time. Yet.

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Carve out Space for Rest
Meeting the needs of a new baby in the first year of life is wonderful and exhausting. As you set plans for the holiday season, make sure there is ample time for rest, especially if your plans include travel.

And, if those around  you start asking if your baby is sleeping through the night yet, feel free to say baby is sleeping like a baby, hand baby off to a trusted partner or relative, and head on back to bed. Babies need us day and night - that's good and healthy, too. But, if you've got the support system around you, don't hesitate to give them some one-on-one time with babe while you catch a few extra winks.
Find the Magic
If nothing else let this be your guiding principle - do the things that give you all joy and forget the rest. And truly, holding your little miracle in your arms in the glow of the lights is a magical tradition that you can enjoy for years to come.

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​​​Johanna Tomlinson is a mother to three little ones and a doula, childbirth educator, and sleep educator with Nested Mama Prenatal & Postpartum Doula Support. Read more of Johanna’s writing on pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and parenting here.
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    The Doulas of Iowa City blog contains guest posts by Doulas of Iowa City member businesses. We are excited to share with you about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum in Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, and surrounding communities and to help you connect to fabulous local resources.

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