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8/29/2018 0 Comments

Classes and Events - fall/winter 2018

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​Check out all these awesome upcoming classes for expectant parents as well as free events where you can meet and chat with Doulas of Iowa City member businesses. We hope to see you soon!
October 5 - Dream on: the Art and Science of Infant Sleep
Nested Mama Prenatal & Postpartum Doula Support
A prenatal course designed to set up healthy expectations and habits surrounding infant sleep.
Taught by Johanna Tomlinson, PhD, MCPCD, MBE, MCE

November 3 - Meet the Doulas
Doulas of Iowa City
A free, open-house style event where you can chat with the member business of Doulas of Iowa City.

November 4 - 
Planning for Postpartum Workshop
Nested Mama Prenatal & Postpartum Doula Support
A prenatal workshop designed to strengthen your partnership and prepare for a better postpartum. 
Taught by Johanna Tomlinson, PhD, MCPCD, MBE, MCE
**Save a combined $30 when you register for this and ICBS's November 10 childbirth education class**

November 10 - 
Birth: The Process, the Pain, and the Positions
Iowa City Birth Services
A one-day comprehensive childbirth education class - evidence-based and judgement free.
Taught by Hannah Sandler, CLD (CBI)  and Emily Piette, CLD (CBI) 
**Save a combined $30 when you register for this and Nested Mama’s November 4 postpartum planning course.**

Fall TBD - Breastfeeding from the Beginning

Beloved Bonds Birth & Bodywork
Breastfeeding your newborn from birth through the early months. 
Taught by Kimberly Hendricks, LMT, CLC, CD
As always, don't hesitate to reach out to our member businesses directly with any questions. Private classes and consultations available. You'll find a full listing of our members and services here.
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8/24/2018 1 Comment

When to Hire a Birth Doula

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When to hire a birth doula - you can hire a birth doula at any time during your pregnancy!

Some people hire their doula as soon as they take a positive pregnancy test, and others don't decide they want a doula until they are in labor, so there is a wide spectrum of possibility.

If you know you want a doula, you will have a better selection of doulas available for your estimated due date if you interview earlier rather than later. The closer you get to your due date, the more doulas will be booked for your due month.

​It also makes sense to hire a doula earlier in your pregnancy, if possible, so you can have the support of the doula throughout your pregnancy in addition to your labor and birth. Doulas can help with research and informational support during pregnancy, as well as helping you create a birth plan that you can share with your care providers. Doulas also provide emotional support during pregnancy, which can be just as valuable during the early months of pregnancy as it is in the later months and during birth.

Most doulas offer free consultations with the birthing person/couple. You can set up as many or as few of these as you like and then make your selection based on who you feel has the best fit/connection. Additionally, Doulas of Iowa City offers quarterly "Meet the Doulas" events in the Corridor where pregnant folks can meet a number of doulas from different businesses and agencies at one location in a single afternoon. 

We asked local parents, "When did you hire your birth doula?"

After having a doula with my first baby, I called her immediately after receiving a positive test with babies #2 and #3. I wanted to be sure to get on her schedule! - Tina H.
I hired a doula around the midpoint of my pregnancy. I wanted the time to interview several doulas and find the perfect fit - but it just so happened that we loved the first doula we interviewed and didn't need to do any more interviews. Having her in place made me feel so much more confident as the weeks of pregnancy ticked by and we anticipated baby's birth. - Johanna T.
I knew I wanted a doula even before I became pregnant. I love my husband, and I trust him, but I wanted a woman there and someone who was there just for me. - Corey H.
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We hired a doula very early in my pregnancy- before the end of the first trimester! Having the constant text/call support was so comforting and important to me as a first-time mom. - Emma B.
My DH has gotten me through lots of tough situations and we didn’t have much money, so I thought he’d be a good enough birth partner. Decided at the last minute and after much research (maybe a month from my due date) to hire [our doula]. - Christine N.
Want to find your perfect doula fit? Check out all the fabulous member doulas of Doulas of Iowa City or join us at our next Meet the Doula event!

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Grace is a trained birth and postpartum doula at Iowa City Birth Services, and provides unbiased, non-judgmental support to all birthing people. Grace is passionate about supporting and empowering families throughout pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. Grace is the mother of a spirited three-year-old son and is expecting her second child in September 2018. ​
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8/18/2018

Why I Hired a Doula - Alaina's Story

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When I became pregnant, I thought I had a leg up when it came to birth. I had been studying midwifery for 4 years and knew quite a bit about the physiology of birth and what to expect. A good chunk of my time then was devoted to scouring evidence-based research, plus I was a nanny, so I figured I had the know-how and experience to deal with whatever came my way the next few years. I knew what I wanted out of my birth and how to achieve it (hooray for being informed!) I was so ready.
I got to my 3rd Trimester and started really getting down and dirty: I started finalizing plans for my home birth. Got the birthing tub, got the midwives on speed dial, got all the old towels and yes, the placenta bucket ready. I had been chatting with my doula every few days and I was feeling incredibly confident. 19 days past the due date, I finally went into labor at 3am. My poor partner had insomnia that night  and hadn’t fallen asleep until 1am. So there we were. In labor, on no sleep.
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My friend had been staying with us (we planned on a postpartum visitor for a little extra help, but baby stayed in really, really long. Like, really long.) so she started helping with stuff, getting the tub blown up and taking pictures of my radiant early-labor glee. But I needed someone for ME. My partner was incredible, doing everything he could to help me feel comforted, but I could tell he was exhausted. My awesome, helpful friend was great, but she didn’t know a thing about labor and birth. I needed someone who knew what they were doing! Someone who cared! Enter: the doula. ​
I tell you what, that woman made my labor glorious. While my partner rested, she was there to give deep-tissue massage on my legs (with aromatherapy lotion!) She handled all the physical work of comforting me so my mom could focus on doing calming, sweet things like brushing my hair and telling me stories. My doula knew just where to push on my back to take the pressure off, and when I told her to squeeze my hand she knew that I meant “as hard as you possibly can, please.” 
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It’s hard to say how things would have gone if we hadn’t had a doula there. It would have been fine, of course. We would have made it through. But instead of just making it through, we thrived. We had a beautiful, calm, empowered birth, thanks in part to our doula. My partner got to start his new life as “Daddy” fairly rested instead of exhausted. He didn’t have to feel guilty for leaving me to take care of himself, because I had someone else to provide excellent support while he was resting. And even now, she loves talking about that day with me and re-living the beautiful and hard moments. And that’s pretty wonderful. 
This blog was original published on February 3, 2016 on the Kind Roots Blog.

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Alaina lives in Coralville with her partner and two young children. She is the owner of Kind Roots Doula and Birth Services and provides birth & postpartum doula support and placenta encapsulation services to families in the Corridor.

8/15/2018

Goodnight Baby: books for bedtime

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Do you love your incorporating books into your bedtime routine with baby? We know we do. Here's a few recommendations from Doulas of Iowa City members Grace of Iowa City Birth Services and Johanna of Nested Mama to add something new in your bedtime reading routine.

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Dream Animals: A Bedtime Journey by Emily Winfield Martin

This whimsical, imaginative book focuses on the journey children will take through their dreams at night while they sleep. The magical illustrations paint dreamy pictures of animals, creatures, fairies, elves, mermaids, circuses, and more!    ~Grace

The Going to Bed Book by Sandra Boynton

The quintessential bedtime story for littles, The Going To Bed Book by Sandra Boynton is a favorite of babies and toddlers alike. Like most of Sandra’s books, this one features a rhyming cast of illustrated animal characters, this time in an ark-like boat going through their night time routine and getting ready for bed.     ~Grace
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Sleep Tight, Sleepy Bears by Margaret Wise Brown

Well known for Goodnight, Moon, Margaret Wise Brown's short story of two sleepy bears, one big and one little, offers a calming story. Read it as written or take turn acting out the parts done by the big and little bears. My little ones especially enjoy exaggerated yawning and closing our eyes in step with the story.    ~Johanna

Pajama Time! by Sandra Boynton

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Sandra Boynton's books are favorites of both kids and grownups in our house and ​Pajama Time! is no exception to that rule. The funny description of PJs as well as the progressive chanting makes this a short and sweet read to put everyone in a good mood at bedtime. As you can tell, the board book helps this one last longer than other books, too. ~Johanna
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The Book of Sleep by il Sung Na

This short, simple book illustrates and describes the many ways that different animals sleep. The pictures are funky and unique, featuring different patterns and textures.
​~Grace



 Goodnight Iowa by Adam Gamble and Mark Jasper

Written in the style of Goodnight Moon, Goodnight Iowa features different landmarks and famous locations around Iowa, including the capitol building, Blank Park Zoo, Children’s Museum, National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, Ragbrai, Iowa State Fair and more.
​~Grace
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If Animals Kissed Goodnight by Ann Whitford Paul

​I love stories that can bring some playfulness and connection to an often tricky time of day. The sweet descriptions of animals offering a goodnight kiss is the perfect way to get some giggles out.
​~Johanna
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Bear Snores On by Jane Chapman

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Where most bedtime books end with the central character(s) finally finding some rest, ​Bear Snores On playfully reverses our expectations when Bear finally wakes, but his friends snore on!
​~Johanna
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Did we miss one of your favorites? Share in the comments below!
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Grace is a trained birth and postpartum doula at Iowa City Birth Services, and provides unbiased, non-judgmental support to all birthing people. Grace is passionate about supporting and empowering families throughout pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. Grace is the mother of a spirited three-year-old son and is expecting her second child in September 2018. 
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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.

8/8/2018 0 Comments

Babywearing in the Corridor

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The benefits of babywearing are undeniable. Babywearing brings you closer to your little ones both physically and emotionally. And while you are soaking up all of the cuddly goodness that comes along with babywearing, you also have the ability and freedom to take on other parts of your day. More and more research is being done to support babywearing and recent findings show that babywearing can reduce postpartum depressive symptoms.
Babywearing was a saving grace as I navigated through the first several months of motherhood. Many (and I mean many) meals, cups of lukewarm coffee, and clean dishes have been consumed, enjoyed, and accomplished thanks to babywearing. Babywearing has given me abundant comfort and confidence, and I am so thankful to the mommas before me who encouraged me to give it a try even though those wraps do seem awfully intimidating at first! The good thing is… a doula can help with that! My doula showed me how to wrap up my four-day-old babe in the Solly at our postpartum visit and the rest is history.
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My first time babywearing with the help of my doula!
And as if I didn’t love babywearing enough already, I was so thrilled to find so much support for babywearing in the Iowa City and Cedar Rapids Corridor. If you are interested in babywearing, here are some awesome communities and resources we are super lucky to have in our area.
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Babywearing plus hiking make a perfect combo for both mom and baby!
Hike it Baby
o Hike it Baby is a national organization committed to building communities among families and a love for the outdoors in children from birth and beyond. Iowa City and Cedar Rapids both have active chapters, and it’s easy to find out what hikes might be happening either on the Hike it Baby website or in the Hike it Baby Iowa City and Hike it Baby Cedar Rapids Facebook groups. Hike it Baby provides so many benefits to parents and babes by providing community, fresh air, and movement. And even if you can’t work a Hike it Baby hike into your schedule, just loading my baby up in my Tula carrier and hitting up Squire Point, the waterfalls at Lake MacBride, or Hickory Hill is my favorite momma self-care and way to connect with my baby.
AP Babywearing of Iowa City
o The Attachment Parenting International chapter in Iowa City has created a subgroup just for babywearing. I became the member of the Facebook group when I was thinking about investing in my first woven wrap and have since learned a lot from the group. Any questions about wraps or carries or even requests to borrow can be made in the group. There is a monthly meet-up where you can get hands-on help for all things babywearing and the chapter also has a lending library! Once my baby got bigger and stronger I loved knowing how to use my woven wraps to get her more secure and snug! If I hadn’t found these meet-ups, I’m not sure I would have ever been brave enough to use them.

Babywearing Dance Class
o If there is anything better than hiking while babywearing, it’s dancing while babywearing. There is a babywearing dance class every Wednesday morning at Anytime Fitness in Coralville, and it is amazing. Every time I go I am amazed at
what a good workout I get in, and my little one absolutely loves the music and the social time before and after class. I have met some amazing mommas in this class and am so thankful for this momma + baby opportunity to work out and
socialize. For more info on this class, join the Facebook group!

Accessibility
o Between the lending library provided by AP of Iowa City and the Iowa City Babywearers groups, the Iowa City Babywearers B/S/T and Babywearers of CR BST, and local retailers like Baby Time , it is easy to get your hands on carriers to find what is most comfortable for you and your little one. I have scored awesome deals on the Iowa City Babywearers B/S/T page and was able to connect with other babywearing mommas to try out some soft structured carriers before going with my Tula Free to Grow. Finding the carrier that works best for you and your body and baby is so very important, and I all of the support and resources in our area make it easy to do so!
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A look at some of my carriers- I found the bottom two on the Iowa City BST page in amazing condition for more than half off original retail.
The benefits of babywearing truly seem endless, and when you pair those benefits with the extra support and community in the Corridor area—I feel like we really have it made around here. Babywearing education and tutorials can be provided by many of the doulas with Doulas of Iowa City. Check with your doula to see how they can help you along your babywearing journey. Whether you’re looking for community or just to enjoy a meal with two hands… babywearing can make it happen.
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Emma lives in North Liberty, Iowa with her eight month 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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8/1/2018 0 Comments

Doulas of Iowa City Reads: books for the childbearing year

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Looking for the perfect book as you prepare for baby or navigate the first year postpartum? Read on as Doulas of Iowa city  members share their favorite reads.
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The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin
My biggest take away from this book is the list and pictures of positions in here! I did not know about this book with my kids. I would've loved it and utilized it while planning for my own births. If I can get the word out to other Mama's about it, it would be worth it! There are so many options than just laying on your back or squatting or all 4's. I love it and will absolutely refer back.

​- Allison of Divine Doula Services

Birth Your Story by Jamie Fleres
Why I love the book? Capturing your birth story is a gift to give yourself. Jaime gives you the tools to create your writing space, remember all those beautiful and raw moments in labor and birth, and shows you as you write your birth story how healing it is. Whether you had your dream birth or plans were shifted, seeing your story on paper reveals the amazing goddess you are as a woman and mother.
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​- Stacey of Iowa Doula Agency
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Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin
Ina May does a phenomenal job of bringing you back to the basics through real life examples. She teaches the importance of trusting your body, educating yourself, and seeking the help you deserve.

​-Kristi of Bodhi Tree Birth Services

 The Gentle Sleep Book by Sarah Ockwell-Smith
Looking for a sleep book that is compatible with an attachment theory based approach to parenting? Sarah Ockwell-Smith offers gentle sleep advice in line with developmental norms for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. I loved the chapters devoted to ages and stages so you can easily find helpful suggestions based on exactly where your baby or child is in terms of development.

-Johanna of
Nested Mama Prenatal & Postpartum Doula Support 
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Breastfeeding Made Simple: Seven Natural Laws for Nursing Mothers by Nancy Morhbacher
Breastfeeding Made Simple did just that for me - made it simple! The book breaks down the “Seven Natural Laws” of breastfeeding and is so encouraging and not overwhelming - two things that are very important when it comes to learning to breastfeed. I have opened this book many times during my nursing journey and always close it feeling more calm and confident!

-Emma of (Em)powered by Birth Doula Services

Mindful Birthing: Training the Mind, Body, and Heart for Childbirth and Beyond by Nancy Bardake
Mindful Birthing is based on MBSR: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, a program created by Jon Kabat-Zinn. Author Nancy Bardacke created the Mindful Birthing practices on the MBSR foundation in order for birthing parents to prepare not only for labor and birth, but also for parenting. The book takes the concepts from her class, Mindfulness Based Childbirth and Parenting and provides both the research/biology as well as physical and mental exercises to help parents get to a state of mindfulness, which can help us cope with pain, stress, anxiety and more. I love this book for birth preparation because it is applicable and helpful no matter what kind of birth your are planning, and can help provide real coping strategies when things do not go according to plan.

​-Grace of Iowa City Birth Services
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Looking for more support during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum? Come Meet the Doulas of Iowa City at our next free event!
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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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