VBAC BLISS! Check out the last picture, it’s my favorite 💕. Supporting this family was such a joy, and watching this mama achieve her dreams of a VBAC was magical. I’m so grateful to have been part of their journey. The last few months have been filled with so many incredibly empowering, beautiful, family-centered births. And special cheers to the medical providers who have helped make birth dreams come true! . . . #doula #connecticutdoula #ctdoula #ridoula #rhodeislanddoula #certifieddoula #donadoula #postpartumdoula #birth #birthdoula #homebirth #waterbirth #unmedicatedbirth #hospitalbirth
https://msha.ke/lovemamadoula #pregnancy #cravings #birth #journey #doulasupport #postpartumdoula #doulaservices #doulainct #ctdoula #lovemamadoula
Meet Lina! Both on 4/26/24 @ 11:31!
When you’re expecting a new baby, especially if it’s your first, there are so many unknowns. When I was pregnant I remember going to an educational night for expecting parents. A variety of experts spoke to us — a birth doula, a lactation consultant, even a life insurance agent and a lawyer to talk about the importance of having a will and naming a guardian for your child should something happen to both parents. Even after all the preparation, nothing can prepare you for bringing your baby home. When we were discharged from the hospital after having my son, I remember thinking “Really? They’re just going to send us home alone?” I woke up in the night, even when he wasn’t crying, and would listen to make sure he was still breathing. No matter how you feel, you’re doing a great job. I consider it a privilege to be in your home to photograph you and your family as you settle into this new reality. And I can’t wait to cheer you on! If you’re expecting and would like to celebrate this incredible time in your lives, getting ready to welcome your new baby with maternity photos at home and newborn photos after baby arrives, I’d be happy to answer any of your questions. Comment “tell me more” and I’ll DM you to start the conversation. #lindseyvictoriaphotography #ctmaternityphotographer #ctnewbornphotographer #lifestylefamilyphotography #litchfieldcountyphotographer #litchfieldcountyct #ctdoula #ctlactationconsultant #postpartum #fourthtrimester #inhomenewbornsession #newbornphotography
Sweet Ellina had an induction scheduled for next week but she said NO THANK YOU. Her parents were hoping for a shorter labor and delivery (five hours of pushing!) than they experienced with their first child and wanted to try an unmedicated delivery. ✔️12ish hours of early labor with mild and very tolerable contractions ✔️1 hour active labor unmedicated ✔️50 mins of pushing unmedicated Ellina is so lucky, her parents are an incredible team. #birthdoula #ctdoula #ctfamilies #newbaby #welcome #hospitalbirth #birthplan #unmedicatedbirth #birthstory
✨🙌🏽 “Today, we celebrate the self-employed and those with startups. We appreciate the individuals with big ideas and the drive to make them come true. The United States has always thrived on the idea of entrepreneurship. It’s the land of dreams and opportunity, where anything’s possible. ” https://nationaltoday.com/national-small-business-day/ 🙌🏽✨ If you like what I do, these are a few ways you can support me! It’s that SIMPLE! LIKE 👍🏼 SHARE 🔁 COMMENT 📝 TAG 🏷️ POST 📌 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REFER & RECOMMEND Comment below how these have helped shape your business! 👩🏻💼 #nationalsmallbusinessday #smallbusiness #selfemployed #LLC #scorp #business #localbusiness #doula #doulabusiness #birthddoula #birth #postpartum #postpartumdoula #ppdoula #ny #ct #nydoula #ctdoula #holysticmaternitycare
Cameron’s parents had a traumatic birth experience with their first child and they were looking for some healing and “normalcy”. They really wanted to try a vaginal delivery (first was a c section) and they did it! Seeing this little family bond during golden hour was soooooo special, they didn’t get to hold their first child for days! Welcome little buddy! #vbac #newborn #iugr #ctdoula #ctfamilies #pregnancy #ctmoms #ctdads #healing #trauma #doulasupport #induction
https://msha.ke/lovemamadoula #birthdoula #postpartumdoula #doulalife #ctdoula #homebirth #hospitalbirth #birthingcenter #breastfeeding #childbirtheducation #breastfeedingpeercounselor #blackbirthworkers #blackdoula
https://msha.ke/lovemamadoula #birthdoula #postpartumcare #ctdoula #blackbirthworkers #blackdoula #homebirth #lovemamadoula #doulalife #postpartumdoula #doulasupport #breastfeeding #childbirtheducation #mama
No we’re not trying to prove how much pain we can handle or how crunchy we are. We are simply following a deep maternal instinct that lives in all women. It’s in our bones to birth our babies in low lighting, surrounded by other women, in a space where we feel home. Hospital birth has only been happening for 100 years!! That’s a blip in the grand scheme of things. So keep on following that pull you feel Mama. And steer clear of anyone who tells you not to listen to your own primal instinct ❤️ #birthwork #homebirth #primalbirth #ctdoula #birthcoach #pregnancycoach #unmedicatedbirth #birthdoula #waterbirth #naturalbirth #gentlebirth #birthworker #prenatalyoga #birth #doula #pregnancy #empoweredbirth #doulawisdom
Barbara and Marco's Birth Story: Final Review "Robin is incredibly knowledgeable, kind, funny and versatile. We were first time parents and didn’t know what to expect. That’s when we decided to find a doula. In our first meeting with Robin, we felt safe and hopeful! She helped us with our birth plan, identify qualities that were important to us when we were looking for pediatrician, and ensured our home was ready for the baby’s arrival. It was incredibly helpful to have her when we needed to make hard decisions in regards to our labor. In those moments, Robin was essential in navigating the emotions that came up in changing our birth plan. She did it with much grace and dedication to both parent’s experiences. Robin also supported us in our first night home from the hospital! It was like having your auntie greet you after completing a race! We felt reassured after Robin addressed all our doubts and concerns that came up with caring for a newborn in those initial days. We made the best decision to bring in Robin as our labor and postpartum doula!" #withinmotherhood #ctdoula #cesarean #babyboy #cesareanawareness #bigbaby #postpartumdoula #birthstory #momssupportingmoms #birthsupport #cesareanrecovery #birthrecovery #postpartumsupport #birthdoula #doulasofinstagram #doulaservices #doulasupport #doulalife
Capturing a mama glow in her last weeks of pregnancy. Emily chose me to be her doula for her third baby and the gender is a surprise!! My guess is a GIRL 🎀
Barbara and Marco's Birth Story: Part Three Upon returning home after their son’s birth, Barbara and Marco hired me for their first night home with their son. I stayed overnight and provided newborn care for Luca while his parents slept and worked on restoring themselves after birth and the days following. The following is something I journaled while sitting within their space: “It is incredibly surreal that this little boy is finally here within the walls of their home and I am sitting here watching over him. Dad has just tucked away upstairs to be with mom as she pumps her milk and I sit quietly in the living room with sweet Luca across the room in his bassinet. Their love for their child is so pure and so raw. It is heartwarming to see. The care they all have for one another is beautiful and I have seen it since the day I first met them. Walking up the stairs in the darkness met by the smiling face of a brand new mama saying, “Robin! We’re so glad you’re here!” is one of the best welcomes a postpartum doula can ask for. It was clear that they were still adjusting to being home. They immediately wanted to ask for my advice regarding circumcision and how it looked. Mom had tears welled up in her eyes because she wanted to be sure that her baby was okay. They trust me and they know I will be truthful and honest with them as I have been from the beginning. I jumped right in and took his diaper off and assured them that he looks wonderful. That is exactly how it’s supposed to look. “I have had two baby boys with circumcisions. This is totally normal”. Barbara was visibly relieved to hear me say that. Even though the doctors and nurses and pediatrician all told her the same, something about looking me in the eye and hearing it from me made her feel comforted. Safe.” #withinmotherhood #postpartumdoula #birthsupport #ctdoula #birthworker #babyboy #birthstory #ctbirthphotographer #cesarean #cesareanrecovery #cesareanbirth #cesareanawareness #cesareansection #bigbaby #momssupportingmoms #birthrecovery #postpartumsupport
Model Momma Tags: #ctmaternityphotographer #maternityshoot #maternityphotography #pregnant #pregnancy #sonyalpha #sonyphotography #mattuziphoto #fairfield #fairfieldcounty #fairfieldct #portraitphotography #cutepregnancy #toppregnants #bestpregnants #bestpregnancyphotos #bestpregnancyphoto #fairfieldmoms #westportmoms #norwalkmoms #ctmaternity #fairfieldphotographer #fairfieldcountyphotographer #maternityphotos #maternityphotographer #ctdoula #ctmaternityphotography #fairfieldphotographer #westportct #westportphotographer #fairfieldmaternityphotographer
My Why. Fellow birthworkers, if this resonates drop a ❤️ and share. 📸 Photo by @danicadonnelly #birthwork #homebirth #primalbirth #ctdoula #birthcoach #pregnancycoach #unmedicatedbirth #birthdoula #waterbirth #naturalbirth #gentlebirth #birthworker #prenatalyoga #birth #doula #pregnancy #empoweredbirth #doulawisdom
Honored To Hold Space With THE Latham Thomas & My Doula Sibs check out @mamaglow Doula Certification & Beyond!!!! https://www.universe.com/events/mama-glow-doula-homeschool-level-1-weekly-online-professional-training-tickets-13C5BS?ref=May #blackmaternalhealthweek #blackbirthworkers #birth #breastfeeding #brooklyn #birthworker #sisterhood #doulaservices #ctdoula #postpartumdoula #healer #hireadoula #birthdoula #peerbreastfeedingcounselor #firstfoodjustice #selfcare #education #mamaglow
I was honored to step in as the “proud auntie” to help Barbara and Marco through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Aside from the basic discomforts of pregnancy, their experience leading up to their August birth was uneventful. That was until we approached the final weeks of pregnancy Barbara and Marco’s baby was measuring 10-11lbs and her providers were becoming concerned about his size and Barbara’s well being. Having birthed three big babies myself, I know all too well the stress involved in deciding how to proceed with birthing a big baby. The risks associated with birthing big babies are shoulder dystocia, injury to baby during birth, vacuum assisted birth, glucose abnormalities, and stress to the birthing mother. However, predicting a baby’s weight by ultrasound is not always accurate. There is no way to know exactly how much a baby is going to weigh until after the baby is born. We spoke with their providers did our own research and ultimately they decided to opt for the cesarean birth. I pulled evidenced based birth information for them as well as information about the process and risks involved with having a cesarean surgery. It’s always best to know all of your options before going into a procedure so that you can understand the possible outcomes. Having never had surgery before, it was very helpful to know what to expect going into the surgery, during, and after. I feel like that put both of their minds at ease. The night before their scheduled cesarean, Barbara’s waters ruptured at home and labor began spontaneously on its own. Their baby boy Luca Damien was born via cesarean at 5:55am on August 30, 2023 weighing 10lbs 3.33 oz and measuring 21.5 inches long. I met them in recovery with camera in hand to document their introductions to little man and all of the firsts they experienced after settling back after surgery. They were beside themselves with awe and wonder at this chunky faced baby they were already so madly in love with. #withinmotherhood #birthingbigbabies #babyboy #cesareanbirth #cesareansection #cesarean #cesareanrecovery #cesareanawareness #birthstory #ctdoula #ctbirthphotographer #birthworker #birthsupport
Birth #20 happened on April 11, 2024. What a milestone! Each and every birth leading up to this twentieth has been an experience that surpasses words. On a spiritual level, I am so grateful to bear witness in such a sacred space. It’s truly an honor to be entrusted with the role of support and advocate for birthing families. With every birth has been a learning experience and a lesson that has furthered my wisdom in my role as a doula. Each shaping my career and helping to define my history on this journey as a doula. More about this birth at a later date but I am so grateful for the power and strength of this incredible woman who entered into motherhood. The genuine love and tears of joy pouring out of this new father had us all nearly weeping. This work is hard work. Hard work is exhausting and challenging on so many levels but oh so incredibly rewarding. Happy birthday to all the babies born yesterday, today, and tomorrow. #withinmotherhood #doula #birthdoula #doulasupport #doulasupportedbirth #birthworker #birthworker #sacredmotherhood #womensupportingwomen #womenempowerment #womensupportwomen #ctdoula #ctbirthphotographer #ctdoula
Leon gave his parents and I plenty of bonding time as we waited for him to make his arrival. Each nurse we had was convinced Leon would arrive during their shift. Three shifts later Leon’s parents decided it was time to give the eviction notice. Leon was born at 12:15 am via C-section, he was worth the wait. #birthdoula #csection #laboranddelivery #ctdoula #ctparents #birthpreferences #advocate #empoweredbirth
Barbara and Marco's Birth Story: Part One Introducing Barbara and Marco's story, it felt fitting to share the vision they shared when seeking out a doula: “It's my first pregnancy! I am thrilled and nervous! My husband and I have been together 12 years without kids! So this will be an adjustment for us. For our doula, I imagine a warm, nurturing, and patient auntie! I do well with mentors and coaches that can guide me to my own answer. I would like a person that can support me in staying present and calming down. I can be anxious and have a ruminating mind when I'm in a stressful situation.” My husband Marco will be at the birth. He's been active in my pregnancy. Yes, he would like a doula as well. Marco is very supportive in me having a natural birth. Marco is kind, loving and protective of me and the baby. I want him to be able to support me in the moment and also deal with the things I won't be able too. I can see a doula supporting me and coaching Marco in difficult moments. We are first time parents. We need all the help we can get. I hope that I can develop a solid birth plan ahead of my birth that lets me be present in the moment. I want to feel comfortable with the people around me. Most of all, I want to be able to enjoy the arrival of my baby." I am so excited to share how their birth story unfolded. Stay tuned! #withinmotherhood #birthstory #birthdoula #doulasupport #connecticutdoula #ctdoula #birthworker #ctbirthphotographer #doula #bigbaby #babyboy #doulalove #doulalife #doula
Birth is big. It is potent, intense, powerful and most of all it is sacred. Where do you want to be when experiencing something of that caliber? For me, that was HOME ❤️ Where is it for you? Tell me in the comments.
Greatly appreciate such kind reviews from parents! This family was so wonderful to work for I will truly miss hanging out with their sweet baby at night while his parents got much needed rest. #postpartumdoula #postpartumsupport #CTdoula #connecticutdoulas #connecticutpostpartumdoula #nightdoula #nurturedblossomsdoulacare #businessreview #smallbusiness #connecticutsmallbusiness #centralCT #postpartumishard
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐯𝐞... “Throughout the pregnancy, Chelsea was a constant source of support for both myself and my partner. She provided invaluable information, helped us create a birth plan that aligned with our preferences, and offered emotional support during moments of uncertainty. When the time came for labor and delivery, Chelsea’s support was truly priceless. She knew exactly how to support my partner through each contraction, offering comfort measures and encouragement that made a world of difference. As a father, I felt empowered and included in the birthing process thanks to Chelsea’s guidance and support. She was very successful at providing a calm and tranquil experience. Every father should consider hiring a doula like Chelsea Da Paz. Her presence not only alleviates the stress and anxiety often associated with childbirth but also enhances the overall experience for both partners. Chelsea’s expertise, empathy, and unwavering dedication to her clients make her an invaluable asset during this transformative time in life. I can confidently say that working with Chelsea was one of the best decisions we made for our family. Her positive impact on our childbirth experience cannot be overstated, and I wholeheartedly recommend her services to any father-to-be who wants to ensure a positive and empowering birth experience for their partner and themselves.” #birthdoula #postpartumdoula #birth #ctdoula #ctfamilies #doulamatch #ct #pregnancy #newborn #laborandelivery #postpartumsupport
Mabel came 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 into the world last Friday. I met with her parents at the hospital at 1:30 pm with her mom contracting in a regular pattern but managing well. We headed to the dilation station (the toilet) and utilized the shower. When mom got out of the shower, her water broke and she felt the urge to push. Mabel was born at 3:46 pm! No one recorded an actual push time because it was so fast. 3 minutes is probably too long of a guesstimate. Love when the providers have to race against baby to get all their gear on 😂😂 These babies love to keep everyone on their toes! 🥰 #ctdoula #doulainct #birthdoula #birthtribe #vaginalbirth #laborsupport #ctfamilies #newbaby #delivery #newborn #clientlove #doulasupport #unmedicatedbirth
Happy World Doula Week! Meet Maawiyah, eCID, RN. #WorldDoulaWeek #WorldDoulaWeek2024 #BlackDoulas #BlackBirthWorkers #EarthsNaturalTouch #TravelingNurse #TravelingNurses #BlackDoulaTraining #NewHavenDoula #WaterburyDoula #BlackDoulaTrainer #CTDoula #CTDoulas #ConnecticutDoula #DoulasOfConnecticut
Happy World Doula Week! Meet Jackie, eCID. #WorldDoulaWeek #WorldDoulaWeek2024 #BlackDoulas #BlackBirthWorkers #EarthsNaturalTouch #BlackDoulaTraining #NewHavenDoula #WaterburyDoula #BlackDoulaTrainer #CTDoula #CTDoulas #ConnecticutDoula #DoulasOfConnecticut
Happy World Doula Week! Meet Shanelle, eCID. #WorldDoulaWeek #WorldDoulaWeek2024 #BlackDoulas #BlackBirthWorkers #EarthsNaturalTouch #BlackDoulaTraining #NewHavenDoula #WaterburyDoula #BlackDoulaTrainer #CTDoula #CTDoulas #ConnecticutDoula #DoulasOfConnecticut
Happy World Doula Week! Meet Maawiyah, eCID. #WorldDoulaWeek #WorldDoulaWeek2024 #BlackDoulas #BlackBirthWorkers #EarthsNaturalTouch #BlackDoulaTraining #NewHavenDoula #WaterburyDoula #BlackDoulaTrainer #CTDoula #CTDoulas #ConnecticutDoula #DoulasOfConnecticut
Happy World Doula Week! Meet Amore, eCID. #WorldDoulaWeek #WorldDoulaWeek2024 #BlackDoulas #BlackBirthWorkers #EarthsNaturalTouch #BlackDoulaTraining #NewHavenDoula #BlackDoulaTrainer #CTDoula #CTDoulas #ConnecticutDoula #DoulasOfConnecticut
Happy World Doula Week! Meet Kay, eCID. #WorldDoulaWeek #WorldDoulaWeek2024 #BlackDoulas #BlackBirthWorkers #EarthsNaturalTouch #BlackDoulaTraining #NewHavenDoula #BlackDoulaTrainer #CTDoula #CTDoulas #ConnecticutDoula #DoulasOfConnecticut
Happy World Doula Week! Meet Amore, eCID. #WorldDoulaWeek #WorldDoulaWeek2024 #BlackDoulas #BlackBirthWorkers #EarthsNaturalTouch #BlackDoulaTraining #NewHavenDoula #BlackDoulaTrainer #CTDoula #CTDoulas #ConnecticutDoula #DoulasOfConnecticut
Happy World Doula Week! Meet Yvette, eCID. #WorldDoulaWeek #WorldDoulaWeek2024 #BlackDoulas #BlackBirthWorkers #EarthsNaturalTouch #BlackDoulaTraining #NewHavenDoula #BlackDoulaTrainer #CTDoula #CTDoulas #ConnecticutDoula #DoulasOfConnecticut
Happy World Doula Week! Meet Gina, eCID. #WorldDoulaWeek #WorldDoulaWeek2024 #BlackDoulas #BlackBirthWorkers #EarthsNaturalTouch #BlackDoulaTraining #NewHavenDoula #BlackDoulaTrainer #CTDoula #CTDoulas #ConnecticutDoula #DoulasOfConnecticut #DoulasOfOcala #OcalaDoula
Happy World Doula Week! Meet Iyanna, eCID. #WorldDoulaWeek #WorldDoulaWeek2024 #BlackDoulas #BlackBirthWorkers #EarthsNaturalTouch #BlackDoulaTraining #NewHavenDoula #BlackDoulaTrainer #CTDoula #CTDoulas #ConnecticutDoula #DoulasOfConnecticut
Happy World Doula Week! Meet Tasha, eCID. #WorldDoulaWeek #WorldDoulaWeek2024 #BlackDoulas #BlackBirthWorkers #EarthsNaturalTouch #BlackDoulaTraining #NewHavenDoula #BlackDoulaTrainer #CTDoula #CTDoulas #ConnecticutDoula #DoulasOfConnecticut
Happy World Doula Week! Meet Joan, eCID. #WorldDoulaWeek #WorldDoulaWeek2024 #BlackDoulas #BlackBirthWorkers #EarthsNaturalTouch #BlackDoulaTraining #NewHavenDoula #BlackDoulaTrainer #CTDoula #CTDoulas #ConnecticutDoula #DoulasOfConnecticut
Happy World Doula Week! Meet Kerry-Ann, eCID. #WorldDoulaWeek #WorldDoulaWeek2024 #BlackDoulas #BlackBirthWorkers #EarthsNaturalTouch #BlackDoulaTraining #NewHavenDoula #BlackDoulaTrainer #CTDoula #CTDoulas #ConnecticutDoula #DoulasOfConnecticut #PhillyDoula #PhillyDoulas
Happy World Doula Week! Meet Heather, eCID. #WorldDoulaWeek #WorldDoulaWeek2024 #BlackDoulas #BlackBirthWorkers #EarthsNaturalTouch #BlackDoulaTraining #NewHavenDoula #BlackDoulaTrainer #CTDoula #CTDoulas #ConnecticutDoula #DoulasOfConnecticut
Happy World Doula Week! Meet Vallerie, eCID. #WorldDoulaWeek #WorldDoulaWeek2024 #BlackDoulas #BlackBirthWorkers #EarthsNaturalTouch #BlackDoulaTraining #NewHavenDoula #BlackDoulaTrainer #CTDoula #CTDoulas #ConnecticutDoula #DoulasOfConnecticut #NorwalkDoula
Happy World Doula Week! Meet Ty, eCID. #WorldDoulaWeek #WorldDoulaWeek2024 #BlackDoulas #BlackBirthWorkers #EarthsNaturalTouch #BlackDoulaTraining #NewHavenDoula #BlackDoulaTrainer #CTDoula #CTDoulas #ConnecticutDoula #DoulasOfConnecticut
Happy World Doula Week! Meet Amanda, eCID. #WorldDoulaWeek #WorldDoulaWeek2024 #BlackDoulas #BlackBirthWorkers #EarthsNaturalTouch #BlackDoulaTraining #NewHavenDoula #BlackDoulaTrainer #CTDoula #CTDoulas #ConnecticutDoula #DoulasOfConnecticut #NorwalkDoula
The Maternity Shoot that you deserve! Remember these beautiful moments within your life’s story. Tags: #ctmaternityphotographer #maternityshoot #maternityphotography #pregnant #pregnancy #sonyalpha #sonyphotography #mattuziphoto #fairfield #fairfieldcounty #fairfieldct #portraitphotography #cutepregnancy #toppregnants #bestpregnants #bestpregnancyphotos #bestpregnancyphoto #fairfieldmoms #westportmoms #norwalkmoms #ctmaternity #fairfieldphotographer #fairfieldcountyphotographer #maternityphotos #maternityphotographer #ctdoula #ctmaternityphotography #fairfieldphotographer #westportct #westportphotographer #fairfieldmaternityphotographer
Just hanging with my girlies! 🐤💜 #ctdoula #soulshinedoulaservices #chickenlady #ctchickens #doulasmakeadifference #ctbirthsupport #birthdoula
Getting settled into our new home! Tons of parking, easy access to the bathrooms and peace in a space that finally feels authentic Massage therapy openings this week Friday 3/29 2:30pm-4:30pm starts times Saturday 3/30 1pm for 60mins