The Village Effect: Women Lifting Each Other Up in Parenting

I love the word Matriarch. What is a Matriarch?

1. A female head of a family or tribe, typically an older woman with authority and respect.
2. A woman holding a position of power and influence within a family or community.
3. A female ancestor or figurehead revered for wisdom, guidance, and heritage.
What are some Characteristics of a Matriarch? Wisdom, leadership, authority, nurturing, protective. respected, experienced.
Some good examples of a Matriarch are a grandma or great-grandma, a tribal elder, a queen or monarch, a family leader, and a community organizer.Matriarchs symbolize strength, guidance, tradition, unity, and empowerment.

The term "matriarch" honors women's vital roles in shaping families, communities, and societies.

A great example of a Matriarch is the Mother Elephant. Mother elephants embody the ultimate symbol of maternal love and protection. These majestic creatures prioritize the well-being and safety of their young and the entire herd.

Protective Instincts

1. Family Bonds: Mother elephants form strong bonds with their calves, nursing and caring for them for up to 5 years.
2. Herd Dynamics: The matriarchal herd structure ensures collective protection, with older females guiding and shielding younger ones.
3. Threat Response: Mother elephants vigilantly detect and respond to potential dangers, positioning themselves between threats and their young.

Safeguarding Measures

1. Encirclement: Mothers form a protective circle around vulnerable calves during rest or danger.
2. Warning Calls: Vocal alerts signal potential threats to the herd.
3. Defensive Posturing: Mothers display assertive body language to deter predators.

Leadership and Guidance

1. Matriarchal Wisdom: Experienced mothers lead the herd, sharing knowledge on food, water and safety.
2. Social Learning: Young elephants learn essential skills and behaviors from their mothers.
3. Emotional Support: Mother elephants provide comfort and reassurance within the herd.

Conservation Importance

1. Preserving Family Bonds: Protecting elephant families ensures the continuation of social learning and herd cohesion.
2. Safeguarding Habitats: Conserving elephant habitats maintains ecosystem balance.
3. *Combating Poaching*: Efforts to stop poaching support the survival of elephant populations.

Inspirational Lessons

1. Selflessness: Mother elephants prioritize their young's well-being over personal safety.
2. Community: The herd's collective protection demonstrates the power of unity.
3. Resilience: Elephant mothers face challenges with strength and determination.

Mother elephants inspire awe with their unwavering dedication to their young and herd. Their remarkable protective instincts and leadership qualities make them revered figures in the animal kingdom.

I have been very blessed in my life to have had great examples of Matriarchy in my life. I am the Matriarch of my family, and I take that responsibility very seriously. With all the problems we face in the world, it can sometimes feel like we have no voice or can’t make a change. I am making a change right here in my own home. I am raising seven boys who will become future fathers. I am teaching them respect for women and how to work hard and serve others. I am raising a daughter. I want her to understand her strength and use her voice for good. I know women have the special gift of compassion, and I’m teaching her how to use this gift. I am also looking outward to those I can help in my community. Like the mother elephant, I want to encircle them and keep them safe. I want to share my many years of wisdom with other women and be an emotional support to other mothers who struggle at times, just like I have. Let’s all rededicate ourselves to be just like the mother elephant: guardians of the herd.

Roll with it: Mastering Birthing Ball techniques

Bouncing Your Way to a Better Birth

Labor can be a wild ride, but what if you had two trusty sidekicks to help make it smoother?

Enter your Doula and the birth ball - your new best friends during those intense hours.

What is a birth ball and how can it enhance your birth experience?

A birth ball is a large, round, inflatable ball used during pregnancy, labor, birth and postpartum to promote comfort, mobility and facilitate various positions.

Its purpose is to relieve pain and promote relaxation and mobility during labor.

Why are peanut balls a game-changer for expectant moms?

A peanut ball is an inflatable exercise ball shaped like a peanut. It's used primarily during labor to aid in positioning and comfort. It’s
purpose is to provide stability, helps to open the pelvis, supports in side-lying positions, may facilitate labor progression and can be used to encourage fetal rotation.

Did you know that According to the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, there is evidence to suggest that using the peanut ball in the first stage of labor may increase the likelihood of a vaginal delivery by 11% compared to laboring without it.

As a certified Doula, I love birth balls! They're affordable, easy to use, and super safe. Plus, they're multitaskers - easing labor pains, helping baby move into place, and even supporting postpartum bonding. A total game-changer!

Ready to experience the transformative support of a Doula?

Hire a certified Doula like me to guide you through pregnancy, labor and postpartum!

Contact me to schedule your consultation today and empower your birth journey!

Should I get induced??

To Induce or Not: A Doula's Inside Scoop

Labor induction - those words can evoke excitement, anxiety, or both!

As a certified Doula, I've seen many expectant parents weigh the pros and cons. Let's dive in!

*Pros of Induction*
-Convenience
Schedule your birth, and plan ahead!
-Reduced Anxiety
Know when baby will arrive!
-Medical Reasons
Induction may be necessary for mom or baby's health.

*Cons of Induction*
-Increased Interventions
More medical interventions may be recommended.
-Longer Labor
Induction can prolong labor.
-Emotional Impact
Induction may disrupt natural labor progression.

*A Doula's Advice*
-Know Your Options
Understand medical reasons for induction.
-Stay Informed
Ask questions; ensure informed consent.
-Emotional Support
Prioritize emotional well-being during induction.

*Why Hire a Doula?*
-Personalized Support
Tailored guidance through induction.
-Empowered Decision-Making
Confidently make informed choices.
-Emotional Comfort
Trusted support during labor.

Ready for Support?

Hire a certified Doula like me!

Hospital Tours

*Exploring Mountain Point Holy Cross Hospital: A Doula’s Perspective*

As a certified doula, I recently had the pleasure of touring Mountain Point Holy Cross Hospital’s maternity unit. I was impressed by the facility’s commitment to providing a supportive and empowering birth environment.

*Highlights of the Tour:*

- *Family-Friendly Waiting Room:* The waiting area is designed with families in mind, featuring a kid-friendly table and comfortable seating.

- *Spacious Delivery Rooms:* The delivery rooms are generously sized, eliminating the need for room changes after delivery. This ensures a smooth transition for new mothers.

- *Birthing Tubs:* Select rooms are equipped with birthing tubs, offering a relaxing and soothing option for labor.

- *Birth Support Tools:* Balls and birthing bars are readily available to support various labor positions.

*Why Touring Matters:*

Touring your hospital before delivery can significantly reduce anxiety and uncertainty. Familiarizing yourself with the facility, staff, and available resources ensures a more confident and empowered birth experience.

*Important Note:* Parking can be challenging, so plan accordingly.

*Considering a Doula for Your Next Delivery?*

As a certified doula, I provide emotional, physical, and informational support throughout your pregnancy, labor, and postpartum journey.

Contact me to learn more about how a doula can enhance your birth experience.

Let’s work together to create a positive and memorable birth experience!

#DoulaSupport #MountainPointHolyCrossHospital #BirthEmpowerment #HospitalTour #PregnancySupport #BirthEducation #NewMom #Expecting #eaglemountaindoula #utahcountydoula #utahdoula

Why do I need a Doula?

I would have never wanted to give birth without my husband present in the room with me. But that being said, I’ve read some interesting studies that talk about having other support people there also.

So to the question that women ask, “why would I need to bring anyone else to the birth if I’m bringing the baby’s father”? Here is just one study:

“after studying more than 500 cases, it was found that women who only had their mate in the delivery room had a 22% cesarean rate. Those who added a doula to the mix had a 14% cesarean rate.”

This study is completely separate from multiple studies that highlights how having a Doula could reduce the incident of a cesarean and have a quicker labor.

“15 published studies have shown that if you have a Doula, your incident of a cesarean is reduced 26% and if you have a Doula the birth is 25% quicker.”

I know that there is power in women coming together and supporting each other, and it’s nice to see that the studies show that it’s beneficial. My last question would be how do we help women form these bonds where they feel safe and comfortable around a Doula or a group of women who are there to support them?

We have some work to do and I want to be part of the solution.

Studies cited in “Birth-the surprising history of how we are born”

Cleanse and Nourish

Cleanse and Nourish

These two words are the basis for natural healing with herbs. When our body struggles with disease or sickness, it needs to be cleansed to work properly. Next, we nourish the cleansed body with the best types of vitamins and minerals so that the body can heal.

This is why every time my kids get sick, or I think they might get sick from being exposed to something, I start them on these 2 formulas immediately.

The Kid-e-reg (which is comparable to the adult formula lower bowel) helps your bowels move and empty so that disease and sickness have a clear path out of the body. This is why at my house we talked a lot about poop It’s important for me to know if they’re not going, how long it’s been since they last went or if they’re starting to see signs of constipation.

The Kid-e-mins (which is comparable to the adult formula Vitalherbs) nourishes the body with the best kinds of nutrients.

After I have started these 2 formulas I can then decide if my child might need any additional herbs because of infection or to build up their immune system.

So grab these herbs to have on hand the next time someone in your family isn’t feeling well. Make sure you add them to your first aid kit and don’t leave home without them. You will be prepare and  have great peace of mind.