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Ambassador for Change Essay

The idea of being an ambassador for change is something that puts goose bumps up and down my arms. After gaining an amazing amount of knowledge through the Momdoulary training along with reading plenty of books and then actually working with a few clients, I have no doubt in my mind that I am capable of this. Learning in theory about being a doula and helping guide families through one of the most beautiful and transitional periods in their life, is only the first step. I have been blessed to work with several families up to this point, and not only have I felt that I have made a difference in their lives, but they have made a difference in mine.

I have chosen to focus on postpartum work as I feel that it’s a time period that many over look. Most create a pregnancy plan, a birth plan, and baby plan, but what about the family plan? Pregnancy and birth have been looked at as one of the most sacred times in a woman’s life, but I’m interested in guiding families gently into the postpartum period, after baby arrives and mom becomes a mom for the first time or even second, third, or forth. She is learning how to breastfeed, diaper, bathe, bond, and learn about this incredible new human that she and her partner so lovingly created. Her body is tender while transitioning back into her pre-pregnancy form. While her hormones are re-balancing she is learning how to be a mother to this new little one and a partner parent at the same time. Lets not forget about dad! He is most likely experiencing a love that he never new was possible while figuring out how to balance his duties, and realizing that mom needs more support then ever. This is an exciting and overwhelming time for everyone. Throw in a sibling or two and we have plenty of personalities and needs that need to be met with tender love and care. With my knowledge, warmth, guidance, and support I am able to help this family smoothly transition into a confident and happy unit that ultimately sets them up for success as they move forward together.

Every chance that I have to help impart knowledge, give positive reinforcement, praise, guidance and helpful, confident energy to a family, I feel that I help create change. If I am able to calmly support a family in their journey, they then, are able to go out into the world with confidence, courage, and possibly even empathy. I truly feel that if we are taken care of as families and individuals we are better prepared to create our best selves and in turn go out and spread positive energy to the rest of the world.

Bonding with Baby

Bonding with ones baby is extremely important. It's a beautiful process where parent and baby exchange special moments together that will link them together in a very wonderful relationship for life. It has also been referred to as a "nonverbal emotional" relationship. This process is paramount in babies development as they adjust to life outside the womb as well as while they grow into toddlers, children, young adults, and then to full maturity. There is no specific moment or, moments, when this process happens, it is different for each parent and each baby. Infant massage is a wonderful time for this process to occur as it has been noted that eye contact, cuddling, skin to skin contact, and kissing are often physical interactions that can aid in creating this bond.

There are several things a parent can do to create a strong bond with their baby, however, it's important to note that it's imperative for parents to take care of themselves. If they aren't rested, supported, and relaxed it's hard to expect baby to feel that way too. To enhance the bonding process, a parent that takes time to understand their baby's cues, will surely find great pleasure in spending time with their baby. Keying into their child's eating and sleeping habits will provide important opportunities to get to know the child while enabling the bonding process to flourish. A parent that talks, laughs, and plays with their baby will also experience bonding.

It's valuable to understand this process and pass it along to parents because bonding facilitates a number of positive outcomes for baby. In their infancy, bonding is a key factor in the way a child's brain organizes itself. It will allow the child to develop fulfilling intimate relationships, enjoy being with others, rebound much easier from disappointment and loss, feel confident and good about themselves, maintain emotional balance, and be able to share their feelings and seek support as they grow. If this process is disturbed it can lead to confusion about their identity and they may have difficulties learning how to relate to others later in life.

The bonding of a parent and their child is a miraculous event that will truly support and enable a beautiful relationship with one another as well as help aid in the development of the child. Through infant massage we can help teach parents about this process and give them tools to help create this bond with their child that will last a lifetime.

How can I support you?

The Parenting Preperation Coach.

Learning by example might not always work. Some of us are lucky and feel that our parents did a great job raising us. Most of us though, feel exactly the opposite. How seriously do we take the roll of parent? How does one prepare for this staring roll?

At The Parent Garden we take this “performance” very seriously. We want each mother and father to feel confident and happy with the decisions they make while raising their children. Overbearing advice, lack of support, or re-learning how to communicate with your partner may all be obstacles that get in the way of great parenting. Growing and birthing your child is just a small portion of a parent’s roll. There are many challenges that pop up that can create insecurities in any mom or dad. With the help of a parenting preparation coach, today’s woes and stresses can be tomorrow’s victories.

A Momdoualry method trained PPC will help guide parents through “the big learning curve of the birth year and beyond.” Not only will mom experience many changes in her body she may feel overwhelmed by all of these changes and be moody on top of it all! Garnering advise or “incites” she is getting from friends, family or neighbors can leave her speechless. Friendships may shift and she might find herself participating in new activities as she prepares her body and mind for this new life transition. Communicating with her partner may suddenly seem difficult and intimacy patterns may shift. Being overcome with a sadness for her past life is not uncommon. She may now view her career in a new light and feel lost as how to proceed. Dad can feel many of these shifts and changes too!

The good news? All of these feelings and emotions are valid. A PPC is trained to help mom and dad see the light at the end of the tunnel. The roll of a parenting preparation coach is one that comes with compassion and empathy. Without judgment, a coach will help “turn down” loud or uncontrolled situations that are happening internally or externally. They will guide and entice the most soothing option out of a baffling predicament. Each parent has the tools they need to be a good parent, sometimes it just takes a little guidance to put wind in the sails of confident parenting.

Diving in deep to understand the placenta has me rejoicing over the miracle of this organ! Did you know that the placenta is the only organ that is actually disposable? The human body creates it and then once it's purpose is fulfilled... It is naturally eliminated from the body. This may make you ask why some people have chosen to then consume it after birth, but have you noticed that almost all mammals consume their afterbirth? Except for sea life! Studies are showing that the placenta can greatly aid in a mothers postpartum recovery in many ways. Do you know what they are?

Why do I Doula...

I can’t quite pinpoint the exact moment that I learned the word DOULA and what it meant, but I knew that it struck a cord deep within me. I have always found pregnancy and birth nothing short of a miracle and knew that it would be something I needed to delve into further. It was several years later that I decided to put my money where my mouth was and chose to sign up to become a Momdoulary Method trained doula.

I think that having a good start in life truly helps us become the people we are today. I think that it’s a privilege and an honor to have the opportunity to help guide and support parents in the early days of their child’s life. If I can help sooth and “Sherpa” a growing family, I might just be able to help each little person become the best that they can be. Supportive and loving parents are the key to healthy start and I’m all too happy to be the one on the sidelines cheering them on.

a glowing pregnancy

Let's start with the most popular toy in the hood. Every child has one.

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