Virtual Holistic Doula : Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum

Grounding is equally important for a Doula as for a pregnant person. One must be very grounded into the present moment to have the best possible outcome for everyone involved. In this lecture we will be implementing a grounding/spiritual practice as the first step in becoming a holistic Doula.

See below for this lectures' journal prompts and exercises:

                                          Journal Prompts:

Instructions: Write the following questions down in your journal and answer them as honestly as you can, as you feel in the present moment. Take your time and only answer a few questions at a time if needed. While you think about your answers, notice how you feel in your Root area (lower pelvic area, lower back, vaginal opening, cervix) and in your Sacral area (womb, right under your belly button, upper pelvic area).

ROOT :

- In what ways do I feel safe?
- In what ways do I feel unsafe?
- What helps me feel and be safe?
- In what ways do I feel secure, right now, in

my body?
- In what ways do I feel Nurtured?
- Do I allow myself to be taken care of?
- Are my most basic needs being met?
- What can I do today to meet my basic needs

(food, shelter, water, sex, love)? SACRAL :

- What are my deepest desires?
- Do I feel truly deserving of my desires?
- Am I indecisive about my true desires?
- Do I allow myself to be creative?
- Am I in touch with my sensuality? (sight,

smell, taste, hearing, touching)
- Do I listen to my body and my appetite? - Are my desires and God’s desires for me

aligned?

*Bonus* Draw a line down the middle of your page and on one side write your desires and on the other side write down what you know God’s desires are for you. At the bottom of the page affirm the following: My desires and God’s desires are aligned. As long as I am fulfilling God’s desires, I am deserving of all of my deepest desires.

Exercise 1:
make a conscious intention to a morning routine and a nightly routine. Ex: rise, meditate, gratitude, journal, breathing exercise, drink tea, make your bed.

Exercise 2:
Self Advocacy: Create a card/note card that you can carry in your wallet and add the following questions to help yourself (or your clients) participate in your care when going to a provider (suggested by Penny Simkin):

When a test is suggested:
What is the reason for it? What problem are we looking for? What will it tell us? How accurate or reliable are the results? If the test detects a problem, what will happen next?
If the test does not detect a problem, what will happen next?

When a treatment or intervention is suggested: What is the problem? Why is it a problem? How serious is it? How urgent is it that we begin treatment?Describe the treatment: How is it done? How likely is it to detect or solve a problem? If it does not succeed, what are the next steps? Are there risks or side effects to the treatment? Are there any alternatives? (including waiting or doing nothing)

Ask questions 2, 3 and 4 about any alternatives. In an emergency it may not be possible to ask all these questions however your caregiver should tell you how serious and urgent the situation is.

In this lecture we will discuss the importance of breathwork, both for a doula and a pregnant person preparing for birth. I’ve included a link for another breathing exercise, this time to help connect with your womb, or sacral area called 'Nadi Shodhana: Alternate Nostril Breathing for sacral chakra balance'

Exercise: Look Up: ‘The Breathing Method’ by Stephen King. take notes of the different types of breathing for each stage: early labor, labor, ring of fire, placenta.

In this lecture we will discuss self care practices as a doula and why it is so important to avoid burnout.

In this lecture we will discuss the most important nutrients for pregnancy, birth and postpartum. I encourage you (and you can encourage your clients!) to eat green leafy vegetables and fruits with seeds (no seedless fruits!). Eat the rainbow! All different colors of veggies and fruits: Avocado, purple cabbage, different colored peppers, etc. Encourage A lot of Water and coconut water consumption. Look into eating for your blood type.

*To Prevent Gestational Diabetes: Eliminate or lessen the consumption of: Bread, Rice, Sugar, Pasta, Cakes, Candy etc.

Iron Rich foods:

Spinach
Collard greens (vitamin k)
Kale
Bone Broths
Beets
Chickpeas
Apricots
Dates (great for constipation)
Black beans
Grass fed beef (Liver)
Helps with iron absorption: blueberries, red peppers, lime/lemons, garlic Herbs: Nettle leaf, burdock root, blackseed

Eliminate GBS (Group B Strep):

Sauerkraut
Fermented Cabbage/veggies
Probiotic yogurt
Prebiotic fiber (inulin): feeds probiotic (good bacteria): Asparagus,legumes,
Dandelion greens, Chicory root, leeks, onions, coconut meat
Kombucha
Homeopathic pellets (Streptococcinum, hepar sulph)
Herbs: echinacea, usnea, cayenne pepper)

Vitamin D:

Mushrooms (in the sun for added D) Sun dried tomatoes
Herring
Cod Liver oil

And ofcourse, sunshine! Vitamin B(1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 12):

Navy beans Asparagus Orange
Mango
Pistachio
Prune
Sunflower seeds Almonds

Vitamin K:

Spinach
Olive oil
Prune Cucumber Mustard greens Collard greens Brussel sprouts Beet greens Fresh Parsley

Heartburn (recipe):

2 Tbsp Raw Local Honey 1/2 tsp Turmeric
1 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar a pinch of Cinnamon
2 Tbsp Lime juice

*** Pregnancy Tea/ Tincture you can make:

Rosehip, Alfalfa, Nettle Leaf, Dandelion Leaf, Spearmint, Red Raspberry Leaf, Slippery Elm

Exercise 1: Make a nutritious and delicious meal using the veggies discussed in this module, get creative!

Exercise 2: (if attending hospital/birthing center births) research tests done to moms and their options so that you can be a point of resource for your clients.

In this lecture we will learn all about birth plans, create an ideal birth plan and learn why it is important to have one! See below for lecture exercises.

Exercise 1:

Create your ideal birth plan, (see example)

*Bonus: Draw your ideal birth scene

Exercise 2:

Make a list of items you will need to set the mood/aesthetic of your birth room (ie. candles, battery operated for hospital/birthing center), incense, air purifier, aromatherapy lamp/water purifier, affirmation cards/pictures, dim lighting etc)

In this lecture we will discuss the trimesters and some of the goddesses throughout time and different cultures associated with pregnancy, birth and postpartum healing. See below for lecture exercises.

Exercise 1: watch all videos on hypnobirthing

Exercise 2: Meditate everyday, starting at 10-15 minutes a day, working up to an hour a day.

*Extra : Take your time to research the Triple Goddess, Auset/Mother Mary, Black Madonna, Holy Trinity, phases of the moon.

Journal prompts:

Instructions: Write down the following questions in your journal and answer as best you can. Feel free to research anything you do not know or email me with any questions!

- What phase of the moon are we in now?
- How does it relate to your own current life?

- Where are you in your cycle (menstruation, pre-ovulation, ovulation, or premenstruation)?
- Note how you feel during each stage/week of your cycle.
- Are you Red moon cycling or White moon cycling?

In this lecture we will look into perineal care, pelvic exercises and the importance of resting!

See below for lecture exercises.

Exercise 1: Do a perineal massage on yourself or ask your partner to help! Use olive oil or your favorite oil.

Exercise 2: Explore the spinning baby website and use it as a resource for your clients!

For this lecture we will discuss what you need at a birth, whether in a hospital setting, home birth or birthing center birth. I've also included self care tips for doulas and 20 items you need as a doula to have a smooth birth.

In this lecture we will look into the many ways we can intuitively and naturally stimulate a stalled labor. Please read and watch thoroughly all resources.

In this lecture we'll discuss the signs of labor, what braxton hicks really are, how to prevent or fix shoulder dystocia and the purple line to determine cervical dilation!