#StayAtHome Mother's Day Gift Ideas From The Bull City

May 5, 2020 Emerald Doulas, LLC

Celebrating motherhood in the midst of a global pandemic likely feels challenging. How do you show Mom your appreciation during the era of social distancing, especially now that when your usual brunch options aren’t available?

Let’s get creative, together, friends. We’ve rounded up five Stay At Home-friendly, outside-the-box, and yes, last minute (if you need that, too) offerings from local Durham-based businesses.

Let’s turn this into a Mother’s Day for the history books, but like, for positive reasons, shall we?

{5 Ways} Virtual Doula Support Benefits Your Birth

April 1, 2020 Emerald Doulas, LLC

Doula support is generally thought of as being a hands-on profession; and for sure it is. But there is also so much room for our work to shine in a virtual, remote setting as these current times demand.

Remote doula care provides an opportunity for our families to access our deep wells of knowledge, allows families to have our guidance and compassion by their side, and encourages partners to continue to be the first-line of support for their birthing person.

From “Do"-ula to “Be”-la: When Quiet Presence Does More Than Action

March 25, 2019 Emerald Doulas, LLC

There are a lot of reasons why pregnant people and new parents hire doulas.

In birth, it’s often because we offer a deep well of information when you need it. Providing evidence-based information about your birth options, interventions, and suggest labor positions you might try. We often bring a lot of hands-on comfort, too- massage, counter pressure, reassuring touch, etc.

As postpartum doulas, we offer a lot of practical help. Folding laundry, tidying the kitchen, cutting up fruit and vegetables as quick snacks, or prepping tasty, nutritious meals. Postpartum doulas also sometimes take over baby care so tired, exhausted parents are able to nap, shower, visit with friends and family, or just have some alone time.

Sometimes, though, the magic of our work as doulas isn’t in what we actively do. Sometimes, the magic comes from just simply, being.

When Your Scar Doesn't Remind You Of A Smiling Face {Guest Post: Cesarean Awareness Month}

April 25, 2018 Emerald Doulas, LLC

I still don't look back on my son's birth with good feelings. My scar doesn't remind me of a smiling face, as an optimistic blogger proposed it should.

I still cringe when a friend or family member (always well-intentioned) says something along the lines of "at least you had a healthy baby" after I share my birth story. I still avoid news articles and slide shows featuring photos of mom looking lovingly into baby's eyes immediately after birth.

Five Ways That Transform A Hospital Room Into A Birth Cave

December 5, 2017 Emerald Doulas, LLC

You may or may not know this, but doulas are particularly gifted at transforming ordinary, boring spaces into cozy, personalized nooks. This talent truly shines when a birth doula works their magic in a birthing space, turning a standardized (read: sterile and cold) hospital room into a magical birth cave. Today, they’re sharing their secrets on how you too can personalize your hospital room, to really create the safe, settled space in which you will welcome your baby...

Many Hands Make Light Work, Especially After Birth {Free Printable}

March 7, 2017 Emerald Doulas, LLC

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In those early days, the little, house chores tasks can grind. you. down. and take precious moments away from bonding with your newborn. Those same "small" tasks quickly snowball into a TON of housework, when you've got more important things to focus on (like your own recovery, or learning to breastfeed, or getting to know your new baby).

Why not take advantage of all those postpartum visitors, stopping by with a meal or to see the baby, asking "Can I do anything to help?"!

Today, we've got a FREE PRINTABLE, full of 5-Minute Task ideas to help put those postpartum visits to good use!

{5 Things} You Should Do If You’re Planning An Induction

March 1, 2017 Emerald Doulas, LLC

Sometimes babies need a little encouragement to come Earthside. Whether that’s because they’ve overstayed their welcome (Hello, 42 weekers), or because medically, your baby is safer on the outside than in, or because it’s your choice; inductions are often a reality of the birth world.

If you’re facing an induction soon, here are Five Things you should consider doing to make the experience a little less stressful...

All In Good Time: When Should I Hire A Doula?

February 20, 2017 Emerald Doulas, LLC

For most things in life, timing is everything, they say. When it comes to hiring a birth doula, we’d have to agree… well, sort of.

It may surprise you to hear that there is no “perfect time” to hire a birth doula. That said, of course, you’ll get more out of the relationship with your birth doula team, by researching and finding you perfect match sooner rather than later.

But don’t worry, we’ve got your back, if you wait until the last minute too!