Friday, December 2, 2011

2012 Classes starting soon

We have a full year of classes planned.
Murray Jan. 3 Tuesday Nights from 6-9pm
Sugar House Jan. 4 Wednesday Nights from 6-9pm
Pleasant Grove Jan 7. Saturday Mornings from 9-12pm
for more information visit

http://thedoulahouse.com/hypnobabiespricing.html

Monday, September 12, 2011

Love this video on the benefits of delayed cord clamping

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3RywNup2CM&feature=player_embedded#!

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Upcoming Hypnobabies Hypnosis for Childbirth Classes in Utah

Hypnobabies Class, SLC, UT Friday October 7th, 6-9pm, *3 spot Left* http://www.thedoulahouse.com/, thedoulahouse@gmail.com

Sunday, July 31, 2011

August Hypnobabies Classes, Utah

Wow, I cannot believe it is almost August.
Well our Hypnobabies Classes are filling up super fast.
We offer classes from Ogden to Orem, Utah
Ogden: August 17th (Wednesdays) from 6-9pm
Salt Lake City, August 19th (Fridays) from 6-9pm
Pleasant Grove, August 27th (Saturdays) from 9am-12pm

For more information visit
www.thedoulahouse.com

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Typical Medical Questions for Admission to Hospital


Many of my students, and doula moms are curious as to what they ask upon check in at the hospital. Well, here is a great list of what to expect as far as questions go.
One things I recommend, answer all these questions on a piece of paper and take it with you to the hospital. This was the nurse can check what she needs without asking you while you are trying to focus during a surge/wave (contraction)


  • Height & Weight (before pregnancy and currently)
  • Medication history: type of medication, dosage and frequency
  • Social history: use of tobacco, recreational drugs, or alcohol
  • Family medical history (Mother, Father, or siblings) for cancer, blood disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart problems, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, pulmonary, stroke, TB, Other
  • Infertility/Gynecological problems: preterm labor, premature rupture of membranes, infertility, IVF, vaginal bleeding, poly/oligohydramnios, fetal anomalies, precipitous delivery, DES exposure, VBAC, Genito-urinary infection, febrile episode in pregnancy, previous child with SIDS, IUGR, previous child with birthweight less than 2500g, greater than 4000g, postpartum hemorrhage, fetal arrhythmias, iso-immunization, shoulder dystocia
  • Surgeries: breast, cryo-surgery, LEEP, cesarean section, cerclage, any other major surgery
  • Heart or blood pressure problems: hypertension, pre-eclampsia, MVP, HELP syndrome, rheumatic fever, murmur
  • Circulation problems: phlebitis, varicose veins, DVT
  • Respiratory problems: asthma, recent cold/flu, pneumonia, lung disease
  • History of stroke, neurological, joint, bone or muscle problems: Stroke, headache/migraine, seizure/epilepsy, developmental delay
  • Endocrine problems: Diabetes of any kind (type 1 or 2), gestational diabetes (diet controlled or medication and diet controlled), thyroid dysfunction
  • ENT problems: Meniere's, sinus infection, nosebleeds
  • Communicable diseases/Immune Issues: GBS, previous GBS infected baby, hepatitis B, genital herpes, GC, TB, chlamydia, syphilis, any partner with std, autoimmune, HPV
  • History of Stomach, Digestive, or Urinary Problems: Liver Disease, constipation, hemorrhoids, abdominal pain, recent change in bowel pattern, hyper-emesis, nausea, recent UTI, kidney disease/stones, pyelonephritis
  • History of skin issues/body piercings: rash, chicken pox/shingles, eczema/psoriasis, piercing
  • Personal or family history for patient or husband of the following congenital/genetic issues: Congenital hearing defect. Italian, Greek, Mediterranean or Asian background, neural tube defects, down syndrome, Jewish (Tay-Sachs), cystic fibrosis, hemophilia, sickle cell anemia, muscular dystrophy,Huntington chorea, mental retardation (if yes, was pt. tested for fragile x), other inherited genetic or chromosomal disorders, patient had previous child with birth defect not listed above, 3 first trimester miscarriages, or still birth, patient’s husband had child with birth defect not listed above
  • Maiden name, occupation, highest level of education, date & time of last meal
  • Do you accept blood products?
  • Have you ever had a blood transfusion?
  • Complications with pregnancy
  • Pre-pregnancy weight, weight gain in pregnancy, baby feeding plan, childbirth education (yes/no and type), Pediatrician
  • Plans for Sterilization?
  • Advance Directives? and information
  • Sensory Deficits (glasses/contacts yes or no)
  • Bedrest in past month?
  • Sleep aids?
  • History of abuse, safety in home currently, history of depression, postpartum depression, anxiety, family history of depression, postpartum depression, anxiety
  • Recent changes or losses to family
Religions, spiritual practices while in hospital

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

The Doula, and The Dad

The other day I was talking to a friend, and I mentioned that I am a doula, her response, "Do, what?" It makes me laugh every time I hear it. But then it got me to thinking, most people do wonder, i "do-what?"
Most people have never heard the term Doula, and of the group that has heard of us, most aren't really sure what we do.
I am a doula, which means I am a birth companion or coach. I help couples prepare for a great birth, I assist the couple during birth, and I am a friend to call on during the postpartum period. I specialize in Hypnosis for childbirth, and have an incredible passion for breastfeeding.
There you have it, my elevator speech. But, let's break it down a little more.
When I tell a mom/couple what I do, the first thing I usually hear is "oh, well my husband will do great, he came to all my childbirth classes with me." or I hear, "My mom will be there with us, so we have an extra set of hands." When I hear couples say this, it makes my heart stop, my chest tighten, and usually I sigh just a little. It is not that Dads/partners are AMAZING when it comes to birth, it is more that Dad/Partner will be going through their own transition during birth, and will probably need some assistance.
I have gone to trainings, classes, and courses to become proficient in what I do. I know all about birth; what is normal, what will speed things up, and when the doctor is just scaring you. I have made a career out of working with care providers, hospitals, and other family members. I even have a talent for translating medical-ese into English. This is what I do, and I am pretty good at it.
So when a couple tells me they know everything, that their care provider is totally on board with their birth plan, and that they don't see how a doula is going to help; I calmly explain this to them.
I am not only a support person for mom, providing her with comfort techniques and encouragement. I provide information on what to expect, as well as offer alternative approaches to medical interventions. On top of all of that, I am a support person for Dad/Partner. I will help dad become confident in his roll as birth partner. Partners go through their own transformation during birth, similar to a mother. While they are helping mom to stay calm and comfortable; they are also processing that they are about to become a father. They are doing their best to keep mom out of pain, and to elevate any discomfort she might feel. Dads are naturally "fix it" people, and so they spend the birth time trying to fix everything. The most common complaint I hear from dads who did not hire a doula... I didn't know what to do to help. The most common praise I hear from dads who did hire a doula... How could anyone do this without you!
I am not saying that Dads can't rock it at birth, what I am saying is that maybe, just maybe, dad could use a little help in his corner. Maybe dad could use the support of knowing how to be the best birth partner ever!