Doula Brasileira de Nova Iorque e Nova Jérsei comemora dia da Doula em Cabo Frio

O dia da Doula de 2024 vai ficar pra sempre na minha memória e sempre que lembrado meu coração se encherá de alegria. 

Na verdade, essa foi a primeira vez que eu comemorei o dia da Doula. Essa é a época do ano mais movimentada pra mim. Festas da escola dos filhos, encontros de fim-de- ano, filhos chegando da faculdade, sempre partos pra atender …

Esse ano foi diferente. Junto com várias Doulas de diferentes cidades da região dos Lagos do Rio de Janeiro, celebrei a sorte de ter encontrado essa profissão, refletimos juntas os desafios da profissão e compartilhamos ideias de como melhor auxilarmos as famílias de nossas comunidades. 

Nasceu o PartoLagos - um grupo de conversa entre Doulas, Parteiras e outros profissionais da assistência do nascimento juntamente com as famílias da região. 

Que honra ser uma Doula, que difícil também…

Doula é fonte de inspiração, humaniza o gestar, parir e nutrir. Doulas são pesquisadoras ferrenhas que educam com responsabilidade e respeito. Doula acompanha, educa, vibra, apoia, ouve, se importa, se preocupa, celebra, ajeita, segura, relembra, conforta. Pra isso acontecer, ela dorme mal, não tem férias, dia de folga, ou plano de saúde. Chega atrasada pra buscar filho na escola, perde festividades familiares e da escola dos filhos, atende o telefone no meio do jantar. E mesmo assim, amamos ser Doula! E quando nos reunimos a certeza de termos feito a escolha profissional certa, só aumenta. As dúvidas e frustrações da profissão se diluem. 

Sai desse encontro encantada, inspirada e convocada.

Encantada com tanta sabedoria juntas … como são sábias as Doulas! 

Inspirada a botar em prática projetos rascunhados para a nova fase da minha carreira.

 Convocada a mentorar Doulas de forma oficial, mais organizada e ampla. 

Que bom ser Doula! Que bom que você optou por investir na sua experiência de parto e em tudo que será afetado por ela. 

Viva as Doulas! Viva a todas as nuances do parto que só elas compreendem e consegue enxergar. 

Parteira Ancestral E Doula Cabo Frio e redondezas @partocompoder

Preparadora de Parto, Doula e Cuidados no Resguardo Buzios e redondezas @irinadoula_inbrazil

In search of the "perfect latch" ... and other breastfeeding myths

Women -- have no fear of breastfeeding. I was once very fearful to breastfeed. After successfully breastfeeding my two first children, I was sure it would be impossible to breastfeed, deal with a teenager, a toddler, and an endless to do list.

At the last minute, my mother had to cancel her trip to come help me with the house and kids. Immediately, I started wondering how I would manage so many chores. Somehow I did it. The baby I was so afraid of not being able to breastfeed is going to college in a few weeks. Almost two decades have passed, and I have watched many generations of moms give birth and nurse their babies.

In celebration of World Breastfeeding Week, I want all new moms to know that they don’t need to fear breastfeeding. The fear of childbirth has somehow spilled over to become a fear of not being able to breastfeed. In my practice as a Lactation Counselor, I observe that the biggest worry of today’s Moms is not being able to achieve the “perfect latch” — and that, without it, they will fail at breastfeeding.

Do you know that the perfect latch is a new concept? Or that, despite not achieving the “perfect” latch, babies can still nurse with no problem? Most women around the world do not worry about the perfect latch the way new moms do in the US. Despite what you may have seen and read online, your baby’s less than perfect latch can be just right for breastfeeding success.  

I am not saying that, in some situations, the latch might not be the solution. Fixing the latch can work like a charm. What concerns me is the number of pregnant women afraid of breastfeeding nowadays, even though they are just as ready and able to breastfeed as Moms elsewhere and in other times. 

Moms today tell me that giving birth does not scare them as much breastfeeding does. “I want to learn everything about breastfeeding,” they say anxiously. “All my friends had a real hard time. They suffered for weeks, up to the day they could no longer bear the pain.” 

Yes, breastfeeding can be difficult. The pain, unbearable. The solution most of the time is reaching a place within that nobody has helped the new Mom locate.. 

There is a secret to successfully breastfeeding that many don’t want you to know: Breastfeeding is not a mechanical process. It follows a sparkling that starts shining during pregnancy. Don’t lose track of that spark. My job is and always will be help women find it, get back to it, and guide them to shine it towards their babies on their own.

A good breastfeeding experience starts before your baby has arrived. Learning how to navigate the hospital routine is essential, so that well-meaning doctors and nurses do not unintentionally sabotage breastfeeding. Having a birth experience you desire, being prepared for postpartum, and lining up assistance on managing the first weeks home with baby — all are crucial. 

In the photo above, you can see a few-days-old baby, over birth weight, sleeping very well with his happy mommy. She is confident that the way she nurses is perfect for both of them. No breast engorgement, no cracked nipples. This mom found and kept her sparkling.

As we honor Moms and babies everywhere, and the art of breastfeeding, know that you can trust in your own instincts, your own natural ability. There can be nothing more perfect.

The Hospital Bag: Essential items that will enhance your birth experience

What you bring to the hospital may directly affect your birth experience — your comfort, centeredness, and peace of mind. For the mother during labor I recommend:

• 2 comfy, non-slippery socks

• Comfy, long robe

• oversized T-shirt, long dress or labor gown of your choice

• sport bra or bikini top to take a shower or bath with

• nursing bra

• hair cap

• hairbands

• dry shampoo

• Q-tips

• lip balm

• coconut oil

• toothpaste & brush

• mouthwash

• dental floss

• favorite soap, shampoo and conditioner

• blow dryer

• prenatal supplements

• glasses and/or contact lenses with holder

• postpartum underwear

• front bottomed pajamas

• slippers

• nail file

• coconut water

• spring water

• honey sticks

• sour lollipop

• lime

• miso soup or chicken broth

• cranberry juice

• favorite tea

• first meal after delivery

• eletronic devices charger

• extra pillow with bright, colorful pilllow case

• fleece blanket

• wireless heating pad

• heating bag

• towel

• flipflops

• birth ball

• birth stool

• focus point itens

• birth plan

• postpartum plan

• essential oils

• massage oil

• diffusor

• eletrical kettle

• going-home outfit

For your baby:

• car seat

• earflat hat

• socks

• gloves

• receiving blanket

• going-home outfit

For the labor companion:

• extra clothes

• flipflops

• extra pillow

• blanket

• toiletries

• swimming suit

• snacks

• travel pillow

Be packed and ready for the great birth you have always imagined!

Relaxation Is the Key

In a society where feeling uneasy, tired, running on empty, and disconnected is actually a skill promoted since early childhood, it is very difficult to tell pregnant women to relax.

Some women have heard over and over that feeling stress is a norm for the high achiever. Being stressed helps you get things done; being on the go all the time means you are on track, that you are needed and are accomplishing a lot.

So how, all of a sudden, can relaxing be a good thing? But the truth is that relaxing is not just a good thing -- it is the key to a healthy pregnancy, successful childbirth, and peaceful postpartum.

A busy life style, older kids, demanding jobs, and lost ability to relax cannot be acceptable excuses to make you not at least give it a try.

Here some simple first steps:

* Try to do one thing at the time once a day. 
Don't cook and talk on the phone at the same time, or answer emails in the train on your way to work.

* Spend same time outside -- even on the coldest days.
Go for long hikes, or just around the block, walk on the beach, eat a meal on your porch, seat underneath a tree

* Bring back old childhood fun.
Playing cards, building Legos, modeling with clay, drawing, knitting, painting, coloring books -- let your sense of wonder and simple creativity return,

* Avoid TV as much as possible.
Select shows that will add to your spiritual and intellectual growth

. Wake up 10 minutes earlier, go to bed one hour earlier.

. Once a week, have a " Me Time." 
Do something you absolutely love to do. If you don't know what this thing is, go find it out.

* Plan your meals ahead, and make them healthy, simple and delicious.

* Take prenatal yoga classes.

* Rethink your needs.
Avoid over shopping for the baby -- consider second hand items.

* Rethink Baby Shower
People who care about you and can afford to treat your baby with a nice gift will do so -- without you having to go through the stress of a big party at the end of your pregnancy. Consider a Belly Blessing instead.

* Turn on the radio and dance your favorite beat -- singing along

* Gardening -- even if you don't have a green thumb, start a herbal garden in your kitchen 

* Massage your belly with pure oil and a few drops of your favorite essential oils

* Try meditation, CalmBirth, CalmMother, Hypnobirthing

* Read a great novel

* Find something or someone that makes you laugh out loud

Prioritize your spending

If you review your budget and prioritize your pregnancy, you can indulge yourself in a very relaxing way:

* take a vacation to a beach or mountain place -- take very little with you

* go to a concert by one of your favorite bands

* go on a date with your partner or family member/ friend

* include a massage in your monthly budget

* go to a retreat with your partner or best friend

* hire a house chores helper; if you already have one, add more visits

* consider taking earlier maternity leave to enjoy the last couple weeks of pregnancy

* take off and go to a pregnancy specialized spa

Discover what makes you relaxed. What people put a smile on your face with their presence; what places make you feel at home; what activity just makes you feel yourself, connect to who you really are. That is where you belong; that is the place you want to be as often as you can. Invest in you; practice being relaxed. Giving birth will be way easier this way. Let it go, let it be, and be generous with yourself.