The birth of my first child was challenging and despite having a doula, I felt that she wasn't as supportive as I would have hoped. So after becoming pregnant with my second, I knew I wanted an experienced doula who could provide support and suggestions in any circumstance. A friend recommended Tiffany and little did I know that I would end up with two amazing doulas! Jen and Tiffany were both exactly what I was looking for... experienced, compassionate, present, genuine, and absolutely delightful to talk with. I never really felt nervous about the upcoming birth because in my mind, I had a dream team of support. When I went past my due date and was feeling discouraged, Jen called me to talk through my feelings and offer her encouragement. She was so compassionate and helped me stay positive. Then when my water broke 4 days later, Tiffany was very responsive and quickly met us at the hospital when things ramped up quickly. Throughout my labor, Tiffany was right there with me, a comforting voice in my ear, guiding me through each contraction and each stage. She was like having a GPS of my labor, telling me what to look for next, what to expect, and where to turn. She had one helpful suggestion after another... at one point in between difficult transition contractions, Tiffany suggested that I try to feel my baby's head. I reached down, skeptical that I would feel anything, but I did! I felt her head and with it, my confidence soared! A few contractions later, I felt her move down even further and it was time to push! Tiffany was again a calm voice in my ear, helping me to direct my energy in to pushing. 20 minutes later, my daughter was born! I honestly feel like I had the perfect birth... it was exactly what I wanted and Tiffany was a big part of helping me achieve that. Tiffany and Jen make a fantastic team and are truly gifted at what they do! - C.O.
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As birth doulas we often encourage and support our clients in the challenges of putting these characteristics into action during pregnancy, birth, and after baby joins the family. This week Tiffany got the opportunity to practice these traits – not by her choice. You see her bag containing her computer, wallet, phone, and keys was stolen while meeting with a midwifery client. Security footage shows the thief with her bag but so far he has not been located by police. You can imagine that a busy doula, student midwife, and mom would find it hard to be without her “tools”. Before her replacement phone arrived she had a late 1990’s model phone, there wasn’t anything smart about it. Credit cards were cancelled and she’s going through the process of figuring out where data on her computer pertaining to school work is located. How has Tiffany reacted? To be honest, I (Jen) felt more anxious, frustrated, and angry at the injustice of this theft then she has. She absolutely lived these attributes, in fact later in the day she attended a birth and the family whom she supported had no idea she had been through a challenging experience earlier in the day. As doulas, we practice the qualities that are a part of the major life transition of growing, birthing, and caring for another human. We must remain flexible, make the best decisions with the information we have, practice resilience, and choose to let go of anxiety of the unknown. While we support you in your transition to parenthood, know that this support comes from practice. And we get it, it’s hard work. 8/13/2016 "...any woman who has birthed unhindered understands that we are stronger than we know."Read Now
• Back Ache: This is a common problem of pregnancy due to the gravity shift that comes with a growing uterus. Flat shoes, chiropractic care, nor standing in one position for too long, utilizing a body pillow during sleep, proper lifting, and a belly support belt can all be helpful techniques to alleviate back pain of pregnancy. Any back pain that is located near the kidney area should be examined for UTI or infection of the kidney
• Colds, Flu, and Fevers: During illness such as cold and flu, staying hydrated is crucial to the health of mother and baby. Especially during fever, hydration becomes critical. Treatment of fever can be 1000-2000mg vitamin C every 4 hours, 250,000IU beta carotene daily, divided into 50,000IU doses, 2 droppersful Echinacea tincture, 4 garlic capsules. The doses can be rotated every waking hour, for example the vitamin C the first hour, the beta carotene the second hour, etc. Elder flower infusion can also be used as a fever regulator, mixed with equal parts peppermint to relieve cold symptoms and regulate temperature. • Constipation: Hormonal changes lead to relaxation of muscle tissue, this includes the intestines. Some things that can aid with this common issue are: Prunes or prune juice adequate hydration Drinking warm fluids upon rising Establish a bowel emptying routine Light, regular exercise Eating roughage foods Mild laxative or stool softener • Edema: This can be due to the increased fluid and blood volume of pregnancy. Most cases present as swelling below the waist. In the event of swelling above the waist coupled with high blood pressure, headaches, vision disturbances, tests for preeclampsia should be done to rule out any serious complications. Sodium depletion can cause excessive swelling. Remedies can include making sure to eat enough unrefined salt, staying hydrated, dry skin brushing, changing positions frequently, Epsom salt soaks for feet, daily exercise, and eating protein and nutrient rich foods. • Fatigue: During early pregnancy, hormonal changes cause fatigue whereas during the later trimesters other pregnancy discomforts that disrupt sleep are the cause. Any measures to aid in comfortable sleep can be utilized to maximize sleep time. Avoiding fluids before bedtime to minimize nocturia can help. Making Sure B12 and iron levels are adequate is helpful. • Headaches: Common causes are hypoglycemia and dehydration. Remedies include staying well hydrated and eating regularly, but also ensuring food eaten is nutrient dense. May also be due to caffeine, nicotine, or sugar withdrawal. If swelling or edema and blood pressure elevation is present, check for preeclampsia signs. • Heartburn: Hormonal relaxation of the epigastric muscles causes acid to escape back up into the esophagus. Growth of the uterus in the later months also causes pressure which also contributes to acid backup. Remedies include eating small meals, not drinking fluids with meals, liquid calcium/ magnesium supplement prior to bedtime, various herbal remedies we can discuss. Avoid cold foods. Antacids slow digestion compounding the problem, and inhibit iron absorption, and may lead to calcification of the placenta. Walking after meals will help digestion. Chew food thoroughly to aid natural digestion. Avoid fatty, spicy food, carbonated beverages and chocolate. • Hemorrhoids: The distension of blood vessels in the rectum leads to itchy, swollen and painful varicosities. Prevent them by avoiding constipation can be achieved by staying well hydrated, maintaining adequate fiber and healthy dietary choices. Remedies include witch hazel compresses, analgesic cream, reinsertion of hemorrhoids, squats for core and pelvic muscle toning. Sitz baths can also be helpful, as well as application of grated potato on the hemorrhoid. Iron supplements can be constipating, so try to utilize food sources of iron as much as possible to prevent anemia and the necessity for supplements. • Insomnia: Common causes include emotional distress, physical discomfort, and hypoglycemia. Remedies include a glass of warm milk, chamomile tea, a warm bath with chamomile or catnip, talking to a friend, partner or midwife about emotional issues, and alleviating any physical discomforts which may be contributing to the insomnia. • Itchy Skin: May be due to liver congestion, inadequate fat soluble vitamin levels or appropriate dietary fat intake to synthesize vitamins. Be sure dietary fat intake is adequate, run liver panel to ensure proper function, avoid mineral based skincare products. Choline from foods can help, or a supplement can be taken, but be sure to take it with a B-complex vitamin because over time choline supplementation can lead to B12 deficiency. Organic meats are best, as avoiding environmental toxins can exacerbate the problem. Add unrefined olive oil to the diet, as well as beets, dark green leaves, and lemon juice. These are all gentle foods which support the liver and will aid with this problem. • Leg Cramps: This discomfort may be caused by a calcium and phosphorus deficiency or may be due to the added weight of the uterus putting pressure on the nerves and vessels of the lower extremities. Remedies can include getting more exercise to increase circulation, Dietary increase of calcium and phosphorus sources. If the pain presents with a swollen varicosity which is Hot, DO NOT MASSAGE and call for examination to Rule out thrombosis. • Morning Sickness/Nausea and Vomiting: Contributing factors may include hormonal changes, hypoglycemia, decreased gastric emptying times. Can occur between 5 and 14 weeks of pregnancy, but can also occur throughout the entire pregnancy. Severe vomiting may the hyperemesis gravidarum and may need medical treatment to avoid dehydration. Remedies for nausea can include eating frequent, small meals instead of large meals, keeping snacks on hand to eat before rising, ginger ale or tea, avoid teeth brushing just after meals, also avoid strong smells. Acupressure bands can aid with nausea too. Make sure to get enough protein throughout the day • Nosebleeds: Hormonal changes and the increased blood volume of pregnancy make the small blood vessels of the nose more likely to rupture. These are more common, but not necessarily normal. Adequate diet with special attention to getting enough vitamin C, bioflavinoids and calcium can help prevent this common pregnancy discomfort. • Pica: Non-nutritive food cravings such as clay, coffee Grounds, baking soda, etc. indicate a severe Nutritional deficiency and this should be addressed immediately. If the nutritional deficiency is due to Resource inadequacy, food assistance programs can be referred to help meet needs. This issue is Serious and can lead to iron malabsorption, prematurity, toxemia, perinatal mortality • Round Ligament Pain: Round ligament pain is a sharp pain or jabbing feeling often felt in the lower belly or groin area on one or both sides. It is one of the most common complaints during pregnancy and is considered a normal part of pregnancy. It is most often felt during the second trimester. Get plenty of exercise to keep your stomach (core) muscles strong. Doing stretching exercises or prenatal yoga can be helpful. Ask your midwife which exercises are safe for you and your baby.A helpful exercise involves putting your hands and knees on the floor, lowering your head, and pushing your backside into the air. • Salivation (ptyalism): This condition occurs when a woman has excessive salivation in pregnancy. It typically occurs during the first trimester, and will normally go hand in hand with nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. Physical: Women with this condition may salivate up to 1,900 ml per day. They may have difficulty swallowing, especially if she is experiencing nausea and vomiting. She may also find that her saliva tastes bitter. It seems to run in families. Increasing carbohydrates in the diet, decreasing fluids, limiting fats. Eating smaller meals more frequently, and chewing gum or using oral lozenges may help between meals. Herbal Cinnamon bark tea has been useful for some women with this condition, but should not be used in the first trimester since it is a uterine stimulator. • Sciatica: Nerve compression due to extra weight and pelvic shifting can cause sciatic nerve pain through the buttocks and leg. Chiropractic care can be helpful. Heat packs can also help. St. John's Wort tincture, 5-20 drops may help, it may not. • Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Shortness of Breath During the second trimester, hormonal changes Cause this common discomfort. The enlarged uterus compressing the lungs during the third trimester is a Common underlying cause. Maintaining good posture and frequent stretching of the arms above the head can help ease pressure and aid in deep breathing. • Stretch Marks: May be due to genetics, rapid Tissue expansion; deficiency of Fat soluble vitamins may make them worse. Massaging cocoa Butter into the skin may help. ½ Cup virgin olive oil, ¼ cup aloe Vera gel, 6 capsules vitamin E, 4 capsules vitamin A, mixed in a Blender and stored in the Refrigerator can be massaged into the skin. Elastin creams May also help. Ensuring enough Dietary fat intake for fat soluble Vitamin synthesis • Vaginal Discharge: Gradual increase in the amount of discharge in pregnancy is normal. This makes the woman more prone to infections of the vagina because of the influence of pregnancy hormones. Using good hygiene practices surrounding the vagina as outlined under vaginal infections should help to curb the development of infections. • Vaginal Infections: During pregnancy the vaginal flora changes which may lead to infections such as candidiasis or bacterial vaginosis. These may have side effects such as preterm labor and ineffective post-op healing after surgical delivery, and should be treated. Eliminate sugars from diet, and practice good vaginal hygiene practices such as front-to-back wiping, urinating and mild cleansing after sex. During treatment of these infections, avoid intercourse. Avoid prolonged exposure to panty liners, use mild soaps, bubble bath and wear breathable material underwear. Report any unusual vaginal discharge to allow for prompt treatment. Symptoms include burning, itching, swelling, pain, redness. • Varicosities: These are enlarged veins in the legs or vulvar area, which may be caused by genetic predisposition, hormonal changes weakening the walls of veins, increased intravenous pressure with reduced circulation, constrictive clothing and prolonged periods of standing. Remedies can include wearing support hose, periodic leg elevation throughout the day, Avoid leg crossing while seated, prolonged standing, and tight underwear and be sure to get regular exercise to increase blood circulation. If a varicosity presents with hotness and pain, do not massage and seek medical examination quickly for thrombosis. • Visual Disturbances: A common normal variation of pregnancy due to fluid retention. A non-normal variation is disturbance due to vascular pressure caused by high blood pressure of toxemia. If visual disturbance is encountered, signs and symptoms of preeclampsia or toxemia should be looked for and ruled out. Bibliography (2004). In H. K. Varney, Varney's Midwifery. Ontario, Canada: Jones and Publishers. Frye, A. (2013). In Holistic Midwifery: A Comprehensive Textbook for Midwives in Homebirth Practice Vol. 1. Portland, OR: Labrys Press. Everyone knows there's always a hospital nearby to go and have your baby at but what if the hospital isn't the place for you? Where else can you go to give birth in the Seattle area? You may have a ton or only one reason to have an out-of-hospital birth. You might:
No matter your reason(s), where you give birth is your choice and we Puget Sound Doulas believe in choices! (Find out what working with us looks like and how we can help you achieve the birth of your dreams.) We serve ALL Seattle home births, and free standing Birth Centers. And if you're not into these birth places, you can check out our hospital edition. Lucky for us Seattle residents, the Puget Sound boasts several beautiful, serene, and comfortable locations to choose from: 1. Your HomeHome births is growing in popularity and for good reason, too! You don't have to fuss over packing bags, worry about when to leave for the hospital, or who will look after your older children when you go to the hospital. Best of all, Puget Sound Doulas will come to your home, for your Seattle, Bothell, Lynnwood, Bellevue (anywhere within King County and Snoqualmie County) home birth. We work closely with Seattle Midwives (I'm a student midwife working alongside Cindi Thompson, a licensed midwife). Find more information on home births with Seattle Midwives. 2. A Free-Standing Birth CenterThe second position is a 5-way-Tie as each of these location are amazingly beautiful, and offer luxurious, bed and breakfast-like birth suites. Consider yourself warned: choosing a Seattle birth center will be TOUGH! Here are the Seattle Birth Centers that we serve: Cascade Birth Center 2808 Colby Avenue, Suite A Everett, WA 98201 www.CascadeBirthCenter.com Eastside Birth Center 14700 N.E. 8th Street, Suite 115 Bellevue, WA 98007 www.EastsideBirthCenter.com The Center for Birth 1500 Eastlake Ave E Seattle, WA 98102 www.CenterForBirth.com Seattle Home Maternity 3830 South Ferdinand Street Seattle, WA 98118 www.seattlehomematernity.com Puget Sound Birth Center 13128 Totem Lake Blvd NE, Suite 101 Kirkland, WA 98034 4300 Talbot Road S, Suite 402 Renton, WA 98055 www.birthcenter.com So, there you have it! 6 amazing places to give birth in Seattle, WA. Puget Sound Doulas and Seattle Midwives serve every single one of the birth centers listed here so you can sleep a little easier knowing you can have the doula AND midwife of your choice, at the location of your choice. We'd call that a super win!
My husband and I met with Tiffany and Jen after getting a recommendation for Tiffany from a friend. Even our first "get-to-know-you" meeting was helpful as Tiffany and Jen offered suggestions and answers to questions that we had. Tiffany and Jen offered a lot of support and suggestions for coping with an induction, which came as a surprise late in pregnancy. When the induction process began, Jen was on call and offered lots of support via text and phone, as I was still in early labor. She was diligent about checking in with us. My latent labor continued for a couple days, so that by the time I went into active labor, Tiffany was the doula on call. Their communication and being able to reach both of them was seamless. During labor, Tiffany was supportive and encouraging as my labor and pushing progressed fairly quickly. I was most impressed with Tiffany and Jen's genuine concern for us as a family, especially in the post-partum period. We had a visit with Tiffany about 4 days after the baby was born and Jen called a week later to check-in on us as well. We felt very supported throughout the entire process, and I would whole heartedly recommend Puget Sound Doulas! - SY 5/20/2016 "I truly don't know what I would have done without these women. I am grateful for the healing and love in the work they do." -JRead NowWhile I had had one successful home delivery (five years earlier), everything about this second pregnancy was different and new, with some complications. I realized that my previous experience was not going to be enough to support me on this path. I needed the help of an experienced and reliable doula.
We interviewed several doulas. Jen answered the telephone, I actually knew from the sound of her voice that she was the doula I wanted. Jen was full of encouragement, support, and had nurturing intuition. I shared with her all of our worries and concerns about our upcoming birth. I had a complication early in the pregnancy that had left me fearful of successfully having the birth experience I really wanted. An experienced and supportive doula is a most worthy investment and I did not understand that principle until talking and meeting with Jen and Tiffany. Tiffany came with a deep strength and steadiness that made me feel safe and grounded. Jen possesses a warmth and love that simply emanates out of her -an embrace of loving energy straight from the heart. I had no idea which amazing woman I would have wanted at the birth. Both were fierce, knowledgeable, and compassionate. I decided to let the Universe decide which doula would be present. Jen was on call when labor started. Jen's presence immediately put me at ease, but the surges had been coming with nausea and vomiting and this was increasing as labor was progressing. I threw up after each wave, everywhere in my house. It was intense. I had no time to recover in between the contractions. Survival became my birth plan. I paced, I cried, I reached out for Jen and found her always there, always steady, always calm, always breathing. She reminded me when the transition was happening (since I had forgotten everything about birthing at this point) and kept me always calm and grounded. I asked her to help me, maybe even pleaded with her, and at the very end as the baby was crowning and emerging, I found my head in her lap. She became my mother in those moments, which I did not realize I needed. The entire time I had tried to convince myself I could do it alone, but Jen's presence, and the deep love of my partner, was the support I truly needed in having such a beautiful birth. That evening, Tiffany came to help take away the tub, and I felt doubly blessed that both women were able to be with me during the delicate hours after the baby was born. Tiffany brought love and care just after the baby was born and I appreciated her visit more than words can describe. The follow up visits with Jen were my lifeline to postpartum care. I truly don't know what I would have done without these women. I am grateful for the healing and love in the work they do. -J 4/26/2016 New Testimonial for our Partnership: "To have both Jen and Tiffany holding space for me during the birth of my daughter meant everything to us."Read NowHaving the support of both Tiffany and Jen at my labor and delivery was an incredible experience I will never forget.
When we hired Tiffany as our Doula, we instantly connected with her and knew she would be a great fit for us. During this time she also referred us to her partner Jen for a private postpartum/newborn class. Jen was not only knowledgable but very personable. 11 days past my estimated due date my water broke late at night and I immediately called Tiffany. At first we thought things might progress slowly but I called her back a short time later to tell her I was on my way to the hospital and I would keep her updated. A short time after arriving to the hospital my body went into transition at 1cm and began pushing without my control. We called Tiffany to let her know "it was on" and that we needed her help. I was overwhelmed and completely lost myself during this time. Tiffany calmly talked me through my options and was a huge advocate for me in getting the relief I needed. One of the things I appreciated the most during this time is that she just knew I was suffering and supported my need for medication. She went to bat for me! Once I was able to get an epidural, labor slowly progressed and gave me the rest I needed. Tiffany stayed with us and called Jen in to help support in case she needed to leave to attend another birth. Tiffany and Jen were there with me every step of the way during my long labor, supporting, encouraging and cheering me on. They lovingly helped me find the strength deep within myself to bring my daughter into the world after a very long labor. Jen was right by my side to guide me and my baby towards a successful breastfeeding relationship that began just minutes after she was born. Words could never describe the love I felt the day we welcomed our beautiful daughter into the world. To have both Jen and Tiffany holding space for me during the birth of my daughter meant everything to us. So much love for these incredible women! 4/11/2016 A client sums Doula Jen up in these words: " quiet yet strong, empathetic yet humorous, with an encouraging, positive presence."Read NowWe are so glad that we decided to have Jen join our birth team! Jen was incredibly helpful in the weeks leading up to delivery. She spent a lot of time talking to us about the options that were being presented to us and providing us with resources and information. She was also immensely helpful for us in coming to terms with the emotional side of our changing birth story. She completely understood and gave validation to the moments of frustration and sadness, but also recognized and praised us during through our acceptance and excitement. Her intuition and attentiveness to our feelings and needs were so appreciated during that time. I had to be induced at 39.5 weeks. It was a long labor and I was very exhausted. My husband was an excellent support person for me, but he got very tired as well. I cannot imagine going through all of that without Jen there to support both of us. She gave us lots of ideas for coping through the labor and was able to give my husband breaks to eat, nap and communicate with family members. When we were given options by the hospital team, she would talk through them with us so we were better able to come to decisions we felt good about. Our daughter’s birth ended up being a very positive experience for my husband and I. We felt empowered and supported by the hospital staff and especially by Jen. After our daughter’s birth, Jen stayed with us for a while, helping us get a good latch and begin breastfeeding and taking some invaluable photos of our family’s first few moments together. I can’t imagine our birthing experience without Jen’s quiet yet strong, empathetic yet humorous, encouraging, positive presence. Most people choose to interview a doula based off of what others have to say about her. Say "Thank You" with your kind words. Writing a testimonial can be overwhelming, if you need some examples go to: Tiffany's www.Doulamatch.net profile and see what others have written. Here are some examples of what to write about:
This testimonial posted on doulamatch: For Tiffany - https://doulamatch.net/testimonial.aspx?doulaid=1851 For Jen - https://doulamatch.net/testimonial.aspx?doulaid=4373 For our Team - https://doulamatch.net/testimonial.aspx?doulaid=13874 |
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