Cassandra is an affiliated Certified ProDoula Labor Doula on the Metro Detroit Doula Services' team! She truly understands the role of a doula as she had the support of doulas herself! (Even MDDS' very own Andrea and Amy supported her!) Her passion for helping folks through pregnancy and beyond was evident long before becoming a [...]
Category: birth
Holy motherforking shirtballs, I’m nearing the end of pregnancy!
The end of pregnancy is quite literally all the feels. It can be a roller-coaster! You seem to be in this new weird place. One foot into pregnancy and wondering what this new life will look like with this baby. But also one foot already in the future as a new parent. Our minds are [...]
True stories from the NICU
September is a time to think about and bring awareness to NICU parents, babies in the NICU, and the medical teams that work so hard to care for these babies. The National Perinatal Association even breaks down this week of September to recognize and honor all of those involved in NICU care. You can check [...]
Is it normal? | Wow! My boobs are huge!
And just like that you have a couple of large hard melons for breasts. For some after giving birth their body changes from producing colostrum (the thick usually deeper in color, yellow or orange-ish first food your breasts produce) to breastmilk unbeknownst to you and your boobs. The first sign is "look honey there's actual [...]
What are birth affirmations?
In the process of birth the birthing person typically will need some encouragement and emotional support. Birth affirmations are simply that! They can even be your birth slogan or mantra! The best part of birth affirmations is you can select those that resonate with you and create ones that truly speak to you. Why use [...]
For a Moment Like This
"For a moment like this…. some people wait a lifetime." Ain’t that the truth Kelly Clarkson? When I envisioned my births I envisioned myself like a lot of the videos and pictures I saw and loved. I pictured dim light and quiet whispers. I envisioned myself humming and swaying through contractions as they intensified. I [...]
When do I head to the hospital?
The day has arrived! You think you are in labor! First how do you tell if it is really labor? So you notice you are having contractions and they seem to come and go. You can try timing them. To time a contraction you time the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the [...]
Are you watching “9 Months That Made You”?
I will admit I watch a lot of TV. I watch it to unwind and relax, but I also use it to learn and discover new things. Recently I stumbled upon a PBS series called "9 Months That Made You." I am one episode in and hooked! Now I know by being a doula and [...]
How to write a birth plan
Birth plans, birth wishes, birth preferences, or whatever you prefer to call it can be a useful tool. The work of going through what is important to you and your partner in your birth is likely the best part of creating a birth plan, no matter if you actually print it out. Birth wishlists can [...]
Gas, Constipation, & Hemorrhoids. All things poop in pregnancy.
Often people don't share about their poop issues they experience in pregnancy. They can be all too real. Let's dive in and learn about these common issues. GAS Blame the dog if you want but odds are you will be gassier in pregnancy. This can start early on and at any time. We can thank [...]