|
This is something every mother, partner, and support person needs to know--
because too many families are caught off guard. Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is one of the leading causes of maternal death worldwide… and it can happen within hours after birth or even days later. But here’s the truth: 👉 When you know the signs, you can act fast. 👉 When you act fast, you can save a life. 🩸 What is Postpartum Hemorrhage? Excessive bleeding after childbirth—more than what’s considered normal. And no… it’s not always obvious at first. ⚠️ WARNING SIGNS YOU SHOULD NEVER IGNORE: Soaking through a pad in an hour or less Passing large blood clots (bigger than a golf ball) Dizziness, weakness, or feeling faint Rapid heartbeat or shortness of breath Pale, clammy skin A feeling that “something isn’t right” ⏳ WHY TIMING MATTERS PPH can escalate quickly. Minutes matter. Too often, mothers are told: “That’s normal” “You just gave birth” But your body will tell you when something is wrong. Listen to it. Trust it. Act on it. 🛑 WHAT TO DO IMMEDIATELY: Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room Do NOT wait to “see if it slows down” Alert your provider right away 💗 As a maternal health advocate, doula, and community health worker, this is why education is everything for me. Because prevention isn’t always possible… but preparedness can change the outcome. ✨ Share this with a mother. ✨ Save this for later. ✨ Talk about this with your support system. Because awareness is protection. And protection saves lives. #PostpartumHemorrhage #MaternalHealth #BlackMaternalHealth #PostpartumCare #BirthEducation #DoulaSupport #SaveMomsLives #MaternalAwareness #WomensHealthMatters #MoonCycleMama #EmergencyPreparedness #ActFastSaveLives
0 Comments
Returning to work after having a baby is more than a schedule shift — it’s a heart shift.
As a holistic postpartum doula with Moon Cycle Mama Doula and Wellness, I want you to know this: you are not “just going back to work.” You are navigating a major life transition that deserves intention, support, and compassion. Whether you’re heading back at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, or beyond, the emotions can feel layered. Gratitude. Guilt. Relief. Anxiety. Empowerment. All of it can exist at the same time — and none of it makes you a bad mother. The Emotional Transition Your nervous system is still recalibrating. Your hormones are still balancing. Your identity is still expanding. Going back to work can stir up separation anxiety, questions about breastfeeding or pumping, sleep deprivation, and the pressure to “perform” like nothing has changed. But everything has changed — beautifully. You are not the same woman who left that workplace. You are softer and stronger. You carry new wisdom. You move differently because you now move with purpose. Preparing Holistically At Moon Cycle Mama Doula and Wellness, I guide mothers to prepare for this transition in a way that supports the whole person: ✨ Create a gentle morning rhythm that allows connection before separation. ✨ Practice grounding techniques before drop-off or logging in to work. ✨ Plan nourishing meals and hydration to support milk supply and energy. ✨ Communicate your needs clearly — pumping breaks, flexible scheduling, mental health days. ✨ Release the myth of “bouncing back.” You are evolving forward. Permission to Feel You are allowed to miss your baby and enjoy your career. You are allowed to feel overwhelmed and still be capable. You are allowed to ask for help. Postpartum doesn’t end at six weeks. It is a season — and seasons require support. If you are returning to work and feeling untethered, overwhelmed, or simply in need of grounding, know that holistic postpartum care can continue well beyond the newborn stage. Emotional support, mindful practices, energy balancing, and practical planning make a difference. You are not abandoning your baby. You are expanding your village. And you deserve support in every phase of motherhood. With love and intention, Moon Cycle Mama Doula and Wellness 🌙💛 Let’s talk about it.
Winter hits differently. Shorter days. Less sunlight. Cold temps that make staying inside feel easier than getting dressed. Fewer check-ins. Less movement. More isolation. If you’ve been feeling low energy, disconnected, unmotivated, emotional, or “off”, it’s not just in your head. What many people call the winter blues is often your nervous system responding to lack of light, reduced social interaction, and unprocessed emotions. And here’s the good news: you don’t have to white-knuckle your way through it. At Moon Cycle Mama Doula & Wellness, we believe winter is not something to “push through”—it’s something to move with. Why Winter Affects Your Mood More Than You RealizeFrom a holistic and nervous-system-informed perspective, winter can bring:
This is where intentional practices—like journaling, Reiki, and community support—become powerful tools for regulation and transformation. Journaling Through the Seasons: More Than “Just Writing” Your Moon Cycle Mama Wellness Journal isn’t about perfection or daily prompts you feel guilty for skipping. It’s about: Creating a safe container for your thoughts Giving your emotions somewhere to land Tracking patterns in your mood, energy, and cycles Releasing what you’ve been carrying silently Winter journaling invites reflection, not pressure. Even 5 minutes a day can help: Reduce mental clutter Improve emotional awareness Support mood regulation Reconnect you to your inner voice ✨ Transformation happens when you stop bottling things up and start witnessing yourself with compassion. How Reiki Supports the Winter Nervous System Cold months can cause the body to contract—physically and emotionally. Reiki helps by: Supporting nervous system regulation Encouraging relaxation and emotional release Moving stagnant energy that often builds up during winter Helping you feel grounded, calm, and supported Many clients share that Reiki during winter feels like: “A reset.” “A deep exhale.” “Coming back into my body.” When paired with journaling, Reiki can help you process what’s been stuck instead of suppressing it. The Power of Support, Resources, and Simple Check-Ins Sometimes what we need most in winter isn’t another productivity hack—it’s connection. At Moon Cycle Mama Doula & Wellness, support looks like:
You don’t have to “have it all together” to ask for help. ✨ Transformation begins when you allow yourself to be supported instead of surviving alone. What Healing Can Look Like Over Time With consistent journaling, Reiki, and support, many people notice: Improved mood and emotional clarity Better sleep and nervous system regulation Increased self-awareness and self-trust A deeper sense of grounding and peace Feeling more connected—to themselves and others Winter doesn’t have to feel like emotional hibernation. It can be a season of rest, reflection, and renewal. A Gentle Invitation 💛 If winter has been weighing on you, consider this your reminder: You don’t have to do this alone. Whether it’s journaling with intention, receiving Reiki, accessing resources, or simply checking in—you’re welcome here. 🌙 Moon Cycle Mama Doula & Wellness is here to support your emotional, spiritual, and nervous system health—especially during the seasons that ask more of us. If this resonates, take the next gentle step that feels right for you. You deserve care—even in winter. 1/8/2026 0 Comments Why America’s Childhood Vaccine Schedule Just Changed — And What Families in Chicago and Beyond Should KnowParents everywhere are talking about it: the U.S. childhood vaccine schedule was just overhauled in a way that reduces the number of vaccines universally recommended for all children. This significant shift came from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) at the direction of the Trump administration—and it’s stirring up questions, confusion, and concern from families and health professionals alike.
If you’ve been asking, “What does this mean for my child’s health?” — you’re not alone. Here’s what you need to know in everyday language so you can make decisions with clarity and confidence. What Changed in the Childhood Vaccine Schedule? Previously, the federal government’s childhood immunization schedule included universal recommendations for vaccines protecting against about 17 diseases. The new guidance narrows that down to 11 diseases that are recommended for all children. Other vaccines — such as those for influenza (flu), rotavirus, hepatitis A and B, RSV, and some meningitis strains — have been moved out of the universal category and are now guided more by individual doctors’ conversations with families. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), under HHS authority, says this change aims to better align U.S. guidelines with those of some other countries and encourage shared clinical decision-making between parents and healthcare providers. It’s important to know that access to all these vaccines hasn’t disappeared. Parents who want their child to receive any of the vaccines that were moved out of the universal category can still get them; federal and private insurance are still required to cover them. Why This Matters to You as a Parent For many families — especially those in communities already facing health inequities — this policy shift has created real uncertainty. Medical experts and leading pediatric groups have raised concerns that:
Shared Decision-Making — What That Really Means Under the new guidance, some vaccines now fall into a category called shared clinical decision-making. This means that instead of every child being recommended to receive them as a standard, the decision is meant to be made between you and your healthcare provider based on your child’s health, household, and community context. This approach is meant to respect parental choice, but it also places greater responsibility on families and clinicians to have informed conversations — which can feel overwhelming without support. How You Can Navigate This with Confidence Here are steps you can take as a parent: Talk openly with your pediatrician or trusted healthcare provider. Ask how these changes might affect your child’s vaccination timeline and health risks. Know that vaccines moved into shared decision-making are still available and usually covered by insurance. They’re not gone — the recommendation has just shifted. Trust established science and expert opinion. Pediatric associations emphasize that vaccines remain a cornerstone of protecting children from preventable disease. Ask questions. It’s okay to want clarity about what’s best for your child — and part of your role as their advocate. Your Family’s Health Is Not One-Size-Fits-All In times of change and uncertainty, fear can grow when people feel uninformed. At its heart, this conversation isn’t just about policy — it’s about your child’s wellbeing, your peace of mind, and making health choices that align with your values and your child’s needs. Because your child’s health deserves clarity, compassion, and support — not confusion. 12/30/2025 0 Comments Free Bleeding: What It Is, How It Works, Benefits, Risks & Why Everyone’s Talking About ItFree bleeding just went viral—again.
After Rapper Sukihana casually mentioned free bleeding on Baddies USA (Zeus Network), the internet hit pause and collectively asked: “Wait… WHAT is free bleeding?” TikTok debates, Twitter think pieces, and group chats lit up overnight. So let’s break it all the way down—no shame, no myths, just facts. This is your judgment-free, educational guide to the movement that challenges how we think about periods, bodies, and bodily autonomy. What Is Free Bleeding? Free bleeding is the practice of menstruating without using traditional menstrual products such as pads, tampons, menstrual cups, or discs. Instead, a person allows their menstrual blood to flow naturally. Some people practice free bleeding:
How Does Free Bleeding Work? Contrary to what social media jokes suggest, free bleeding isn’t always about bleeding freely everywhere. Many who practice it use techniques like:
Why Do People Choose Free Bleeding? 1. Bodily Autonomy & Reclaiming the Cycle For many, free bleeding is a political, spiritual, or personal statement--“My body isn’t dirty or shameful.” 2. Avoiding Chemicals Some menstrual products contain bleaches, fragrances, or synthetic fibers. Free bleeding appeals to those wanting a more natural experience. 3. Comfort & Sensory Relief No dryness. No friction. No inserting or sticking anything to your body. 4. Cultural & Spiritual Practices In some cultures, menstruation is viewed as sacred. Free bleeding can align with ancestral or holistic beliefs. Is Free Bleeding Safe? It depends. Free bleeding isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. Potential Benefits
Free Bleeding vs. Period Poverty It’s important to separate choice from necessity. Some people free bleed because:
Why Sukihana’s Comment Sparked So Much Buzz Sukihana is known for being unfiltered, body-positive, and unapologetic. Her mention of free bleeding on Baddies USA challenged mainstream comfort levels around menstruation—especially coming from a confident Black woman on a popular platform. The reaction says more about society’s discomfort with periods than the practice itself. Is Free Bleeding for You? Ask yourself:
The Real Tea ☕Free bleeding isn’t about shock value—it’s about choice, awareness, and challenging period stigma. Whether you’re curious, committed, or absolutely not interested, the real win is having the conversation openly. And if one comment on Zeus got us here? Then maybe that’s exactly what was supposed to happen. At Moon Cycle Mama Doula & Wellness, everything we do is rooted in cycles—just like the moon.
We honor the new moon of birth, the tenderness of postpartum, the steady rhythms of family life, and now, with deep reverence, the season of aging. Each phase of life deserves presence, dignity, and compassionate support. Yet when it comes to our elders, support is often fragmented—emotional needs in one place, practical care in another. What’s missing is continuity. That’s where the complete moon cycle of care comes in. 🌿 Doula Care Was Never Meant to Stop at Birth A doula is not a medical provider. A doula is a guide, an advocate, a steady presence during life’s most meaningful transitions. Birth is one transition. Postpartum is another. Aging is one, too. As elders move through this season, many experience: Social isolation Emotional overwhelm Grief and loss of independence Difficulty navigating care systems A deep desire to be seen, not managed This is where doula philosophy meets elder care. 🌕 Introducing Senior Support Doula Services Moon Cycle Mama Doula & Wellness is gently expanding to include Senior Support Doula Services—a non-medical, emotional, spiritual, and advocacy-based support offering for older adults. Senior Support Doula Services focus on: Emotional support and companionship Reducing social isolation Wellness education and grounding practices Spiritual support (optional and consent-based) Advocacy preparation for appointments and care conversations Life reflection, storytelling, and legacy work This work is about presence, listening, and dignity—not hands-on or clinical care. 🏡 Expanding the Circle: Professional Caregiving Support In addition to doula-style support, Moon Cycle Mama Doula & Wellness now offers non-medical professional caregiving services, following completion of formal caregiver training through Matthews Home Health and Caregiver Training Center LLC. This allows for practical, in-home support such as: Assistance with activities of daily living Light meal preparation Safety monitoring Errands and household support Companionship with care. 🌿 Two Paths of Care — One Philosophy Clients may choose: Senior Support Doula Services (emotional, spiritual, advocacy support) Non-Medical Caregiving Services (practical in-home support) Or a blended care approach, thoughtfully designed and clearly defined This dual-lane model allows elders and families to receive consistent, relationship-based care, rather than fragmented services. 🌕 The Moon Cycle of Aging The waning moon teaches us something important: Slowing down is not weakness. Reflection is not regression. Aging is not something to fix—it is something to honor. Our elders deserve more than checklists and rushed visits. They deserve witnessing, respect, and continuity. This is aging supported through the same lens we use for birth—with compassion and intention. 🌿 A Gentle Soft Launch This expansion is being introduced thoughtfully, in response to community need. Services are currently offered through: Hourly companion or caregiving sessions Weekly wellness or support visits Private pay or community-based partnerships Each care plan is personalized, non-medical, and rooted in dignity. 🌕 WANT MORE DETAILS? ✨ SCHEDULE YOUR FREE CONSULTATION! “Understanding Senior Support Doula Care vs. Caregiving: What Families Need to Know” If you’re an elder, family member, caregiver, or community partner and want: ✔ A clear breakdown of services ✔ How to choose the right type of support ✔ Pricing structures & care models ✔ What questions to ask before hiring support ✔ How blended care plans work 👉 Join the Moon Cycle Care List by "contacting us" and be the first to learn about availability, programs, and community offerings. No spam. Just grounded, compassionate information for families navigating aging. 🌿 Closing Invitation From birth to elderhood, no season of life should be walked alone. Moon Cycle Mama Doula & Wellness remains committed to supporting families across the full moon cycle of life—now extending that care with intention, training, and heart. Becoming a mother is a sacred transition.
It stretches the body, changes the mind, and transforms the spirit. But for many women, there’s another part of motherhood that doesn’t get talked about enough: postpartum hair loss. When shedding begins—clumps in the sink, thinning edges, bald patches—it can feel shocking and emotionally heavy. Hair is built into identity, confidence, and cultural expression. For Black & Brown women especially, our crown holds ancestral, spiritual, and personal meaning. At Moon Cycle Mama Doula & Wellness, I offer a private, supportive space where new mothers can be seen, nurtured, and restored through postpartum crown care and cranial prosthesis (medical wigs) designed especially for sensitive and transitioning scalps. This is more than hair replacement; it’s emotional healing + identity reclamation. 🌿 Who This Service Is For? A cranial prosthesis is ideal for mothers experiencing:
🌸 Who Else Can Benefit From a Cranial Prosthesis? Medical wigs are not only for cancer care. They support anyone experiencing medical or stress-related hair loss. Here are women who often benefit: 1️⃣ Women with Alopecia
Pregnancy is a sacred journey — and while miscarriages can’t always be prevented, there are ways to nurture your body, mind, and spirit for a healthier pregnancy.
✨ 1. Schedule a preconception check-up — review labs, thyroid, and hormone levels early. ✨ 2. Take prenatal vitamins with folic acid daily (400–800 mcg) to support baby’s neural development. ✨ 3. Maintain a healthy weight and nourish your body with whole, balanced foods. ✨ 4. Manage chronic conditions like diabetes, PCOS, and hypertension with professional guidance. ✨ 5. Avoid smoking, alcohol, and illicit substances — all can increase miscarriage risk. ✨ 6. Limit caffeine to under 200 mg per day. ✨ 7. Reduce stress with gentle movement — try prenatal yoga, meditation, or Reiki. ✨ 8. Stay hydrated and eat foods rich in iron, folate, and antioxidants. ✨ 9. Protect yourself from toxins and infections — wash hands often, cook foods thoroughly, and avoid harsh chemicals. ✨ 10. Keep up with prenatal appointments — early care makes a big difference. 💞 If you need holistic support after pregnancy loss or grief, I offer gentle, restorative care through: Reiki Healing Sessions Emotional Wellness Support Fertility & Womb Health Consultations Doula Care & Postpartum Support 🌕 You’re not alone on this journey. Healing starts with compassion and connection. — Kerri Honeywood, Doula • CLS • Reiki Master 🌐 www.mooncyclemama.com #MiscarriageAwareness #PregnancyHealth #HolisticHealing #DoulaSupport #MoonCycleMama #ReikiHealing #PregnancyWellness #WombHealth #WomenSupportingWomen #ChicagoDoula When we talk about holistic wellness, we include not only our cycles, emotional health, nutrition, and birth choices — but also taking steps to protect ourselves in relationships and intimacy. One powerful tool in the HIV prevention toolbox is PrEP.
What is PrEP? PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is medicine people take before exposure to help lower the chance of getting HIV. Think of it as proactive protection. It comes as a pill (daily) or a shot (every few months) depending on what your provider recommends. Why use PrEP? It can reduce risk of HIV from sex by up to 99% when used correctly. It gives you control — not relying only on partners. It fits into a wellness mindset: protecting your body, your future, your peace of mind. Not a replacement PrEP is wonderful, but it doesn’t protect you from all sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or pregnancy. Using condoms or other barrier methods alongside PrEP is still wise. Also, regular testing and open conversations with partners remain key. Considerations before starting You must test negative for HIV first. You’ll need medical follow-ups and lab checks regularly. You might feel side effects at first (upset stomach, headache) but they usually lessen. PrEP is most effective when taken consistently. How this fits into your wellness path Choosing PrEP can be an act of self respect and self protection. Just like nourishing your body, tending to your emotions, building supportive birth plans — this is one more layer of care. When clients see wellness in its fullness (physical, sexual, emotional), they can make empowered choices for themselves. If you’re curious whether PrEP might fit for you, talk with a trusted, open-minded provider who can walk you through pros, cons, and what it would look like in your life. 9/30/2025 0 Comments “Why Pregnant Women Shouldn’t ‘Just Tough It Out’: The Truth About Fevers, Tylenol, and Misinformation”In September 2025, former President Trump publicly urged pregnant women to avoid Tylenol (acetaminophen), suggesting an increased risk of autism in children. This alarmist claim flies in the face of decades of medical consensus and has sparked fierce pushback from leading obstetrical and public health organizations.
But the debate raises a crucial underlying question: What is the real risk of untreated fever during pregnancy — and what is the safest, evidence-based approach to managing it? Below, we unpack the medical evidence, weigh the pros and cons, and offer guidance for pregnant people and caregivers seeking clarity. Why Fever During Pregnancy Is Not a Trivial Concern It’s essential to recognize that fever in pregnancy isn’t merely uncomfortable — it can carry real risks if left unaddressed:
In short: ignoring or refusing to treat a fever—or pain—during pregnancy can pose more immediate and clear risks than many of the theoretical concerns being raised. The Trump Claim vs. Scientific Consensus What Trump Is Saying: Trump and allied health officials have asserted that acetaminophen (Tylenol) use in pregnancy may cause autism, advising pregnant women to “limit Tylenol use unless medically necessary.” The administration is reportedly directing the FDA to alert physicians to reduce prescribing acetaminophen in pregnancy, and to update labeling. What the Medical Authorities Say: ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) reaffirmed that acetaminophen “remains the safest first-line analgesic and antipyretic in pregnancy.” ACOG further notes: “in more than two decades of research … not a single reputable study has conclusively shown that acetaminophen causes neurodevelopmental disorders when used appropriately in pregnancy.” The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) has explicitly stated that existing evidence has not shown a causal link between prenatal acetaminophen use and autism or ADHD. The FDA acknowledges that while some observational studies have suggested associations, a causal relationship has not been established. The agency also underscores that acetaminophen is the only over-the-counter medication approved for fever relief during pregnancy. The World Health Organization has rejected claims that paracetamol (acetaminophen) use in pregnancy is linked to autism, stating that no conclusive evidence exists. Key Caveat: Correlation vs. Causation Much of the research being cited by both sides is observational or retrospective. That means:
Thus, while the hypothesis deserves careful scientific investigation, the evidence is not sufficiently robust to justify wholesale avoidance of acetaminophen in pregnancy. Pros & Cons of Acetaminophen Use in Pregnancy Pros (Why Many Experts Support Limited Use)
Cons / Risks & Uncertainties Potential associations in research
Dose sensitivity / cumulative exposure risks
Incomplete data
Potential public misunderstanding and fear
Practical Guidance & Best Practices
Emphasize general protective measures
Acknowledge the gaps in evidence and the limitations of current studies. Ongoing research is needed. |
AuthorKerri Honeywood is a Certified Doula/ Certified Lactation Specialist/ Holistic Healer/ Certified Reiki Master/ that works with Postpartum mothers and others that can benefit from holistic healing & support. She is the mother of five she understands the joys and challenges of motherhood and life in general. Archives
April 2026
Categories |
RSS Feed