​I accept the changes in my body from carrying a baby.

My body is an amazing instrument. I am humbled by my body's natural ability to carry a child and I am proud of myself for going through the process. The image I see in the mirror today is very different from the person I was a few months ago. When I look at myself, I see a work in progress.

I reject the voices of self-criticism that try to speak to me. I embrace the place where I am. Every woman carries differently and has a different journey to her new body because we are all different. I am unique. My body is unique. My journey is unique.

I am taking care of my body by making healthy choices and concerning myself with my safety before my looks.

​I refrain from looking at other women and comparing my body to theirs. Instead of focusing on my body, I focus on the blessing that I gained from this experience.

My new miracle is worth the changes in my body.

When I look to the future, I am hopeful.  I accept that it takes time for my body to adjust after carrying a baby.
I also accept that my body is going to be different than it was before my pregnancy.

The people who love me do so regardless of what my body looks like. There are women in my life who understand what I am going through and how I am feeling. I reach out to those women because I can trust them to give me heartfelt advice.

Today, I accept my body just the way it is. I eliminate worry from my mind by focusing on the thing that matters most: my new family. 

Self-Reflection Questions:
​
1. Am I making healthy choices with my body?
2. How can I be more patient toward myself?
3. Who can I reach out to for support

Child Birth Education For BIPOC Families Childbirth course will help build your confidence in your body's ability to give birth, for the Mother. Your partner will learn about childbirth and how to support you on the big day.
This course is also for non BIPOC / Allies looking to gain knowledge on how to be supportive and culturally competent when in BIPOC spaces. 

*In order to obtain your certificate, please complete the quiz!
*Enter your first & last name you will like on your certificate, click the submit button at the end of the course. 
*Email us your first and last name and a screenshot of your payment receipt  
*You will obtain your certificate with 10-45 mins.
​

​

The American Academy of Pediatrics recently announced that only about half of the
infants in the United States are put to bed in a way that follows the best medical
advice.

Thanks to increased awareness about safe sleeping practices for babies, cases of Sudden
Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) have fallen by more than 50% in recent years. While
progress has been dramatic, there’s still a long way to go.

If you’re a new parent, learn how to protect your baby while they slumber.

Guarding against SIDS

1. Place your baby on their back. Lying on their back is the safest position for an
infant because their breathing won’t be blocked by having their face against the
mattress. Put your baby on their back, even if they’re lying down for just a few
minutes.

2. Go bare headed. Forget about night caps or hats. It’s best to keep everything
away from your baby’s face.

3. Stay cool. Overheating can also contribute to SIDS. A onesie is usually all that
your baby needs to wear.

4. Skip the blanket. Covers can come loose and twist around a baby or make them too warm. If you think a blanket is necessary, talk with your doctor about how to swaddle correctly. 

5. Clear out the crib. Other than your baby and their mattress, keep everything else out of the crib.
​That includes pillows, bumpers, and stuffed toys. You want to minimize the risk of your baby choking or being smothered.

6. Breastfeed if possible. In addition to all the other benefits, babies who breastfeed are less likely to experience SIDS. It’s a good practice for you and your baby.

7. Immunize your baby. Immunizations appear to protect babies from SIDS, as well as the other diseases they’re designed for. Follow your pediatrician’s recommendations. However, it’s important to watch for signs of a reaction after any immunization and seek immediate medical treatment for any concerning symptoms.

8. Be careful about sharing beds. While some families believe in sleeping together,
studies show it can be risky. Someone in the bed could roll over on your baby. Be
especially careful if you’re a heavy sleeper.

9. Sleep in the same room. On the other hand, sleeping in the same room can help
to keep your baby out of harm’s way. A crib that attaches to your bed may be
the ideal way to stay close.

10.  Avoid cigarette smoke. If you’re trying to quit smoking, minimizing the risk of
SIDS gives you one more good reason. Try a combination of methods if you
need extra help with quitting.

11. Talk with other caregivers. Share these facts about SIDS with everyone who cares
for your baby. Get your nanny, babysitter, parents, and in-laws on board.

Additional Sleep Suggestions for Babies

1. Create tummy time. Lying on their stomach is beneficial for your baby, as long
as they’re awake and you’re right there watching them. While your baby enjoys
playing, they’ll also be strengthening their muscles and sharpening their motor
skills. You can extend tummy time as they get older.

2. Work towards a consistent sleep schedule. At first, you’ll need to follow your
baby’s lead. You can expect to be woken up several times during the night. 
Starting at about two months of age, you’ll probably find that a regular sleeping
schedule is becoming more feasible.

3. Take naps. Take advantage of your baby’s nap times to get some rest for yourself. It’s common for new babies to doze at least four times a day. 4. Ask for help. Being a new parent is a tough job. Take advantage of the experience and assistance of others. Let your family know what you need and seek out the support of other parents.

4. Ask for help. Being a new parent is a tough job. Take advantage of the
experience and assistance of others. Let your family know what you need and
seek out the support of other parents.

Since babies spend more time asleep than awake, it’s up to you to keep them snug
and secure while they snooze. Your children will get a head start on growing up
healthy, and you’ll sleep better, too, knowing that you’ve taken every precaution
against SIDS.

Did you know sibling support is a service that I offer?

This is ideal if you have another child/ children at home and are unsure of what to do with them during your upcoming birth. A sibling support doula will schedule time beforehand to get to know you and your child and or children. They are then on-call for you anytime and will come to your home or meet you at the hospital if you’d rather have your little one close by. 
A sibling support doula is comfortable around birth and can even help talk to your child about what’s happening in a way they can understand. We LOVE supporting families and will be available whenever labor starts and willing to do whatever makes your experience most comfortable.

Sibling support doulas can be more expensive than you might think, but they are very worth it!
-You’re paying for them to be on-call for you for weeks, which means only taking a few clients at a time and scheduling their own life events accordingly. 
-They’ve promised to be available any time day or night, and often have some training that makes them extra qualified to help in this unique situation. They aren’t your typical babysitter service, and thus should be paid for their time and expertise. 
The cost is often worth the Peace of Mind it brings and the worry that can be avoided as your birthing time approaches. Sibling support doulas can be hard to find, but I am here!

You will NEVER regret having an extra set of hands for both your kids AND yourself. 
Sometimes you need peace and quiet with your partner, and that’s when I would take the kids for snack time or a walk around the building, etc.

Sometimes things can get intense and you need the kids entertained, no worries, relax and watch while the doula provides expert support.

 Having a trained professional on-call and ready to go is worth the investment and can help you have the wonderful experience you want!

Check out my book "The Greatest Big Sister" to help siblings understand pregnancy, birth, and life with a newborn!
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I created this blog post because I too was in your shoes. I was soo in love with my new baby, I ignored all the signs that pointed out that I was struggling bad! With the lack of support, unaware of my resources, I was lost in the transition into parenthood.

• ​I was anemic and experiencing postpartum depletion 
• I became anxious and sleep and the lack thereof
• I felt like I want producing enough milk although I was nursing on demand
• My bleeding was heavy & prolonged
• My nipples became damaged and it was very painful to nurse
• I experienced a perineum tear during childbirth and it seemed like it took forever to heal
• A few days postpartum all the help stopped and I spiked a high fever that put me on further bedrest

It's so much more I can pinpoint but I'm sure you understand what I'm getting at.

No one should feel blind sided or lost in the transition of parenthood! I remembered the words "There is so much you CAN do, just by knowing WHAT you need".
All I knew is that I needed help but in order to get it I had to be way more specific.

• I needed help for the first 6 weeks maybe longer
• I needed delicious support foods that would aid in digestion, lactation, healing warm foods that was prepared ahead of time
• I knew my support person needed help to care for me, the baby and household tasks I was once in charge of
• I wanted to learn how to support & protect my milk supply
• I wanted to be more confident, loving and bonded to my baby & partner without feeling resentful.
• I craved to feel empowered because I felt so vulnerable in my needs.

If any of this resonated with you, its time to get the help of a resourceful postpartum doula! Although I learned this the hard way, you don't have too!

Being a Postpartum doula I want to be of support to you and your family in meaningful ways. You cant pour from an empty cup and expect to heal. This is about Mothering the mother not smothering you.
At this point you've recognized you need the support, you've recognized what exactly you need, Lastly is to put it all in action, reach out for a consultation with Doula Kerri!

NOW ACCEPTING POSTPARTUM CLIENTS IN 2023
 mooncyclemamadoulaandwellness@gmail.com

​
Have you ever had questions such as..

What is a doula? Is having a doula the right fit for me? What services do they offer? Learn all of this and more while getting to know me!

Come out for #Coffee & #Conversation and get your questions answered!

#Local Doulas let's #NETWORK!

Please RSVP at:
mooncyclemamadoulaandwellness@gmail.com

#chicago  #Birth/ #Postpartum #Doula
#Childbirth Educator
#Lactation Specialist
#Reiki Master
#Holistic Health & Wellness Coach
#houston
#katytexas 
#perinatal #postnatal #blackbirthworker #blackdoula

​Gratitude LUCERO For inviting US!
This Community Health and Resource fair was truly the right space for networking & mothers with babies. 
Updated resources will be available asap to our clients.  Make sure to invite us out to YOUR Community Health & Resource Fair! 

We can briefly chat about:
Mindset about birth
Support team roles
Measured for comfort
Informed decision making
Immediate PPD procedures & desires
Breastfeeding


#newmom #parenthood #birth #labor #newbaby #newborn #infant  #evidencebasedbirth #maternalhealth #parenting #blackwombsmatter #birthdoula  #blackmamasmatter #blackdoula
 #csection #doulasupport #chicago  #chicagopostpartumdoula #postpartum #childbirtheducation
#newborncare #chicagodoula #mooncyclemama

​Dads, You can also benefit from a postpartum doula to provide you with support.

A postpartum doula can help with baby care and attend to mom. They can also provide support like light housework and someone to lean on in times of need. Dads, get vocal and take charge of making sure visitors don't out stay their welcome or show up at inconvenient hours. Who needs EXTRA stress?

While we support you, you can support you're partner with confidence! 
For example, feeding times. Whether the baby is breast or bottle-fed, there are ways fathers can help to support their partner, like helping the baby latch, swaddling the baby after feeding, sitting next to their partner- interested in the day to day activities to show they are truly supportive and more.

Doulas make a difference!
Schedule your Postpartum consultation
​ squareup.com/appointments/book/1bpu4oo8ryimcs/LK9M6NSW731QR/services 

#worlddoulaweek #worldoulaweek2022 #chicagopostpartumdoula