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

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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 

The nourishment every postpartum mother needs.
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As a doula, I take great care in providing mothers the support they need throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the fourth trimester. The fourth trimester is what many refer to as postpartum, the first few months after giving birth. 

During the fourth trimester, you are going through many changes; adjusting to breastfeeding, sleepless nights, body changes, lifestyle changes, and new responsibilities. Although it is a precious time, the feelings of overwhelm are natural and expected.

While navigating the first few months of motherhood, remember that taking care of yourself is foundational to being the best mom you can be for your baby. 

Nourishing your body should be a top priority during the fourth trimester.

Throughout the nine months of pregnancy, your body is the sole source of nutrients for another human, followed by giving birth. Giving birth involves blood loss, tearing, possible surgical wounds, soreness, and more. After all of this, your body has a tremendous amount of recovering to do. Without proper nourishment, you can quickly experience postpartum depletion. 

Proper nourishment during the fourth trimester
 
Prenatal vitamin
Continuing your prenatal vitamin during the fourth trimester can help to fill in any nutritional gaps.
 
Warming foods
Warming foods can help to restore proper digestion. Soups, stews, bone broths, teas, and warm drinks are ideal while you're recovering.
 
Tip - Prepare soups and stews ahead of time to keep in your freezer for those early postpartum days.
 
Protein
Protein aids in the rebuilding of tissue, digestion, and keeping you energized. Sipping bone broth or adding collagen to your morning oats is a great way to add extra protein to your diet.
 
Vitamin C
Vitamin C promotes healing and supports a strong immune system. Bell peppers, brussels sprouts, and citrus fruits are excellent sources of vitamin C. 

Iron
A large amount of blood is lost during delivery, leading to lower iron levels. Inadequate iron levels can result in fatigue, depressive symptoms, and brain fog. Red meat, turkey, beans, lentils, tofu, dark leafy greens, and whole grains are high in iron.
 
 
As with many parts of motherhood, the postpartum season can be both exciting and frightening. Planning ahead and ensuring you have the support you need can help you navigate this new phase of life with more joy and ease. 

Our Menstrual Cycle is the gateway to our Metaphysical (Sacred) Womb, which is a matrix upon which our reality is built. The Sacred Womb is our center of Empowerment as Women.

Sacred Womb Massage encourages a displaced uterus to its optimal position. Regulates menstrual cycle. Alleviates painful menstruation and ovulation. Increases circulation and promotes blood flow to the uterus.

A Fertility focused Womb Massage Is a deeply nourishing, powerful yet gentle blend of modalities, that when combined, bring harmony and balance to the Reproductive, Sacral and Digestive areas. Particular healing techniques from the Womb Massage have been woven to support fertility and release trauma and emotion stored in the body. It is a non-invasive, unique therapy that re-awakens and re-connects women to their bodies, especially their womb space and their natural cycles.

Fertility is enhanced by each of these parts of the body being nurtured. Using a variety of gentle techniques on the abdomen, womb and lower back, healing energy is brought to the body with the intent to cleanse, heal and restore.

A Fertility focused womb massage may help to boost your fertility naturally helping the body to become balanced, decrease stress and increase circulation, all of which assist with conceiving.

 The techniques used help to reduce the effects of fertility issues on the body and to support the menstrual cycle and reproductive system. It increases relaxation and blood circulation whilst decreasing stress. This particular massage can be used in conjunction with other forms of fertility treatment or can be used on its own.

Other benefits of this massage:

• Increases blood flow to the ovaries
• Eliminates bloating and water retention in the reproductive system
• Aids digestion
• Helps to heal cycle related challenges and menstrual pain
• Increases circulation to the uterus and cervix
• Maintains hormone balance
• Helps the body to rid itself of old stagnant blood and tissues and brings fresh blood to the uterus
• Connection to self and womb space
• Heightened libido
• Improves discomfort in the abdominal region
• Opportunity to call in the soul of the baby​

What's your experience? Leave it in the comments!

Just about everybody has dreams. They often occur during REM sleep (rapid eye movement), the deepest stage of sleep.

During dreams, you may see images and feel emotions, and some dreams can even trigger ideas. Some people remember their dreams after waking up, whereas others can have multiple dreams, yet are unable to recall a single one in the morning.

Dreaming is a normal, healthy part of sleep. But during pregnancy, you may notice a difference in the frequency and types of dreams you have. It’s not uncommon to remember more of your dreams, experience more vivid dreams, and even struggle with nightmares.

​One cause is due to an increase in the hormone production. You'll find during pregnancy that your hormones may impact your emotions and your anxiety. They will also impact the way your brain processes information and emotions, possibly resulting in more vivid and frequent dreams while pregnant.

Staying active during your postpartum period, can be as simple as walking with your doula!

-Walking helps prevent blood clots in your legs!
-Promote bowel movement and helps with constipation/gas!
-Promotes blood /oxygen flow!
-Release endorphins  to help elevate mood!

Support and Wellness are key during the healing process.
How much sun did you get today?

Hire a doula!

#blackmamasmatter #blackdoula
#blackwombsmatter #doulas #support  #wellnessjourney #doulamama #doulalove #csection #doulasupport #maternalhealth #doulalife #newmoms #postpartum 
#chicagodoula #mooncyclemama #walking #healthandwellness