tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79290357579309972532024-03-13T12:48:16.671-04:00stephina doucette, massage therapist & doulaStephinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05420770328888314364noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7929035757930997253.post-79301778592816545162014-10-22T16:15:00.002-04:002014-10-28T13:15:28.016-04:00sluggish cure alls<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm not sure if mercury is in retro grade or the fact that its been drizzling/pouring for the last 24 plus hours, but I can't seem to get out of my own way. A few times a year I get into this slump and I typically take a few days to get out of it. I'm running on day two. Tonight I plan on implementing a few of my cure alls for when I'm feeling a little down and unmotivated. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Number one on the list: increasing my Vitamin D. It's been days since I've seen the sun and with the days getting shorter, my sun hours will slowly become zero as winter approaches. To protect my immune system and my mood, I supplement with vitamin D3. Most people in the Northeast, particularly in Maine, have vitamin D deficiency in the winter months. Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin, which means it needs fat in order absorb it. So be sure to take it with a meal containing fat and always seek out a trusted source for any supplements to make sure you are getting quality ingredients.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I also crave human touch when I'm feeling a bit of the duldrums. A simple hug from my little one or husband does the trick in a pinch, but if I have the time in my schedule, I'll make an appointment for body work. Not only is it relaxing, but human touch helps our body make the feel good hormones of oxytocin which is sure to put anyone in a better mood. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Although it can be so hard when I'm feeling down, I motivate myself to move. Even if just for 5 minutes. I do a little yoga, or plank with Lil. When I'm done I've accomplished something and that makes me feel good and might be the push I need to keep going and have the momentum to accomplish some other tasks I had been putting off during my sluggish mood. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Lastly, I take some time for me. Whether it be the scheduled massage, a bath, or some time to journal, a little bit of self-care goes a long way. </span></div>
Stephinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05420770328888314364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7929035757930997253.post-18480846520924956022014-07-24T16:16:00.000-04:002014-07-24T16:21:55.719-04:00a beautiful birth<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Stunning home birth. The videographer has some real talent. Click the link to watch.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://youtu.be/pSyCal8fqig" target="_blank">Birth of Sloane</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm really in awe of how surreal it is. Although I dropped my idea of a "prefect" birth, as everyone has their own ideas about how they want their own birth to go, this comes pretty close. The whole video has this feeling of calm and peace. It was also interesting to see the candle burning ritual they did and I'm curious to see what was in the tub water when Dad and baby took a bath after. </span></div>
<br />Stephinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05420770328888314364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7929035757930997253.post-48682179463751975732014-07-18T15:39:00.001-04:002014-09-09T13:16:37.644-04:00my breastfeeding story<div style="text-align: justify;">
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remember being pregnant with Lil and having some very bizarre dreams.
One must have been around when I was 8 months along and in my dream I
realized Lil's leg had fallen out. Like, OUT out.... The rest of her was
trying to come out too! I was doing a jig around my bedroom asking my
husband to please help me push her back in because it wasn't time yet! I
woke shortly after so I don't know what the end result was, but I can
look back at that dream and smile. Silly as it was. Most of the other
dreams I had while pregnant had themes of breastfeeding. One in
particular was quite upsetting. I remember pulling back the blanket of
the bassinet wondering when the last time I fed the baby. She was cool
to the touch and not moving. She did open her eyes and had shallow
breathing. I remember the wave of emotion I felt as I tried to nurse the
baby in my dream and how horrible I felt as a mother. How could I
possibly forget to feed the baby? As it turns out, I would not have a
mind that would forget to feed my baby, but breasts that would not be
able to. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Lil was
born early on a Monday morning in a tub filled with water in our home.
It was everything I wanted my birth to be. I didn't tear. I didn't poop
(odd fear, but I was so concerned about it..). I even enjoyed pushing. I
know. You can tell me to shut up. It was an average length for active
labor (pre and early, another story) and surprisingly enough I didn't
once wonder when it would be over. Shocking for me, as I'm a type of
person who loves instant gratification. Within 30 minutes Lil and I were
cuddled up in our bed and she had bobbed her little head towards my
nipple and latched on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The
first 4 days of Lil's life is a blur of cries and sleeplessness. I
couldn't figure out why this baby would stay up all night screaming,
refusing my breast. After many pleas from my husband and the okay from
our midwife, I gave my baby a half ounce of formula. She stopped crying
immediately. I sobbed. I had failed. I had starved my baby. I still
struggle with the guilt of this a full 19 months later. After talking to
many women and a couple lactation consultants, I know the first and
most important thing is to feed the baby. Everything else comes second,
but that doesn't change the fact that I was mourning a failed nursing
relationship, a bond that I was very much looking forward to. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My body
failed me. I never became engorged. My breasts never changed size during
pregnancy. On a good day if I took all my supplements I could produce a
whole ounce of milk for Lil. When I returned to work, that decreased to
15 mls per day. We seeked donor milk and are forever grateful to the
three women you graciously gave their extra milk to us. Lil thrived off
formula, donor milk, and what milk I was able to give her. We
bottle-fed, nursed, and used an SNS. I stopped pumping and nursing at 6
months. I had gained excess weight because of the supplements, and the
small amount of milk she got from me just did not seem worth it
anymore. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">While
searching for a "cure" for my dismal supply I found an amazing support
group on Facebook for women with chronic low supply and/or IGT
(insufficient glandular tissue). Because of those women I learned so
much about the possible reasons why my body failed to meet Lil's needs. I
don't carry any of the physical markers for IGT, so the jury is still
out on why I didn't make enough milk. Could have been an imbalance in
hormones (likely). Maybe it was an undiagnosed lip or tongue tie
(doubtful). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It has
taken some time for me to come to terms with our breastfeeding
relationship, or lack there of. I was angry for a while. Angry at all
the articles I had read about how all women can breastfeed and that
there is no such thing as low-supply. Angry at myself for being one of
those women who use to judge others for bottle feeding. Angry at the LC
who couldn't magically increase my supply. Angry that no one ever told
me that having practically no supply was even a possibility! Angry at
nursing mothers who would complain about leaking breasts and over
supply. I was ashamed when I had to excuse myself from the mommy/baby
group to go mix a bottle of formula. I wanted to hide. I felt judged. I
am no longer angry. If anything I feel a little bit excited to try again
with any future children. I now know what to expect of myself and if we
exceed any of the expectations, all the better. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikvcA6uZVSgH9V1IUH5ez1xLujuOZ3P3BXHl0Wr7t5PJfwbWtf-RuaN00lF1upcyH3qzO5oGVwMdDovD0USf8Kiwnbz4t2Iq1qxwEn7V6nT9ChiVMhunfps44zbScWx5Ju3QU0DCwKOnA/s1600/me&lilB&W.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikvcA6uZVSgH9V1IUH5ez1xLujuOZ3P3BXHl0Wr7t5PJfwbWtf-RuaN00lF1upcyH3qzO5oGVwMdDovD0USf8Kiwnbz4t2Iq1qxwEn7V6nT9ChiVMhunfps44zbScWx5Ju3QU0DCwKOnA/s1600/me&lilB&W.jpg" height="320" width="246" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">When
asked by pregnant women what I wish I had known before having a baby
that no one told me, I tell them this: Sleep, no one tells you that most
babies won't sleep well in their crib/bassinet. Lil only wanted to
sleep in my arms. As soon as I stopped fighting her need to be on me and
trying to fix the situation and accept it, we all slept a lot better.
They also didn't tell me that I would lose who I was. That woman doesn't
exist anymore, and it took a while to mourn the loss of her. Lastly, I
tell them a little bit about my breastfeeding journey. I tell them that
most women will not have the difficulty that I had, but it was a shock
to expect to do something that all women are meant to be able to do, and
not be able to do it. I had to mourn the nursing relationship that I
did not get to have with my daughter. I had to change my expectations of
what I thought our nursing relationship was supposed to be and come to
terms with what it was. An unexpected life lesson for motherhood, for
sure. A whole lot of loss (sleep, nursing, myself) to be balanced by a
whole lot of gain (knowledge, love, Lil). </span></div>
Stephinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05420770328888314364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7929035757930997253.post-57160005553677749062014-06-24T13:13:00.001-04:002014-06-24T13:13:20.203-04:00hat<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Just as I was about to hang it up for a while, the Universe starts shouting. Nearly 18 months after the birth of my own daughter, I am putting back on my doula hat. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I had been putting off massage and doula work until Lil was able to be more independent. Now that she is, I was wondering if maybe I should hold off until she and any future children, were older. After speaking with other women in my life it has become apparent that I am meant to do this work. I am supposed to walk this path. It is certainly not the fast or easy road, but I need to have meaning in the work that I do and helping women whether it be physically through touch and body work, or emotionally supportive to a new mother and her family, this is what I am called to do in this moment in time. </span></div>
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<br />Stephinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05420770328888314364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7929035757930997253.post-4509326475153482442012-03-30T11:43:00.002-04:002012-03-30T11:51:53.125-04:00Pathways<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;">
World Doula Week has come to an end and I would say it was quite successful. Plenty of Doulas around the world created more awareness of who we are and what we do and even received some media coverage. Our little film screening at Birth Roots last weekend was low-key and fun. I was excited to share <i>DOULA!</i> with other women and Doulas in our community and it was the start to a movie-watching weekend. Sunday we spent a handful of hours watching <i>More Business of Being Born</i> the second set of films to the original <i>The Business of Being Born.</i> A huge amount of information is in these DVD's so I'd suggest sitting down to watch on a clear-headed day with not much else going on. I highly recommend them to everyone though, especially mums-to-be and their partners. I'm all about informed choice (who isn't?) and watching these DVD's is a great place to start accumulating information about birth. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIjtOXJETS7i8Fr9w1A0RMvGCRTPhmsHc-o_ovY5KfzrZt2sPV43mruzGcj4SQzQhwUV0FMBRI3FCLBf4V0g9UhP5zky6iwTPc3eUCK1CXBlCG2Qjtj9PbkcFJw_aUfydUlLQbTEAInDs/s1600/32_cover_4763d16884c1eb488050afdf9784acf3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIjtOXJETS7i8Fr9w1A0RMvGCRTPhmsHc-o_ovY5KfzrZt2sPV43mruzGcj4SQzQhwUV0FMBRI3FCLBf4V0g9UhP5zky6iwTPc3eUCK1CXBlCG2Qjtj9PbkcFJw_aUfydUlLQbTEAInDs/s1600/32_cover_4763d16884c1eb488050afdf9784acf3.jpg" /></a>Another fantastic resource that I've recently come across is <i><a href="http://pathwaystofamilywellness.org/" style="color: #38761d;" target="_blank">Pathways to Family Wellness</a> </i>magazine. I first heard about it through <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PinetreeFamily" style="color: #38761d;" target="_blank">Pine Tree Family Chiropractic</a>. They have hard copies in the office, but Dr. Johanna Hill also has a link on her Facebook page to the digital copy online. <i>Pathways</i> is all about informed choice (yay!). I will admit that most of the articles do sway on the holistic side of wellness, but for those that are looking for alternative means of health care outside of traditional western medicine, this magazine is worth the read. To give you a taste, here are some of the articles in this months issue: Mothering the Mother, a great article on the ins and outs of the role of a Doula. Confronting Vaccine Dogma, the story of a mother sticking up for her children's' health care rights. Imagination is More Important than Knowledge, a piece based on scientific evidence about language development in children. Plus loads more. Dr. Johanna Hill has a group that meets monthly at Birth Roots after the Doula Tea to discuss the magazine and other ideas with the community. If you're interested in joining the next group meeting or want to learn more about <i>Pathways</i> or Pine Tree Family Chiropractic, find them on Facebook (links above). </div>
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<br /></div>Stephinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05420770328888314364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7929035757930997253.post-34120426156010516892012-02-29T15:18:00.001-05:002012-02-29T15:20:42.738-05:00DOULA!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's official. The DOULA! film screening will be taking place on March 24th, 2pm at <a href="http://www.ourbirthroots.org/" style="color: #38761d;" target="_blank">Birth Roots</a>. They have been very awesome in letting us host the screening in their space. I will be co-hosting the event with fellow doula <a href="http://thepowerofbirth.weebly.com/" style="color: #38761d;" target="_blank">Natasha Miller</a>. We previewed the film last night, and let me just say, it is fantastic. It is about an hour in length and showcases three separate births, all attended by doulas. If you have been thinking about becoming a doula, hiring a doula, know someone who might want a doula, or if you find yourself wondering what exactly a doula is, you should watch this documentary. </div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In addition to Natasha and myself, there will be a handful of other local doulas in attendance, so we will have a little discussion after the film to answer any questions/thoughts that you may have. If you're interested in attending please email me to register, space is limited. The screening is free, but any small donations for the space (Birth Roots) will be accepted.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A huge shout out to <a href="http://doulafilm.com/" style="color: #38761d;" target="_blank">Alto Films</a> for creating a film that builds awareness in the birthing community about doulas, and on top of that, allowing free screening during World Doula Week. You rock!</span></div>
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March 22nd-28th is World Doula Week, and I couldn't be more excited! First to find out that we have a full week dedicated to recognizing Doulas as birth professionals, then secondly that I'm able to offer a free screening of the documentary movie <i>DOULA! The Ultimate Birth Companion</i>. Here is the movie trailer to give you a little preview...</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/iRc36qMxNak?rel=0" width="560">&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;</iframe></div>
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I'm planning on a small screening the afternoon of Saturday, March 24th with some munchies and a discussion after the movie. I'll have more details in the coming days, but if you're interested at all, please contact me and I'll be sure to send the information your way.</div>
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</div>Stephinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05420770328888314364noreply@blogger.com0