Posts

What's in your bag?

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Hey, Hey! Hi Friends. Shawanna Here 😊  Are you ready to talk about one of the most exciting parts of preparing for your baby's arrival? Let's dive into what essentials you should pack in your hospital bag!        When you're getting ready to give birth, it's important to make sure you have everything you need to be comfortable and prepared.  It's a good idea to pack your hospital bag a few weeks before your due date, so you have plenty of time to get everything you need. Here are some essential items to bring with you to the hospital or birth center: First and foremost, don't forget to bring all of your hospital paperwork and identification. This includes your insurance card, driver's license or other ID, and any other paperwork that your hospital requires. If you have a birth plan, bring a copy to your doctor or midwife. This will help them understand your preferences and ensure that your birth experience is personalized to your needs. Comfortable clothe...

Nurturing Postpartum Support for Every Journey: Doula Care Beyond Birth II

Hey friends,  Shawanna here!  I  am dedicated to providing holistic care to pregnant individuals throughout their journey, acknowledging that not every pregnancy ends with bringing home a baby. It is crucial to recognize that the hormonal shifts and emotional adjustments that occur after any pregnancy can have a profound impact on one's mental health.  In the previous post, we explored how doulas are beneficial in alternate birth outcomes including stillbirth, miscarriage, adoption, and surrogacy. Today we'll discuss doula care for abortions.  Understandably this can be a tough topic for some. So I will offer a couple of disclaimers - Everyone has the right to an opinion. However, we do not promote hate of any kind. - Everybody has the right to choice. We do no t judge here. - This content is for educational purposes. If you have any medical concerns please contact your Primary Care Physician or OB/GYN. Thank You.😇      Currently, 21 states in ...

"Nurturing the Divine Within: Empowering Guild to Perinatal Yoga" Book Release

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 Hey friends, Shawanna here! 😇Shameless plug:😇           I have been working on this baby for a while now and I am so excited to share it with you. After years of reading books, watching educational and tutorial videos, and practicing, I just had to start compiling all of my notes into a guide I could use. I had a Manic episode a couple of months ago and ended up writing a book in 3 sleepless days. I had imposter syndrome for three months before I decided to publish it as the first of many in a series. Without further ado, I present..... "Nurturing the Divine Within: An Empowering Guide to Prenatal Yoga " Dive into a transformative journey of self-discovery with 'Nurturing the Divine Within: An Empowering Guide to Prenatal Yoga for Women of Color.' This empowering guide beautifully blends the ancient wisdom of prenatal yoga with the rich cultural experiences of women of color. With a focus on each chakra, this comprehensive manual provides tailored p...

Nurturing Postpartum Support for Every Journey: Doula Care Beyond Birth Part I

     Hey  Friends, I am Shawanna, a black birth worker in South Jersey. I am the founder of Born From A Lotus Doula Services and the host of the Spiritual Millennial Mama Podcast.  I am dedicated to providing holistic care to pregnant individuals throughout their journey, acknowledging that not every pregnancy ends with a baby. It is crucial to recognize that the hormonal shifts and emotional adjustments that occur after any pregnancy can have a profound impact on one's mental health. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of postpartum doula work for every kind of pregnancy, including those experiencing stillbirth, miscarriage, adoption, or surrogacy. Every pregnant person deserves compassionate support during this vulnerable and transformative time. Acknowledging the Hormonal Shifts:      Regardless of the outcome, pregnancy triggers significant hormonal changes in a person's body. After delivery, there is a drastic shift in hormone l...

Embracing Empowerment: Laboring and Childbirth at Home

     Greetings, beautiful souls! Today, we delve into a sacred journey, one that celebrates the empowerment of laboring and giving birth at home. This choice offers us a unique opportunity to reclaim our ancestral wisdom and create a birthing experience rooted in love, strength, and cultural affirmation. This blog will explore the profound benefits of home birth, share invaluable safety tips, and provide a list of resources that honor our heritage and guide us on this transformative path.      For centuries, Black women have birthed their babies with reverence and community support. Opting for home birth allows us to reclaim our ancestral wisdom and reconnect with the traditions that honor our rich heritage. In the sacred space of our homes, we can incorporate rituals, songs, and practices passed down through generations, infusing our birthing experience with cultural affirmation and spiritual connection. By embracing home birth, we empower ourselves, celeb...

Empowering Women: Understanding Natural Family Planning and Tracking Your Menstrual Cycle

     Hey  Friends, I am Shawanna, a black birth worker in South Jersey. I am the founder of Born From A Lotus Doula Services and the host of the Spiritual Millennial Mama Podcast. Welcome to our blog, where we celebrate the power and beauty of women's reproductive health. In this post, we will explore the concept of natural family planning and delve into the importance of tracking your menstrual cycle. As a black doula, I am passionate about empowering women to reclaim their reproductive health by understanding and honoring their bodies. Let's embark on this enlightening journey together! What is Natural Family Planning? Natural family planning is a holistic approach to contraception and conception that relies on understanding your menstrual cycle. Unlike artificial contraceptive methods, it embraces the natural rhythms of your body and empowers you to make informed choices about your reproductive health. By tracking changes in your body throughout the month, su...