“I will NEVER process a placenta…ever, that’s gross!”

That was a direct quote from me one year ago.  And I totally meant it! Every word!  I could not even begin to fathom picking up a clients placenta and taking it to my house.  Have you ever been to my house?  It’s not awful, but we do have two adults and up to five boys living here, plus 2 very long haired, 100 lb dogs.  It’s a bit like controlled chaos.  I actually love it!  But does it seem like a good place to drain, steam and dehydrate an organ from your body that you hope to ingest?  I mean, I know I eat a little dog hair in my soup every once in a while.  I am totally ok with that, but in YOUR placenta?  NO NO NO!  That is disgusting, and guess what?  I am not the only doula who has kids, or pets, or a standard messy house.

And don’t even get me started on the horror stories of clients receiving the wrong placenta.  Ya, that is just as awful as it sounds.  You can see how that might happen right?  Like if I’m processing multiple placentas at once?  Oh, you think that is gross too?  I agree!  This is why I swore, out loud, I would NEVER process placentas.

So fast forward a few months and I come across a brand new concept in placenta encapsulation safety.  Processing in the client’s home only!  You transport your own placenta (in a special kit, we provide).  We come to you, bring our own sanitized equipment, process your beautiful placenta into pills, and leave your kitchen cleaner than when we arrived.  Your house may not be spotless, but it is YOUR stuff, not mine.  Our doulas are blood borne pathogen certified and trained to the highest safety standard available.  While we are there, we are available to answer questions about your new baby, your recovery, breastfeeding, hemorrhoids..whatevs!

DING! DING! DING!

Everything has changed!  BirthME is offering this service now and I actually love doing it!  I know that it is safe for our doulas, their families and of course our clients.   You only get one placenta, why would you take a chance with less than the best?

 

 

 

Build A Labor Cave, a DIY Project

Materials needed: oxytocin, things that create oxytocin, people that create oxytocin. 

Oxytocin is the primary ingredient in birth. Not only does it cause contractions, but it is also the hormone that causes the ‘feel good’ sensation when people we love touch us, and thus is often referred to as the ‘love hormone’. Because of this, creating an oxytocin rich environment can help you have a more positive birth experience. Read More “Build A Labor Cave, a DIY Project”

We Are Doula Activists

There is a lot of talk in the doula world about how doulas should not be activists. BirthME couldn’t disagree more. We believe we can and should be activists for our clients. We should be holding signs, collecting signatures and uniting in force. We should be insisting on supporting Maine families in the best way possible. Read More “We Are Doula Activists”

Two Doulas are Better than One!

You are pregnant and you’re checking all the boxes on your to do list. You’ve hired the best provider, check! You’ve taken the top childbirth classes in the area, check! You hired a doula, check! She is familiar with who you are and she knows your birth preferences. She is ready to support you in exactly the way you need to be supported. You are all set up to have a wonderful birth experience, check! But what if something comes up and Your doula is unable to make it to your birth? Read More “Two Doulas are Better than One!”

It was amazing to have a support system totally dedicated to me, especially during a long and difficult labor and delivery.Molly C. - Family Nurse Practitioner
The services that you provide are invaluable to new moms (and dads). I feel that your classes are as beneficial to my health as staying active and hydrated.Katie B.
Being a first time mom is the most elating and terrifying journey in the world. Having a guide who is educated and understanding like Paula definitely made a difference, especially during those first few weeks!Selina, Mother, Wife, and Teacher
Paula was amazing supporting me, my husband and our midwife. After our baby was born, Paula would check in at clutch times and ease our uncertainty.Sarah P. Operations Manager
Paula helped my partner to have the confidence to make informed decisions and be the best support he could be.Sarah M. Business Owner
Paula not only provided essential postpartum support, She was always available to answer questions or troubleshoot any concerns at any time.Sam W. Montessori Teacher
Paula's consistent support allowed me to breastfeed, recover, and spend time with my older child.Jenny B. SAHM
I wasn't sure how I would make it through those first few weeks with my son in the NICU. With Paula's help I was able to meet my needs and his, and eventually meet our goal of exclusively breastfeeding.Jill J. Special Education Teacher
"I'm so glad I hired a doula for my husband!"Regan S.
It's hard to imagine our journey without her knowledge and optimism reassuring us each step of the way.Chelsea M
it was clear our doula knew how to integrate seamlessly with the hospital birth team. My OB specifically mentioned how much she liked my doula during a follow up appointment.Tracy K.