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Marys First Birth

Sep 11, 2023

The birth that bridged me from a girl to a mom. I dreamt of being a mom since I was a little girl—it was my greatest wish. But when we started trying, nothing happened for three long years. The constant questions like, “Are you pregnant yet?” or “Do you know how to do it?” were unbearable. Finally, after surrendering to God and receiving a special healing facial, I got pregnant! We were thrilled. Next came the decision on where to birth her. I had always wanted a home birth, having been born at home myself, but our insurance wouldn’t cover it, and we couldn’t afford it. I chose Tarzana Hospital, close to where we lived, and decided on a natural, unmedicated birth. On November 4th, 2011, I woke up at 5 a.m. to my water breaking. I labored at home as long as I could, taking a bath, breathing through contractions, and leaning on Max for support. By 6:45 a.m., we headed to the hospital. The pain in the car was overwhelming, but I prayed for strength and kept going. When we arrived, I was in the zone, unable to speak to the nurses. I climbed onto the hospital bed, and Max suddenly exclaimed, “Mary, I see her head!” I couldn’t believe it. Laughing in disbelief, I realized I wouldn’t spend the whole day pushing. The nurses weren’t even ready—no gloves, no IV, no monitoring. It was chaotic yet wonderful. She came fast and furious, just like her personality now. It was a beautiful, glorious birth.
Cornflake and Marshmallow Lactation Cookies

Cornflake and Marshmallow Lactation Cookies

If you have ever had the Momofoku Milkbar Cornflake cookies then you know how incredible they are! Well I've made them lactation friendly! A couple baking tips for these. Use room temperature eggs and butter. Cream the butter and sugar for 3 minutes, all that air...

Hiring a Doula is Self Care

Hiring a Doula is Self Care

Hiring a doula is self care and self love. You deserve it. It’s a gift you give yourself (Or others give you). The future you will thank the current you for thinking ahead and caring enough for yourself. The number one thing I hear most from moms is “I wish I had met...

Postpartum care is essential

Postpartum care is essential

While reading the book "The First Forty Days" this quote jumped out to me. "How you are cared for and nourished in those very vulnerable first few weeks postpartum can make or break your next 40 years. I look back to my postpartum weeks after my babies and I had zero...

Nurses and Doulas working together

Nurses and Doulas working together

I had the opportunity to speak and present to the new Labor and delivery nurses at Los Robles Hospital this past week. I told them about the roles of a doula and how we work with nurses to help our clients have a dream team of people to help their birth go smoothly. I...

Bengkung Belly Binding

Bengkung Belly Binding

Bengkung Belly Binding-an ancient postpartum tradition. Usually done a couple days after birth, it aids the new mama from excessive blood loss, incisional reopening or infection, anxiety, diastasis recto, shortened postpartum bleeding, improved posture, stronger core...

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