Seasons of Life

Lately I’ve been thinking about the temporary nature of life. Specifically-seasons or chapters of life as it relates to motherhood. For me- motherhood has been the greatest life teacher and biggest catalyst for personal growth. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done, while simultaneously being the most beautiful, dynamic, and multi-faceted. It’s truly wild to me that I’ve been on this journey for 17 years and that my husband and I are raising three wonderful humans, providing for them, feeding them, and emotionally connecting with them-all while holding careers, a long time marriage, friendships, creative outlets, and all of the many many things that this busy chapter of life asks of us. It is no small feat.

Recently, we’ve been looking at old photos and videos from the children’s younger years and it’s WILD. Just reflecting on how full on it was to have a 5 year old, a 3 year old, and a baby - and then all the different stages along the way.

I definitely remember at times being deep in those chapters - and they seemed to last forever. Looking back - I remember the hard moments less and the sweetness more. And from where I’m standing now, it’s gone by so fast.

I know new moms can tire of hearing “the days are long but the years are short” - because when you are all encompassed by feeding, changing, holding, comforting, and caring for little ones - it’s a lot! And if you’re struggling (which is completely normal given the modern day context that we raise babies and children in) then it can truly feel unending.

But it does end. It changes dramatically. Continuously. As mothers- we are asked to grow and adapt and respond to countless unknowns for years upon end. And so much wisdom is gained in the process. And it certainly is not an easy ride.

I guess the point of musing over all of this is to say: remembering that each stage is temporary - can be such a helpful perspective to take while in the chaos and beauty of it all. Because I’m pretty certain we will look back on these days as some of the best. And the sleepless nights, long hours, hundreds of meals, millions of dishes, loads of laundry, endless cleaning, little hands helping, voices calling ‘mama!’ and on and on….. will be a distant fond memory -and possibly even the greatest thing we’ve ever done.

The art of motherhood (and maybe of life in general) - I think - is to be truly present in the little moments day to day, find the beauty, wonder, joy and lessons—— while also remembering the fleeting and temporary nature of it all.

In the words of Thich Nath Hanh -

“Smile, breathe, go slowly”.

Mothering the Mother

Like many cultures, Ayurvedic postpartum care is deeply nourishing, thorough, and intentional. It is said that the first forty days after birth is an incredibly special time that affects the lifelong health of the mother. It is also said that this time has the potential for exponential transformation and inner growth. The type of care that new mothers receive during postpartum is life changing and truly groundbreaking within the modern context.

Through diet, body care, herbs, and rest- warmth is restored, digestive fire re-built, organs re- aligned, and a very nourished mother is supported deeply so that she can enjoy the magic of being with her new baby and reap the benefits of this total body, mind, hormonal, and spiritual reset.

I wish every mother could receive this level of care, and it is my great honor to offer this to new precious mamas.

Providing warm, nourishing, easy to digest foods, abhyanga (warm oil massage), ghee (grass fed, clarrified butter- known as postpartum liquid gold), herbal infusions, sitz baths, belly binding, closing of the hips ceremony at 40 days postpartum.

The first ten days after birth is the most crucial time for mama (and baby). I help to design care to fit each family’s needs- and ideally: especially focused on the first ten days. I come to the home as many days after birth as desired- and we settle into a rhythm of care and support. Along with this comprehensive bundle of services, we start every visit with a conversation. I check in about sleep, feeding, body soreness, mood, and any other issues that may be up. Mothers find this time to be deeply validating - and the heart to heart connection and understanding alone is nourishing in itself. We then do the warm oil treatment, followed by a hot bath or shower, a warm meal, and more conversation or practical help.

With all the mothering being done for baby, these visits are opportunities to be cared for deeply through methods practiced for hundreds of years, providing a space to be cared for on many levels for a thriving postpartum and beyond.

I treasure this time with new moms- and I’m so grateful for the methods of support I’ve learned both in my studies and through experience- putting the mother at the center of this critical time to uplift and nourish.

Choosing a Birth Team

Putting together a birth team to support all the elements of a smooth birth can be hugely impactful.

Adding a doula to the team has statistically proven to reduce birth trauma and medical interventions.

A doula not only provides comfort measures like; pressure point pain relief, birthing position suggestions, food and water, ambience, aromatherapy…

A doula can also act as an advocate for your birth plan, and a support person helping you understand in-the-moment medical advice, so you can stay less in your brain, and more in your body— and, keep you and your requests at the center of your birth experience.

Beyond all of the logistical pieces we hold as doulas, one of my greatest contributions, I feel, is being a calm grounded presence, and someone who believes in the body's capability to birth.

As a doula, I am happy to accommodate whatever vision of extra support looks like to you. Maybe you want me quietly on the sidelines "just in case”. Maybe you want extra support for your partner to understand what's happening, stay collected, and know when to step in and how better to support you. And, so many more things. Whatever it may be, I am so happy to personalize a birth plan with you for a connected, empowered, beautiful birth.

A little about me…

Through birthing my own babies and becoming a mother, I recognized the huge need for more support during birth and the great transition that is becoming a mother.

I am forever in awe of the miraculous nature of birth, and I am passionate about helping to usher in the next generation of babies with a little less birth trauma, as well as supporting women to feel empowered and at peace with their birth experience.

My greatest joy is connecting with and serving others— and I am so honored to serve mothers and families in this pivotal moment in life.