Posts by Nikki Shaheed
Hand Fan – Tools of the Doula Trade
Why a hand fan? Labor is hard work! The uterus is a huge muscle that usually contracts for hours on end during labor and burn lots and lots of calories, like working out. That’s why it’s important to stay hydrated and nourished during labor. It’s also important for birth companions to help the birthing parent…
Read More“You’ll Never Sleep Again” – How to Give and Receive Parenting Wisdom in Mindfulness
“Sleep now…you won’t sleep after the baby’s born.” Every expecting parent has heard some iteration of this…an implication that pregnancy is a death march toward the permanent ending of all joy and rest. Statements about how life will never be the same after birth have a positive intention. People want to help parents-to-be understand that…
Read MoreLosing It in Labor – Five Tips for Partners
How to Help a Laboring Person Who is Feeling DONE As parents prepare their minds and bodies for the upcoming birth of their child, many partners have the same thought cross their mind: What if my partner loses it and I can’t help them get through labor? While pregnant parents may create plans for their birth…
Read MoreBirth Ball – Tools of the Doula Trade
How a birth ball can help a laboring parent progress and find rest As parents prepare for the day of their baby’s arrival, they are presented with a plethora of options: hospital, birth center, home birth, midwife, OB/GYN, doula, unmedicated birth, epidural, induction… It’s enough to make your head spin! In the coming posts I’m…
Read More20 Reasons to Sign Up for a Childbirth Class at 20 Weeks
As your belly grows and your sweet baby puts on the ounces, there are many exciting milestones! The first time you feel those tiny feet kicking, making it to the second trimester, wearing maternity clothes, and making a visit to your doctor or midwife, to name a few. There’s another important milestone when you…
Read MoreHow to Mine an Uninvited Birth Story for Gold
From the moment a parent (or their midsection) announces their pregnancy, they are inundated with a barrage of birth stories from friends, family members, and even strangers. These stories tend to center around themes of pride, shame, or blame. Most parents-to-be listen politely while looking for the nearest exit, and a few bold ones will…
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