Services

Doula Services Our services include the following: - 2 prenatal visits, each approximately 2 hours in length - 1 postpartum visit - availability by phone and email 24 hours a day, up until the last postpartum &nbs p; visit - borrowing access to our library of books and videos - photography of the birth, if desired - support during, and immediately after labour and birth - access to a birth pool Prenatal Visits First Prenatal During the first prenatal visit, we will go over your history, as relevant to pregnancy and birth. We will discuss the kind of birth you would like to have, your hopes and fears, and talk about options and hospital procedures. Second Prenatal During the second prenatal visit, we will practice and discuss various pain coping techniques and tools, talk about when you should call us, and how to pass the time in early labour. Labour and Birth As soon as you are in labour, we would like you to call us and let us know. This allows us to prepare ourselves for the eventuality of joining you in the near future, and planning our day accordingly. As soon as you feel as though you need our support, call, and one of us will be there within the hour. We will remain with you throughout the labour, until approximately two hours after the birth. Postnatal Visits The postnatal visit will usually take place within the first week after the birth. During this visit, we will discuss how you think the birth went, and how you feel about it. We will stay for about 1-2 hours and offer breastfeeding support as needed, as well as present you with your photos (if taken with out camera). Photographs We will provide you with a compact disc containing the photo files. How Blossoming Bellies Works If you are interested in learning more about us, please contact us for a no-obligation, complimentary consultation. Both Niko and Julie (barring unforeseen circumstances) will attend all appointments together. Only one doula will typically attend your birth (unless both doulas are requested), depending on who is available at the time. Our Fees Please contact us to learn more about our fees.

Placenta Encapsulation The Placenta for Postpartum Healing For thousands of years, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has revered the placenta as a powerful and invaluable part of the postpartum healing process. After giving birth many new mothers experience blood loss, fatigue, and a drop in their high pregnancy hormones; all of which are thought of as key factors in the development of the “baby blues” and postpartum depression (PPD). Full of Qi, life energy, the placenta aids in postpartum wellness by replenishing your system with natural iron & protein and helps reintroduce these essential hormones back into your system. The "baby blues" affect the majority of women. It is so common that it is not even considered a disorder. Symptoms:     - Mood Instability     - Weepiness     - Sadness     - Lack of concentration     - Feelings of dependency Causes:     - Rapid hormonal changes     - Fatigue and sleep deprivation     - Physical and emotional stress of birthing Today, approximately 80% of women experience some level of postpartum depression/mood disorder. Using the placenta for its medicinal properties during the postpartum period is a natural & healthier way you can help avoid these symptoms and the costly treatments that usually accompany them, such as medications and counseling. Is your placenta in your birth plan? Benefits of Placenta Capsules The placenta has amazing abilities during the postpartum period; it can heal, sustain, and strengthen. Traditionally Placenta Capsules are used to help:    &n bsp; - balance your hormones    &n bsp; - enhance milk supply      - increase your energy. Placenta Capsules may also help:    &n bsp; - You to recover more quickly from birth    &n bsp; - To bring the body back into balance    &n bsp; - Prevent the "baby blues"    &n bsp; - Shorten postpartum bleeding    &n bsp; - Assist the uterus to return to size    &n bsp; - Increase postpartum iron levels Women who take placenta capsules report fewer emotional issues and enjoy a faster, more pleasant postpartum recovery. Women, and their families, notice a marked improvement in overall feelings of happiness and well-being when taking placenta capsules. The role of the placenta does not stop at birth, so do not let your placenta go to waste...Encapsulate! The Placenta's Healing Chemicals The known ingredients that give the placenta its healing properties are:     - Gonadotrophin - the precursor to estrogen, progesterone and testosterone     - Prolactin - promotes lactation     - Oxytocin - for pain and bonding; produced during breastfeeding to facilitate bonding of    mother and infant. In    &n bsp;  pharmaceutical form this is a very addictive drug because it promotes a feeling of connectedness with others and       is often referred to as the “love” hormone     - Interferon - stimulates the immune system to protect against infection     - Thyroid Stimulating Hormone -  boosts energy and helps recover from stressful events     - Cortisone - combats stress and unlocks stores of energy     - Prostaglandins - anti-inflammatory     - Hemoglobin - replenishes iron deficiency and anemia     - Gammaglobulin -  immune booster that helps protect against postpartum infections     - Urokinase Inhibiting Factor & Factor XIII - stops bleeding and enhances wound healing The placenta is full of feel-good hormones and healing chemicals, so it makes sense to safely welcome them back into your system during your postpartum period, in order to have a happy babymoon.