Child Life Doula

🕊 Every Thursday morning, we gather in a judgment-free zone, where you can come exactly as you are. Your feelings are valid, and we’re here to support each other. 🌿 You’re not alone. If you or someone you love has been experiencing symptoms of perinatal depression, anxiety, OCD, or any other #perinatal mood disorder, we invite you to join us tomorrow at The Pod for an hour of safe space, sharing, resource-building, and self-care rituals. 💛 See you tomorrow at The Pod! Registration is required. Please register here: https://bit.ly/3ZmtPjF #PerinatalSupport #SafeSpace #MentalHealthMatters #YouAreNotAlone

It’s here! I am thrilled to introduce The Pod, a center for families that creates space for the highs and lows of parenting and everything in between. With classes that foster togetherness and honesty, playgroups that support your child’s development, and workshops taught by passionate experts in their fields, The Pod is your place for feeling seen and supported in your parenting journey. Check out our website to explore our current offerings! We can’t wait to see you there! www.thepodfamilycenter.com

Piece by piece, the space is coming together! 🧩 A special introduction to this labor of love is coming soon… ❤️✨

Big things are happening at Child Life Doula! Stay tuned!

I recently got the opportunity to talk all things Child Life Doula with Shoutout LA magazine! I'm excited to share more of my story and why I'm so passionate about offering child life and perinatal support services to the Los Angeles community! Link to the article below: https://lnkd.in/gUGsaSHH

May is Maternal Mental Health Month, and what an important month it is. Maternal Mental Health disorders are the #1 complication of childbearing, yet it is a grossly under-understood part of the perinatal experience. As advocates, we can start with the basics: language. Let's move away from using phrases like "she had postpartum" to describe perinatal mental health disorders. The spectrum is so much wider than that and calling it simply "postpartum" does not do it justice. Because of this limiting language, I was not able to identify what what happening for my brain and body. I experienced depression and anxiety from the beginning of trying to conceive. The depression wasn't just in postpartum. It was fertility, pregnancy, and birth. It was everywhere. Names matter. Naming what you are experiencing is often the first step towards healing. Help me in raising awareness of this language around perinatal mental health disorders. If you or someone you know is experiencing challenging thoughts or feelings anywhere along the spectrum of childbearing, there is help. @postpartumsupportinternational can help connect you with resources in your community. You are not alone, you are not to blame, and with help, you will be well. #weare1in5 #mmhweek2024 #storytellingsaveslives #maternalmentalhealth

Sexual wellness during the perinatal period is a highly important component of supporting mental health for pregnant and postpartum people, yet stigma and misinformation steer focus away from this important subject. Maternal Mental Health NOW is gathering birthing professionals who are committed to shining light on and providing resources for families on this critical subject. I am thrilled to be joining them here in Los Angeles next week and putting what I learn to good use in the perinatal community!

Education is empowerment. Providing quality education to families is one of the greatest gifts we can give. As a postpartum doula and child life specialist, this is a major part of my work. There is sometimes such an information overload, and families are flooded by well-meaning but sometimes harmful "opinions". Having a support system in your corner that can provide you with high-level, evidence-based research to assist you in making the decisions that feel right for you and your family can make a huge difference. Receiving appropriate information before and during stressful experiences has been shown to greatly reduce fear and anxiety. It is empowering to equip yourself with the tools you need to make the call that feels good for you and to feel prepared for the tasks ahead. Remember, even when you have an educator in your corner, YOU are the expert on what is right for your family. YOU are the perfect person to be parenting your child. And YOU deserve to be supported as such. Check out my website at childlifedoula.com to learn more.

Having a new baby can be one of life’s most intense moments. It is a delicate space where lots of nurturing is needed - not just for the newborn but for the entire family unit. That’s where a postpartum doula comes in. I’m proud to be a part of this support system for families as they navigate the integration of their newest family member. Offering curated support for the unique needs of each family, as a “Child Life Doula” I provide support for the the healthy cognitive, emotional and social development of the entire family unit while also providing education and empowerment on topics like infant feeding, bathing, and self-care. Visit childlifedoula.com to learn more.