Why I Became a Doula

Me and Faye Rosalina

Why I Became a Doula

By: Chloe Chrysanthus

When I got pregnant I became determined to birth naturally. I did research day and night on ways to stay comfortable during labor, practices in hospitals, and things that could go wrong. I educated myself on every possible decision I could make. I decided to use a midwife at a local hospital that was known for it's birthing options. After having a very long and hard labor I did more research to determine what I could do differently for my next birth. That's when I learned about doulas. At the time I thought it was silly to hire someone you don't know to support you during labor. But after attending a friends birth, I realized how important that extra support really is. It became important to me to provide the support women need during their pregnancy, labor, birth, breastfeeding and postpartum. I believe that every woman should be able to birth the way they choose and I want to be there to help make that happen.

I fell in love with birth. While that seems silly to many, to me birth is the most amazing, passionate and beautiful experience of a persons life. After attending just one birth I was hooked on the adrenaline rush you receive as baby makes their entrance into the world. I have never felt such a connection to anything before I started with labor, birth and breastfeeding support. Birth gives me a calm and peaceful feeling for days after. Working as a doula gives me purpose and clarity in a messy world.

I hope to spread awareness of the importance of doulas. I also hope to offer my services to those who may not normally be able to afford such support. In conclusion I'd like to quote the wise Dr. J.H. Kennel, "If doulas were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it." 

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Baby Wearing Anonymous

I have a confession to make: I am a baby wearing addict. I'm sure many of you can relate ;)

I currently have two ring slings, two no sew ring slings, an ergo performance, moby wrap, mei tai and a gauze shorty wrap. And I love them all! Some more than others.

She was so little!

My first carrier was the moby wrap. I used this primarily when Lily was a newborn. Now that she is a little chunk I reach for this less often. I am not a fan of the stretchy-ness as I feel that I have to constantly adjust it as it loosens. For newborns, this (was) my favorite carrier though!

EDIT: Now That I have a gauze shorty wrap, my favorite newborn carrier is the gauze wrap.

Hiking on mama's back.

My second was the Ergo Performance. Me and Mr.Ergo have our moments. It is my favorite carrier for hiking, yard work, washing the car, etc. It is my favorite for back carry. The straps are for very broad people and they tend to be uncomfortable in the arm pit area. SSC (soft structured carriers) are the easiest and fastest carriers to get on and off in my opinion, but they do not 'form' to your body so they aren't always the most comfortable. Even with these qualms, I still find a place in my heart for the little guy.

Not the best picture (better example below)

My next love was the mei tai. I bought a mei tai on Etsy awhile ago and LOVE it. It is by far the most comfortable and pretty carrier I own! With padding on the shoulders and some throughout the body, the carrier is just structured enough to support but just lightweight enough to fold up and squeeze in a bag. Recently I came across another WAHM made Mei Tai store, Honey Do Baby. Her prices are amazing and her prints are adorable! If your looking for an affordable carrier, make sure you check this sweet mama's store out!!

EDIT: As Lily gets older this carrier gets less supportive. It may be because I have a very active little girl or because they shoulder straps aren't very wide, but she wiggles so much I feel like I need a hand on her back most of the times. She is now 20 lbs.

(I don't currently have a picture of us using our ring slings!)

Then came Ring Slings. Ring slings are nice for quick trips, easy on and off, etc. This one has the biggest learning curve imo. For newborns it can be hard to adjust and make sure it is perfectly supportive. Now, with a deep seat and an even shoulder this is a very easy carrier. It took me a month or so to get the hang of it but in the end it one of the faster on/off carriers, easiest to nurse in and most feminine.

(Sorry I don't have a picture yet)

Lastly came the Gauze Wrap. I remember loving my Moby Wrap, but it stopped working for us, once she got heavier (around 14 lbs). So I decided to make a small investment into a gauze wrap. I found a little store on Etsy who sells 5m Gauze Wraps. I contacted her and asked if she would be able to make one for me at 3.6m. She very quickly responded and said yes!! I (mostly) love it. The only qualm I have... I wish it was a bit wider so I could get that really deep seat I get with my ring sling. Other than that, this carrier is amazing. It is very supportive but light weight, it is bright and vibrant and I can throw Lily up in a ruck and be on my way!!

There you have it, Mei Tai's win for smaller babies, Ring Slings win for nursing, and Gauze wraps win overall!

And to close I will leave you with a beautiful picture from Honey Do Baby :)

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Cloth Diapers- Types

Part 2:
Those of you that have started your research know, there is an unlimited amount of information on cloth diapers out there. I’m sure you are starting to pull your hair out, ready to give up because of the overwhelming amount of information. So let’s break it down.
There are many types of cloth diapers. It is best to try out a few types and pick what works for you best.

OS (One size)- This is a diaper that is multiple sizes in one. These usually work from about 9 pounds-30 pounds. They snap down to change sizes easily so you do not have to buy multiple sizes (small ,medium, large) with these. Often, these do not fit newborns or large toddlers.
AIO (All in one)- This is the closest you can get to a disposable. The outer layer is waterproof and the inner layers are absorbent. You do not have to add any thing, unless you want more absorbency. In that case you can use a booster or doubler (inserts you lay inside diaper). These usually have velcro or snap closures. They usually have longer drying times and can be a bit pricey than other options.
AI2 (All in 2)- These are often referred to as hybrid diapers. AI2’s have a cover/shell and an insert. These systems are great for on the go. Often, you only have to change the insert. The cover/shell is waterproof. You lay the insert inside of the shell and put on baby. Often, these systems have available disposable inserts that are more eco friendly than disposable diapers. AI2’s can be a bit more pricey than other options.
Pockets- Pocket diapers could easily be the most popular cloth diaper type. These diapers have a waterproof outside and a stuff-able inside. You must “stuff” inserts into the pocket area to have absorbency. You can customize absorbency but stuffing different material (hemp, bamboo, microfiber) or more insets into the pocket. You can often find cheap pockets or more expensive ones depending on what you are looking for.
Fitteds- Fitted diapers require a wrap or cover. These are very absorbent and are great for a night time diaper. Paired with a hemp insert, these will work with even the heaviest wetter!These can also be a bit pricey.
Prefolds/Flats- Prefold and flat diapers are probably the kind of diaper you remember hearing about. You must fold these or wrap these on your baby and then use a cover. You know longer have to use diaper pins however, with this amazing invention called the snappi. This is the cheapest/most economical option out there. We like to trifold our prefolds into a cover for a quick diaper change.
WAHM (work at home mom’s)- Many WAHM’s make diapers and sell them. These are usually made in the United States and have great prices and can be customizable. You can often find these diapers on Etsy, hyenacart or diaperswappers.
Wool- This is a natural fiber cover. The best of the best :) Price ranging from cheap to expensive.
There are a few other things to consider. Do you want leg gussets? Do you prefer natural fibers? Is your baby chunky/skinny? Would you mind using preowned diapers?
Leg Gussets- Leg gussets are an extra bit of fabric around the thigh that insures no poo can escape! This helps especially with exclusive breast fed poo.
Natural Fibers- Many diapers come in natural fibers but some are made with microfiber/microfleece. Is this important to you? Make you you pay attention to what your diapers are made of.
Skinny/Chunky babies- Different diapers fit different babies differently. That said, imagine going shopping with your best friend and buying the same dress. It will fit you both differently, even if you are the same size. The best thing to do is try them out before you commit to a certain brand. Many stores have ‘trial packs’. Or you could go on diaperswapper.com and find a pre-used/pre-owned diaper for a steal! Also, there are many buy/sell/trade boards on facebook. Often you can find locals to help you out!

BRANDS-
This is the fun part. Finding what works for you.
AIO’s- Grovia, BumGenius, Thirsties, Swaddlebees, Rumparooz
AI2’s- Grovia, Flip, G Diapers
Pockets- BumGenius, Fuzzibunz, Kawaii, AlvaBaby, Happy Heinys, Blueberry, Thirsties
Fitteds- Kissaluvs, Thirsties, Sustainablebabyish, Kiwi Pie, Blueberry, Eco Posh,
Prefolds- Thirsties, Bummies, Swaddlebees, Babykicks, Econobum
WAHM’S- Wylie Clothworks, CC Bums, Curwhibbles

Note-There are MANY other brands out there, these are just a few.

There are many options out there and cloth diapering can get overwhelming. A word of advice, keep it simple. This can be as complicated as you make it! Pin It Now!