When we feel the internal buildup of pressure, we often seek a way to relieve it (STERB: Short Term Energy Relieving Behaviors). The problem with STERBs is that they appear to work for a while, until they don't anymore. Then we seek out more of that behavior or even a new one in order to distract ourselves from the internal energy buildup.

C O M P A S S I O N Showing Compassion to Herself Compassion is such a misunderstood concept. If you look up the English meaning of this word, it lists it as a noun. A thing. As if we can hand it out or keep it for ourselves. But if you look at the etymology and roots of this word, you begin to understand it so much better and recognize how it can be so transformative for both us and others. Compassion stems from Latin and Greek Roots. Com - Coming near, close beside or toget

As children, we may have been given resources to know that these bodily sensations are actually our emotional responses to life. We may have been guided gently by caregivers teaching us the names of these different sensations, seeing us where we were, and showing us dignity and compassion. Or we may have had caregivers who were doing the best they could with what they had, but who were unable to guide us down a healthy emotional path.

Our bodies are constantly speaking to us - telling us if things are good and normal, or telling us if something is wrong or a potential threat. But so often, we are too busy to notice.

What if we listened to the message that those little "feelings" those physical nuances were trying to speak to us? What if we paid attention to the body's whispers before it ever felt the need to yell?

Long births are the name of the game in doula work. We intentionally try to minimize the risk by high quality education, offering support from a distance until active labor commences, and putting clauses in our contracts. But somehow, we still hit those births that last 24+ hours. Ever experience birth hangover?

We cannot allow ourselves to get trapped in the lie that we are what we do. Take a step back, evaluate your being as a whole - what you need, what adds value, who you're already connected to, and what you long to learn. Doing so will prevent burnout for years to come as our bodies finally feel valued for who they really are!

When we find ourselves grasping for more exposure, more clients, more money - the greedy heart can take over and our truest, deepest selves get lost in the hustle. Once our hearts are buried deep beneath the game, we lose ourselves - our identity, our dreams, and why we really began this career anyway.

How often does our work become our life? What we loved in the beginning is starting to feel like a heavy burden. Ever been there as a doula?

An Enneagram Type 9 needs to find their voice and realize that their birth belongs to them - not to their doctor, partner, or doula.

A type six tuning into the present moment can experience a birth that is full of beauty and free from fear!

Do you know what an epidural is, what it does, and how you may benefit from it?

SECOND NIGHT SYNDROME Many new parents are quite caught off guard by night number two with their new baby! After the first 24 hours of...