Posts by Allison Tolman
Book Recommendations for Pregnancy, Birth, and Breastfeeding! -WITH LINKS
There are so many books on pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and breastfeeding out there it can seem overwhelming. Here I’ve compiled a list of great books on these topics! I’m an Amazon lover so I’ve also included (affiliate) links for you to find these easily! Most of these I’ve read, others are recommendations from clients or…
Read MorePreparing Your Child to Attend Birth – Books, Videos, and Links!
Adding new little life into your family is exciting, especially when you want to share it with your little ones too! Having the whole family present to welcome a new addition creates an atmosphere where birth is a normal, natural process. There is no shame or secrets, just love and family. But just like you…
Read MoreFlexible Female Pelvis Model and Mini Birth Kit VIDEO Review
Here’s a YouTube video review on some tools I purchased from childbirthgraphics.com. I bought this life size flexible female pelvis model to use in an upcoming childbirth class and I also use this mini birth kit model regularly. I love using these as teaching tools during birth doula prenatal appointments or childbirth classes. Enjoy this…
Read MoreDIY 2 Methods to Dye your BengKung Belly Bind – Rainbow and Ice Dye
A BengKung belly bind is a wrap used to bind a postpartum woman’s abdomen after birth. This tradition dates back thousands of years and is meaningful in many ways. There are several physical and symbolic benefits to postpartum belly binding. (More information here) Here I’ll show you 2 methods for dyeing your bind; Ice dyeing,…
Read MoreOn-Call Childcare for Siblings During Your Birth – Can a Doula help?
Your new little life is almost here! The day you’ve waited so long for! But if this isn’t your first time, you’ll likely be starting to wonder what to do with your other children when the birthing time comes. Sometimes you have family or a trusted friend close by to help out, but there are…
Read MoreHow to Use Cloth Wipes – Picking the best option for you
If you’re already cloth diapering, using cloth wipes is a logical next step. It may seem like just another thing to worry about in the cloth diapering world, but in fact, for us using cloth wipes when cloth diapering is actually EASIER than using disposable wipes. You don’t have to separate the poopy wipes to…
Read MoreCloth Menstrual Pads??? 8 Reasons to consider switching…
I’ll admit, the first time someone mentioned they used cloth menstrual pads my thought was, “Eww, that’s super gross. That’s definitely something I’m OK with throwing away. Touching? Washing? Storing? Yuck.” This was also my first thought about cloth diapering, which I’ve actually come to love. If you’re wondering what would possess someone to use…
Read MorePreparing Siblings for Birth – Video Book Reviews!
Originally done as a Facebook LIVE, this video reviews 2 books that were gifted to me by a wonderful doula client! Her birth was one I’ll never forget! These are great books for 2nd, 3rd, 4th…. time moms who want to prepare siblings for the birth of a new little one! These are great wether…
Read MoreA Letter to an OB from a Birth Doula. Birth is never boring.
Her health care provider walked in to check on her and said something to me that left me thinking. She said to me (the doula), “Oh I’m so sorry, this is the worst kind of birth for a doula, you’re probably bored.”
Dear Health Care Provider……
Read MoreBirth is Never Boring for a Doula – “Plan change, I ended up with an epidural!”
I sat with a woman who was about to become a mother with medications, instruments, and monitors in every place imaginable. Her beautiful, natural-minded birth plan had gone out the window hours ago when severe preeclampsia prompted an immediate induction. Her health was in danger but she was being managed very well by her nurses…
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