Birth Boot Camp Doula and Instructor Melissa Cruz

Are you new to the area? One of the benefits to hiring me as your doula is receiving a list of recommended local providers for services like newborn photography, pregnancy massages, and pediatricians. Birth planning doesn't stop at birth! Get all your 🦆🦆🦆 in a row ahead of time!

One of my favorite birth memories is holding a baby up to dad's neck to calm her down. Mom had to be taken out of the room briefly and baby girl was inconsolable. Dad was rocking her, but she kept crying. I lifted her (skin to skin) against his neck and within seconds she was happily asleep! Find me on Yelp! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ doula!

What? You never associated labor with family vacations? 🤭

January 07th, 2018 Sure, having a baby is no day at the beach. Even so, there are a few things I've learned on this vacation that definitely apply to childbirth. #1. You will make different choices if you are...

Let's hear it for the newest Birth Boot Camp recruit, baby Thorsten! 6 lbs 11 oz, 19.5 inches! 👏👏👏

Let's hear it for the newest Birth Boot Camp recruit, Vivian Grace! She ignored her "due date" and waited until 4/4 to be born so she could land on her mom's lucky number😁 Her parents made an amazing birth team and handled the unexpected beautifully!

This morning we welcomed baby Adeline Kate earthside, weighing in at 7 lbs 2 oz, 20 inches! It was a short and sweet natural birth, and I was honored to be a part of it! How happy do her parents look?

Please check out the *Testimonials* button to hear from a "skeptical" husband recently promoted to the ranks of proud Birth Boot Camp dads!

https://www.facebook.com/naturalchildbirthdoulaorangecounty/app/1674286002787247/

"Pregnant women rejoice! You no longer have to starve while you are in labor.

A new study released by the American Society of Anesthesiologists says that women are no longer at risk for aspirating if they eat food while in labor.

Because anesthesia is administered in the spine, not via face mask this risk is really quite low.

The ASA said, “Most healthy women can skip the fasting and, in fact, would benefit from eating a light meal during labor.”

Women need their strength while giving birth and some women labor for days without eating. Those are some tough moms, huh?

The press release for the study also says, “The research suggests that the energy and caloric demands of laboring women are similar to those of marathon runners.” Seems about right…..

Additionally, “Without adequate nutrition, women’s bodies will begin to use fat as an energy source, increasing acidity of the blood in the mother and infant, potentially reducing uterine contractions and leading to longer labor and lower health scores in newborns. Additionally, the studies suggest that fasting can cause emotional stress, potentially moving blood away from the uterus and placenta, lengthening labor and contributing to distress of the fetus.”

Seems like reason enough to chow-down, mamas. I certainly hope hospitals take this information to heart.

What are your thoughts? Were you a starving mama during labor?"

Source: http://www.parentsociety.com/news-2/current-events/donenew-study-finds-safe-eat-labor/

Let's welcome our newest recruit, baby Bodhi! Love those big bright eyes right at birth :) Congrats Jen and Zach!