If you have seen the blue and silver pinwheels at your child's school, a local community center or neighborhood park, then you know that April is Child Abuse Prevention Month.

I believe that we should all be responsible for the safety of children everywhere. We should make sure that every child is cared for properly and protected from harm to the best of our ability. It is easy to let the stress and fast pace of every day life distract us from our own children...

So what about children who are being neglected, abused and treated poorly? Who is looking out for them?

Since my early days of working with children and families, I have always felt that it was my responsibility to ensure that the children were always well taken care of and safe no matter what. I have been trained to recognize the signs of physical abuse, emotional abuse and neglect. It is even more important to me now that I am a doula. Thankfully I have never been in a situation where I have suspected abuse and had to report it, but for many educators & caregivers, this happens far too often. This week I would like to share some resources in case you are ever in that situation and need to take the next steps to ensure a child's safety.

National Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453)
Prevent Child Abuse America
Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina
​Tell Somebody
​SAFEChild
Childhelp
​Child Welfare Information Gateway
American Humane Association
​American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children
National Children's Alliance
American Psychological Association
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Children's Advocacy Center

If you are a parent, teacher, caregiver or you work directly with children, I hope and pray you never have to use this list. It would mean a lot to me if you would be diligent and look out for a child that may need your help.

With Mother's Day quickly approaching, I wanted to do something special for other moms this year. Through social media, networking meetups and various events, I have met dozens of mothers over the past year. I have listened to your stories about pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, returning to work, infant milestones and more. And honestly, most of us have the same story: we love our families, but we wish we had a little more time for ourselves.

​So I am hosting a Mother's Day Giveaway!

​The giveaway will be geared towards new and expectant mothers, but the truth is that ANY mother will be able to use the products and services that will be presented in a lovely gift basket!

• ​The giveaway will run from May 1st to May 7th. The winner will be chosen and announced on Sunday, May 8th (Mother's Day).
• How to enter: simply follow me on Instagram, Facebook and leave a comment on this blog post.
• For 3 extra entries: submit a short essay of 500 words or less and describe how motherhood has impacted you and your life. I will accept entries on behalf of a mother.  Dads, husbands, partners, brothers and sons this means you can enter for the special lady in your life.
• Please email essay submissions to bestofbothworldsnc@hotmail.com with the subject Mother's Day Giveaway Entry.
• Because I am still speaking with giveaway sponsors, I will update this post regularly with more information on what will be included in the Mother's Day gift basket.

​Giveaway Sponsors:

• ​Doula for a Day services, a $25 Baby Gap gift card, a $10 Spring Rolls gift card, 4 game passes for Kings North Hills and 2 wine glasses will be provided by Best of Both World Doula Services​
• A handmade embroidery provided by local artist Elena Caron
• A gift certificate for one complimentary therapy session provided by Matthews + Sileo Therapy Services
• Mason jar cupcakes provided by Briana Warren, owner of Bri's Boucakes
• ​Pre & Post pregnancy book collection from the Clueless Chick Jennifer Durbin
• 30-minute massage from licensed therapist Angela Corey
• Custom handmade soaps from Brianna Feltych-D​uren of Windy Coast Soaps
• It Works! samples provided by distributor Kimberly A. Williams
• A bottle of customized foundation from Hilary Frei of Custom Foundation​​
• ​Complimentary glamour photography session and $100 print credit with Nichole Lynn Photography

This giveaway is valued at over $700!

Interested in being a giveaway sponsor? Please email me at [email protected] with the subject Mother's Day Giveaway Sponsor. I am looking for various types of products and services including photography sessions, babysitting services, beauty and health product samples, consultations, gift certificates and much more. Please be advised that I will need your donation by Saturday, April 30th.

Best of luck and Happy Mother's Day!!

When I was pregnant with PAC Man I tried to plan ahead as much as possible. I have a thing about being neat and organized and that only multiplied while I was pregnant. But I have to say, packing my bag for the hospital was the last thing that I did to prepare to give birth to my prince. Crazy enough, I packed a separate bag just for PAC Man weeks before he arrived. I think I had such a hard time packing for myself because I needed to shop. I didn’t really purchase maternity clothes (I wore my husband’s shirts & underwear and I purchased a couple of pairs of maternity pants from my local Goodwill), but I did have a list of things I wanted to have for the hospital and after birth. Eventually, I did purchase those things and I packed a bag for myself. I received a lovely Vera Bradley bag as a baby shower gift and I continued to use it as PAC Man’s diaper/travel bag after he was born. Below are some must-have hospital bag items for mom, dad and baby.

For Birthing Person:

• toothbrush/toothpaste
• deodorant
• comb/hairbrush
• body wash for the lovely shower you get to take :)
• loungewear/pajamas (Make this as easy as possible-you will be sore and tired)
• slippers/comfortable shoes
• robe
• eyeglasses
• picture I.D.
• insurance card
• hospital paperwork
• water bottle
• something to read or a journal to document your hospital stay
• family photos
• affirmations
• aromatherapy/essential oils
• mini string lights/tea lights/battery operated candles

For Dad/Partner:

• birth plan
• camera
• phones
• tablet/laptop
• movies/music/headphones/ear plugs
• chargers for all devices
• batteries
• money/credit cards
• snacks/candy
• cooler (for food or placenta if keeping)
• a friend to keep them occupied (someone to check in periodically, preferably someone that already has children)

For Baby:

• clothes
• hat (for leaving the hospital, not necessary during the hospital stay)
• cloth diapers if you aren’t planning to use disposable
• burp cloths
• mittens or baby socks (to keep baby from scratching their face)
• blanket
• nursing/ feeding pillow
• infant car seat (already installed and checked by a professional. They will not let you leave until this has been done).

If you can help it, DO NOT BRING:

• an excess of money or personal items
• jewelry
• diapers (leave yours at home and take all that they give you)

Truth be told, the hospital will give you most of the things on this list (including diapers and formula), but it is always good to personalize your list. My husband and I went on a candy run specifically for the hospital because we weren’t sure how long it would be before I would be able to eat. (Now that I know better, I would have brought food because YOU CAN EAT DURING LABOR!). Needless to say, Blow Pops were nearby at all times :) We also made sure to bring the beautiful baby blanket he made just for PAC Man. Every single labor & delivery nurse that had a shift that weekend came in to see this blanket and our beautiful son of course! Some women bring relaxing music or their personal yoga/birth ball (most hospitals have these) to help them through contractions. Just be sure to ask what is provided when you take a tour of the hospital so you will be well prepared when it’s time to meet your precious bundle of joy!!

This blog was originally posted on my mom blog nearly two years ago at the request of my beautiful college classmate who was due with her first child. I update this post periodically to better reflect the needs of the parents-to-be. For more tips, click here!

Last month, I made my blog contributor debut with Triangle Mom2Mom. This week, I reflected on the first quarter of 2016 and shared some tips on how to refresh and refocus for the spring.

Spring is finally here! The green trees, beautiful blooms, and endless sunshine instantly improve my mood!

I have welcomed the change in scenery and weather for several reasons: one being that I can save time in the mornings by not having to put on a coat, hat, scarf, and gloves.

I struggled with my work/life balance during the first couple of months of 2016. Somehow, I let the combination of holiday fog and the pressure of growing my business get to me. I was overwhelmed and I didn’t realize it until it started to affect my health negatively.
​
The good news is that once I recognized it, I was able to get myself healthy again. I decided to take some time to reevaluate things and restructure my work/life balance. I needed to step back.

​To read more, click here.

This week, I am continuing my Who's Your Doula?  Guest Blog Series with Ms. Alicia Edmonson. We connected through Facebook a few month ago. We have a lot in common and I am very impressed with her business. I'm so glad she agreed to be a guest on my blog. Read more about Alicia below.

​
1. Give me some background information on yourself and your doula career. I began in nursing which I loved. But I have always wanted to be an entrepreneur and was looking for a way to combine the one on one care with entrepreneurship. After having my own children I decided to make a go of being a doula professionally.

2. What made you decide to become a doula? Was there a defining moment when you knew?
I was asked by a friend in labor if I would stay with her since her partner wouldn’t make it in time. She was beginning to get tired and lose focus and so I instinctively talked her through, applied counter pressure on her back etc. I left the birth think, wow wouldn’t it cool to do this for a living and also help moms when they leave the hospital. That was ten years ago.

3. What were the best & hardest parts of starting your business, both personally and professionally?
I am a natural introvert, so putting myself out there and the vulnerability of being a business owner was a challenge. Crossing things off my list, making connections, and overcoming things that I never imagined I could is beyond rewarding.

4. What did you learn about yourself and your support system while training and starting your business?
I have been really fortunate to have so many supportive people in my life. Long before I seriously decided to pursue being a doula, my family was encouraging me to look into it. Training has taught me a great deal not only about birth and the postpartum period, but about time management, prioritizing and being gentle with myself. There were plenty of times when I had plans on powering through some work and everyday life had other plans! I learned to go easy on myself and find balance between work and home.

5. What is your doula niche? How do potential clients recognize you?
I mainly do postpartum and antepartum work. I have attended births and truly enjoy them, however I feel more drawn to postpartum work. The transition of bringing a new baby into the home can feel overwhelming at times having support is so important.

6. Describe the doula culture & community in Missouri.
I am in central Missouri and doulas aren’t widely known. It is a relatively small and conservative community but incredibly family oriented. I think it is just lack of exposure and education as to what doulas can provide.

7. Where do you see your business in 5 years?
In five years I plan to have brought additional doulas on. I see providing education in addition to doula care which includes more birth services.

8. What advice do you have for any doula looking to start or revamp their business?
Do it! Don’t let fear hold you back. I am a total researcher and planner. I will research and plan to the point that nothing ever gets done. Taking the first step is so important. Whether it be to buy your domain or get your business license. Just take the first step.

9. You recently had a baby-Congratulations! How are you and your baby doing? How has your newest addition changed you and your business?
Thanks! My newest baby has really pushed me to become laser focused on what I want out of my career. I have been known to procrastinate and over analyze when it relates to my business and taking risks. I have found that I have become more sure of myself and how I want my business to evolve.

10. Tell me about your most recent "doula win."
I have recently started to focus on expanding my business and looking to the future. This includes more marketing, sorting out legalities and networking. I have had the opportunity to work network with some amazing doulas across the country. I recently was referred to a family by another doula. Having a fellow birth worker speak highly of my service is an awesome feeling. I definitely consider that a win!


​Alicia's Bio: Alicia Edmonson is a mom of four spirited children and enthusiastic doula providing prenatal and postpartum care to families in the central Missouri area. You can find out more about Alicia and the services she provides by visiting www.centralmissouridoulacare.com.

To be featured in the WYD guest blog series, click here for more information.