It is well known that new parents, especially first-time parents, need time adjusting to parenthood. The sleepless nights, endless feedings and countless diapers can feel like one big blur during the first year. Not to mention all the other adulting and responsibilities on your plate. And with the world changing on a daily basis, it can be difficult navigating parenthood and deciding what is right for you and your family. Friends and family will come to visit and give gifts but in the long run, you may find yourself in isolation and figuring things out on your own. Doula support is one way to acquire the extra support you need and they are typically available during pregnancy, birth and the fourth trimester. But what if you need more?

​For the past several months I have been working to create a way to support more parents. After speaking with several new and expecting moms and learning more about what they really need, I have expanded my virtual care and designed a more personalized way to serve them.

Navigating the Wonder Years is personalized virtual doula support for new parents (pregnancy to 12 months postpartum) who are seeking guidance to be confident and emotionally healthy figures for their children. During pregnancy, parents will receive childbirth education and informational resources to help prepare for birth. During the postpartum period, parents will receive guidance on recovery & healing, newborn care and parenting.

An Overview
Navigating the Wonder Years is not your cookie cutter virtual doula support. It is customized parental mentorship that takes an depth assessment of what you and your family need while mapping out the best course of action to support you mentally, emotionally and spiritually by providing the appropriate resources and individualized care. We will put a plan in place that will give you the necessary time and space to take care of yourself and your family while meeting the parenting and personal goals you set. The main purpose of creating your parenting plan is to build a foundation that will prepare you for the early years of parenthood and equip you with the tools to handle the challenges that will come along with them. For most parents, the first year can prove to be the hardest due to trying to balance home life, work, relationships, health and so many other things. I will help you become a confident, self-aware parent and positive influence for your little ones.

Mental & Emotional Component
Because this program does not provide hands-on or in-person service, the care will comprise of mental and emotional support to ensure that you can be the best parent and person for your family and community. The only way to do that is to make yourself a priority and put you first. You can't pour from an empty cup and we will make sure that you have everything you need to thrive during your baby's first year of life. Remember, you are your child's first teacher and your example will make a lasting imprint on their lives. The investment you make in yourself is an investment in your children.

Spiritual Component
With a deep spiritual background, I serve all of my clients with a spiritual regard. For many of my clients, prayer, church attendance, counseling, mindfulness exercises, spiritual exploration and study help provide a sense of purpose and also guide their thoughts and actions. No matter what you believe, I will help you hone in on the best practices to increase your spirituality and be more conscious of who you are and who you want to be. Expanding your spiritual outlook will be a priority as your discover what type of parent you want to be and develop your parenting style.

Is Navigating the Wonder Years right for you?
Mentorship is available to any pregnant or parent with a children under the age of one. With a monthly membership, you will receive support through virtual check-ins, resources and referrals as well as a customized parenting plan to help you be a successful parent. If you want to be proactive in getting the extra support that provides whole person wellness care, Navigating the Wonder Years may be right for you. I can only take a limited number of virtual clients at a time so don't delay. Contact me and you will receive an email with more details on how I can support you.

Over the years I have collaborated and partnered with several local businesses and providers and today I want to highlight the beautiful artistry of the award-winning Melissa Hayes of Hayes Fine Art. I recently had a chance to meet Melissa and tour her studio and WOW! Aside from being a long time follower of her work, I was thoroughly impressed with her space & accommodations, workflow and passion for her art. Melissa is more than a photographer-she creates and captures one-of-a-kind lifetime memories. I loved Melissa's energy and felt an instant bond as we discussed what it's like to be a twin, North Carolina implants and mompreneurs.

Highlights from my studio tour:

• ​The Studio- I loved the entire studio space as a whole and all the little details that made it so welcoming. It was open, calming, clean, organized and aesthetically pleasing. The studio was complete with various set ups for photos including the newest one for Fairy sessions, a diaper changing station, a playroom, kitchen & snack area, a laundry area, prop room with over 10,000 props & accessories, clothing/costume closet, a photo review room along with Melissa's office. Even the waiting area has plenty of room for families to be comfortable while surrounding you with Melissa's eye-catching work.

• Melissa's approach- While touring her stunning space, Melissa gave me an overview of what a photography session is like and how she and her team ensure that expectations are discussed and set during pre-session consultations, parents are reassured and able to sit and relax during newborn sessions, how siblings are included and cared for after the sessions (snacks, playroom, etc.) and that every little detail is in place for a well executed photoshoot even before clients arrive. Because Melissa is so well prepared, her sessions typically last about an hour which is very convenient for maternity, newborn and family portraits.

​

• Timing- As a mother herself, Melissa knows all too well how precious time is to us all. She described in depth how she can accommodate families who may have had their babies early. She also explained her "wait and watch" process and how she takes her time and waits for the perfect moments to present themselves to capture the best photos because patience can be the bring some of the most memorable moments in life. Communication is a key element for her artistry and she wants to give her clients the best experience possible no matter when they work with her. Every client that Melissa works with has a top tier experience with a plethora of ideas and options for family keepsakes.

​When looking for the right person to capture those precious family moments, from pregnancy to the early days with a newborn & parenthood, Melissa is the expert artist to call on for a luxury experience from start to finish. It only lasts a short while, so be sure to secure those cherished memories and book a session with Hayes Fine Art.

​A Special Gift
Best of Both Worlds Doula Services is excited to offer a complimentary photo session with Hayes Fine Art that includes a keepsake portrait. A limited number of these sessions will be available for 2023. Contact me for more information.

Hello! As we approach the end of 2021, I wanted to share some important operational updates and policies that will change for 2022.
​

• The BOBWDS Birth Calendar for 2022 is now open for anyone due in February & beyond. Please note, my 2022 calendar will be limited.


• Postpartum doula services will only be available to birth clients in 2022. Travel doula services WILL NOT be available in 2022.


• Health, wellness and fitness services will be expanded in 2022, including monthly CPR/First Aid trainings.


• Pricing for doula services will increase beginning in January 2022. Book me before the end of 2021 to lock in my current prices.


• BOBWDS is NO LONGER ACCEPTING CLIENTS beyond 32 weeks (but happy to refer you).


• ISO a trusted back up doula for 2022. Email me for more information.


• My next mentorship will begin in February 2022. Be on the lookout for dets.


• In person support will continue with appropriate safety protocols in place. Virtual support is also available for your comfort & convenience.


• Consultations & prenatal meetings will be held on Monday & Tuesday evenings after 6 p.m. and weekends by appointment only. Reminder, consultations are always complimentary. Contact me today to schedule yours!

If you have any questions, please refer to the FAQs tab or email me at [email protected].

“Find your tribe. Build your village. Start with a doula." Kelly Collins, CP-ICD

Seasons Greetings!!

Who wants a sweet treat just in time for Christmas?

Recently, I became an affiliate for Nightfood Ice Cream and I had to share my review of this creamy goodness!

I discovered Nightfood nighttime ice cream over the summer while on the hunt for some new snacks to stock up on. It just so happened that a rep from Nightfood reached out to me to review their "sleep friendly" products. If you've been following me for a while, then you know I have a sweet tooth and I have loved ice cream since I was a kid. Needless to say, I was uber excited to try their ice cream!

I tried both the Milk & Cookie Dough and After Dinner Mint Chip ice cream flavors. Both ice creams were smooth, creamy and light. The After Dinner Mint Chip had a cool, minty flavor that was refreshing and fun with the the slight crunch of the chocolate chips. I do wish the Milk & Cookie Dough would have had more cookie dough pieces in it, but overall the flavor was tasty and the pieces were good-sized. I will admit that I ate both pints in one sitting on two separate evenings. But at ~300 calories per pint, there is no need to feel guilty. With less sugar, fat, calories and lactose than the average ice cream AND higher protein & fiber, Nightfood is a healthier option for those late night cravings. Because what you eat before bed matters!

​And there are several other flavors to choose from including Bed & Breakfast, Midnight Chocolate, Cookies & Dreams, Full Moon Vanilla, Cold Brew Decaf, Cherry Eclipse and Pickles for Two.

More about Nightfood nighttime ice cream:

• ​It is filled with sleep supporting minerals, amino acids and digestive enzymes
• It was developed by sleep & nutrition experts
• It is certified Kosher
• Five of eight flavors are gluten free
• It contains no high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweetners
• It contains no milk hormones, rBST-free milk only
• It is formulated with added minerals to cause less heartburn
• It is a good source of protein
• It is the official ice cream of the American Pregnancy Association
• Parent, doctor, fitness coach, athlete and crave monster approved

Okay, so I know what you're thinking... is Nightfood only for pregnant people? No. Nightfood wasn't even originally formulated for pregnant people, but they are no doubt a big part of Nightfood's customer base which is why I highly recommend it to my clients, friends, family and followers. Nightfood has become my go-to snack when I'm craving something sweet before bed. And the cherry on top is that Nightfood is a delightful snack during pregnancy or postpartum (frankly anytime) and approved by children & adults alike so why not stock up for the entire family!

Want to try Nightfood for yourself?

Follow my affiliate link to order all the Nightfood you can store in your deeper freezer!

BONUS for expectant parents: Click here to see how you can get a free pint of Pickles for Two AND FREE SHIPPING!

Be sure to use the store locator to find out where you can get your free samples locally. 

And come back here after you try Nightfood for yourself and leave a comment. I'd love to know what you think! Happy Snacking!

And come back here after you try Nightfood for yourself and leave a comment. I'd love to know what you think!

Happy Small Business Saturday!

It's that wonderful time of year when we reflect on all that we have accomplished (and survived) throughout the year. This is also normally the time that we gather together with loved ones to celebrate life & all that is good and officially kick off the holiday season. But clearly this year has been much different. No matter how you are gathering and celebrating, I also hope you carved out some down time for yourself too (remember, it's soul care season).

Thanksgiving (Pre-Black Friday) kicked off the biggest shopping weekend of the year and while I know your bank accounts may look and feel different this year, I am here again to help you start and finish your holiday shopping locally!

Why shop local?

Small businesses account for almost half of America's workforce and two-thirds of new jobs. Shopping local supports your community by

• Keeping money inside your city, county and state
• Helping business owners support their families while living their dreams
• Highlighting unique products, services and local talent

​Today I'm featuring some local businesses and entrepreneurs who are sure to provide just the right gift, product or service you are looking for. Most of these businesses are black and/or female owned and each featured business is complete with details & deals for added convenience (click business name to view website). Whether you're shopping for a loved one, the entrepreneur in your life or yourself, you wont be disappointed! You can view my Small Business Saturday/Year End Special here.

DeAntony Collins, Designer/Creator/Owner of Collins Unlimited
Social Media: Instagram
Mission/Purpose: Creating unique custom designs and crafts; Bring me your ideas, let's create something special!
Location/Areas Served: Triangle area of North Carolina; nationwide
Holiday Specials: Custom Baby Nursery Lamp giveaway in December
Contact Info: [email protected]

Preston Collins, Creator/Artist/YouTuber
Social Media: Instagram
Mission/Purpose: Expressing myself through my art makes me happy
Location/Areas Served: Triangle area; nationwide
Holiday Specials: A portion of the proceeds from all my commissions will go to Note in the Pocket
Contact Info: [email protected]

Valarie S. Thomas, Social Media Consulting
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook Group
Mission/Purpose: My mission is to help African Americans in the health and wellness space reach the clients that need them through social media.
Location/Service Area: Nationwide
Holiday Specials: Black Friday Upkeep Package
-Social media strategy and Management
-5 templates for your posts
-1 platform
-content creation
-caption research & creation
-Hashtag research
-Follower growth
-scheduled posts 2 -3 days a week
Yes, an extra day of posting at no extra cost!
*For your first 3 months
Contact Info: [email protected]

Krisna Guyton, My Parenting Partners LLC
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook
Mission/Purpose: My mission is to help Mompreneurs find the time they need to build the business they want. So they will have a more flexible schedule to create financial freedom and never miss a precious moment with their loved ones.
Location/Service Area: Serving Mompreneurs Across The Globe
Holiday Specials: Black Friday: Complimentary 30 minute consultations 11/27-11/29 Cyber Monday: 50% off Mommy Balance Bundle and E-book CROSS INTO BALANCE USE CODE: CYBERMONDAY
Contact Info: [email protected] Text 22828 to join mailing list to receive time management and organizational tips for mompreneurs

Martha Smith Photography, Annette Tillery
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook
Mission/Purpose: Martha Smith Tillery Photography is about printing memories and capturing unforgettable life moments.
Location/Service Area: North Carolina, Virginia
Contact Info: (919) 332-8607

Clean by Queen LLC, Shadona David
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook
Mission/Purpose: Our mission is to provide affordable luxury cleaning assistance to the hardworking professional.
Location/Service Area: We currently service the Maryland, Virginia, DC and North Carolina Areas
Holiday Specials: Black Friday Special- New customers can enjoy 1 free carpet cleaning in a room of their choice with the booking of any cleaning service. This special is offered for the entire month of December.
Contact Info: 919-819-4671, [email protected]

The Boy Mom Project, Tiffany Haynes
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook
Mission/Purpose: The Boymom Project, provides a safe space for BOYMOMS raising boys of color in today’s society. To discuss our journeys, share quick mom tips and topics affecting our boys from a BOYMOMS perspective
Location/Service Area: Serving Boymoms everything but focusing on New York and the RDU Raleigh, NC area.
Contact Info: (347)626-9967, [email protected]

Boujee Bellies, Janay Edwards
Social Media: Instagram
Mission/Purpose: Luxury Body Casting & Keepsakes
Location/Service Area: Raleigh, NC
Holiday Specials: 10% off services
Upcoming Events: Black Power Pop Up Shop 11.27 at The Loc Lounge (located in Triangle Town Center next to Dillards)
Contact Info: 919-271-0401, Email: [email protected]

Brooke Snell, Beaded by Brooke
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook
Mission/Purpose: Beaded by Brooke isn’t just a handmade jewelry boutique. Each waist bead is dedicated to empowering you, healing you and paying homage to women you came from.
Location/Service Area: Based is Raleigh, NC, but can ship worldwide.
Contact Info: [email protected]

Batch Childcare, Krystal Underdue
Social Media Pages: Instagram
Mission/Purpose: Group chilcare for large events
Location/Service Area: Triangle area of NC; will travel outside of NC
Contact Info: [email protected]

POD Creative, Lesley Loren
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook
Mission/Purpose: Making custom masks, handkerchiefs, and other handmade items as a way to support my family during this covid crisis.
Location/Service Area: Garner, NC but can ship anywhere
Holiday Specials: Holiday print masks are 2/$15; Small Business Saturday Specials TBA; Anyone that mentions seeing this article will receive a free mask lanyard with order.
Contact Info: Lesley Loren 919.590.2491, [email protected]

Carolina Garden Coaching
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook
Mission/Purpose: It is our mission to share gardening knowledge and inspire others to take control of growing food that nourishes the mind, body, and soul.
Location/Service Area: The Triangle Area - Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Apex, Chapel Hill
Holiday Specials: Discount on coaching sessions when you book your consultations during the dates 11/25/20 - 12/25/20. Buy 3 coaching sessions get one free. Other deals to come.
Contact Info: [email protected]

Carolina Noir Photography, Sarah Faye Ward
Social Media: Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok @boudoir_in_nc
Mission/Purpose: My mission is create an environment where women are free to unleash their fire.
Location/Service Area: Durham, NC & surrounding areas
Holiday Specials: Join my VIP group on FB for Black Friday flash sales including a $99 retainer fee special
Contact Info: 919-606-1341, Email: [email protected]