Now that Summer is over (that was FAST), I wanted to share my new daily schedule. I still haven't had a chance to update all of my calendars, so please save this for reference.

September 4th thru 6th-Closed
October 11th-Closed
Due to my current client load and professional responsibilities, I will be less available in the next few months. Email or text will be the best ways to contact me.

BOBWDS Birth Calendar: I have had some recent changes to my birth calendar and I have 1 October and 1 November birth spaces available at the moment. Update as of September 17th: my calendar is closed for 2021.

Doula Consultations (via phone): Monday & Tuesday evenings, weekend consultations by request only

Prenatal Meetings (in person): weekends only

Postpartum & Reproductive Care Services: Tuesday afternoons & weekends only

CPR/First Aid: Registration for CPR/First Aid is currently on hold for individuals and businesses. Please contact me if you want to be added to the training waitlist or if you want a private training.

Doula Mentorship will resume in February 2022.

Zumba:
September class session begins on Wednesday, September 1st. Classes are on Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
4 classes for $40 (The 5th Wednesday will be drop in only)
Register for the sessions here>>> raleighnc.gov/reclink or drop in for $12.
Stay tuned for @fitnessmomshell meetups and pop up events!

Safety measures and precautions are still in place as we continue to navigate Covid-19. Mask wearing, social distancing and handwashing will take place at all meetings. Virtual meetings will still be an option for your comfort and ​convenience.

June 5, 2020

This has been on my heart for months now. And with everything happening over the last couple of weeks, I need to get this off my chest.

I first new my endo was real....

Almost three years ago, I woke up in pain and stayed in bed all day. I could barely move. Months earlier I had been diagnosed with IBS, but I knew this was something else. I was experiencing another flare and none of the 8 medications I was taking relieved my pain. The sun was going down and I had been trying to get out of bed all day, at least for a little bit, to go grocery shopping. But I just couldnt. So I narrowed down the list and I only needed one thing: milk for my son. I eventually broke down and asked my husband to run to the store. He happily obliged, asked if I needed anything and he took our son with him to Target since none of us had been out that day.

I stayed home with my mom (who had moved in with is just a couple of months prior due to her failing health) and tried to breath through the pain. I managed to doze off for a few minutes and then I heard my phone ring. (Note: for our whole relationship I have consistently missed my husband's calls because when I'm at home, I put my phone on silent. But I had recently started turning my phone volume up whenever he left the house because he always calls for one reason or another).

When I answered the phone I heard my husband's voice and I immediately knew something was wrong. He told me he had been pulled over for no reason. He told me that the officer had a warrant for his arrest. He had me on speaker so I could hear. Him and the officer had an exchange when my husband asked why he had been pulled over and what the warrant was for. Then my husband and I got disconnected. (He apparently called 911 right after this so he could have a record of what was happening). I immediately jumped on my feet, grabbed some clothes, called my neighbor and asked her to take me to my husband and son.

By the time we got in the car, my husband had called back and told me he was about to be arrested. I could hear my son crying in the background. My adrenaline was pumping through me as I was now in a panic. That 9 minute car ride was the longest car ride of my life. I stayed on the phone. I put him on speaker phone so I could hear everything.

When we arrived my husband was in the back of a police SUV. A second officer had arrived at some point and was standing next to our family car just watching my son cry his eyes out. I ran over to the SUV and saw the pain in my husband's eyes. He said he was okay and told me to go get our son and told me not to cry. I walked over to our car and proceeded to calm our son down. My mother stayed with him while I spoke to one of the police officers about what was going to happen next. My heart was pounding but I spoke calmly and nodded my head before getting into my car and following the police officers to the jail.

My neighbor took my mother and son home and I proceeded down the dark highway with tears streaming down face. It seemed like a long drive. The next thing I remember is walking through the huge doors of the building and approaching the metal detector. I was then directed to go down the stairs and wait to speak to the magistrate. I had no idea who that was or what that meant. But as a young black woman who was waiting to bail her black husband our of jail, there was a sense that I did know and was even familiar with the entire process due to the color of my skin. I was not. I was scared. No, terrified. I was cold, hungry and tired. And now, I was alone. Waiting. Not knowing what was happening to my husband. Two hours pasted. I finally saw the magistrate. She spoke fast and again, she spoke to me as if I had been through this process before. I didn't even know where to begin to find a bail bondsman. I called a family friend (an older white woman) and without hesitation, she came to sit with me for a while. She waited at the jail just in case there were any updates about my husband while I went to the atm to get bail money. Money we had just put in our savings account. Money we needed. Money I was thankful to have at a time like this.

When I returned, I was told that my husband was being released soon. I waited another 40 minutes before I saw him slowly walk over to me. There was something in his eyes... He was defeated. He was angry. He was sad. I noticed that he was carrying his shoe strings. We hugged for a long time. I don't remember the ride home. It was after 2 am when we finally got home. He had bruises from the handcuffs. They served as reminders days after the whole ordeal. He made a video of his experience and his feelings about being wrongfully arrested before we went to bed. I barely slept. My body had just experienced a full on traumatic experience while I was in the middle of an endo flare. There are no words to express what my body and brain endured that day and the months following. This was the day I knew my endo was real.

What is preeclampsia?

Preeclampsia (previously referred to as toxemia) is a pregnancy complication often pinpointed by high blood pressure. When a pregnant person has high blood pressure and signs that some of their organs (the kidneys and liver) may not be working normally, more than likely, they have preeclampsia. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is when the force of blood against the walls of the blood vessels is too high. It can stress the heart and cause problems during pregnancy. Pre-eclampsia usually begins after 20 weeks of pregnancy in a person whose blood pressure had been normal. It can lead to serious, even fatal, complications for both parent and baby.

Other terms associated with preeclampsia:

• Eclampsia is a severe form of preeclampsia that leads to seizures in the birthing person.
• HELLP Syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count) is a condition usually occurring late in pregnancy that affects the breakdown of red blood cells, how the blood clots, and liver function for the pregnant person.
• Postpartum Preeclampsia occurs after birth (usually within the first couple of days postpartum, but up to 6 weeks pp). It is important to know that postpartum preeclampsia can occur even if preeclampsia did not occur during pregnancy. The symptoms are also slightly different: severe headache, stomach pain, nausea & vomiting, spots or blurred vision, swelling in hands or face, blood pressure over 140/90 and shortness of breath.

Symptoms:

• Mild preeclampsia: high blood pressure, water retention, and protein in the urine.
• Severe preeclampsia: persistent headache, confusion, blurred vision, sensitivity to bright light, fatigue, nausea/vomiting, urinating small amounts, pain in the upper right abdomen, shortness of breath, and tendency to bruise easily.

Facts:

• Preeclampsia is a serious health problem for pregnant people around the world. It affects 2 to 8 percent of pregnancies worldwide (2 to 8 in 100). In the United States, it’s the cause of 15 percent (about 3 in 20) of premature births.
• In the last two decades, the rate of preeclampsia in the U.S. has increased 25%.
• You can still have a vaginal birth with preeclampsia.
• Most pregnant people with preeclampsia have healthy babies. But if not treated, it can cause serious problems, like premature birth and even death.
• If you're at risk for preeclampsia, your provider may want you to take low-dose aspirin to help prevent it.
• If you have blurred vision, swelling in your hands and face or severe headaches or belly pain, call your provider immediately.
• You can have preeclampsia and be unaware if you have no symptoms. It is important to have good prenatal care and a provider you trust even if you’re feeling fine.
• Preeclampsia is diagnosed through ultrasound and/or a non-stress test (monitoring baby's heart rate).
• Preeclampsia survivors have double the risk for heart disease and stroke.

Risk Factors:

• First-time parent
• Previous occurrence with gestational hypertension or preeclampsia
• Family history of preeclampsia
• Those who have had fertility treatments
• Those carrying multiple babies
• Those younger than 20 years and older than age 40
• Those who had high blood pressure or kidney disease prior to pregnancy
• Those who are considered obese or have a BMI of 30 or greater
• Black birthing people
• Those with low socioeconomic status

Treatment: Treatment depends on how close you are to your due date. If you are close to your due date, and the baby is developed enough, your health care provider will probably want to deliver your baby as soon as possible. If you have a mild case and your baby has not reached full development, your doctor will likely suggest the following: rest (lying on your left side to take the weight of the baby off your major blood vessels), increased prenatal visits, consuming less salt, drinking a minimum of at least 8 glasses of water a day and increasing the protein in your diet. During visits, your provider will check your urine and blood pressure and ask about baby's movement (kick count.)

If you have severe preeclampsia, your doctor may prescribe medication for you. Most likely, the birthing person will stay in the hospital so your provider can closely monitor you and your baby. Your provider may treat you with medicines called antenatal corticosteroids (also called ACS). These medicines help speed up your baby’s lung development. You also may get medicine to control your blood pressure and medicine to prevent seizures (called magnesium sulfate). If you are at least 34 weeks pregnant, your provider may recommend that you have your baby as soon as your condition is stable. Your provider may induce your labor and/or you may have a cesarean birth. If you’re not yet 34 weeks pregnant but you and your baby are stable, you may be able to wait to have your baby.

Prevention: Because the exact cause of preeclampsia is unknown, there is currently no cure. Even so, there are things you can do to control or limit the risk factors such as:

• Drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day
• Avoiding fried foods and junk food
• Use little or no added salt in your meals and adding fresh herbs
• Avoid beverages containing caffeine
• Prioritizing rest & sleep
• Exercising regularly
• Elevating your feet during the day
• Reduce your stress at all costs

I have had a few birth clients who have experienced preeclampsia as well as postpartum preeclampsia, so I am quite familiar with the care and support surrounding it. Early identification is key for the health & safety of both parent and baby. To learn more, please visit the Preeclampsia Foundation or the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

This is the face of postpartum anxiety.

Ten years ago when I became a mother, I had no idea how this precious baby would change me.

Preston is my greatest joy and even though I seem happy in this photo, I was a mess.

A few months after having my son, I developed postpartum anxiety, more specifically postpartum obsessive compulsive disorder. I constantly worried about my son. Is he breathing? Is he eating enough? Will supplementing with formula ruin him? I checked on things in the house over and over again. I cleaned a lot. I barely slept. I definitely didn't eat properly or care for myself like I should have. And to top it off, I had major separation anxiety when my husband would leave for work each day.

There is no doubt in my mind that some of my thoughts had to do with me becoming a parent while I had not yet addressed my own childhood issues & feelings. Part of me felt like I would fail him because I felt damaged. Through all the tears and sleepless nights, my son gave me the gift of healing. His smile is why I smiled. His laugh instantly made me laugh. His birth set in motion a series of events that would allow me to love wholeheartedly, heal and walk in my purpose as a doula so I can help others on their parenting journey.

For more information and resources on maternal mental health, please visit Postpartum Support International.

The Climb Out of the Darkness the world's largest event raising funds and awareness for the mental health of new families operated by Postpartum Support International. The Climb is a community walk and international fundraiser for survivors, providers, and members of the community to come together.

Raising awareness for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, The Climb brings communities together to shine a light on a darkness we often don't speak about. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are the most common complication of pregnancy and childbirth.

We share stories of hope and celebrate recovery as we gather together to raise money, raise awareness and give a voice to those who no longer have one and walk together to symbolize our 'Climb' Out of the Darkness.

Click here to view my "Why I Climb" video and learn more about why I believe Postpartum Support International is so essential to new parents. Please consider giving the gift of support to another new mother and make a donation to such a worthy cause.

As more and more people receive the COVID-19 vaccine and North Carolina begins to loosen it's restrictions throughout the state, I wanted to give another (prayerfully my last) operational update for Best of Both Worlds Doula Services. 
 
Beginning in April, Best of Both Worlds Doula Services will conduct in person consultations and meetings in addition to the current virtual option. Reminder: contracts can be signed and sent electronically or by mail. Any and all payments (deposits or otherwise) means the client acknowledges and agrees to the doula contract and all stipulations. Certain policies and practices will still be in place due to COVID-19 restrictions and mandates.

My Availability: I will have limited availability for any services in April due to dental surgery and recovery. I am currently taking birth clients due in June and beyond. Postpartum services will tentatively resume in May. Travel doula services will tentatively resume in Summer 2021.

Adult and Infant CPR/First Aid/AED training will be available to clients, small businesses and birth workers in April. Email me for more info and registration. Group rates available. Limited number of registrants for safety.

Zumba classes are still currently on hold for the time being since the community center is still closed to the public. I am currently looking for an alternate location to host classes. All other health and fitness services will be accommodated at my discretion depending on clients wants and needs. Check out my Fitness Momshell Facebook page for updates... NEW SERVICES COMING SOON!

Best of Both Worlds Doula Services is committed to providing you quality, safe support as we navigate COVID-19. Thank you for understanding and continued support.

Reminders:

• Know your rights. Hospital policies are not law.
• Advocate for yourself and reiterate your birth vision when necessary.
• If you or someone you know has given birth during the COVID-19 pandemic, please feel free to participate in my Birth in 2020 project. Learn more here.
• Need vaccine info? Click here to read my quick info guide.

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Below you can find links to all of the local hospitals to obtain current visitor policies & restrictions. These policies are changing every day so please be sure to confirm what is stated here and on their website by calling or emailing.

*UNC Health Care/Rex Hospital

*WakeMed Health and Hospitals

*Duke Health
​
Women's Birth and Wellness Center

*Wake County Health Department

*Durham County Health Department

*Johnston County Health Department

The * indicates the COVID-19 test sites.