As we approach the end of 2020, I want to express my immense gratitude to all of the families who have trusted me to support them this year.
 
Beginning in January, Best of Both Worlds Doula Services will conduct virtual meetings only until further notice. Due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in North Carolina, I will continue taking precautions by practicing social distancing from the general public through the winter months. Please note: 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 may be altered due to COVID-19 restrictions and mandates.

My Availability: I am currently taking birth clients due in April and beyond. Postpartum services will tentatively resume in Spring 2021. 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 February 2021. 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 working on an online format for my classes and I hope to start virtual classes in February. Check out my Fitness Momshell Facebook page for updates.

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

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.

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Below you can find all of the latest information from local hospitals regarding COID-19 and visitor policies. These policies are changing every day so please be sure to confirm what is stated here and on their website by calling or emailing. I will try to keep this post updated as I receive new information from the hospitals and other local doulas.


*UNC Health Care/Rex Hospital

Update from UNC as of Monday, December 7, 2020: Laboring patients may designate two (2) support people, which could include a doula. After birth, patients may designate two (2) support people for the entire length of stay in the hospital, they may visit one at a time. There will be a screening process and a mask from the hospital will be required for the entire stay. The Operating Room (cesarean sections) policy allows one support person. *Doulas must have gone through the OR training at UNC to provide support there.


*WakeMed Health and Hospitals

Update for WakeMed as of Monday, December 7, 2020: One support person and a doula a day during labor; one support person a day postpartum. The Operating Room (cesarean sections) policy allows one support person and a doula at Wake Med Main. Doulas need to bring the proper training and certification documentation to the hospital with them.


*Duke Health

Update for Duke as of Monday, December 7, 2020: Laboring patients may designate two support people, which could include a doula. After birth, patients may designate one support person for the entire length of stay in the hospital. Visiting hours do not apply to these visitors.


NICU visitation policies: Likely one parent at a time; Screening questions & temperature checks required. Please check with individual hospitals regarding COVID-19 testing for visitation.

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.

Remember, you are the patient/parent and nothing should be decided or done in regards to you or your child(ren)'s care without your consent.

Evidence Based Birth
EBB has a downloadable consent form that you can print off and discuss with your provider. You can find it here.

COVID-19 response updates & resources for North Carolina 

Center for Disease Control (CDC)

World Health Organization (WHO)

National Institute of Health (NIH)

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)

Food & Drug Administration (FDA)

La Leche League International

Postpartum Support International 

Thank you for your interest in the Best of Both Worlds Doula Services Mentorship Program! I would love to guide you on your doula/birthworker journey.

The BOBWDS Mentorship Program is unique in that it is a 'mentee-led' program focused on business development specific to birthworkers. I will provide simple, yet effective guidance that will assist others in determining what type of doula or birthworker they want to be and how they want to market and run their business. This rigourous 6 week program will consist of

▫️Weekly birthwork & business classes held on Zoom/Facebook Room
▫️Weekly homework assignments to develop each part of your business plan
▫️Researching your local community, health care system and ideal clientele
▫️A summary/overview of what you learned during the course, an outline of your business plan, a community referral list and a business resource list for networking

BOBWDS Mentorship Options:
▫️Business consultations are available to those interested in a career in birthwork (recent college graduates or doulas new to the area) who may be seeking general advice or guidance. Cost of each consultation is $75.

▫️The BOBWDS 6 week program will explore birthwork and business and help each program participant develop a unique business plan based on their interests, personalities and passions. Modules will include:

• Birthwork business concentration or pathway (type of doula, lactation consultant, midwife)
• Business development, branding and the factors to consider when starting a business
• Clientele/Target Market
• Legalities of business and birthwork
• Trainings and certification
• Reproductive justice/reproductive rights
• Diversity & cultural competency
• Networking and community partnerships
• Self care & burnout prevention

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Cost for the 6 week program is $175.

▫️Ongoing mentorship is provided to mentees who have completed the 6 week program. You will receive monthly business development check ins via phone or Zoom and access to additional educational tools and business opportunities in my private Facebook group. Ongoing mentorship is $60/month.

How to apply:
▫️Fill out the application here.
▫️Application deadline for the Winter 2021 session is December 31, 2020.
▫️Applicants chosen for interviews will be notified in early January.

Each program participant will receive a syllabus & program guide as well as a certificate of completion once the program requirements are fulfilled.
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Limited spaces are available for my 6 week Winter 2021 session. Interviews will take place in January. Classes begin in February. Please email me at bestofbothworldsnc@gmail.com with any questions.

Personal Note: I became a mentor to fill a need. I have learned that while fulfilling, birthwork isn't for the faint of heart and I want to guide those who have a true interest in supporting families during pregnancy, birth and postpartum and how to best serve each one. I will provide the foundation to build a sustainable business, your way, while supporting families with purpose & passion.

2020 has been hard for everyone. Facts. And while I know that the above statement is not everyone's testimony, it is mine and I want to share all that I am thankful for, especially now.

​Lord knows several things could have been different for me and my family this year. But through all the uncertainty, sickness and death, injustice and political turmoil, we are not only surviving but thriving. God has truly shown up for me and my family in so many ways.

This year, I am especially grateful for:

​My best friend, husband, soul mate and business partner who has nurtured my soul tremendously throughtout 2020's highs & lows. I absolutely love having him home!

My sweet little boy who is becoming such a strong and thoughful young man

Old friends that I have been able to reconnect with

New friends and business connections that have enriched and challenged my business processes

Allies that continue to show up for me in more ways than one

​My prayer warriors who have checked in consistently and interceded on my behalf

My "besties" or internet cousins who hype me up and encourage me to show up and keep going

My endo warriors who have endured so much with me this year as we continued to fight a battle many don't believe is real

The political season is over and we can start to breathe again as Americans with confidence in the coming administration

My clients who trusted me during such a difficult time to support them and give them quality care while making safety a top priority for everyone

The things yet to come... this year was a huge transitional year both personally and professionally. I am still waiting to see the fruits of my labor on a few things, but I am excited about the possibilities alone!

God's love, beauty, mercy, grace, protection, timing and favor

​1 Chronicles 16:24 O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.

Have you ever wondered about the meaning behind the name of my doula business? It has taken me a long time to verbalize and express the full meaning and I thought I would share it with you today.

In early 2015, I attended my very first doula training after two years of researching and planning my transition into entrepreneurship. Working as a professional nanny for 10 years had been an amazing experience, but I wanted more. I wanted to offer more to the families I was working with. And I also wanted more for my own family. I wanted to build a long lasting legacy rooted in community and support.

Over the last 5 ½ years, Best of Both Worlds Doula Services has become so much more than I ever dreamed. My early years of both motherhood and business proved to be more than a challenge, but as I navigated my way through milestones & memories, I grew more confident in my abilities as a natural caregiver. I have seen the good, the bad and everything in between serving various family dynamics. If I haven't experienced it firsthand, I know someone who has and I have assisted them through the learning process.

Best of Both Worlds Doula Services is where
Passion meets purpose...
Faith meets fulfillment...
Knowledge meets experience...
Tradition meets modern...
Empowerment meets advocacy...
Commitment meets community...

With 20 years of experience in me, you can guarantee top notch support & care from a family expert. I understand how unique each family dynamic is and I will meet you where you are and provide quality service to ensure that your family will thrive.

Contact me today to schedule your complimentary phone consultation.

Just as the first presidential debate was ending, I asked myself how I felt. With one day left in #SelfCareSeptember (now officially Soul Care Season because the month most definitely went by too fast), I was mentally assessing how I felt. My answer: tired. That debate was a lot. My brain could barely interpret what was being said by who at any given time. Mind you there were only two participants and the moderator. I was/am tired because the debate was yet another thing that I had to process (as if 2020 hasn't already given us enough to process).

When black people say they are tired, we mean our souls are tired. The very thing that keeps us going when our physical bodies can't. But what happens when your soul can't go on? I have actually had to acknowledge and care for my soul as a separate entity because of all the trauma and racism that surrounds me.

The biggest lesson I learned in September was that self care and soul care are essential daily habits and rituals that have to be integrated into my routine in order for me to thrive. If I'm being honest, that means being in a constant state of self awareness and doing whatever is necessary to stay centered. Chile, just typing that was exhausting. But I also know that this is going to take some practice and I'm committed to that.

I covered several aspects of health in September/October. Below is a recap if you missed anything. Each subject has highlights (posts, interviews and blogs) for quick reference.

Physical Health

• Self Care
• Black Tea IG Live interview with Savoun Perry: Snapback Culture
• Wellness Wednesday/Refocusing on Fitness
• Obstetric Violence/Birth Trauma
• Body Positivity & Appreciation
• Fitness Friday Update
• Skin Care & Health
• Supplement Recommendations
• Self Breast Exam Reminder
• Mammogram Blog

Mental Health

• Black Tea IG Live interview with Brandlyn Owens
• Suicide Prevention
• Rest/Unplug
• Setting Boundaries
• Run Your Race At Your Own Pace
• Dear Girl

Emotional Health

• Crying/Release
• Feminine Energy
• Loss
• Self Care After Loss
• No Rain, No Flowers
• Nurturing Relationships

Spiritual Health

• Let Go/Change Your Mindset
• Mindset Blog
• Black Tea IG Live interview with Shirnetta J. Harrell
• Holy MatriMommy Book Interview featuring author, Kalonda Colman

Financial Health

• Black Tea IG Live interview with Faith Bynum, CPA, MBA
• Blog: Worth Every Penny: The Value of a Doula

Reproductive Health

• Family Planning/Contraceptives
• Guest Blog interview featuring Natasha Bony, herbalist

Sexual Health

• HAP over WAP Blog
• CBD & Sex
• OBGYN Appointment Reminder
• Sex After Birth Blog
• PCOS Awareness Month
• PCOS Guest Blog featuring Amy Leigh
• Trauma

Seasonal Effective Disorder: Winter will be here before we know it which means depression and anxiety will be even more prevalent. We may be facing more isolation and continued social distancing so keep that in mind when planning for the holidays. Human connection is important so be creative with how you stay in touch with loved ones. Please be sure to continue to put yourself first, prioritize all aspects of your health and stay safe.