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
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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.

Happy Black History Month!

Oh, wait.... Happy New Year too!

I hope and pray everyone reading this is well and has started the new year off with new goals & intentions that will only lead to great things.

I have to be honest with you... January was a bit difficult for me. I was dealing with a couple of big disappointments from December and I was in a terrible funk. I will spare you the details because truthfully I don't need to revisit those feelings and while I am not 100% over it all, God has already dealt with my heart concerning these matters and I know that my delay is not a denial.

I began the new year with a three week fast for some spiritual insight. It was hard, especially since I was on call for three families, but the clarity I received was invaluable. I was having a difficult time moving forward with my plans and goals for this year because I was still carrying the heaviness of last year. Although, I tried to prioritize my physical & mental health in 2020, it got harder with each passing day. I realized that there was/is a lot going on around me that I cannot control and instead of backing away and taking a break to protect my peace, I developed a habit of having to know what was happening in the world at any given moment (staying informed) even when it triggers me. I definitely blame that on 45. At this point we all have PTSD from the trauma that man caused America and the world. That means we all have a pre-existing condition now, right?

If you have been following me for some time then you may know that I used to write and end-of-the-year rant aka blog airing my grievances (mostly political) from the year. But we lived and survived all 366 days of the mess that was 2020. Unfortunately, we are still dealing with it all. And some of us are dealing with even more due to the lack of action from Congress in a timely manner. My heart can't help but hurt thinking of all the families who have lost loved ones, homes, jobs and so much more in the past year. And unfortunately, the affects of what happened in 2020 will not end any time soon. It has already affected the next generation and their way life, education and health.

With all that we have endured, it only seems right that I, and maybe you too, are feeling stuck. My advice: explore those feelings and see where it leads you. Find a way to move forward, even if you have to change your daily routine. But please, do not be afraid to move forward. Fear breeds nothing, literally. Tell me the truth: are you still doing the same thing you were doing in April 2020 when quarantine first began? Have you changed anything about how you live, work or play? More importantly, is your self care routine the same? (It shouldn't be.) Yes, we as humans can be very adaptable especially when we have very little choice. But we also can't ignore our instincts and expectations to be safe and secure. Transparency: I haven't felt safe since the election. And of course my feelings only grew stronger on January 6th. This post was almost titled "Dear America, I Don't Trust You", but I had to shift my energy because I didn't want to start the new year on a negative note. But you know what I'm getting at.

So what is in store for me and Best of Both Worlds Doula Services in 2021? LOTS! But you will just have to wait and see. I will be moving a bit differently this year so I can accomplish some BIG goals and birth some new things. What exactly does that mean? I am going to be "Reclaiming My Time" as auntie Maxine Waters says. It means that I will be less available. I will purposely and unapologetically be selfish with my time. Less social media and checking in on people. I am constantly giving my time whether it is with family, clients, mentees and business colleagues. and after last year, I think about time, my time, much differently. Growth and protecting my peace are my only priorities this year. This next level will require more of me which means less everything else.

If you are feeling anything but joy and happiness right now. That is okay. That is expected. Breathe. Be open minded and ready for new opportunities and doors to open even if it's not what you expected. Trust the process and your intuition. Reclaim your time and take control of the things you can. Everything will fall into place at the right time.

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. All other health and fitness services will be accommodated at my discrection depending on clients wants and needs. 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.

​
Below you can find all of the latest information from local hospitals regarding COVID-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

North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services

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, newly trained doulas or doulas new to the area) who may be seeking general advice or guidance. One-time 30 minute consultations are $35. One-time 90 minute consultations are $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.