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 through Friday, 2-4 p.m. Evening & weekend consultations by request only

Prenatal Meetings (in person): weekends only

Postpartum & Reproductive Care Services: Tuesday and Thursday 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 January 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.

QOTD: How's Your Quality of Life?

August is National Wellness Month and if you know me, then you already know that wellness is a top priority for me, personally and professionally. Recently, I made some much needed changes to my health and wellness routine. Last month I relaunched my fitness brand and Fitness Momshell 2.0 has been in full effect for a few weeks. I love being back on the dance floor, getting low and sweating with my students! I had a couple of "hiccups" in July, but I'm focused and ready to meet my August goals.

I made a major change in the Spring that has completely improved my quality of life in a major way. Because of my endometriosis, I folow a strict health and wellness regime (most days). Back in April, I had major oral surgery and without going into detail, it was a long, intense recovery. Four months later and I still can't eat apples. I lost almost 12 pounds during the first week of my recovery because I couldn't eat or swallow. Turns out, the surgery was a blessing in disguise. A total "reset" if you will.

Physically, I struggled. Not eating was just the beginning. I basically had to learn how to eat again. I still have a hard time with some foods, especially meat. My relationship with food has changed for the better (I had terrible eating habits during quarantine) and I think I have finally kicked this sweet tooth... I think.

After all I went through to get this surgery (that's a crazy long story for another time) and all the pain I endured during my healing and recovery, I promised myself that I was going put my health and wellness first from now on. No more sweets or wine. Period. With that wasted money, I created my "Wellness Budget" which now goes towards my supplements and wellness product purchases. Instead of consuming empty calories that make me sick, I am feeding and healing my body with some amazing herbs & holistic products. I made a clear cut decision and a commitment and I am happy to report: so far, so good.

I have also invested more time into my mental and spiritual wellness. I have also been spending a great deal of time reading the Bible for understanding and listening to sermons. This is a big part of my self care routine now as it helps to keep me focused and lifted. Staying positive is important with so much going in globally right now.

I know with the virus still lingering, there are those worried about what work and life will look like for the rest of the year and even beyond. Now is not the time to worry or fret. Do whatever you need to do to be and live. Invest in your health. You're worth it.

Earlier this month, my family and I traveled for the first time in nearly two years. Needless to say, packing seemed to be a daunting task as I now have so many things that I need on a daily baisis. Supplements, particular foods & snacks, not to mention my most needed "go-to" items when pain comes and/or I have an endo flare. I couldn't very well leave all of my comforts of home at home, right? And don't even get me started on all the extra sanitation that was needed while traveling. I had to be prepared. Today, I am going to give you a peak inside my wellness kit as National Wellness Month begins tomorrow.

It has taken me a lot of time and energy to determine what works best for me when it comes to my health regimen. Mostly due to the fact that I have had to adjust and (at times) completely change my regimen altogether with the advice of my doctors. Here's what I know for sure: sugar and red meat are most definitely my flare triggers. Cheat days do not exist for me. I do, however, give myself permission to satisfy a craving or two during the week of my cycle. But having a consistent health regimen gives me the room to do that. Below you will find my daily supplements and meds as well as the things I use if I do experience pain or a flare:
​

• ​Semaine PMS & Period Support capsules (use code ENDODOULA for a discount on your 1st order)
• ENTouch Womb Herbal Detox capsules
• AZO Cranberry supplements
• vH essentials Probiotics with Prebiotics and Cranberry Feminine Health supplements
• Spring Valley Extra Strength Probiotics
• Norethindrone (prescription)
• Goli Nutrition Ashwagandha Gummy
• Kush Queen CBD Bath Bomb
• Highland's Bioplasma Cell Salt tablets
• Lilas Pain Relief Patches
• AUVON Rechargeable Tens Unit Musce Stimulator
• Hot Water Bottle
• Dr. Teals Lavendar Bubble Bath, Epsom Salt & Body Oil (not pictured)

All of these things have improved my daily life in so many ways. I have learned that true wellness is a daily habit and there are no short cuts. It may seem like a lot to priortize your health ad wellness (especially when traveling), but in this day and age, it could mean the difference between life and death. Which one are you choosing?

Want to know how I got to this point? The journey wasn't easy, but you can read more here and here.

SUMMER SCHEDULE

Now that Summer is officially here, I wanted to share some changes to my daily schedule. I haven't yet had a chance to update all of my calendars, so please save this for reference.

▫️June 25th thru 28th-Closed
▫️July 9th thru 12th-Closed
▫️August 28th thru September 6th-Limited Appointments
▫️July, August, September-booked for births

Doula Consultations (via phone): Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., evening & weekend consultations by request only

Prenatal Meetings (in person): weekends only

Postpartum Services: Monday and Thursday afternoons & weekends only

CPR/First Aid: Registration for the July 31st training will be open Monday, July, 5th for individuals and businesses. Please contact me if you want to be added to the August training waitlist or if you want a private training.

Zumba:
▫️July class session begins on Wednesday, July 7th
▫️August class session begins on Wednesday, August 4th
▫️Register for the sessions here: raleighnc.gov/reclink or drop in for $12.

Stay tuned for Fitness Momshell meetups and pop up events!

As you can see, I am leaving room for life to happen this summer and I'm looking forward to some fun (and rest too) now that the world is opening up again!

What do you have planned for the summer?

Happy Birthday to ME!!

This past year was full of lessons and blessings and I am ready for all of the abundance and overflow that this new season has for me and my family!

Oh, to be in this place.... I LOVE IT HERE! Thank you Lord for keeping me! And cheers to 36 trips around the sun! 🍾

Read my birth story here: www.bestofbothworldsnc.com/blog/my-our-birth-story

Requests: Please consider making a donation to Best of Both Worlds Doula Services or any of the causes I support. Thank you!

Send birthday 💵 to CashApp $KellyKCollins

📷 by @pakcollins at @berrybombselfiespot