An update on Best of Both Worlds Doula Services operations and information from local hospitals and national health organizations:

As COVID-19 continues to spread throughout Raleigh and the Triangle area, Best of Both Worlds Doula Services is still taking precautions by practicing social distancing and staying at home through May. Meetings and consultations will continue through phone and video conferencing for the time being. Thank you for understanding.

Please be advised that I will be following North Carolina's guidelines on sheltering in place and I will likely extend them. I would like to start in person meetings again in June, but that is still unknown right now. Please check back for updates in mid/late May. Reduced virtual services will be available through the end of May as well. My operational hours have not changed and I am available by phone, text, email or video chat for your convenience.
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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

Please note: At UNC, the partner can stay postpartum. However, if they leave the hospital for any reason, even to grab something from the car, they will not be allowed back in. Other hospitals may adopt this policy as well so please be advised. 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 Thursday, May 7th, 2020: All WakeMed facilities are now allowing doulas plus one additional support person! The Operating Room (cesarean sections) policy allows one support person and a doula at Wake Med Main.

Women's Birth and Wellness Center

*Duke Health

Please note: As of last week, Duke Regional and Big Duke began universal testing for all birthing people coming into L&D. Anyone testing positive for COVID-19 will be separated from their partner/support person, & it will be recommended that the newborn be separated as well. Other hospitals may adopt this policy as well so please be advised.

Update for Duke as of Monday, April 27th, 2020: Duke Hospitals policy now states that every birthing person is entitled to a support person regardless of COVID-19 status!

Wake County Health Department

The * indicates the hospitals that are 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.
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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 

I want to again thank those who continue to go above and beyond to ensure that others have what they need and are taken care of during this uncertain time.

To the doctors, nurses, researchers and other medical staff working tirelessly to provide accurate, up-to-date information and quality care THANK YOU

To all essential employees, staff and city/government officials such as our child care workers, mail couriers, garbage collectors, bus drivers, grocery store clerks and cashiers, pharmacists, researchers, delivery persons, city workers, commissioners and other officials THANK YOU

To the liaisons helping people navigate if/when to see their providers and when/where they can get tested THANK YOU

To the janitors, custodians and cleaning crews of schools, businesses and the local & national government THANK YOU

To the generous community volunteers who are making sure their neighbors, friends, school aged children and the homeless have food, supplies, school lessons+resources and basic medical supplies+care THANK YOU

To all the mask makers THANK YOU

To the local small businesses who are still serving the people of the community THANK YOU

To my fellow birth workers who are continuing to serve clients in all capacities THANK YOU

True story: I was in the middle of a very different blog post highlighting some of my thoughts as a black woman+wife+mother+doula, but those thoughts shifted rapidly as my perspective changed and I feel the need to express how I feel in the now. Like right now. So here we are.

"Hi! Just checking in to see how you and your family are doing. How is everyone feeling? Is there anything I can assist you with today?" This is me. All. The. Time. Yes, I am that person who is always checking on everyone. And well, I'm tired. Every year during my son's spring break, I take time off for myself. This year was different because initially I felt guilty for taking time away from my business while so many families are seeking support right now. But as the days passed, the guilt quickly faded and a week turned into nearly two. A revelation was indeed coming.

​It has been 43 days since my family began sheltering in place. In the beginning, I was very productive and positive that this would all be temporary. Between checking in with my clients regularly, starting a new doula training, finishing my certification exam all while staying on top of the laundry, I was winning. Even the switch to 100% virtual services was smooth. I have offered virtual doula services for over a year now and while I believe I have done well supporting my current clients virtually during the COVID-19 outbreak, I began to feel weighted a couple of weeks ago. Weighted with being an advocate while I can't be physically present at the hospital, standing up to the health care industrial complex whose policies continue to change for birthing people & their support persons and generally being a savior for black birthing bodies even though I serve all types of families from different backgrounds.

Don't get me wrong, I have definitely shown up for my clients and given them the same quality service that I normally provide. I have made phone calls, sent emails, posted articles and updates from the WHO, CDC, FDA and Governor Cooper and local officials, stayed up-to-date on all the local hospital policy changes, provided referrals for food & educational sources and had more than a few virtual reassurance consultations with clients, friends and family. I have participated in Zoom calls for birth workers and I was even been interviewed to discuss how the virus has affected my work from a reproductive justice aspect. I have connected with different doulas and midwives from all over the country as we have been bonded by the impact of our work, clients and culture during this unstable time. I also started a birth story project so that others can share their unique birth and parenting stories during this global health crisis. But it was all with the thought that all of the chaos would be over in a few weeks and life would resume as normal.

My mind has raced with thoughts of what life will be like after this virus has left. I often think of those incarcerated, the immigrants who are still in cages and the homeless community. The back and forth of the media, health experts and leadership has caused more confusion and chaos among us while we try to stay connected to those we love virtually. Preparing to leave the house has now become more of a mental and emotional exercise than physical. Just one short month ago I was conducting final interviews for the first session of my doula mentorship program. Two weeks ago, when I sent out an email delaying the program because I didn't want my mentees burdened with the financial commitment during this time, my heart was already heavy. I was already questioning how I would be able to teach them and encourage their journey during a time when I myself was unsure. Truth be told, I probably ignored the biggest red flag. I have had no desire to be physically active while being sheltered in place. And if you know me, that is a big deal. I had a fleeting thought to move my Zumba classes online, but it would have been forced. I just didn't want to feel like I had to be "on" 24/7. Days, weeks and maybe soon, months will have passed and that feeling of being overwhelmed (even if you're safe) is only growing because there is no end in sight.

After a month of trying to be virtually present during a pandemic, I hit a wall. Trying to gain new clients during this time is stressful. Work was starting to feel like actual work and forcing productivity wasn't serving me at all. The fact that this all took place at the start of Black Maternal Health Week. That was very telling for me. I have slowly embraced the day to day changes that this virus has had on my personal and professional life. And while some of these changes have been great for me, I realized that other changes and practices have not. The more I come to grips with the fact that social distancing and shelter in place restrictions cannot be simply defined as temporary or short term because of so many uncertainties, the more I realize our new normal will change every generation to come in various capacities. Just look at what has already happened in a few weeks due to the delayed response from American leadership to keep us safe. That's pretty heavy.

So after acknowledging all of my feelings last week, I made a plan to replenish myself. I developed an outline that nourishes and nurtures me in the now and also prepares me to assist more families in the future. At the moment, I will be taking a limited number of new clients mostly those with late 2020 due dates and beyond. I want to be sure that there is ample time and space to develop our relationship and multiple plans for birth and postpartum. The good news is that there are so many doulas and birth workers who are offering quality services from their homes and even hospital parking lots and that is so needed. But I'm in a place where I need to step back and move and bit differently.

I will protect my family at all costs.
I will continue to support my clients in any way I can.
​I will continue to do what I know I can do (my to-do list) and trust that God will cover & keep His people.

Be well and stay safe.

It is no secret that we are living in a time where many things and concepts will never be the same due the pandemic that we are currently experiencing. We have been forced to face some hard truths about our ways of life, who is considered "essential" and question our leadership & the systems (or lack there of) we have in place to protect our basic human rights. The U. S. health care industrial complex will undoubted have to change as a whole and it must start at the beginning-with BIRTH.

As Black Maternal Health Week draws near, I wanted to invite any new parent you may know to share their birth stories. As a doula, I spend much of my time listening to birth stories and helping others process their birth experience and the feelings that surround these experiences. While trying to navigate my own feelings during this time as a wife, mother, business owner, believer and human being, I wanted to extend my listening ear further and find a way to support those who need to express themselves in a productive way.

Birth in 2020 is a passion project that will allow any birthing person or new/adoptive/surrogate/foster parent to share their COVID-19 birth and family experience. It is a 60 question survey outlining your birth and parenting experience during the outbreak. Please know that this information is being collected for research purposes and I hope it will be a catalyst for processing and healing. Thank you for your time and vulnerability. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me.

If you follow my blog or social media, then you may already know that I have endometriosis. It has been 3 1/2 years since I noticed my first symptoms. I was unofficially diagnosed last June just two weeks before my birthday. And while my journey has been difficult to say the least, I am sharing my story. I was hesitant at first because I am a firm believer in not giving your battles too much power especially by speaking/dwelling on it all the time. However, after talking with friends, family and even a few strangers, I have found comfort, hope and the realization that I am not alone.

Endometriosis is a disorder in which tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside the uterus causing chronic, debilitating pain and menstrual irregularities. Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women during their reproductive years. That is about 176 million women worldwide. Because endometriosis is a full body disease, it has the potential to spread to other places in the body outside of the reproductive organs such as the chest cavity, lungs, liver, kidneys, bladder and bowels. Many people don't know that there are three different types of endo and there are four different stages (I-minimal, II-mild, III-moderate, and IV-severe). There is also a possibility of developing adenomyosis (the sister disease to endo) which is when endometrial cells exist or grow into the uterine wall. Both diseases are still being researched and examined to find a definite cause and possible cure. While there are various treatments and ways to alleviate pain and symptoms, there is no cure. 

A Typical Day

The "morning after fog" is just the first of many obstacles after a night of pain. I typically get about two hours of sleep before I start to get uncomfortable and the pain sets in. I have spent countless nights walking the floor, waiting on pain meds to kick in, breathing deeply, crying, praying, throwing up, etc. But of course I have a long list of things to do after the sun rises. So I have to mentally prepare myself before I get out of bed. This is a huge deal for me as nights/mornings like this leave me so exhausted, frustrated and physically ill, it is hard to function, let alone homeschool my son, answer emails, see clients, teach Zumba and everything else in between. But it gets done because I have to do it. I try to make time twice a day to just sit and rest for an hour so my body and mind don't get overwhelmed. I have been very blessed to have my husband home with me since he retired from teaching a couple of months ago and I can't begin to tell you how much of a difference this has made in my daily routine. He is a true help mate in every sense of the term and I have noticed a great difference in my mental and emotional health in recent weeks.

My Physical & Mental Struggle

After three long years of pain and suffering, sleepless nights, food restrictions, seeing several doctors, being misdiagnosed more than once and everything in between, I have experienced the heavy burden of what endo has done to my physical and mental health, especially this past year. The physical symptoms became worse last year as I was very stressed about a number of things and wouldn't you know, endo feeds off of stress. While trying to eat health (I eliminated dairy, sugar and alcohol) and exercise regularly, I was experiencing new symptoms and I didn't know why. Chest pains, difficulty breathing, headaches and leg & joint pain on top of the symptoms I was already experiencing (frequent & painful urination, acid reflux, chronic abdominal and pelvic pain (endo flares), extreme fatigue, memory loss, endo belly (severe bloating) and pain with/after sex. But I was also mentally and emotionally exhausted.

This time last year I made the decision to revamp my business and take on more clients. Being an entrepreneur is a challenge in itself, but when you add chronic illness to that lifestyle, there is a lot of uncertainty and insecurity. As you can imagine, I struggled daily just to finish one of my goals. Daily goals turned into weekly goals. It was then that I had to learn to give myself grace and I began looking for holistic alternatives so I could start to heal (I had not yet been diagnosed, but I knew I had endo). I also experienced a lot of brain fog last year (and I continue to) which is a bit terrifying for me. Brain fog is the inability to have a sharp memory or to lack a sharp focus and it is a common symptom of endometriosis. You experience problems with focus, memory, logic, and problem solving. I have actually experienced real time blanks where I am somewhere or driving and I forget what I was doing or where I was going. And one of those times I was in the grocery store with my son. I got light headed and dizzy and all of a sudden my son was tugging on my shirt asking me if I was okay. That was most definitely a scary af moment for me. Both the physical and mental effects of this disease follow me around like a shadow, but I am managing them much better than I used to.

My Go-To Aides

Nutrition and wellness have been my main focus since being (un)officially diagnosed last June (unofficial because I have not had a surgery to confirm). Before that, I kept a food journal to try and pinpoint what I should and shouldn't eat to keep the inflammation at bay. One day after much frustration, I threw it away (I regret that). But I have started a new journal where I track my nutrition, symptoms, flares and reproductive activity. There are several items and remedies that I current use to ease pain, keep symptoms at bay and boost my mood:

• Hot tea
• Kombutcha
• Golden Milk
• Lemon water
• Aloe water
• Ibuprofen
• CBD
• Vitamins & supplements
• Probiotics
• NuvaRing
• Zumba & Yoga
• Hot detox baths
• Abdominal massage
• Vaginal steaming
• Intermittent fasting (no dairy, sugar or alcohol)
• Plant based protein
• Trail mix
• Heating pad & hot water bottle

I am also looking into these remedies as well:

• Castor oil packs
• Ice baths
• Reiki
• Acupuncture
• Chiropractic care

I am thankful to have found some amazing resources. Endo Black, The Endometriosis Summit and Khush Sra have all been great palces for education and support. If you follow me on Instagram you know that I generally share a lot of endometriosis related information and education in my stories. The more I learn, the more I share.

Things I Miss

There are many things that I have had to let go of or put on hold due to my illness. I miss simple things like painting my nails for sure (I'm currently looking for an eco-friendly brand). Planning a girls night out or date night is hard these days too. I never know how I am going to feel. Being able to be spontaneous isn't even a thought. And sleep. There are no words to describe how I miss sleep both physically and mentally. I clearly need it to thrive, but pain is always worse at night and insomnia is also a symptom of endo. I also miss cheese. Like for real. I do occasionally eat a steak when my body craves it, but it's most chicken, fish and plant based protein for me. I miss running regularly too. I used to run up to 20 miles a week. That was back when I was teaching six Zumba classes a week and I felt like I had something to prove. But this illness has truly caused me to slow down and really listen to my body. And maybe that's just what I needed.

In the midst of the pain and suffering, I know that there is a purpose. I have learned to truly recuperate the good days. I am currently working on collaborations with other endo warriors as well as some businesses and organizations to continue to spread awareness, increase research & studies and hopefully get some disability legislation passed for those of us with endometriosis and other chronic diseases and illnesses. We deserve more care and support and we will fight for it just like we fight to have normal lives while living with endo. If you would like to collaborate, please feel free to contact me.

Yoni or vaginal steaming is an ancient herbal remedy that detoxes and strengthens the uterus and vagina. It has become an increasingly popular health and wellness practice. The benefits of steaming promote womb wellness as well as mental and emotional release and healing when done regularly. The steam itself is created by natural herbs & flowers and boiling water and is used to permeate the vulva. This allows the bloodstream to absorb all of the herbs contents and carry them to the reproductive system. They then aid the uterus in cleansing and repairing itself. This detoxification helps to facilitate the healing of various uterine abnormalities such as:

• cramps
• heavy bleeding from menstrual cycles
• PMS
• bacterial vaginosis
• remove excessive mucus
• unbalanced pH
• yeast infections
• ovarian cysts
• fibroids
• polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• endometriosis
• infertility
• menopause symptoms

Vaginal steaming is exceptional in healing the postpartum body. Regular steaming is said to increase blood flow to the vagina and reproductive organs which can lead to increased libido, better orgasms and a tighter vagina. It can also aid in reducing stress, treating hemorrhoids, increasing energy & reducing fatigue and treating headaches.

​March is Endometriosis Awareness Month and most of you know by now that I am 1 in 10 individuals who have endometriosis. You can read my endo story here. It will detail my struggles, the day I was diagnosed as well as the things that have helped me endure the pain and symptoms of the disease, including herbal teas and steaming. Today, I wanted to share some of my favorite herbalists and highlight their businesses for your convenience. Each one offers various yoni products and herbs to fit all your needs. Please note the local herbalists by the *.

​*Yes God Wellness
Owner: Megan L Macpherson
Location: Durham, NC (in-home)
About: Holistic Wellness company passionate about the mind, body and spirit connection and dedicated to reproductive wellness.
Offerings: on site steaming, herbs for steaming, wellness teas & other herbal concoctions, yoni cleansers/soaps, yoni oils and life coaching
Website: www.yesgodwellness.com
Social Media: YouTube Facebook Instagram Blog
Email: yesgodwellness@gmail.com
Herb Source: Organic and Kosher Manufacturer
Current Sales & Specials: 15% off with code marchtowellness
Upcoming Events: Goddess Retreat for Womb Wellness March 21st in Goldsboro
Wholesale purchasing is available

Lady Rose Specialty Teas
Owner: Nishaun T. Battle, Ph.D.
Location: Richmond, VA
About: A holistic herbal tea lifestyle business, that customizes herbal tea products for women's empowerment. We carry herbal teas for drinking, yoni steams, herbal hair rinses, herbal hair mask, and herbal bath teas. We believe in self-care and treating the WHOLE body- mind, body, and soul.
Offerings: herbs for steaming, wellness teas & other herbal concoctions, herbal hair rinses & herbal hair masks. I also offer in person and phone consultations for wellness and self-care plans.
Website: www.ladyroseteas.com
Social Media: Instagram Facebook
Email: service@ladyroseteas.com
Upcoming Events: May 31st, wellness event at Lucid Living RVA, which will include a tea ceremony, meditation, yoga, and mini herbal education workshops.
Wholesale purchasing is available

October Lotus
Owner: Asha Dickens
Location: Chicago, IL
About: October Lotus is a holistic healing company that provides Reiki services as well as herbal formulas for womb wellness via Yoni Steams & herbal teas. Our goal is to support people on their quest to discover & utilize alternative, natural healing methods.
Offerings: on site steaming, herbs for steaming, wellness teas & other herbal concoctions
Website: www.octoberlotus.com
Social Media: Instagram Facebook
Email: octoberlotus18@gmail.com
Herb Source: Mountain Rose Herbs, Herbal CSA Monk’s Corner and herbal CSA Arcane Herbs
Current Sales & Specials: self care box
Upcoming Events: We have temporarily ceased in-person yoni steaming due to COVID-19 & will resume soon. We will also begin Reiki levels I - III attunements once things begin to clear up.
Wholesale purchasing is available

*Metanoia Spa
Owner: Erica Jones
Location: 3211 Rogers Road Suite 200-1 Wake Forest, NC
About: Metanoia: the journey of changing one’s mind, heart, self or way of life. We offer a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, while providing an optimal level holistic spa experience. Come Relax, Release and Rejuvenate! Our specialized treatments include Electrovalent Detox Foot Bath, Yoni (V Steaming) Steaming, Womb Care, Usui Reiki and Holistic Health Consultations. We also provide all natural products such as Shea butter creams, foot scrubs, body scrubs, herbal bath teas and soaks! Each treatment comes with a Personalized Assessment to allow a more individualized and transforming experience. Our expert staff is highly trained and dedicated to help you feel your best. WE ARE MOBILE! You can enjoy our services in the comfort of your home today! Book your appointment today!
Offerings: on site steaming, herbs for steaming, wellness teas & other herbal concoctions, yoni cleansers/soaps, yoni oils, custom made steaming seats and Honey Pot distributor. I am a level ll Reiki Practitioner, Wholistic Health Advisor
Website: www.vagaro.com/metanoiaspa
Social Media: Twitter Instagram Facebook
Email: metanoiaspa@hotmail.com
Current Sales & Specials: Ionic Foot Detox, Free Reiki Session with the purchase of a Yoni Steam
Wholesale purchasing is available

*Womb Buzz
Owner: Melita Quick
Location: Raleigh, NC
About: Womb Buzz is a herbal healing company that specializes in natural womb health. Wegive women the natural know how on how to overcome gynecological struggles.
Offerings: on site steaming, herbs for steaming, wellness teas & other herbal concoctions, yoni eggs and custom made steaming seats.
Website: Wombbuzzrelief.com
Social Media: Instagram
Email: wombbuzz1@gmail.com
Herb Source: Organic herbs 🌿
Current Sales & Specials: Free Honey Seat with Womb Buzz A Relief Case Study
Upcoming Events: Vaginal Steaming Training Classes
Wholesale purchasing is available

*Kween Kollections LLC
Owner: Kelia Williams
Location: Raleigh, NC
About: Providing a "Yoniverse" experience to women for feminine health and wellness with yoni steam/holistic health services
Offerings: on site yoni steaming, herbs for steaming, mobile steaming services
Website: www.kweenkollections.com
Social Media: Instagram
Email: info@kweenkollections.com
Current Sales & Specials: $40 yoni steam special
Wholesale purchasing is available

*The V Spot
Owner: Carmen Murchison
Location: 1631 Midtown Place, Suite 103, Raleigh, NC 27609
About: The V-Spot is a vaginal steaming parlor, located in Midtown, Raleigh, NC.
Offerings: on site steaming, herbs for steaming, yoni cleansers/soaps, yoni oils, yoni detox pearls, yoni scrubs and custom made steaming seats.
Website: www.thevspotraleigh.com
Social Media: Instagram Facebook
Email: info@thevspotraleigh.com
Herb Source: Made In-House With Locally Sourced Herbs
Current Sales & Specials: Custom Steaming Stools on sale during our temporary spa closing due to the COVID-19 Pandemic: $100, includes 2 free bags of steaming herbs.
Wholesale purchasing is available

*Arified Organics
Owner: Arielle Johnson
Location: Online
About: I offer home made natural and holistic soaps and skin care products.
Offerings: herbs for steaming, yoni cleansers/soaps, yoni oils and waistbeads
Website: www.arifiedorganics.com
Social Media: Instagram Facebook
Email: arifiedorganics@gmail.com
Wholesale purchasing is available


Honorable Mentions:

Raine and River Apothecary (my herbalist)

*Adrian's Garden
Holistic Health And Feminine Wellness on Wheels

*The Black Birth Healer/Boho Wellness LLC

*Callwood Apothecary 
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*Mangata Birth and Botanics

*IsIs Wellness Bar

Hued Shoppe & Botanica

Ultra Posh


If you are new to steaming, please consult with one of these herbalists or womb wellness specialists for education and instructions. I would recommend visiting one of these specialists for the optimum steaming experience before you steam at home on your own. If you know of any other herbalists or womb wellness specialists, please let me know in the comments so I can check them out. Happy Healing!