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Down Home Mama

Orange County Doula, Prenatal & Postpartum guidance!

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By: mrsbasom May 22, 2018

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Posted by:mrsbasom

Hi, I’m Allison! Mama to two beautiful babies (a girl and baby boy). I love period-piece movies and series, sushi dates, and helping other mamas! Thanks for stopping by! Please feel free to browse through my blog posts at www.downhomemama.com

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This is one of my favorite photos ever taken. This right here is the exact moment my husband became a father (and I became a mother). After a 36 hour labor, a flat out labor stall, and about 2 hours of pushing, our first baby was finally born. Here she is in a blur as my midwife assisted in me catching her. Needless to say I barely had enough energy to keep my eyes open during those last few hours (I literally slept and dreamt between my 2-3 minute wave pattern/pushing). But, why do I really love this photo? It shows the utter astonishment in my husband’s face. He was in the thick of it my entire labor (and pregnancy for that matter). He labored the entire time with me, supported and anchored me in the tub, held me up during some of my strongest waves, and gave me strength, energy, and encouragement when I was running on fumes (plus I think I nearly fractured his hands as I was squeezing him so hard). This photo right here epitomizes our whole journey to that point...Pure amazement, disbelief that it finally happened, and pride in all of the hard work we did together. We are an effective team, that’s for sure. How did your partner support you during labor?
Most pregnant mamas approach their due date with lots of excitement, eager to finally meet the babe they’ve been growing in their belly for the last 9(ish) months. What many women are not informed of is that their “due date” is just a guesstimate - based either off their last menstrual cycle or during their first ultrasound (based on size of the embryo). As every single human being on this planet is unique and hormones that regulate our cycles are based on a multitude of factors, we all may have completely different regular or irregular cycles. The common rule used to estimate your due date is based on a 28 day cycle - which I don’t know many women with a 28 day cycle (myself included). So what can you do when you approach your “due date?”- ••• To put it simply... you can just wait. On average, your first baby will come at 41w+1 day (and most OBs will suggest induction by your 41st week). We still don’t know how, why, or when labor commences. There are things you can do to help prepare for labor including childbirth education, @spinningbabies exercises, drink red raspberry leaf tea, eat dates, have sex, go on walks, bounce on a birth ball, etc. but at the end of it all - your baby will come when it is ready. So hold on to your patience, and wait (especially when there is no medical reason to intervene). What was your baby’s gestational age at birth? Spontaneous or induced labor?
✨Get those Oxytocin vibes flowin’✨ Intimacy and closeness is as important in conceiving a baby as it is in labor and childbirth. Whenever I feel that our labor pattern is either not where it should be or is starting to change (and not in our favor), I find it incredibly beneficial for partners to snuggle, get close, hold each other, kiss, and have some quiet time to themselves. This can often help stimulate oxytocin - the love hormone - which stimulates labor waves. Wherever you are laboring, we can achieve this - in bed, in the bathroom, and especially in the tub. I do recommend partners get in the tub (if she wants) to help give mama a feeling of grounding and to anchor her, provide counter pressure that may be difficult to achieve from outside the tub, and offer any additional comfort mama might need. So, don’t be afraid to get cozy and show all the affection.
As a society, we have been brainwashed into the belief that labor and birth will be difficult, painful, overwhelming, and an all around scary event. We see these stories in the media (movies, tv shows, and more), we hear them from our mothers, sisters, friends, in books and magazines, and even from attending care providers. The human brain is exceptionally powerful and can in fact completely alter an experience based on your perceived idea of how it will unfold. You can learn about pregnancy, understand the physiological changes during childbirth, hire a doula, midwife, birth at home, and still hold onto the negative subconscious ideas that birth is scary and painful. And, those thoughts can greatly affect how your birth unfolds.- ••• For this reason, it is extremely important for you to seek out positive stories, and take negative ones presented to you with a grain of salt. Every birthing person’s story is unique to them. Their body is not your body. Their baby is not your baby. Your experience can be completely different from their based on simple factors such as these. Birth stories shared by those that have had a positive experience can not only change your perception of birth, but can also provide wisdom, impart faith in your own body, and relay real, working information that is seldom found in medical books and journals.
Lindsay’s waters ruptured early - before the onset of labor (PROM). We waited and waited for things to get going. She tried everything, but it was finally the castor oil (under the supervision of her midwife) which finally got things started. Her waves were intense and close together from the beginning. I arrived after she had been laboring most of the evening and her waves were right on top of each other. Counter pressure, side lying release, position changes, were all used to help move baby and make space. She was exhibiting signs of bearing down, so we called the midwife and began setting up the tub. Hours went by and the pattern slowed. Then it picked up. Then it slowed again. Lindsay had been laboring for quite some time at this point, had been ruptured for a long while and was showing signs of dehydration and exhaustion, and cervical swelling. It was at this time she and her husband Chad weighed all the benefits against the risks and decided it was time to transfer to the hospital before an emergency situation arose. As a team, we all prepared Chad and Lindsay for their departure - which sadly none of us could accompany them. We helped pack their bags, drained and deflated the tub, stripped and washed sheets, cleaned and organized the kitchen, and assured them that we would still be by their side (even if not in person) through to the end. Once at the hospital, baby showed some signs of distress. Soon after, he was born calmly via belly birth. The whole time, through pregnancy, labor, and birth of her baby, Lindsay was calm. She was informed. She used all the tools at her disposal - including her team - to create the most fulfilling, safest, and empowering birth experience for her and her family. We are all so honored to have supported you through this immensely life-changing period.- ••• Home Birth transfers ➡️ Though they do not happen too often, they do happen. Lindsay’s transfer was an ideal one; transfer before emergent situation. Home birth midwives are trained to identify signposts and provide the safest environment for you and your baby. Team: myself, @abundant.blessings.midwifery and @nurture.birth
Chenelle and Patricio had quite the ride during their pregnancy with little Remy. Initially slated to deliver at a local hospital, Chenelle received some push back from her OB on some standard procedures during pregnancy. As she didn’t feel wholly supported, at 26 weeks they decided to transfer care to a midwife and deliver at the birth center within another hospital. Time passed, she grew bigger, and things started changing. With growing concerns stemming from COVID-19, the hospital saw fit to close the birth center to healthy mothers and instead reserve those rooms specifically for COVID patients. So here was Chenelle, 38w and again in a situation she didn’t want to be in. After much consideration and interviews, she decided to AGAIN switch her care to a freestanding birth center, @southcoastmidwifery - here she would have the freedom to labor and birth her baby in a manner in which SHE chose, here she would have access to her birth support (me 😊), and here she could have the birth and experience she had been striving her whole pregnancy to obtain - yet still in a safe place for her and her baby. And it just goes to show, it’s never to late to change care providers.- ••• Her waters broke early, before the onset of labor. We waited for her waves to start. The midwife suggested using the pump to get things started (worked like magic). She was in the throes of labor before we knew it with a very intense and consistent pattern. Patricio was by her side every step of the way, making sure she was hydrated, fed, applied essential oils to her back, and counter pressure where she needed it. And, when the time finally came to bring sweet Remy into the world, that did not change. These two are a powerhouse couple, and now a perfect little trio. I am so incredibly honored and thankful to have been there for you all during pregnancy, labor, and birth! Welcome to the world sweet Remy!
This photo summarizes all of the joy, excitement, compassion, and unconditional love that should surround birth. Labor is hard. Labor can be long. Labor can be unpredictable. But, this is what you get when it’s over. This is what you SHOULD get when it’s over. Celebration of achievement, strength, and determination. Feelings of safety, access to compassionate care, and protection over your rights. Now, due to restrictions on in-hospital support, many birthing people and their partners are left without this. They are subjected to new and changing hospital policy that puts these things at risk for the sake of some scientifically unsupported procedure. During a pandemic, we are at the mercy of an ever-changing list of societal requirements and mandates. But within these requirements placed upon us, we still have freedoms. We still have the freedom to choose. We don’t know what the current state of affairs has in store for us in the future, but if you are pregnant, or planning to get pregnant, research your options diligently. Now, more than ever, we are seeing that hospitals are indeed a place for the sick and injured. Birth at home is safe. Birth at home protects your rights. Birth at home can provide an incredibly empowering experience. Birth at home allows you to choose the team that suits YOUR needs. We are seeing a surging need for out-of-Hospital birth. Many birthing people are reclaiming their rights and space.- ••• If home birth is not an accessible option for you, greatly consider your care provider, the hospital, and doula support. I am still offering in-person and virtual support for hospital, home, and birth centers. To learn more about home birth, visit these amazing accounts: •Midwives• @barefootmidwife @lindseymeehleis @abundant.blessings.midwifery •Education & Docs• @thesearemyhours @spinningbabies @birthuprising
⭐️ Homemade Cashew Golden Milk⭐️ I really like to make my own nut milks. Today I decided to make some Golden Cashew Milk! It’s super easy to do and has tons of health benefits! There are lots of variations to this recipe, and you may find you like more or less of something. This recipe is perfectly sweet, perfectly nutty, and perfectly spicy for my taste.- ••• What are the benefits of Golden Milk? Well, it’s energizing, calms your digestive system, and is super effective in aiding in recovery from respiratory illnesses! It includes tumeric (anti-inflammatory, boosts brain function, and can help prevent depression - among other things), cinnamon and ginger also have anti-inflammatory properties and aid digestion, and anticoagulant, antifungal, antibacterial, circulatory stimulation, and antiviral benefits! You can drink this as a preventative and also if you’re feeling under the weather- ••• How to make: Soak 2 cups of cashews in water overnight. Drain in the morning. Add your cashews and 8C if water to your blender (you can do less water if you prefer creamier, thicker milk). Blend until smooth. Strain or use a nut milk bag (mines from @elliesbest). After straining, return to you blender and add 2tsp tumeric, 2 tsp cinnamon, 2 Tbsp ginger, and 1/4C of local, raw honey (I use a little less than this as I don’t have a sweet tooth 😊). Blend until smooth. Store in a glass container for up to a week for optimum freshness. You can drink this warm or cold, add to coffee, tea, etc.- ••• Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor 😊 This is an educational and informational resource for anyone interested in my stories and creations. Please speak with your medical professional with your medical concerns.

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This is one of my favorite photos ever taken. This right here is the exact moment my husband became a father (and I became a mother). After a 36 hour labor, a flat out labor stall, and about 2 hours of pushing, our first baby was finally born. Here she is in a blur as my midwife assisted in me catching her. Needless to say I barely had enough energy to keep my eyes open during those last few hours (I literally slept and dreamt between my 2-3 minute wave pattern/pushing). But, why do I really love this photo? It shows the utter astonishment in my husband’s face. He was in the thick of it my entire labor (and pregnancy for that matter). He labored the entire time with me, supported and anchored me in the tub, held me up during some of my strongest waves, and gave me strength, energy, and encouragement when I was running on fumes (plus I think I nearly fractured his hands as I was squeezing him so hard). This photo right here epitomizes our whole journey to that point...Pure amazement, disbelief that it finally happened, and pride in all of the hard work we did together. We are an effective team, that’s for sure. How did your partner support you during labor?
Most pregnant mamas approach their due date with lots of excitement, eager to finally meet the babe they’ve been growing in their belly for the last 9(ish) months. What many women are not informed of is that their “due date” is just a guesstimate - based either off their last menstrual cycle or during their first ultrasound (based on size of the embryo). As every single human being on this planet is unique and hormones that regulate our cycles are based on a multitude of factors, we all may have completely different regular or irregular cycles. The common rule used to estimate your due date is based on a 28 day cycle - which I don’t know many women with a 28 day cycle (myself included). So what can you do when you approach your “due date?”- ••• To put it simply... you can just wait. On average, your first baby will come at 41w+1 day (and most OBs will suggest induction by your 41st week). We still don’t know how, why, or when labor commences. There are things you can do to help prepare for labor including childbirth education, @spinningbabies exercises, drink red raspberry leaf tea, eat dates, have sex, go on walks, bounce on a birth ball, etc. but at the end of it all - your baby will come when it is ready. So hold on to your patience, and wait (especially when there is no medical reason to intervene). What was your baby’s gestational age at birth? Spontaneous or induced labor?
✨Get those Oxytocin vibes flowin’✨ Intimacy and closeness is as important in conceiving a baby as it is in labor and childbirth. Whenever I feel that our labor pattern is either not where it should be or is starting to change (and not in our favor), I find it incredibly beneficial for partners to snuggle, get close, hold each other, kiss, and have some quiet time to themselves. This can often help stimulate oxytocin - the love hormone - which stimulates labor waves. Wherever you are laboring, we can achieve this - in bed, in the bathroom, and especially in the tub. I do recommend partners get in the tub (if she wants) to help give mama a feeling of grounding and to anchor her, provide counter pressure that may be difficult to achieve from outside the tub, and offer any additional comfort mama might need. So, don’t be afraid to get cozy and show all the affection.
As a society, we have been brainwashed into the belief that labor and birth will be difficult, painful, overwhelming, and an all around scary event. We see these stories in the media (movies, tv shows, and more), we hear them from our mothers, sisters, friends, in books and magazines, and even from attending care providers. The human brain is exceptionally powerful and can in fact completely alter an experience based on your perceived idea of how it will unfold. You can learn about pregnancy, understand the physiological changes during childbirth, hire a doula, midwife, birth at home, and still hold onto the negative subconscious ideas that birth is scary and painful. And, those thoughts can greatly affect how your birth unfolds.- ••• For this reason, it is extremely important for you to seek out positive stories, and take negative ones presented to you with a grain of salt. Every birthing person’s story is unique to them. Their body is not your body. Their baby is not your baby. Your experience can be completely different from their based on simple factors such as these. Birth stories shared by those that have had a positive experience can not only change your perception of birth, but can also provide wisdom, impart faith in your own body, and relay real, working information that is seldom found in medical books and journals.
Lindsay’s waters ruptured early - before the onset of labor (PROM). We waited and waited for things to get going. She tried everything, but it was finally the castor oil (under the supervision of her midwife) which finally got things started. Her waves were intense and close together from the beginning. I arrived after she had been laboring most of the evening and her waves were right on top of each other. Counter pressure, side lying release, position changes, were all used to help move baby and make space. She was exhibiting signs of bearing down, so we called the midwife and began setting up the tub. Hours went by and the pattern slowed. Then it picked up. Then it slowed again. Lindsay had been laboring for quite some time at this point, had been ruptured for a long while and was showing signs of dehydration and exhaustion, and cervical swelling. It was at this time she and her husband Chad weighed all the benefits against the risks and decided it was time to transfer to the hospital before an emergency situation arose. As a team, we all prepared Chad and Lindsay for their departure - which sadly none of us could accompany them. We helped pack their bags, drained and deflated the tub, stripped and washed sheets, cleaned and organized the kitchen, and assured them that we would still be by their side (even if not in person) through to the end. Once at the hospital, baby showed some signs of distress. Soon after, he was born calmly via belly birth. The whole time, through pregnancy, labor, and birth of her baby, Lindsay was calm. She was informed. She used all the tools at her disposal - including her team - to create the most fulfilling, safest, and empowering birth experience for her and her family. We are all so honored to have supported you through this immensely life-changing period.- ••• Home Birth transfers ➡️ Though they do not happen too often, they do happen. Lindsay’s transfer was an ideal one; transfer before emergent situation. Home birth midwives are trained to identify signposts and provide the safest environment for you and your baby. Team: myself, @abundant.blessings.midwifery and @nurture.birth
Chenelle and Patricio had quite the ride during their pregnancy with little Remy. Initially slated to deliver at a local hospital, Chenelle received some push back from her OB on some standard procedures during pregnancy. As she didn’t feel wholly supported, at 26 weeks they decided to transfer care to a midwife and deliver at the birth center within another hospital. Time passed, she grew bigger, and things started changing. With growing concerns stemming from COVID-19, the hospital saw fit to close the birth center to healthy mothers and instead reserve those rooms specifically for COVID patients. So here was Chenelle, 38w and again in a situation she didn’t want to be in. After much consideration and interviews, she decided to AGAIN switch her care to a freestanding birth center, @southcoastmidwifery - here she would have the freedom to labor and birth her baby in a manner in which SHE chose, here she would have access to her birth support (me 😊), and here she could have the birth and experience she had been striving her whole pregnancy to obtain - yet still in a safe place for her and her baby. And it just goes to show, it’s never to late to change care providers.- ••• Her waters broke early, before the onset of labor. We waited for her waves to start. The midwife suggested using the pump to get things started (worked like magic). She was in the throes of labor before we knew it with a very intense and consistent pattern. Patricio was by her side every step of the way, making sure she was hydrated, fed, applied essential oils to her back, and counter pressure where she needed it. And, when the time finally came to bring sweet Remy into the world, that did not change. These two are a powerhouse couple, and now a perfect little trio. I am so incredibly honored and thankful to have been there for you all during pregnancy, labor, and birth! Welcome to the world sweet Remy!
This photo summarizes all of the joy, excitement, compassion, and unconditional love that should surround birth. Labor is hard. Labor can be long. Labor can be unpredictable. But, this is what you get when it’s over. This is what you SHOULD get when it’s over. Celebration of achievement, strength, and determination. Feelings of safety, access to compassionate care, and protection over your rights. Now, due to restrictions on in-hospital support, many birthing people and their partners are left without this. They are subjected to new and changing hospital policy that puts these things at risk for the sake of some scientifically unsupported procedure. During a pandemic, we are at the mercy of an ever-changing list of societal requirements and mandates. But within these requirements placed upon us, we still have freedoms. We still have the freedom to choose. We don’t know what the current state of affairs has in store for us in the future, but if you are pregnant, or planning to get pregnant, research your options diligently. Now, more than ever, we are seeing that hospitals are indeed a place for the sick and injured. Birth at home is safe. Birth at home protects your rights. Birth at home can provide an incredibly empowering experience. Birth at home allows you to choose the team that suits YOUR needs. We are seeing a surging need for out-of-Hospital birth. Many birthing people are reclaiming their rights and space.- ••• If home birth is not an accessible option for you, greatly consider your care provider, the hospital, and doula support. I am still offering in-person and virtual support for hospital, home, and birth centers. To learn more about home birth, visit these amazing accounts: •Midwives• @barefootmidwife @lindseymeehleis @abundant.blessings.midwifery •Education & Docs• @thesearemyhours @spinningbabies @birthuprising
⭐️ Homemade Cashew Golden Milk⭐️ I really like to make my own nut milks. Today I decided to make some Golden Cashew Milk! It’s super easy to do and has tons of health benefits! There are lots of variations to this recipe, and you may find you like more or less of something. This recipe is perfectly sweet, perfectly nutty, and perfectly spicy for my taste.- ••• What are the benefits of Golden Milk? Well, it’s energizing, calms your digestive system, and is super effective in aiding in recovery from respiratory illnesses! It includes tumeric (anti-inflammatory, boosts brain function, and can help prevent depression - among other things), cinnamon and ginger also have anti-inflammatory properties and aid digestion, and anticoagulant, antifungal, antibacterial, circulatory stimulation, and antiviral benefits! You can drink this as a preventative and also if you’re feeling under the weather- ••• How to make: Soak 2 cups of cashews in water overnight. Drain in the morning. Add your cashews and 8C if water to your blender (you can do less water if you prefer creamier, thicker milk). Blend until smooth. Strain or use a nut milk bag (mines from @elliesbest). After straining, return to you blender and add 2tsp tumeric, 2 tsp cinnamon, 2 Tbsp ginger, and 1/4C of local, raw honey (I use a little less than this as I don’t have a sweet tooth 😊). Blend until smooth. Store in a glass container for up to a week for optimum freshness. You can drink this warm or cold, add to coffee, tea, etc.- ••• Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor 😊 This is an educational and informational resource for anyone interested in my stories and creations. Please speak with your medical professional with your medical concerns.
☀️G I V E A W A Y☀️ I have teamed up with @sprigslife for this awesome giveaway! One lucky winner will score Sprig’s super luxurious Belly Balm and a 5ml bottle of Young Living Sleepyize!- ••• ✨To enter, ✨ 1️⃣ Like this photo 2️⃣ Follow @downhomemama and @sprigslife 3️⃣ Tag two (or more) friends! More tags=extra entries. ‼️Giveaway will close Sunday evening (3/22) at 9:00pm PST. Winner to be announced Monday morning! United States only.- ••• Belly Balm: This lotion is perfect for any growing (or shrinking) belly! It contains: Rose Petals, Myrhh Gum, Frankincense Resin, Avocado Oil, Coconut Oil, Distilled Water, Aloe Vera Gel, Cocoa Butter, Beeswax, Wheat Germ Oil, Lavendar Essential Oil, Geranium Essential Oil, Rosemary Essential Oil, and Vitamin E Oil. It’s Non-GMO, Vegetarian, gluten free, and Vegan. You do not need to be pregnant or postpartum to enjoy this luscious balm! It’s perfect for all skin! ••• Sleepyize: I swore by this when my kiddos were lil babes (and I still occasionally use it)! The Kid Scents line from Young Living is specifically formulated with little ones in mind. This line is pre-diluted for children 2 years and older, but is easily diluted further for younger ones. I applied this little bottle of magic on my kiddos’ feet and chest every night before bed. It is formulated to help calm little minds and help keep them asleep once they’ve drifted off to dreamland. Ingredients: caprylic glycerides (Cartier oil), lavender, geranium, Roman chamomile, tangerine, bergamot, sacred frankincense, valerian, ruta.- ••• This giveaway is not in any way associated with Instagram.

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  • Environmental
  • Essential Oils
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  • Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Beyond
  • Recipes
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