Nolia Grace Doula Care

I think of these quotes often when I reflect on my vocation as a doula. It’s not always easy to find the right words to describe my approach to this work or this path, but I think these quotes *almost* sum it up 🤎

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And no, this is not a pregnancy announcement 🤣😘

I got a lil vulnerable in this one, but I wanted to share these thoughts because I really believe “birth prep” and “postpartum prep” is sooooooo much deeper than the physical and practical tips and tricks we usually see online. Emotional preparation for parenthood is so multi faceted, and honestly not talked about enough in my opinion. What I’ve witnessed as a doula, in standing at the helm of creation and in the paradigm shift that occurs afterwards, is that the inner work my clients have done beforehand becomes an anchor for them throughout the transformation of their identity as a new parent. And on the other side of the coin, the inner work they haven’t done also usually appears and requires attention. Surrender and acceptance are such key attributes to the journey of parenthood, and so in order to prepare, I’m looking at all the areas of my life where I can build those emotional muscles now.

Doula work has given me so much perspective that I know will deeply inform how I navigate my own parenting journey someday, and I’m so grateful for that.

It’s a one day at a time endeavour, and NOBODY walks into parenthood fully healed or actualized, but one thing about me is, I’m probably going to try 😘😝🤪

This review from one of my incredible clients definitely left me in tears and without words 🥹😭

I could never accurately describe the magnitude of the honour it is for me to support families in this way 🤎

Ina May’s Guide To Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin: 3.5 ⭐️

I have mixed feelings about this book. If you’re having a medically non complex pregnancy, are planning an intervention-free birth, or are looking for positive home birth stories, I think this is book has some worthy traits and is a decent starting point in terms of emotional, physical, and spiritual tips to achieve that type of birth. If you’re experiencing a medically complex pregnancy, I don’t think this book will be very validating for your experience. In that vain, it’s definitely not for everybody and I definitely wouldn’t recommend it universally for all birthing people. I think it’s also important to acknowledge Ina May’s history of racism and cultural appropriation, and when you’re reading her work with this lens it’s hard not to notice the subtle ways she takes credit more than she gives it. She also gives some outdated advice, (drinking a glass of wine to get labour started is one example) that I don’t personally align with. All in all I would say I enjoyed the book, but the context and nuance of her approach and who it’s for matters when considering if it’s right for you.

Braiding Sweetgrass - Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I truly believe this is a must-read for anyone interested in deepening their understanding and relationship to stewardship; of children and the earth alike. This beautiful book expertly weaves lessons on parenthood, politics, economy, community and culture within the warmth of traditional Indigenous story telling and the explanations of plant science. Through this lens, the lessons feel both rooted in history and immensely relevant. If you’ve been considering this read, I cannot recommend it enough!

I have yet to meet a new mother who doesn’t put on the cape and become super mom, even in the trenches of newborn life. It’s undeniable that new mothers are often shouldering the majority of the responsibility for caring for their newborn, especially if their partner has to go back to work quite early in the postpartum season. Our overculture praises mothers who can “do it all”, when instead we should be giving new mothers permission not to. We need to give new mothers permission to accept and rely on support, because this is exactly what the tender physiological healing process of postpartum demands. Support in this season is a biological necessity, and when we ignore this need for resourcing, it affects mother’s long term health and vitality. The trickle down effect of resourced mothers are healthier babies, families, and communities 🤎

If there’s a new mother in your life you’d like to help resource, or want to know more about postpartum doula support, send me DM or email me through my website, link in bio ✨

And to all the super moms out there, we see you, we love you, and we want you to take care of you too 🤎

“Healthy parent, healthy baby” is the bare minimum and there IS room for so much more. Informed consent, respected autonomy, loving encouragement, intentional environment, trust in the process: these are the ingredients that raise the bar from “healthy” to whole. No matter what your birth outcome is 🤎

A doula who supports you no matter what type of birth you’re having hallelujah 😇🥹🤎

DM or check out my website (link in bio) to book a consultation! They say it takes a village, and I would be honoured to be part of yours ✨🫶🏼

Do you want a doula… like me? 🥹🫶🏼 Because I want clients like YOU!!! 🤎

If you think we’d be a great fit send me a DM or email through my website! I would be honoured to be part of your village of support.