staten island doula

December 9th

My Mama

1945 December 9th is a super special day to me. It is my mother’s birthday. Since my mother transitioned, it has become one of the hardest days to navigate. I planned on writing an elaborate post about my mom, but as December grew closer, my heart grew heavier, so I chose to give myself time to work through my emotions.

What truly stands out for me, right in this moment, is how much God & my mom have stood by me.

They have given me reasons to be happy, to see this day as a day of celebration.

2015 My mom was on home hospice. I just moved into my first home. The house was an absolute mess. I busied myself by tidying up, my mother and I were talking like we usual do when she (out of nowhere) says “Cookie (my nickname from childhood) I could really see you owning your own business”. I stopped cleaning to look up at her, because WHAT? Where did that come from? I never discussed being a business owner, ever. I didn’t know how to respond because it just didn’t make sense, and I didn’t want to hurt her feelings by looking at her like she lost her mind. My mom passed away shortly after we had that conversation. I truly did not remember that conversation until recently.

2021 I knew I wanted to start my own business as a birthworker, this came to me randomly & for some reason, I did not hesitate to make an exit plan from my full-time job. I spent years saving to make the transition, and I officially completed my doula training in December. I immediately filed paperwork to obtain my LLC. On December 9th, 2021 my LLC was official.

2023 On December 9th, I attended my last birth for 2023. A beautiful little girl named Heavenly was born. As I left the birth, my client wished my mother a happy heavenly birthday.

When I tell you I cried. I cried as soon as I left the hospital. My eyes looked like little hamburgers when I got home. So many emotions, sadness, happiness, gratitude, pride, pain, just everything.

I wanted to call my mom so bad. I wanted to tell her about the family that brought new life into the world on her birthday. What were the chances!

I don’t believe in coincidences; life is too deep for that. I see the work the universe does on my behalf, through my family, through God, through my clients. To find healing through grief, is a blessing. I’m ending the year on such a beautiful note.

I love you mommy, thank you <3

My Mommy :)

Through helping families see their strength & courage, I have discovered my own. Through helping families heal from their trauma(s), I have been able to heal. Through helping families navigate through their grief, I have found peace.
— Anjanette

Hospital Birth

During pregnancy, families often envision their desired birth experience. They work tirelessly educating themselves, creating a birth plan, learning self-advocacy, just all the things.

The big day arrives & it might not turn out to be what they envisioned, at all.

Imagine the frustration that arises when the anticipation of a low interventional birth is met with the imposition of unnecessary and unexplained medical interventions.

We will be touching on medical interventions that might be used if you are birthing in the hospital.

You’re in the right place if you are:

  • Pregnant

  • Supporting someone who is pregnant

  • Choosing your care team (MD/Midwife, support people)

  • Choosing your birthing space

  • Creating or helping someone to create their birth preferences/birth plan

  • Having discussions with your care provider

  • Learning about how birth unfolds

  • Curious :)

Topics will be broken up so they’re not overwhelming.

Credit goes to the following organizations, use the links below to learn more:

Lamaze International

 

Evidence Base Birth

ACOG