Reflections from Conference

Last week, I was in Minneapolis, MN for the 2023 DONA Summit. Here are some of my takeaways.

For Parents, For Professionals, Life as a Doula, My StoryJoyce DykemaOctober 27, 2023about me, doula life, Doula Joyce, doulas, emotions, experience, favorite things, information, self care, professional doula work, learning, thankful

What I Would (and Would Not) Do Differently

A client recently asked me what I would have done differently if I could go back and prepare for my first baby’s birth again. Here are the three things I would do differently, and five things that I would not change if I could go back.

Information overload

There is a massive amount of information about childbirth on the internet, you can truly learn everything you need to know to be prepared for birth online! The problem is, how do you know whether or not you're getting quality, relevant, and balanced information?

Lochia

Lochia is the postpartum bleeding and discharge. What can you expect for the normal amount, color, and timeline of postpartum lochia?

What to do when during a birth

How to pay for doula services

You want to hire a doula? Great! So how do you pay for one? I’ve listed several ideas and options for you to consider.

For ParentsJoyce DykemaApril 24, 2019parents, birth doula, childbirth education, doulas, Doula Joyce, professional doula work, pregnancy, options, parenting, support, doula life, experience, expectations

The First Hundred

I am so pleased to announce, I have provided doula support at the births of 100 babies since my doula training in 2009! Come read more, and geek out with me as I dig into my doula practice’s birth statistics!

How I doula a Cesarean birth

How I approach doula support for Cesarean births.

Looking Back

As we near the end of January, I’m dreaming and planning for the year ahead. However, in order to plan where I want to go, I also need to look back at where I have come from.

Life as a Doula, My StoryJoyce DykemaJanuary 29, 20192019, doula life, Doula Joyce, doulas, EBB Instructor, about me, birth doula, childbirth education, emotions, expectations, thankful, professional doula work, learning, experience

Benefits of hiring a seasoned doula

Previously, I wrote about some of the benefits you may experience by choosing a new doula in your community. What are the benefits of hiring a more experienced doula?

For ParentsJoyce DykemaMay 8, 2018parents, childbirth, doula life, doulas, Doula Joyce, birth doula, experience, expectations, professional doula work, mothers, women, options, pregnancy, support

Benefits of hiring a new doula

Families searching for a birth doula often have a choice of seasoned doulas and new doulas in their area. What are some benefits of hiring a newer doula?