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?

Trust birth?

“Trust birth” has truth behind it. But it’s not the whole story. If your pregnancy and birth are smooth, it’s easy to trust birth. However, when your pregnancy and birth are full of complications, is your body and birth still trustworthy? Here are my thoughts.

For Parents, For ProfessionalsJoyce DykemaMay 28, 2020birth, baby, birth plan, breastfeeding, cesarean, childbirth, Doula Joyce, expectations, experience, mothers, options, prenatal, parents, pregnancy, parenting, postpartum, recovery, support, trauma, vbac, cbac

Natural Birth: Who Cares?

Several years ago, I unwisely engaged in a social media discussion about the definition of “natural birth.” It was not a positive experience. Social media is fun, isn’t it? However, it was extremely interesting reading all of the different definitions from a wide range of people who were all in a “Natural Birth Support” group!

For ParentsJoyce DykemaJune 28, 2019parents, birth, childbirth, expectations, experience, pregnancy, options, natural

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

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

Where's that baby? Reasons to be thankful you're still pregnant

Five reasons to be glad you’re “still pregnant.”

For ParentsJoyce DykemaJanuary 9, 2019pregnancy, baby, birth, childbirth, experience, emotions, learning, parenting, Doula Joyce, mothers, thankful

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?

For ParentsJoyce DykemaMay 1, 2018birth doula, doulas, doula life, professional doula work, information, pregnancy, experience

What will my birth be like?

What can I expect to feel during birth?

For ParentsJoyce DykemaFebruary 21, 2018birth, childbirth, expectations, experience, parenting, emotions