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.

My favorite things: Golf balls

Here is my latest in a series of all of my favorite things! This will include my favorites for supporting people in childbirth, doula life and recovery, small business owner hacks, books and resources, and more, but today is all about golf balls! Golf balls and other massage tools help to provide firmer pressure and can help the support team to use their energy more efficiently, so they can provide the massage and counterpressure for longer periods of time.

For Parents, For Professionals, Resource Reviews, My Favorite ThingsJoyce DykemaMarch 9, 2020doula life, Doula Joyce, professional doula work, parents, comfort measures, favorite things

My favorite things: The Birth Partner

Here is my latest in a series of all of my favorite things! This will include my favorites for supporting people in childbirth, doula life and recovery, small business owner hacks, books and resources, and more, but today is all about The Birth Partner, by Penny Simkin! This excellent book has been one of my favorite items since my own first pregnancy.

For Parents, For Professionals, Resource Reviews, My Favorite ThingsJoyce DykemaMarch 2, 2020doula life, Doula Joyce, professional doula work, parents, comfort measures, favorite things

My favorite things: Swim rings

Next up in my series of all of my favorite things! This will include my favorites for supporting people in childbirth, doula life and recovery, small business owner hacks, books and resources, and more, but today is all about swim rings! I have used these childhood water toys as both a mom and a birth doula. Read more about what I use this for, and why it is one of my favorite things.

For Parents, For Professionals, Resource Reviews, My Favorite ThingsJoyce DykemaFebruary 24, 2020doula life, Doula Joyce, professional doula work, parents, comfort measures, favorite things

My favorite things: My Shining Year

Here is the latest in a series of all of my favorite things! This will include my favorites for supporting people in childbirth, doula life and recovery, small business owner hacks, books and resources, and more, but today is all about the My Shining Year Business Goals Workbook by Leonie Dawson! The workbooks take you through your previous business year finances, services, systems, and more, helps you to quickly identify areas where you need to make changes, and then helps you lay out your goals for the year ahead.

For Parents, For Professionals, Resource Reviews, My Favorite ThingsJoyce DykemaFebruary 17, 2020doula life, Doula Joyce, professional doula work, parents, comfort measures, favorite things

My favorite things: Rice socks

Here is the latest in a series of all of my favorite things! This will include my favorites for supporting people in childbirth, doula life and recovery, small business owner hacks, books and resources, and more, but today is all about rice-filled socks! These DIY microwaveable heating packs are simple and a great comfort tool. Read more about what I use this for, and why it is one of my favorite things.

For Parents, For Professionals, Resource Reviews, My Favorite ThingsJoyce DykemaFebruary 10, 2020doula life, Doula Joyce, professional doula work, parents, comfort measures, favorite things

My favorite things: Hot water bottles

Here is the first in a series of all of my favorite things! This will include my favorites for supporting people in childbirth, doula life and recovery, small business owner hacks, books and resources, and more, but today is all about hot water bottles! This old-fashioned first-aid kit item has quickly become one of my favorite items in my doula bag. Read more about what I use this for, and why it is one of my favorite things.

For Parents, For Professionals, Resource Reviews, My Favorite ThingsJoyce DykemaFebruary 3, 2020doula life, Doula Joyce, professional doula work, parents, comfort measures, favorite things