25 Oct

Trunk-or-Treat Done Doula Style – Downtown Martinez, CA

FullSizeRender (2)Today, Bay Bee Birth Services partnered up with the lovely Megan Shinkle, Doula to hand out candy and other treats to children of all ages at the annual Downtown Martinez, Trunk-or-Treat event. We had a blast, and kids and parents alike loved our playful, Very Hungry Caterpillar theme.

 

FullSizeRender (1)We also lucked out and were placed directly next to the composting farmer, where the kids searched for worms and other fun stuff in the dirt.

Luckily, we even managed to squeak by with just enough treats for the 1,500+ kids we met! We can’t wait until next year! Bring on more candy..and kids!!!

Happy Halloween Week!

Jenny

P.S. Don’t mind our red faces, we were just working on our fall suntans…that’s right, in October!!! Rain, anyone? Buehler?

 

Jenny Bare, MPH, CLD, CCCLE, CHES

Certified Birth Doula & Childbirth Educator

Bay Bee Birth Services

06 Aug

Client Testimonial: Heather S. – Summer 2015

salter3Our family welcomed our second baby with Jenny by our side. I can’t say enough about how much her support guided and encouraged us through a wonderful minimal-intervention birth. I interviewed Jenny and was immediately sure that we were a good fit. It was so easy to connect with her and I felt confident that she would provide both the emotional and physical support I needed both during labor and pre/post-natal.

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My labor started slowly and, as a second-time mom, I was reluctant to call Jenny to my house too early. Jenny’s doula intuition told her that I would be needing her sooner than I thought, so she drove over to just be in the area just in case I needed her. This really illustrated to me how committed she was to her role and also how completely she cares for her clients.

Jenny helped me stay home to labor as long as possible before heading to the hospital. She assisted me in finding positions that encouraged my labor to progress including using a “peanut ball” to get baby to move center into an optimal birth position. Her help timing contractions and gauging contraction intensity allowed me to focus on coping and enjoying the time laboring at home instead of worrying about when we should be leaving for the hospital.

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Beyond the practical and physical support, Jenny was invaluable to me in providing emotional support. In fact, I was so relieved when she showed up wearing her “Let’s Doula This” t-shirt, I was brought to tears of happiness to have her positive encouraging presence. More than once during intense contractions, my eyes would lock with hers and she wordlessly communicated reassurance and comfort. With her support I was able to deliver without pain medication in spite of being unable to leave the hospital bed due to the need to monitor my high heart rate.

My husband and I really appreciated that she was constantly paying attention to what the medical staff were doing and saying so that she could communicate to us any pertinent information they might not convey so that we could voice any concerns.

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I loved how Jenny went above and beyond the scope of her duties to help make our birth special. Early in labor I mentioned in passing an angle of a photograph that I had seen and was hoping to get when baby arrived. Sure enough, Jenny remembered to snap a picture of baby and mommy meeting at the exact angle I had mentioned. It’s my favorite picture of my baby’s birthday.

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Overall, I cannot recommend Jenny to expectant parents enough! Call her!

19 May

Do Doulas Need to be Certified?

01 CAPPA Certified ProudToBeDo Doulas Need to be Certified?

Do doulas need to be certified? The short answer is, no. Truthfully, anyone can say they are a doula. At this time, there is not a governing body that oversees certification requirements and ensures doulas follow a universal standard (but there is legislation in place working to change this!). This can contribute to why some hospitals are hesitant to have doulas in the room. Some “so-called” doulas may challenge the staff, speak on behalf of the patient, encourage patients to do things that go against medical advice, etc. I’m shaking my head because this is NOT what professional/certified doulas do at all. To learn more about what our role is, click here!

What are the benefits of hiring a certified doula? This depends, but to put it simply, the doula is required to maintain the Code of Conduct, Scope of Practice, etc., and complete an intense education and practical learning process of her (or his) governing organization, before being granted certification. In other words, you can be assured that your certified doula has been trained in a serious way! There are many training organizations for birth professionals. When pursuing training, a doula often selects an organization that most similarly aligns with her philosophy of offering services and maintaining her private practice. As a perspective client looking to hire a doula, you may ask the doula which organization she trained with and look into her program if you are curious.

On the flip side…There are many fabulous doulas who are not certified! *gasp* That’s right, some AMAZING doulas are not certified. Your doula may have been a doula for years and has more tangible experience than that of a professionally certified doula. Or, it’s possible the doula completed the professional training and did not go on to become officially certified. Or maybe your doula is in the process of becoming certified…it can take awhile.

In my case, I chose to pursue certification. I love that I am part of an organization of birth professionals that uphold very high standards and offer quality services for clients. To learn more about my certifying organization, visit: www.cappa.net. Furthermore, your momma instinct is going to tell you if you’ve found YOUR doula, certified or not!

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Today, I received word that I am now an officially CAPPA Certified Labor Doula!!! I’ll add the fancy letters, CLD, behind my name. Throughout my journey as a doula, I have been so blessed to work with beautiful families as they bring their little ones into the world. I am grateful for each experience as it has contributed to the long road that has lead to me pursuing and completing this professional certification. THANK YOU to all of you who’ve contributed along the way!!! BIG hugs!!! – Doula Jenny

 

 

14 Apr

How big IS a newborn’s tummy?

newborn-stomach-smallCheck out this terrific visual graphic showing the size of a newborn’s stomach at birth, three days, one week and one month old! Seriously, this so wonderfully represents how tiny a newborn’s tummy really is, especially at birth. They do not need much breast milk to feel full…for about 45 minutes…and then it digests and they may want to eat again. In any case, don’t stress new moms! The majority of breastfeeding moms have plenty of milk to give their newborns. You can read more about breastfeeding tips and view the original source for this photo here.

06 Apr

FREE Doula Information Session: Sunday, April 26th at 7:00pm

Decoding Doulas: Birth Support for Every Expectant Mother

This open forum style workshop offers an opportunity for families to ask questions and learn about what a doula can do for you during childbirth. This is a learning session only. No selling, obligation or pressure whatsoever! Join Jenny Bare, of Bay Bee Birth Services for this FREE casual monthly 1-hour information session on:

Sunday, April 26th at 7:00pm at Yoga-Treat in Concord, CA.

Description: There is a lot to consider when having a baby, including who you wish to support you during your labor and birth. Numerous women and their partners find enormous reassurance and report a more positive birth outcome by having a doula (pronounced “doo-luh”) by their side. Did you know that many local healthcare providers are now recommending their patients seek out doula support? This session will cover the doula’s purpose and Scope of Practice, how doulas and dads/partners work together, general doula fee ranges, what the research says, common misconceptions, and helpful guidelines when making birth decisions. Finally, you’ll gain some tools to assist you in finding the right doula for you; including key interview tips and where to search in your area. Whether you’ve already considered hiring a doula for your child’s birth or if you’re simply curious, come check out this informative session. You may be surprised to learn that doulas are just as diverse as you are!

Location: I am super excited to be hosting this event at Yoga-Treat on the Concord/Walnut Creek border! They offer so many great classes (including childcare options) for families! The building is located behind Trader Joe’s. Yoga-Treat (In the Oak Grove Shopping Center Plaza) 2956 Treat Blvd, Suite B Concord, CA

RSVP’s for this event encouraged. To RSVP or for questions, please email baybeebirthservices@gmail.com or click here. Other children welcome. Partners encouraged to attend. We look forward to seeing you!

***Invite open to anyone who may be interested. Please feel free to forward.***

Bought to you by: www.baybeebirthservices.com, www.hhhints.com, and www.yoga-treat.com

03 Mar

Birth Doula Information Session: Sunday, March 22nd at 3:00pm

warning doula

 

FREE EVENT for all expectant parents!

Decoding Doulas: Birth Support for Every Expectant Mother!

Expecting a “bay-bee”? Did you know that many local healthcare providers are now recommending their patients seek out doula support?

Join Jenny Bare, of Bay Bee Birth Services for this FREE casual monthly 1-hour information session that breaks down what doulas can do for your birth experience, on either of the following dates:

  • Sunday, March 22nd at 3:00pm
  • Sunday, April 26th at 7:00pm

Location: I am super excited to be hosting this event at Yoga-Treat on the Concord/Walnut Creek border! They offer so many great classes (including childcare options) for families! The building is located behind Trader Joe’s.

Yoga-Treat (In the Oak Grove Shopping Center Plaza)
2956 Treat Blvd, Suite B
Concord, CA

 

Description:

There is a lot to consider when having a baby, including who you wish to support you during your labor and birth. Numerous women and their partners find enormous reassurance and report a more positive birth outcome by having a doula (pronounced “doo-luh”) by their side.

This session will cover the doula’s purpose and Scope of Practice, how doulas and dads/partners work together, general doula fee ranges, what the research says, common misconceptions, and helpful guidelines when making birth decisions. Finally, you’ll gain some tools to assist you in finding the right doula for you; including key interview tips and where to search in your area.

Whether you’ve already considered hiring a doula for your child’s birth or if you’re simply curious, come check out this informative session. You may be surprised to learn that doulas are just as diverse as you are!

RSVP’s for this event encouraged. To RSVP or for questions, please email baybeebirthservices@gmail.com, call 925-381-9563 or click here.

02 Mar

Now Sponsoring: Hilarie’s Helpful Hints

Bay Bee Birth Services is a new sponsor for Hilarie’s Helpful Hints and the featured March business!!! Hilarie and her team provide information about a wonderful array of activities for over 2,500 families and mom’s-to-be in the Greater Bay Area including infant massage, baby-and-me yoga, music classes, gymnastics, toddler cooking classes, day trips, ticket discounts, playdates and much more! Later this month, I’ll be hosting my first informational class about doulas. More information about that here! – Jenny

10 Feb

Client Testimonial: Erika B. – Winter 2015

0055_editedLast month I gave birth to our second son and had the pleasure of having Jenny Bare as my doula. I had a home birth and may have not been able to stay at home if it wasn’t for her. My blood pressure was high when my midwife first arrived and I had a very short period of time to get it down to be able to give birth at home. Of course having contractions and bringing your blood pressure down at the same time is quite challenging. Thanks to Jenny talking me through it and performing the rebozo technique on me, I was able to calm way down and give birth at home. I’ll never be able to thank her enough for this. She is warm, gentle, calming, and very knowledgeable.

0123_edited2She helped with my son’s latch right after birth and was immensely helpful to my midwife too. The assistant midwife was unable to make it because my labor was so fast, so Jenny had to step in. Thank goodness she was there!

Jenny has about a million resources for everything and anything related to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. She has been so helpful since my son was born too. Checking in with me frequently and always just being a positive and encouraging force in a time that can be challenging. She is just wonderful!

I encourage anyone who is thinking about having a doula at their birth to give Jenny a call. She really will make your experience a beautiful one!

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Birth photos courtesy of: Shannon Stellmacher. Copyrighted 2015.