Rhondda Smiley Birth Services

You said it, @unityhealthto. #iamanessentialcarepartner Doulas are an essential part of the care team for the clients that choose us. We have been proven to significantly improve birth outcomes, including reducing the risk of cesarean sections. Birthing people should not have to choose between having their doula or partner present during their labour and birth. ETA: In all central Toronto hospitals at this time, birthing people are still being forced to choose ONE support pe...rson. This picture is from yesterday when I supported a couple that decided that they wanted doula care instead of partner support at their birth. It’s frustrating that they didn’t have the option for both. I continue to offer virtual labour support for the many families that want to have their partner present for their birth, while still accessing the unique care a doula can offer. #doulasarenotvisitors #birthdoula #doula #certifieddoula #ipaccertified #donadoula #doulasupport #birthprofessional #birthworker #laboursupport #labouranddelivery #birth #birthingduringcovid19

This doula is SOOOO grateful to be at a birth today.

Hot damn! This piece has me stamping my feet and raising my hands like I’m at a revival meeting. If mama is going to be the axis around which the familial universe turns, then mama gets treated like the centre of that universe. This feels to me like reclaiming motherhood. ... In fact, it feels like reclaiming matriarchy. Reclaiming the central role of women and mothers in the healthy functioning of our families, communities, and the world. No more motherhood as martrydom, no more devaluing of women’s hidden labour. It’s time we mamas climbed up on to the pedestal or maybe the throne at the centre of the family and took up our power. https://www.jessieharrold.com/my-body-is-your-wonderland-/

Today was hard. Too many worries, and not enough sleep. But these things that made it better. Running into a dear past client and her not-so-little babe on the street this morning. Some bright flowers. A PILE of mail, including an HONEST TO GOODNESS THREE PAGE LETTER!!! I felt all the things reading the news of our dear friends’ ups and downs of 2020. I was also excited to receive this beautiful labyrinth pendant from my mentors at @birthingfromwithin. What a love...ly way to mark our recent Crossing the Threshold retreat. I’ve always been a letter writer. I can think of a few friendships that both my husband and I have that were truly cemented with letters. Even though it’s so awesome how social media keeps us connected across the miles, there’s nothing like finding a hand written missive in your mailbox. You probably won’t look back on old DMs and emails, but a letter is a treasure forever. Is there someone you know who could use a lift? Jot down a note, doodle in the margins, slap on a few bright stickers, and give it a sweet little prayer before you pop it in the mailbox. I stocked up on stationary today. If a note or letter would brighten up your day, DM your address and I drop you line. (Nothing spammy, promise.) It’s one of my favourite self-care/community care projects. #letterwriting #letterwriter #mailcall #stationary #selfcare #communitycareisselfcare #improvemymood #covidcare #connect #onlyconnect #stayintouch #doula #doulacare #birthdoula #postpartumdoula

We stopped on the street after our walk. My daughter was just about to go in and start her shift at work. I gave her a peck on the lips, gave her a big hug, and hoped she had a good day at her job. In the back of my mind was a niggling worry if this was ok, even though we live together. THANK YOU FOR THAT! beamed an older lady behind her mask. I live on my own. I’m a grandmother. My husband is gone. The pets are gone... So much carried on those unspoken words. You jus...t made my day. Thank you. We smiled and shared air hugs with this no-longer-stranger. It felt good to open up our circle of affection to her. COVID may be catching, but here’s the thing - so is oxytocin. Oxytocin is the love hormone. The one that makes us feel good when cuddling, when making love, the one that brings our babies. To those of of you with lovely baby bumps in front. Do you realize how much joy you bring to people just walking down the street? You are a beacon of hope for us all, proof of new life and good things on the way. To parents. We see you and savour those glimpses of the love and care you lavish on your little ones, sometimes in such mundane actions as tugging their mitts on a bit tighter or reaching out a hand as you cross the street. We are ALL so starved for human touch and affection these days. So here’s to more PDA’s. If you’ve got someone to hug, put your love on display. Keep your eyes peeled for all the ways we are taking care of each other out there - holding a door open, offering a smize, wearing a mask. #pda #communitycare #hugs #takecare #holdthemclose #momsanddaughters #ilovemydaughter #notastranger #communitybuilding #sharethelove #oxytocin #thelovehormone

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