10Jan 2019 by Full Circle Doulas No Comments

Safely Detoxing From Toxic Menstrual Products

Millions of people absorb high levels of toxins every month thanks to lax manufacturing standards of menstrual products like tampons and pads. These products are loaded with highly absorbable industrial contaminants — the body takes in more toxins through the vaginal mucous membranes than through ingestion. Manufacturers are not required to list the ingredients used in tampons and sanitary napkins. However, the main material cotton is a crop notorious for genetic engineering and heavy use of pesticides. Feminine hygiene products also contain synthetic fragrances, bleaches, foams, gels, anti-bacterial agents, and surfactants. Although the FDA offers recommendations, there are no regulations manufacturers are required to follow regarding the use of toxic chemicals in these products. Why toxins in tampons are more dangerous Lack of regulation and oversight means anything goes in…

20Oct 2017 by Full Circle Doulas No Comments

Feeling Relaxed and Confident When Your Baby Doesn’t Sleep

Advice, Baby Sleep, Information, Postpartum

Sleep in your home doesn't have to be the "worst" part of parenting. It doesn't have to be the ONE thing that is talked about or questioned the most in parenthood, next to our traumatic birth stories. Our society is literally, though not maliciously, defining whether we have a "good baby", based on how, where and when they sleep. First, babies aren't inherently evil. Ok, maybe sometimes it feels like it? But if we are being honest, they are actually just trying to thrive! Babies instinctually know what they need to survive & thrive and that's pretty damn amazing if we think about it! They are the most helpless baby animal born on this planet. They don't just fall from the womb, jump up and prepare to run off if…

06Sep 2017 by Full Circle Doulas No Comments

The Solution to Morning Sickness in Pregnancy

Advice, Home Birth, Hospital Birth, Information

Chances are, you are here because someone had mercy on you and shared this blog, after you posted in every possible mom group, asking how they dealt with everyone’s favorite typical side effect of pregnancy…. Morning sickness. Funny thing is (I know, there’s nothing funny about puking your guts out or all-day nausea). We talk about it as if it is a rite of passage in pregnancy, like it’s perfectly normal. Hell, even the Duchess of Cambridge Kate has been all over the news about it. Though it is quite common, I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s “normal”. I really wonder what other cultures in other countries would have to say about it? -That’s research for another day…. At the risk of sounding “preachy”… the thing is, our SAD (Standard American…

17Aug 2017 by Full Circle Doulas No Comments

4 Ways To Use Your Birth Ball To Improve Your Pregnancy

Advice, Doula, Information

A birthing ball can be so helpful because it relieves pelvic pressure and it encourages optimal fetal positioning! Many hear about using your ball towards the end of pregnancy to help encourage and progress labor but there are SO many other ways to use to your ball during pregnancy! Your ball is a great tool to help you during all stages of pregnancy not just the very end! 1. Using your ball as a chair during pregnancy. Most couches and office chairs are no friend to your body but they are especially problematic when it comes to fetal positioning! Slouching down and leaning back, like we often do, can encourage baby to position it's self in a less than favorable position. Swap out that…

12Jul 2017 by Full Circle Doulas No Comments

Using Nettles During Pregnancy

Advice, Doula

Hey, guys! So I am not a big video poster, in fact, this may be one of my firsts! I find myself awkward on video so this may be my only lol!! I made this video on nettles a few months back and am FINALLY posting it! During pregnancy we really want our nutrition to be at it's best and getting our nutrition in a food based, easily absorbed way (instead of piling on the mountains of synthetic supplements) is always appreciated by the body! Here are some of the great benefits of nettles! There are many many other nutritional benefits to this wonderful herb and maybe I will dive deeper into it with you all at another time but for now, here are 3 good reasons that you should be using nettles in…

02May 2017 by Full Circle Doulas No Comments

Free Postpartum Printables!!!

Advice, Doula, Home Birth, Hospital Birth, Postpartum

Everyone loves to visit a new baby but not everyone knows proper postpartum/newborn etiquette. These free printables serve as a gentle reminder to guests of what to do and what NOT to do while visiting a new mother and baby! We have also included a free printable to hang on your door when mom and baby need some MUCH needed guest-free rest time (or when you need an excuse for visitors to come at another time lol). Remember, to properly care for baby and give your full heart into this mom gig you must also care for yourself! You can,t pour from an empty cup, mommas!! Cherish and protect that "babymoon" time!! "Mom and Baby are Resting" Free PDF Postpartum Visitors Free PDF!

03Apr 2017 by Full Circle Doulas No Comments

Kids and Chiropractic: A Perfect Pair – Brett Murdock, DC

Advice, Guest Blogger

Whenever I introduce myself as a pediatric chiropractor I’m generally met with a look of confusion. And even though parents have been taking their kids to chiropractors for over 100 years, it still seems to be misunderstood. Let me be perfectly clear, I believe that every child should be taken to visit a chiropractor shortly after birth. If that seems odd to you, let me explain why your child might be due for a check up. A recent study showed that rates of chronic childhood conditions, such as asthma and ADHD, more than doubled from 1994-2006. This study, which looked at data during a 12-year period, is now nearly 12 years old itself and rates have continued to rise. According to the CDC, 14% of boys between the age of…

30Mar 2017 by Full Circle Doulas No Comments

How I Achieved My Empowering Hospital Birth Experience

Advice, Birth Story, Doula, Hospital Birth, Midwife, Musing, Stories

I am normally an out-of-hospital birthing momma that has a preference for birthing at home but in 2016 while being a surrogate for my lovely friends we decided that, for this particular birth, hospital was the route we wanted! Once you have birthed outside of the hospital and experience the freedom to listen to your own body instead of following "hospital policy" it's hard to go back to thinking about birthing the way I once did in a hospital setting. So we made the decision that we wouldn't. We wouldn't settle for the drive-through-window experience that is often birth in the US. I stayed upright and moved as my body wished, I ate and my nurses happily spoiled me with food,…

27Mar 2017 by Full Circle Doulas No Comments

Reiki for Postpartum Care

Advice, Energy Work, Guest Blogger

Hi. I am Talesha Carter. I am a wife and mama to two awesome kids and one fur baby. I am a firm believer in creating the life you desire, and I can often be found with my nose in a book learning new ways to improve. I love to go on adventures with my family and explore new places. When tough times come my way, I turn to God and energy healing and I always find my way. Life is meant to be enjoyed, not endured! It is my mission to uplift, strengthen and empower hearts. I am an energy healer who practices as a Reiki Master and educator in Logan, Utah. My business, Foster Vitality was created to help women, like myself, release stress, anxiety, fear, anger and…

21Mar 2017 by Full Circle Doulas No Comments

An Alternative, to Creating Health in Pregnancy

Advice, Energy Work, Guest Blogger

This week's Guest Blogger is from our dear friend, fellow advocate for empowering births and families, and an alternative healing practitioner. Mally Griffin is also a Wife, Mama to two sweet baby girls, Certified Foot Zonologist, SimplyHealed Energy Practitioner and Soon-to-Be RYT-200. She is located in Logan, Utah. More info at her website here. Hello, all! I am so excited to share with you how Energy Healing can benefit us mamas in such phases of life. After two miscarriages, I was led to the SimplyHealed Method of Energy Healing and I can say with confidence that it was one of the key factors in my conception, healthy pregnancy and birth of my second child. Here’s my top few tips and reasons why everyone should look into a bit of energy…