Birthing + Parenthood Blog

**Classes Start June 4th** Hello all, are you a pregnant person or a support person and want to learn more about the physiology of birth. Successfully be able to advocate within a hospital setting. Even learn about pain management techniques. Presale pricing extended until first day of class! Connect with me if you would like more information, to sign up, or even just to ask some questions.

Good Afternoon All, My childbirth education class is officially ready, I will be holding a 4 week class starting in September. I am doing a Pre-sale for this class. If you sign up before August 15th you will get a 20% discount. this class is $175 so if you sign up before August 15th this class will only be $140. This class will be held in Cambridge/Isanti (I am still nailing down the official location). Send me a message to learn more!

!!!IT’S HERE!!! For weeks and months I’ve been creating and brainstorming ways to give back to YOU! Well I finally pulled the trigger, I created my own birth plan template. It’s fully customizable, easy to read and walks you through pre-labor, Labor, pushing, immediate postpartum, and even the unexpected! Click the link in my bio to sign up for my email list and get the freebie straight to your email! Let me know if you get it!! Can’t wait to have you join me birthy bestie! #freebie #birthplan #freebirthplan #birthworker #doula #mndoula #cbe #childbirth #childbirtheducation #birth #labor #pregnancy #postpartum #birthworkerlife

What do i have available for the next 6 months?! Only a few more openings for birth services before I open up the very end of the year! Contact me for a free birth consultation! It’s never to early or late to hire a birth doula! #birthworker #birthwork #mndoula #doula #doulamn #pregnantmn #labor #birth #mnsmallbusiness #mnmom #mnmama #cambridgemn #isantimn #isanticounty

It’s important to ask questions when you’re looking to hire a doula to ensure you find the right fit for you! A lot of your questions may be answered by checking out a doula’s website and/or social media but do not hesitate to request a face-to-face conversation with someone before you decide to hire them! Along with the questions mentioned in this post some other good ones are: · Where did you complete your training? · What is your fee schedule? · Are you able to provide references? · Do you have a back up doula? I believe an equal partnership between a doula and a birthing person can be built with trust and friendship at the center. I always have free consultations available – Contact me to set one up. ✨Link in Bio ✨ #questionsanswered #hireadoula #doulatraining #partnership #friendship #trust #consultation #doulaservices #doulasupport #doulalove #pregnancy #birthcoach #birthsupport #birthsupportmatters #laboranddelivery #expecting #newmama #birthdoula #doulasmakeadifference #informedconsent #MNDoula #Doula #mnmom #mnmama #mnbirth #mnpregnancy #mnpregnant #mamainmn

Have you ever heard of contractions being described as ‘waves’? The imagery of a wave is so powerful; first of all who doesn’t find it calming to sit out on a beach and watch the waves roll in? It also reminds me that there are highs and lows and the peak of discomfort is temporary. Each wave can vary in height and intensity but one thing is for certain, each wave brings you closer to meeting your sweet babe. #laboranddelievery #childbirth #ridethewave #contractions #mindset #positiveaffirmations #doulasupportedbirth #birthkeeper #birthexperience #pregnancy #birthcoach #birthsupport #birthsupportmatters #laboranddelivery #postpartum #postpartumdoula #birthdoula #doula #mndoula #isanticounty #cambridgemn #mnmama #mnmom #pregnantmn

Hello Hello! It’s been awhile so I thought it was about time that I reintroduced myself! I’m Brittany I’m the owner of Pavin Your Way. I offer birth doula services as well as lactation services to families in north-central Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. Along with being a birth doula in my “past life” I am/was an LPN. Birth work has been my passion since I was 6 and I watch my brother be born. Follow along to learn about all things birthy! **Want to know even more or to see if I’m available to be your doula (or help you find one that best fits you) send me a DM** #mndoula #centralminnesota #westernwisconsin #twincities #birthdoula #doula #mnmom #mnmama #reintroducemyself #pavinyourwaymn

If there are no serious complications during your pregnancy then vaginal birth is typically the SAFEST choice. Birthing mothers who have had a caesarean birth previously can often try for a vaginal birth if they have another baby. This is referred to as vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC). Speak with your doctor or midwife to see if a VBAC is an option for you. ✨ To feel safe it is important to create a calm and positive birthing environment! The best environment is one where you: · feel calm · feel supported · have the amount of privacy you desire · feel secure Creating the environment that you feel most comfortable is achievable! Music, essential oils, cushions, food, and comfortable clothing are all examples of things that can be utilized to create your ideal birthing environment. Add your ideas below in the comments ⤵️! What did you use during your labor to create a peaceful and empowering environment? #birthenvironment #laborenvironment #peaceful #empoweredbirth #yourbirthyourchoice #VBAC #essentialoilsforbirth #comfortableclothing #calmenvironment #musicispowerful #empowered #birthdoula #doulaforhire #laboranddelievery #childbirth #childbirthoptions #educatedchoices #MNdoula #birthdoula #mnmom #mnmama

Your body knows what it’s doing! Respect your body, particularly if you’re pregnant or postpartum by: • eating nourishing food • taking time to rest and relax • get adequate sleep • drink LOTS of water • move your body – stretch, walk, exercise • practice mindfulness, meditation, gratitude, affirmations, or whichever centering practice you prefer #nourishyourbody #nourishingfood #adequatesleep #sleepisimportant #hydrate #moveyourbody #prenatalexercise #postnatalexercise #mindfulness #meditation #guidedmeditation #attitudeofgratitude #affirmations #centeringpractice #restandrelax #replenish #postpartumcare #selfcare #newmom #mndoula #mnmama #mnbirth #minnesota #centralmn #centralminnesota #mnmom #mn

Did you know that all birth is natural?! Did you know that medical intervention in birth is more likely to lead to more and more medical intervention?! When we let nature take it’s course through birth the likelihood of needing medical intervention of any kind is small. No matter what your birth choice is I will be there for you, but I am also there to help educate you about options and what each choice can lead to (interventions). **I am not against medical intervention when and IF it is medically necessary** Want to know more?! Have specific questions? Send me a message! #mndoula #birthdoula #doula #mnmama #mnmom #pregnancy #labor #birthisnatural #cambridgemn #centralmn

It’s been a while and there are some new faces around here: So let me reintroduce myself! I’m Brittany, I’m the owner of Pavin Your Way - Birth and Maternity services. I am a Birth Doula, and Lactation counselor in North-central Minnesota service within 60 miles of Cambridge, MN! So what do I do?! -I help YOU get the birth you want through education, advocacy and physical and emotional support through pregnancy, birth and Beyond! Want to learn more follow me or DM me if you have a specific question! #mndoula #mnmama #mnmom #birthdoulamn #birthdoula #centralminnesota #minnesota #birth #lactation #doulalife #pregnancy #labor #cambridgemn #cambridgedoula

I believe my most important job as a doula is to empower others to understand the choices that they have. There are so many choices one should get to make during their pregnancy, labor, and beyond. Traditionally the medical model takes away informed choice by stating ‘best practices’ and not taking the time to educate people on the options available. If you want to better understand your choices reach out to me! I’m always down to chat about all things birth! #empoweredwomenempowerwomen #empoweredchoices #upliftandsupport #birthadvocate #missionstatement #passion #valuablework #labour #partnership #service #yonipower #womblove #doulaservices #doulasofinstagram #postpartumlove #maternalhealthmatters #birthdoulaservices #MNdoula #doula #mnmom #mnmama #mnmomma

Small Business Saturday is ✨1✨ day away!! This small business Saturday I am doing something a bit different. I am not running a sale, I am giving someone a chance to win a free Doula package! Each space is $25, but worth minimum of $60! 🤯 Some things you could get if you purchase a space: - 1 Full Birth Doula package - 1 50% off Birth Doula package - 2 Birth Planning session (in-person or virtual) - 1 Books - 2 Essential oil package - 1 Mini birth essentials bag - 1 Mini Postpartum essentials bag Comment, DM, text or email the number you want for your spot! These deals are only available until 12/1/2022 so grab them fast as once all 9 are gone they are gone! **SPOTS 5&9 ARE GONE!** #doula #birthdoula #mndoula #mnmama #pregnant #mnmom #smallbusiness #smallbusinesssaturday #hireadoula #pickyournumber #freesession #laboranddelivery #doulaservices #findadoula #doulalife #doulalove #laborsupport #advocate

💥BIG NEWS💥 We have a new website live!! I am so in love with the way it turned out and can't wait to start blogging, and sharing all of the things with you❤️ #website #websitelaunch #itshere #doula #birthdoula #mndoula #douladarcy #mnmama #mnmom #comecheckitout #bignews

Welp my calendar is getting more and more booked! If you want to use my services better get on my calendar soon before I have no availability. ❤️ #birthdoula #doula #mndoula #mnmama #mnmom #doulalife #momlife #availability #booked #bookeddoula #doulaavailability

5 things to do before baby arrives: 🎉– Hire a doula 🏛️– Attend a prenatal class 📝– Create a birth plan 🧳 – Pack a hospital bag 😌– Relax & breathe We should all take (at least) as much time preparing for labor as we do preparing a beautiful nursery! ❤️ #hireadoula #prenatalclass #childbirthclass #informeddecision #birthchoices #birthplan #hospitalbag #birthbag #organized #prepared #relaxandbreathe #meditation #nursery #newbornnursery #nurseryart #doulaservices #findadoula #laboranddelivery #laborpreparation #letsgetorganized #childbirth101

There are SO MANY reasons to hire a doula! A few posts back I talked a little bit about what the research says regarding the benefits of having continuous labor support of a doula. Other benefits of hiring a doula include: 📄Informed Decisions – a doula can provide education and support you in making informed decisions regarding your pregnancy, labor, and beyond 💕Reassurance – ask us anything – research shows that a lot of fear is based in the unknown, get your questions answered and feel more confident stepping into parenthood 🤩Advocacy – we will advocate for you at every step #doulabenefits #advocate #birthadvocate #reassurance #informeddecisions #birthdecisions #newborncare #parenthood #parentingchoices #laborsupport #birthdoula #hireadoula #doulalove #reassurance #doulaservices #childbirtheducator #expectantmama #birtheducation #pregnancy #mndoula #mnmama #mnmom #momlife #doulalife

If you're looking for resources on childbirth, breastfeeding, parenthood, or something related I've got a huge lending library for my mamas to choose from. Here's a list of my favorites! 📖Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin A must read for every person preparing for childbirth! This book is a staple in the doula and birth community. 📖Breastfeeding Made Simple by Nancy Mohrbacher and Kathleen Kendall-Tackett If you're looking to get the facts about breastfeeding as well as a whole bunch of practical tips this is a fantastic read. 📖The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother by Heng Ou, Amely Greeven, and Marisa Belger This book offers fresh perspective on the fourth trimester (the time right after the baby is born) - focusing on connection and nourishment rather than 'bouncing back' #reading #resources #booklover #knowledgeispower #childbirthresources #breastfeedingresources #parentingbooks #lendinglibrary #nourishing #agoodbook #childbirthprep #doulasupportmatters #doulacommunity #motherhoodcommunity #shareyourbooks #recommendedreading #doulalove #mndoula #doula #mamadoula #birthdoula

Did you know that no matter what is going on in your birth YOU are in charge?! Unless there is a life or death situation, (even then there should be true informed consent) there is time to talk about risks and benefits of doing (or not doing) one thing over another during your birth. “We need to start pitocin” - what are my options? “You need to push on your back” - why do you feel that? “Your 10cm it’s time to start pushing” - my body isn’t telling me it’s time to push yet, can we wait? Open conversation, not some one being dictating. Need help learning how to advocate for yourself during your birthing time contact me #mndoula #doula #birthdoula #mnmama #mnmom #mom #parent #birthingparent #birthingadvocacy #birthing #advocate #selfadvocate

Congratulations to @shyenne_zerwas for winning the new mama giveaway!!! #winner #giveaway #newmama #thankyou #birthdoula #doula #mndoula

!***GIVEAWAY TIME***! New Mama giveaway. I am giving away a new mama package, 1Tier Diaper cake, a relaxation roller, and a Mama tumbler (20oz). All you have to do to be entered into this giveaway is... 1. Like this Post 2. Comment on this post your best labor advice 3. Share our page and tag us. Giveaway closes Friday 09/30/2022 *this giveaway is not affiliated or sponsored by instagram* #giveaway #MNdoula #birth #labor #birthdoula #newmama #pregnant #mama #mnmama #doula #maternity #motherhood #mom #instamama

All to often we give up our power, the biggest way that we give up our power is by thinking we don't have any power! YOU ALWAYS HAVE POWER!! Everyone has a choice and power and this is especially important to know when you are in a situation where someone might know more information than you. You can always ask questions to be able to make a better decision and only YOU know YOU! Even medical providers don't always know what YOUR BODY needs, especially during labor. YOU HAVE THE POWER!!! #birth #doula #childbirth #MNDoula #pregnancy #labor #birthisbeautiful #youhavethepower #strength #moms #mnmom #mnmama

There are so many things that can bog down your mind while you are giving birth…People asking if baby is here, worrying about the what-ifs that come with birth, even just being in the hospital or somewhere your unfamiliar. Here are some tips to keep your mind clear before and during the birthing process. 1: Deep breathing - continually take deeps long breaths, this will help keep the blood flowing to your brain and help keep your mind focused on something else. 2: Relaxing music - It will keep the mood in the room a constant relaxing place, rather than a hectic place. 3: Creative imagery - picture in your mind your happy place/a place that makes you feel calm. 4: Massage - having your Doula or Partner touch or massage you can help relax your muscles which will help your birthing go by faster. 5: positive affirmations - verbal, written anything. Telling yourself or hearing from someone else a positive affirmation will help keep your mind clear and let you focus on your birth. #mentalclarity #mndoula #doula #birthwork #birthworker #deepbreath #positivebirth #birth #labor #mnbirthworker #stayfocused

Midwife Vs. Doula - Aren’t they the same thing? The simple answer, No. There are a vast majority of things that are different between a Midwife and a Doula. The BIGGEST, a Midwife provides medical care and delivers the baby whereas a Doula provides labor support, prenatal mental support, advocacy support, and helps with education. Now let's dive a little deeper into the differences. Midwife - Employed by the hospital/birth center (this is not the case with home births) Doula - Employed by the birthing family. Midwife - Medical examinations, catch the baby. Doula - Emotional, physical, and educational support through labor and birth. Midwife - whoever is on call at the hospital (this may not be the case in all birthing settings) Doula - the same person you hired and have gotten to know throughout your pregnancy. So many differences between a Midwife and a Doula, when used together though, *Chef Kiss* it is perfection. #midwifevsdoula #MNdoula #Birthsupport #birthing #midwife #Doula #whatsthedifference

100% of birthing people deserve to be listened to. 100% of parents deserve to be listened to. 100% of anyone in any medical situation deserves to be listened to. It is not about what the Doula, or how medical staff feel or would do for themselves it is about what the person in the situation feels comfortable with, wants to do and is safest for THEM. #patientadvocacy #doula #MNDoula #birth #birthsupport #birthing #birthingperson #medicalfreedom #medicaladvocacy

Alright everyone, this post is going to start off a series. I want to hear your birth stories with or without a Doula. I am looking for 3 more parents to write up their birth stories and give me the opportunity to post them here so others can see and hear about their births. Eleanor's birth story is a bit of a long one, but I will try and keep it as simple as possible. Her birth is one of the biggest reasons why I became a birth worker. 40+4 - went to the doctor and talked about induction, bishop score was 9 - Favorable for induction. She was also head down. 40+6 - went into the hospital at 8am. Waited about an hour and got word from my OB that it was okay to start Pitocin. 9:30 am - nurse wasn't sure about presenting part so she brought in a portable ultrasound to check....found out she had flipped breech. 10:00am - OB confirmed and stopped pitocin. Talked about doing an ECV and how we would need to go to the OR incase baby went into distress. Also agreed that we would do an Epidural incase things went south and needed the Stat C I wouldn't have to be put under. 3:00pm - Started having contractions on my own after hours of no contractions since pitocin was stoped 4:00pm - first shot to stop contractions 5:00pm - got epidural, 2nd shot to stop contractions. 6:30pm - went to OR to do the version, sucessful version completed (after two turns) water broken, belly band and rolled blankets placed to keep baby from flipping again. 7:00pm - pitocin restated 10:00pm - 7cm, found out 1st epidural was ripped out when moving me in the OR. got a second one, since they wouldn't let me move anyways... 10/9/2021 1:30am - baby started having sporadic late decels, 9am with a lip on my cervix. 2:34am - Baby Girl was finally born <3 pushed for 3-5 minutes. #birthstory #mnmom #babygirl #doulabirth #doulawhy #doula #Eleanormargery #mywhy #mndoula #birth #birthworker

As your Doula I am going to be there to help you use your B.R.A.I.N. B - What are the benefits? how will this benefit you and your baby R - What are the risks? are there risks to me or my baby? A - What alternative treatments are there if any? can we go about this a different way? I - What is your intuition telling you? Listen to what that parenting gut is telling you. N - What would happen if you do nothing and see how things progress? These are all questions you want to ask your provider (or yourself) when you are in a situation where you want to have true informed consent. how have you used your BRAIN during your birthing time?! #Doula #birthdoula #mndoula #useyourBRAIN #birthing #informedconsent #pavinyourway #mnmom #pregnant #pregnancy

All of my Services start out with a Free "get to know you" meeting. Currently I provide birth doula services, this includes Unlimited call/text support from me starting the day you sign your contract and pay your retainer. You also get 2 prenatal visits with me to write your birth plan, and work on pain management techniques for you and your partner to use before I come to you, as well as me being on-call 24/7 for you from 38-42 weeks; no matter what time or day you go into labor I will be there. what questions do you have about my current services?! #birth #doula #birthdoula #mndoula #birthservices #pavinyourway #yourbirth #pregnancy #prenatal #mnbirth #mnbirthservices

Did you know, as a birth Doula I make my own schedule. Because I get to make my own schedule I choose to only take 2-3 birthing clients per MONTH. Some months I’m choosing to not take any births. Why do I only take a few clients a month?! I want to give you as much one-on-one attention that I can! I want to have the smallest chance of needing to use my backup Doula. The only way i want to call my backup is if there is an EXTREME emergency! My schedule of the rest of the year is starting to fill up so contact me soon to ensure you spot. #mndoula #doula #birthworker #availability #oneonone #mnbirthworker #monthlyschedule #makeyourownschedule

Did you know?! Having a birth Doula has so many benefits, one of the biggest is a decrease in the use of pain medications (if thats what you want) Also, shorter labors by almost an HOUR!?! who doesn't want a shorter labor?! Tell me something you could have used a birth doula for during your birth #birthdoula #mndoula #doula #birth #birthdoulabenefits #mnmama #mndoulasupport #doulasupport #birthing #didyouknow

💐Happy Mothers Day to all my mamas out there!! 💐 - C-section - All Natural - Foster - Adoption - Step/Bonus - Soon-to-Be - Heavenly - TTCing No matter how you brought your children into your family you are an amazing mama!! Mamas grieving, wanting, waiting, I see you!! ❤️ #mothersday #doula #birthworker #birthdoula #mndoula #mama #pavinyourway #pavinyourwaymn #minnesotamomma

I don’t care what kind of birth you have!! My job isn’t to tell you what kind of birth you should have, my job is to support YOUR choices, and help you achieve the birth YOU want. You want to go all natural, I’m there for you. You want an elective induction after careful consideration of all risk and benefits, I’m there for you. You want to go with the flow and see how you feel throughout everything, I’m there for you! No matter you choice, I’m there for you. I only care that you had choices, and those choices are respected by your ENTIRE birthing team!! #birthdoula #doula #mndoula #birthworker #yourchoice #birthteam #yourbirth #birthchoices #advocate #borthadvocate

What is a Doula?! It comes from a Greek word meaning “Woman Servant”. Throughout history, it is known that woman had many companions and assistants during pregnancy, labor, birth and the postpartum period. In today’s world we have refined the role to offer a once lost art to expecting mothers to better prepare them for their big event, giving birth! Have questions?! Post them below!! ⬇️⬇️ #mndoula #doula #birthworker #centralminnesota #centralmn #doulasupport #birthsupport #birthsupportmatters

Hello and Welcome!! I'm Brittany, Doula, soon to be Lactation Counselor (CBI) and small business owner of @pavinyourwaymn ♥️ I am so excited that you are here! I am located in North-Central minnesota. Outside of being a birth worker I am also a mommy to 3 amazing children 🧒🧒👧and a wife to the most caring husband💍 In my previous career I worked as an LPN and still hold my license but don’t practice 🩺 Birth work and advocacy have always been my dream so now lets make it happen!! 💗 I look forward to providing education, information and advice about birth and beyond! #birthwork #mndoula #doula #doulalife #lactation #lactationcounselor #mnmom #mnmama #northcentralminnesota #aboutme #pavinyourwaymn