​This is the time of year when we hear the ringing of bells among the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping. As I have discussed before, shopping with the kids in tow can be an adventure. I think it's that way for most parents. My mother, however, was a master at getting her kids to behave while out in public. 

​Every year, I am reminded of my mother's greatness when it came to getting her kids to shape up. It was a cold, December evening, and my mother needed to stop by the store on the way home. My sister and I bickered about everything: who got to sit in the front seat, who got to walk next to Mom, who got to push the cart, etc. Then we heard the ringing of bells and saw the red kettle. Curious, I asked my mother what the bells were about. Without hesitation and with a straight face, she said, "That's where you drop off kids who are misbehaving."

​My eyes widened and I tightened my grip on mother's arm. My sister and I didn't make a peep. My mother had no issues from either of us and was able to complete her shopping in heavenly peace.

I make these little breakfast pouches to enjoy on the go. They're quick and easy! You can fill them with whatever you want. This breakfast sandwich contains scrambled eggs, baby spinach, tomato, cheese and sour cream. You could also fill the pouches with rice, beans and salsa. Be creative!

MINE-R-T Doula Company’s highest priority continues to be the physical and emotional safety of our clients and doulas. In response to the threats imposed by the coronavirus, many hospitals have implemented strict visitor restrictions that limit the number of support people permitted to attend births with their patients. MINE-R-T Doula Company is committed to supporting our clients and doulas as we all navigate these difficult times. 

• If you choose a hospital that allows only one support person, we are willing and able to be that primary support person. If you choose your partner or other support person, we will provide physical support while in labor at your home. We will then follow you to the hospital and continue to labor with you outside of the hospital in the parking area. Once you enter the facility, we will continue to be available through video, phone or text.
• If you would like to switch to a facility that allows for two support people, we would be happy to inform you of some options. Natural Beginnings Birth Center in Statesville, Caromont Hospital in Gastonia and Davis Regional in Mocksville permit two support people. We can also help you transition to a homebirth if that is what you desire.

We understand these options may not be ideal, feasible or desired. We will work with the option of your choosing and make it the best that we can. The hospital policies and restrictions are changing quickly. We continue to negotiate with hospitals to regain access. We encourage you, the consumer, to discuss the impact that hospital restrictions are having on you and your support team. Hospitals are more likely to listen to their consumers than the doula community. Thank you for your support and trust as we strive to provide you with empowering, safe and satisfying birth experiences.   
With Gratitude,
MINE-R-T Doula Company

Kali grew up in rural India. When he goes to school, he is embarrassed because he's different from the other kids. Their fathers have jobs like postman and bus driver. His father is a snake catcher. This is a good story about not fitting in. It's OK to be different! 

Kali and the Rat Snake is written by Zai Whitaker and illustrated by Srividya Natarajan

Shortly after an egg is fertilized, the placenta begins to grow and attach to the uterine wall. It delivers nutrients, elminates waste and sustains your baby's life until your baby is safely delivered into your arms. It is truly an incredible organ! Some cultures even consider this organ to be sacred.

During the birth planning process, our doulas discuss your options and preferences for your placenta. One option is to consume your placenta after delivery. There are many ways for ingesting the placenta. Some practitioners mix frozen pieces into a smoothie for consumption. Some people cook and ingest their placentas. Our placenta encapsulation specialists prepare and encapsulate the placenta into pills. There is not enough science to support or oppose the consumption of the placenta. We have anecdotal evidence that reports some of the benefits of placenta consumption include: stabilization of mood and anxiety during the initial postpartum period, increased energy, lactation promotion, increased iron absorption, improved sleep, decrease postpartum hair loss, improved overall mood. Like most supplements, results will vary among individuals. Our placenta encapsulation specialists will pick up your placenta, prepare it, and deliver it to you in pill form.

If consuming your placenta is not your cup of tea, there are other options for your placenta as well. Some cultures believe that the placenta is a gift that should be returned to the earth after delivery. Life is intertwined with death. As your baby is born, the placenta begins to die. Its job is complete. Our doula will help you honor your placenta by assisting with finding a suitable burial location. You can learn what I did with my baby's placenta here.

Placenta art, lotus birth, and allowing the birth facility to incinerate and dispose of the placenta with other medical waste are also options. Our team does not judge your choices. Our goal is to make sure you understand all of your options so that you are capable of making informed decisions about your care. 

Sources: https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2016/06/14/placenta-facts_n_10398438.html
https://womensenews.org/2013/07/placenta-spiritually-revered-not-in-the-west/
https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2013/03/why-some-mothers-choose-to-eat-their-placentas/273988/?action=click&contentCollection=meter-links-click&contentId=&mediaId=&module=meter-Links&pgtype=article&priority=true&referrer=&version=meter+at+6