Before I had children, I was an avid gym-goer. The gym wasn’t just a place I visited regularly—it was a part of my identity. I went nearly every day, pushing myself with intense workouts that left me feeling exhilarated. But once I had children, everything changed. I stopped going to the gym, but I never stopped exercising or fueling that essential part of who I am.
Recently, I was reminded of that time in my life when I was a busy mom to small children but still yearned for that post-workout high. I came across a note I wrote to myself, and it took me right back to those days:

Since I can no longer get to the gym, I have taken over our neighborhood park. It's actually a great workout! I hold the baby between my legs while hanging from the monkey bars and move my legs in circles while doing leg lifts. I do walking lunges, squats, push-ups, dips, and jump rope while my daughters are on the swings. When they need another push, I sprint over to them and then sprint back to my workout area. Yesterday, I actually climbed a wall! It's not as fun as the gym, but it will do for now. I've gotten over all the stares I get from the other parents and kids. For added fun, I chase the kids around the park while lugging my 20-pound baby with me. A fun time for all! I wonder what other workouts I can do there. If I could do unassisted pull-ups, that would be a great addition, but I can't yet. I'd like something to work the lats. Maybe I can take my resistance bands and hook something up. Hmmm...

Looking back on that note, I realize how much that time shaped me. Even though I wasn’t in a gym, I created my own space to stay fit and maintain that connection to physical activity that I loved so much.
But what’s most striking to me is that, at no point in my note, did I mention wanting to “get my body back” or “drop the baby weight.” Those goals never crossed my mind. For me, exercise has always been about enjoying physical activity and challenging myself. It’s the feeling of pushing my limits, discovering new strengths, and finding creative ways to stay active—whether that meant gym sessions or playground workouts with my kids.
So, now I pose this question to you: how do you refuel? What drives you to move, to stay active, and to nurture the parts of yourself that need attention?
Whether it’s running around with your kids, sneaking in a workout during nap time, or finding moments to connect with your body through movement, I hope you find what excites you. Because when we let go of external pressures and focus on the joy of movement, we’re refueling more than just our bodies—we’re refueling our spirit.
How do you find ways to move and thrive in your busy life?

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

It is very important to be intentional about building a birth team. You want to surround yourself with skill and people you trust. Ask questions that are important to you. If you don't know which questions are important, you're in luck! Here is a list of essential questions to ask a midwife:
 
* Tell me about your experience and training. Did you attend midwifery school and complete a certification? Did you learn through an apprentice model?

* How do you handle complications during pregnancy or birth? What kinds of complications would risk me out of home birth?

* What happens if I am no longer a good candidate for homebirth? What is your refund policy?

* Can you handle emergencies? In the event of an emergency, what would be your role? Do you remain with me if I need to transfer to a hospital?

* What kind of medical equipment do you bring with you? Are you trained in the use of the equipment?

* Do you have an assistant? Will I meet your assistant(s)? Who would be present for my child's birth?

* Do you have backup? What happens if you're injured, ill, at another birth, out of town, or otherwise not available?

* How do you handle unexpected events like preterm labor or breech presentation?

* What are your fees? How are those fees structured? Do you have a cancellation/refund policy?
 
* What is included in your fee? Labs? Tests? Pool? Birth kit?

I suggest you interview 2-4 midwives before making a decision. Home birth is a safe choice for low risk pregnancies. To discuss how our team of doulas can help you plan for a home birth in the Charlotte area, please schedule a free consultation.