military

Anatomy of a Military Child - One Year Older

Anatomy of a Military Child - One Year Older

April is the Month of the Military Child. I wrote this article last year but gave it a few tweaks and updates and am republishing it for 2019. Same information still applies, but I’m one year more experienced along my military spouse/life journey and wanted to add a few more details to the description of the anatomy of these wild creatures disbursed amongst us. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing (and updating) it. Stay blessed!

What You Need to Know About TRICARE's Banked Donor Milk Policy

What You Need to Know About TRICARE's Banked Donor Milk Policy

TRICARE families, have you heard the great news? TRICARE now includes Banked Donor Breastmilk as one of their covered benefits for all beneficiaries! The details can get a little complicated, but here on the From The Start, Postpartum Doula blog, I’ll do my best to clarify. Take a look at this article for more information and what you need to know about the new benefit and how to use it.

My WHY

My WHY

Welcome to 2019 on the blog! I started this blogging journey one year ago when I explained a bit about what postpartum doulas do. Over the past few weeks and months I’ve been evaluating why I doula. My postpartum doula purpose. It’s really helped give me some clarity and focus for 2019 (and beyond!). It stemmed from Simon Sinek’s book, Start With Why. If you’re a leader or a coach or a parent, I highly encourage you reading this. Or, at least reading a summary of it! It may help renew your purpose. Ok, enough of my book report and uncompensated product promotion…Enjoy this week’s article! Stay blessed!

A Different Kind of Giving

A Different Kind of Giving

Today is #givingtuesday, an annual day typically set aside to focus on donating money to causes with which you align. I’m stepping out of my usual lane of babies and families to share a different way to give today. Give the gift of life. Consider organ donation. Just think about it. If you have questions, this article has a handful of excellent resources to peruse and learn more before committing. It’s a big decision and one that I encourage you to discuss with your family. I hope you enjoy the post and learning a bit about Mary’s story. #MarysGotGuts #DonateLife

Strolling the Sunny South Bay - aka My New Service Area

Strolling the Sunny South Bay - aka My New Service Area

We’ve been in Los Angeles area for about 2 months now and we’re finally feeling like we have a bit of a routine. Especially me. I’m able to get out for a walk or run everyday and I’m trying to see as much as there is to see around here. This has allowed me to learn some streets and roads and has helped me determine my postpartum doula service area. So, I’m finally ready to share the areas in which I’m looking forward to supporting families with newborns. Share with anyone you know living this area who may be interested in postpartum doula services. Enjoy!

10+ Thoughtful Gift Cards For Families With Newborns

10+ Thoughtful Gift Cards For Families With Newborns

Think outside the registry and give a gift card! There are some really great products and services available nowadays for families with newborns. But, the big-box baby registries still have families registering for things they really don’t need. Here’s your chance to give an even better gift than a newborn-size onsie…a thoughtful gift card that the family will actually use! Take a look at this Top 10 list (but really, there are more than 10 ideas here!). Enjoy!

Love At First Sight - Meeting My Firstborn's Father

Love At First Sight - Meeting My Firstborn's Father

Do you believe in love at first sight? Think about that as it relates to your children, especially your newborns, and you might have a different answer. But, you can also apply this question to another important person in your family. Check out today’s article on a pretty personal story for me and my family and learn how I became a believer in love at first sight. Happy Father’s Day!

The Emotions Of Motherhood

The Emotions Of Motherhood

Nothing can really prepare you for the emotions of motherhood quite like, well, motherhood. We can train, prepare, practice, research, and plan for many other aspects of bringing a child into our lives, but we cannot truly rehearse for the emotions until we experience it. In this article, we’ll talk through some of these emotions and help normalize the emotions we experience as mothers. I hope this article brings you Joy…

Raising Military Children - closing out the Month Of The Military Child 2018

Raising Military Children - closing out the Month Of The Military Child 2018

I’m closing out the Month Of The Military Child 2018 by sharing stories. Raising kids is tough. Period. No matter what. But in April, we get to honor and celebrate military children and the struggles they endure because of a life they didn’t choose. This article is dedicated to the mothers who raise them. You’ll see some of the most family-friendly places to live, learn some of the best parts of raising military kids, and some of the hardest parts. Whether you are a military family or not, I hope you take a few minutes to read this in support of our military families. Enjoy!

Anatomy of a Military Child

Anatomy of a Military Child

April is designated as the Month of the Military Child. As a postpartum doula, military spouse, and Army Reservist, this celebration is both personal and professional for me. I joined this profession in order to support military families who bring children into our world but reside far, far away from home. Taking a month to honor and focus attention on the uniqueness of a military child's life is something I feel called to participate in. Enjoy this article. And don't forget to Purple Up! for Military Kids on Friday, April 13th!