Belly binding is a postpartum practice performed in many cultures all over the world is some variation. For the cultures that do this practice, it is an important part of the postpartum healing process. Most see birth as an experience of "opening" the body and the binding is seen as a necessary step in "closing" after birth is complete. It is restorative for the womb space by providing support while regaining core strength and organs displaced during pregnancy move back to their pre-pregnancy positions.

What is Bengkung? 
The Bengkung is the most widely known and used form of belly binding from in "confinement" periods, hailing from Malaysian tradition. It used a long strip of fabric to carefully compress the belly, covering from the pelvis and over the lower ribs. It is very beautiful and flexible in the way it is wrapped and can be worn over or under clothing. I prefer this style over commercial girdles as it is wrapped to your body shape while offering snug support.
*This is not a weight loss product or a waist trainer.* It is merely a supportive aid.

EDITED: 14 January 2019

*Updates: links to Special Ops Doulas seem to no longer be working. I do still offer a limited number of low/no-cost volunteer births based on financial need and always offering a military discount to ALL service members. The number of volunteer births I can attend solely depends on the funds available in my "volunteer account" which is replenished by tips and donations (tho I am not a non-profit organization).

What is a “Massage Doula”?
The word “doula” comes from the Greek word meaning “servant” or “Handmaiden” and is used to describe someone who assists a woman through labor. A birth doula is a professionally trained childbirth assistant who sees the mother throughout her pregnancy, labor, and after birth to provide emotional, physical, and informational support. A "Massage Doula" is a licensed massage therapist who has completed pregnancy massage certification and who has also completed training to be a labor assistant.

Does a doula replace my birth partner / spouse?
 A doula is there for your partner also, and does not replace their role. My role as your doula is to assist and support you AND your partner in achieving your desired birth goals. I will work very closely with any other members of your support team, as it is your birth and you can have whoever you want present to help you along your journey. Also, my main focus is that of the mother, so even after the birth has taken place, and all eyes are now on the new arrival, I will continue to cater to your immediate needs.

Last year, shortly after finding out I was expecting my second child, I came across the book Sacred Pregnancy by Anni Daulter. I was looking for something different for my experience this time around and immediately realized this was it. It's not your regular "getting ready for childbirth" book. As I was getting into the book and comfortable with my pregnancy, I found out about the Sacred Pregnancy classes and that there was the instructor training coming to Colorado. Of course I jumped at the opportunity.

We planned a home birth and I wanted to have the best environment possible welcoming our littlest into the world. In the book, each week highlights something special in getting in tuned with your body and baby. The retreat and training, however, was great in creating a shared environment and holding space for some of the tasks in creating a sacred pregnancy. I came away feeling really connected with my baby and confident in what my body was capable of.