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Author: Kyndal

Baby Bump Services / Articles posted by Kyndal

The Birth Ball for Comfort in Pregnancy and Postpartum

If you've never been pregnant before, you might think of this round thing above as an exercise ball. I first heard it called the 'Swiss Ball' (which is odd because it is an Italian creation) and began using them in my massage therapy practice in 1990.  That burst-resistant ball, created in 1963, was intended for use in gymnastics but was adopted by European physical therapists to help children who struggled with proprioception or balance issues. When it came to the US in the 80's it was quickly incorporated into the fitness industry.  Birth Pioneer, Penny Simkin, a former physical therapist herself, is credited with bringing the ball into the birth room in the early 90s, prompting birth professionals and labor and delivery staff to call a...

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Strength in Flexibility Mindful Movement Class

Rhythm & Slow Mindful Movement Classes are the somatic offerings from Baby Bump Services. If you like to learn more about what we do in these classes, click on the link below to experience a short lesson offered as a gift to help you through these challenging times. StrengthInFlexibilityAudio...

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Welcome Anders…you are loved and lovable.

Several years ago, in my Confident Birthing Classes, I started to hand out Brene Brown's Wholehearted Parenting Manifesto as a parting gift to the parents in my classes.  One of these couples, Lisa and Tyler, happened to also be my doula clients.  I was blessed to attend the birth of their daughter Lilli in 2015 and was doubly honored to attend them again when they asked me to be their doula for the birth of their son, Anders this June. It was during our prenatal appointments for the upcoming birth that Lisa reminded me she had been reading the Wholehearted Parenting Manifesto to Lilli every night since the day she was born.   I was so moved by this and asked her if she would be willing...

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It’s Always Personal – Practicing as a Doula and a Human Being

For several days I have been in a place of meditation about whether to share the original Buzzfeed article that triggered many reactive online posts, debates and ultimately led DONA International’s founder, Penny Simkin, to write an open letter responding to a doula who addressed her directly online. For weeks, I have also been in meditation, prayer and study as, I too, was recently told by a doula that I let her down.  Our conversation was private, however, and I am grateful to her for that.  She also shared that she checked with another person in her workshop and that doula did not have the same experience. I appreciated her sharing that with me.  It was kind, thoughtful. Since that time, I have looked deeply at myself as a doula trainer, and more important, as a...