It has been a while since I have posted! It's high time I let everyone know what's new, what's changed, and what is come. Since I last posted, there has been a change in my home and my business, and I am excited to share. If you are new here, you know that I have three boys: Oliver, who is 18, Henry, 17, and Everett, who is five. There is never a shortage of mild chaos in the home of three boys. Oliver has since moved to Florida to play Jr. hockey. We could not be more thrilled with the success he is having while focusing on skills and development. We deferred his admittance to the University of MN twin cities and the University of St. Thomas until the fall of 2022. Henry is now a junior in high school and will be taking his driver's test in just two days! I am breathing a little more deeply at the thought of having another teenage driver; however, it is the rite of passage. Everett is a very busy five-year-old who I homeschool, and he is loving a new homeschool co-op and begins hockey in about two weeks. It's all exciting stuff, but I would be lying if I didn't say that the days are long; however, the years are short.
I have also gone back to school. I am studying to become a naturopathic physician. I have given this a lot of thought, and it is the most excellent fit. A lot of you have asked me, "as a doula, why not become a midwife?" My answer to that is a little bit twofold. I LOVE being a doula. It is the best fit. This city is full of amazing midwives, and I am content to serve this birth community in the capacity of a doula. Naturopathic physicians treat the whole body. ND's treat holistically by looking at each patient as an entire person, rather than only focusing on one specific symptom, disease, or diagnosis. We consider all the factors that comprise a person's overall health, including genetics, environmental exposures, lifestyle, nutrition, and treatment of the whole body. We aim to restore balance. I will be working toward this program and seeking a practice that focuses on women's health. ND's can focus on a range of chronic health issues like diabetes, heart disease, allergies, digestive and respiratory illness, fertility issues, menopause, and many more. Nd's see patients in a primarily outpatient setting, and we have the opportunity to complete rotations with medical specialties in cardiology, pediatrics, pulmonology, internal medicine, and women's health. I am also able to continue to serve in the capacity of a doula. I have a firm belief that doula's impact positive birth outcomes in a big way.
I will continue to see birth clients; however, I will have a limited schedule due to my full course load and teaching schedule. I would encourage you to schedule yourself for a meeting if you are interested, as I am booked through early next year. I am currently offering Pre/postnatal Yoga, Breath for Birth classes, and doula services. The Breath for Birth classes that are offered is a labor of love for me. If you are looking for a class that will have the most significant impact on your birth, this is the class for you!
I am excited to share some classes that will be offered in the new year. I will be partnering up with Heather Christine of Holistic Continuum, and we will be offering a peri-menopause/menopause class. Many people will see this as something they don't need or don't have to worry about; however, you would be surprised. I was also of this mindset until I entered peri-menopause at 42. It's a good idea to plan and know-how to impact your body. Here's what a lot of people don't know. There is very little support for menopause in the women's health community, and people are looking for help and resources. Heather and I are here to provide that support. I will be offering a postpartum class. We spend so much time planning for the baby, but that postpartum time takes some preparation. I will have all the resources you need to bring that sweet baby home, and you will feel confident and know what to expect. Finally, I will be offering a postpartum core series. I want to start by sharing what this WILL NOT BE. We will NOT be focusing on weight loss! Hard no. This series will take you through how to get back into a routine that will support your core and pelvic floor as you recover in a safe and postpartum-appropriate platform. How do you get back to feeling like yourself and building strength in your core? That's the focus.
In the next few weeks, I will be preparing for the holidays. Christmas is my favorite time of year, and we are doing something a little this year. We will be observing advent and Epiphany. Each year we do Christmas school as part of our homeschool curriculum, and each year it feels rushed. I will be taking it slow and enjoying this season. There will be no rushing this year. From now until the end of the year, you will be able to find me in a few different places. You can be sure that I will have my head buried in textbooks, attending the last births of this year, teaching for a non-profit, preparing education to serve this community that I love so much, and spending time with the kids. As always, I am here to support you in the best possible way, and I look forward to continuing to lift families up and prepare them for the parenthood journey that awaits.
XOXO-Holly