Interested In Joining Our Team?
We are searching for new team members to join us at Buddha Belly in serving families of Tampa Bay. Doula began as a Greek word that means “a woman who serves.” The meaning has evolved to become a professional, trained and experienced in childbirth and the postpartum period, who provides physical, emotional and informational support. (And…
Meet Marisa Seegraves, Postpartum Doula
I’m so excited to introduce you to my dear friend Marisa Seegraves. We met a few years ago on the Pinellas trail while picking up our kids from Ozona Elementary school and a sweet friendship (and carpool pick up schedule) was born. Marisa admired my Baltic amber necklace which led to her buying four amber necklaces from me (one for herself and one…
Buddha Belly at The Mother of All Baby Showers, Tampa Bay!
We’re so thrilled to be attending The Mother of All Baby Showers on November 13 at Glazer Children’s Museum. Our team of professional, caring doulas and artists will be at this fancy, schmancy, adult-only event talking all things Buddha Belly, including: Live mini belly casts! Yes! Our artists have a limited number of spaces available to cast pregnant bellies right…
A Postpartum Doula Is…..What? (updated in 2022)
Many people are just learning what a doula is. Some people are familiar with the idea of what a birth doula is. (A birth doula is professional, trained and experienced in childbirth, and offers physical, emotional and educational support to women in pregnancy and during labor and delivery.) But did you know there are also…
Don’t Let Anybody Steal Your Thunder (updated in 2022)
Your feelings about your experiences in childbirth are your own. Whether it was good or bad, women should not be judged or shamed for feeling either satisfied or disappointed with the experience. Let me paint this picture: After experiencing an unsuccessful three-day long induction resulting in a cesarean followed by hemorrhaging and blood transfusions to…
Why I Carry My Baby (updated in 2022)
I love to carry my babies. I also like to be comfortable and maneuverable. For those reasons, and the ones below, I’m passionate about sharing the “babywearing” love. And in honor of International Babywearing Week, I’m happy to share that passion with you. 1. Baby is close to you. On your back, side or front. Do…
What Does A Contraction Feel Like? (updated 2022)
What does a contraction feel like? Will it hurt? You’re not the first one to ask these question. Every first time mom asks and many repeat mothers do, too! It’s very hard to imagine ahead of time what the physical sensation of a contraction feels like. Likewise, it is hard to remember what a contraction…
These Are Days You’ll Remember
Pregnancy. Our future. The hope of something magical and joyful. The near certainty of falling in love with the most beautiful person you’ve ever seen, your newborn baby. Despite the aches, pains, burps and stretch marks, pregnancy is a glorious time. I recall being so full of excitement, hope, love and joy with the growing child…
Birth Story Healing
Birth is a highly emotional experience. How we are treated and the joy or trauma that we go through can stay with us forever. Nearly every mother I’ve ever met, no matter what age, remembers and easily shares details of her experiences giving birth. Just as it takes time to heal physically it also takes time…
Placenta Services at Buddha Belly!
Potential Benefits of Placenta Consumption In Placenta: the Forgotten Chakra, noted author, midwife and poet, Robin Lim, CPM, counts the benefits to a mother of consuming her placenta immediately after giving birth. “The placenta is so rich in nutrients that is believed to prevent postpartum depression when ingested. It contains iron and all the…
Letting Go, When Breastfeeding Comes to an End
When your breastfeeding relationship is coming to an end it can be a time of mixed emotions. You are not alone. While I was lying with my son tonight helping him go back to sleep (without offering the breast) I felt proud of both of us and yet a little bit sad. He is 2…
Code Red Baby Preps (updated May 2021)
I remember the urgent feeling of needing to have a crib before my first son was born. It felt so important. For some reason we left it til the very end of my pregnancy. The feeling of relief and preparedness that crib provided once it was sitting in our bedroom set-up and ready with the…