Friday Four: Welcoming a Baby While Starting a Business: How to Do It

By, Leslie Campos of Wellparents.com

Being a business owner means working through various challenges and issues. But operating a startup when welcoming a baby into the world comes with a unique set of difficulties. In fact, most entrepreneurs who experienced this say that having a baby and starting a business simultaneously is daunting — but entirely doable.

Founders who launched a business while welcoming a baby are usually committed to creating company cultures where everyone can enjoy family-friendly benefits like paid leave and flex time. Although it’s definitely not an easy feat, both can be done. Read on to find not just four but five tips from QC Supermom on how to balance these two unique experiences.

1.Register Your Business

If you have yet to do so, it’s critical to determine the type of business you’ll be running, whether it’s a sole proprietorship or a partnership, but many small business owners opt to form a limited liability company (LLC). As an LLC, not only are your personal assets protected, but there are tax advantages, and less paperwork is required. By visiting a formation service’s web page, you’ll save a lot by not having to pay an expensive attorney to complete the process. You’ll also learn all you need to know about starting a new business.

2.Create a Schedule

Although some days are less productive than you would like, it’s essential to take advantage of your peak energy hours. Whether you’re a morning person or a night owl, you should learn to carry out the most critical tasks during the period you’re most active. Creating a schedule can also help tremendously, especially since both the baby and the business are relatively new things you need to get used to. Establish work hours, time to spend with your partner, and alone time. By setting up a schedule, you’ll be able to balance the needs of your newborn and also take care of your venture.

3. Keep Perspective

​An unexpected benefit of welcoming a new baby while starting a business is how easy you’ll find it to let things go. Starting a family or adding to it gives you a fresh and incredible perspective on what really matters. You won’t stress about having every answer, closing every lead, or the day-to-day setbacks that come from being your own boss and a new parent. Stay focused on the bigger picture, and don’t beat yourself up over small mistakes or things you believe you have to do. Simply stay attentive to your needs and your baby’s while doing your best for your business.

4.Be Flexible

​You don’t know how it is to have a baby at home until you have it. A schedule will help you break your days into doable steps, but you also need to be quite flexible throughout the day. The exhaustion and chaos that comes with welcoming a new baby into the family should be put out by naps and alone time that allow you to recharge, maintain your mental and physical health, and relax.

Besides taking a nap when you’re feeling tired, wearing comfortable clothes can also help you feel more relaxed in your new double role as a mom and business owner. A pair of leggings, cozy maternity tees, and oversized sweaters can help you feel comfortable yet presentable enough to work on your business from home.

BONUS: Say Yes to Help

Friends and family members will probably want to support you after the baby arrives. Don’t refuse their help, especially since you also have a business to run. Relying on friends and family for postpartum support gives you a chance to breathe more easily and also shows you that you are loved and cared for.

If your family lives far away or cannot help you with your baby, consider hiring an experienced babysitter. You can also use various smart technologies you set up in the baby’s room to keep an eye on them while you work in your home office. It’s essential to learn to outsource both in everyday life and in business.

The Bottom Line

Times have changed. The more moms dare to start and run a business, the more people realize that they don’t have to choose between having a baby and launching a startup. Thanks to numerous resources online like the tips above, you can even learn how to balance the two daily.

The QC Supermom blog is your source for combined mom-and-entrepreneur wisdom. Follow Us today for more informational topics!

Friday Four: Black Maternal Health Week

Black women are up to four times more likely to die than white women from pregnancy-related causes, including stillbirths, premature births, lower infant birth-weight, and miscarriages. And that’s why I’m celebrating with many other organizations, legislators, moms, and dads for the second Black Maternal Health Week! Our goal is to improve african american mothers’ reproductive justice, and birth justice frameworks. As a holistic doula, and mom of nine, I couldn’t be any more grateful for these efforts!

Doing a quick search online, I’ve seen a lot of federal and local support. I was pleasantly surprised to see our very own congresswoman Alma Adams putting in ground breaking work.
BLACK MATERNAL HEALTH ADVOCATES RESPOND TO RESOLUTION INTRODUCED TODAY BY CONGRESSWOMAN ALMA ADAMS OFFICIALLY DECLARING APRIL 11-17 AS “BLACK MATERNAL HEALTH WEEK”

On April 9, freshman Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (right) joined Rep. Alma Adams and co-launched the first first-ever Black Maternal Health Caucus

“It’s unconscionable that in United States, one of the world’s wealthiest countries, we are seeing the rates of illness and death during pregnancy continue to skyrocket. For Black women, the statistics surrounding maternal mortality and morbidity are especially alarming,” said Black Mamas Matter Alliance Co-Directors Elizabeth Dawes Gay and Angela Doyinsola Aina. “Two days after BMMA joined Reps. Alma Adams and Lauren Underwood in launching the first Black Maternal Health Caucus to address this urgent crisis, we’re excited to see Senator Harris and Rep. Adams introduce a resolution officially recognizing April 11-17 as “Black Maternal Health Week” — a nationwide effort to amplify the voices, leadership and scholarship of Black women working to improve maternal health, rights and justice for Black mamas. Now it’s time for other lawmakers to follow suit by enacting policies and legislation at the state and federal levels that empower and support Black women before, during and after pregnancy.” – Black Mammas Matter Alliance

Although there is a lot of work to be done, we have gained strives by highlighting the birth stories from stars like Serena Williams and Beyoncé — Williams, 37, underwent an emergency c-section and endured a a pulmonary embolism and Beyoncé, 37, suffered from preeclampsia and also had an emergency c-section. Truth is, there are more blacks moms out here suffering than these two, and it’s great to see so many public figures, organizations and legislatures getting on board.

The health and well being of women before, during, & after pregnancy demands our undivided attention now. Proud to be a Founding Member of the Black Maternal Health Caucus as we celebrate – Rep A. Pressley

Ayanna Soyini Pressley is an American politician who is the member of the United States House of Representatives from Massachusetts’s 7th congressional distric

I believe everybody should be able to get equitable health care. – Kelle Pressley

So as you can see, awareness is growing. For those who do not have a reliable, knowledgeable community, or family support, we doulas provide this information and support for you. Here in Charlotte, I will continue doing my part. It takes a village. I hope you will contribute to your village by sharing this information with someone who needs it.

Here’s what I found online. Sunday April 14th Death By Delivery -Brought to you by
by Rock Hill Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Wednesday the 17th Birthing POC’s Webinar Brought to you by yours truly, Jabela the doula.
I will be sharing very candid snippets of my nine births, why I wanted to be a doula and work in community activism. I will also have other providers of color throughout the day covering everything from why we are needed, how we work in your birthing team, to exercises for pregnant moms. Write down a few of your own questions and join in! My practice is privately funded but I often discount or donate many hours to low income moms both online and locally. (Well, until I get my medical provider number from Medicaid) Right now many of my white clients sustain my birthing business. They confidently buy most of my lactation teas, salves, etc and hire any referrals offered to them. They are usually quicker follow my diet plans to the letter. My mothers of color come to me with built in fear and uncertainty. Affordability, necessity and relativity are their biggest reservations at first. Once we are past those hurdles, I see how much they appreciate my presence as a provider that looks like them. Much of what they feel I can understand to a certain degree, because I speak their language, and understand things that another provider might not. I’m their voice, a powerful link to local resources and favorite sister. Getting past everyday stress, connecting her to essential resources and access to proper care is detrimental. My moms enjoy soothing back massages, answering “odd” questions, troubleshooting pregnancy woes, birth plan creation, belly casting, hip pushing between contractions, help with new baby latch on, make a fresh post delivery recovery smoothie right after birth,cooking a delicious hot meal once home, officiate her welcome to the world celebration, come back by your home for a few hours for her to get uninterrupted rest, all of which, means so much more to my moms of color.

No doubt, it’s hard to change practices that have been done a certain way for many years. But it can be done. Join in, get out of your silo and encourage birth workers of color and our work, inclusively doulas and midwives. Support the efforts of organizations like Momsrising.org and Black Mammas Alliance, because BLACK MOMS NEED DOULAS.

The Black maternal health crisis deserves more media attention. If you have maternity pictures you would like to share, please drop them on my facebook or Instagram page. Find me @qcsupermom EVERYWHERE!
I’m changing birth one birth at a time. Join me!

Here’s Four Additional Things I Offer In My Holistic Doula Service: 1. Officiate Welcome To The World Ceremony.

2.Live Workouts with Online Mommies

3. Fresh,Organic post Delivery Smoothies

4. Free Childwatch during Labor & Delivery until discharge.

How to Request Insurance Reimbursement for Doula Services

Continuing from my last post on

Wednesday Wow: Paying Your Doula .

Here’s how to file your paper work to get your doula fees paid.

The fact that their insurance company might reimburse at least some portion of the fee for your services might make you attractive to a group of potential clients who might not have been interested before. Getting reimbursement for doula services requires patience and persistence, but it can be done. If you are going to offer this as a possibility for your clients, you will also need to be willing to offer some guidance and, most likely, a fair amount of support, as they attempt to get reimbursed.

 

How to Request Insurance Reimbursement for Doula Services

___     Pay your doula in full.

___     Get an invoice from her which includes the following information:

1. The doula’s name and address
2. Her social security number/taxpayer ID number or NPI number
3. The date and location services were provided
4. The CPT code for the services provided
5. A diagnosis code
6. The doula’s signature

___     Submit the invoice with a claim form to your insurance company.

___     Within four weeks, expect a letter telling you either that

1. They need more information before they can process your claim.
2. This is not a covered expense.

___     Ask your Doula to send you the following:

1. A copy of her certification (if she is certified)
2. Other credentials or relevant training
3. A letter detailing her training and experience and what she did for you

___     If possible, ask your obstetrician or midwife for a letter explaining why a doula helped you, was necessary, or saved the insurance company money. (Did you have a high-risk pregnancy? Did the doula’s suggestions appear to prevent complications or help your labor to progress more quickly? Did the doula’s presence decrease your need for expensive pain medications?)

___     Write a letter explaining why you felt the need for a doula and how you believe the doula was beneficial to your health.

___     Submit to your insurance company: the doula’s letter and credentials the letter from the doctor your cover letter

___     If they refuse it, write a letter to Health Services requesting that they review the claim, as you feel it was a cost-cutting measure and they should cover the cost.

___     Follow up by telephone if necessary.

___      If they refuse, write a letter to the CEO explaining why you feel that doula care should be a covered expense. They may not pay your claim, but they will consider it for the future. (Kelli Way, ICCE, CD(DONA) 1998.

 

Notes:
If you are a doula, I suggest you click over and read the guide to getting a National Provider Number and helping your clients get reimbursed.

Also, here is a pdf from DONA with several FAQ’s on insurance reimbursement

And here’s how to contact me for my birthing services:

The Pink GrassHopper Birth

On Twitter- Doula In Charlotte

FaceBook – Doula In Charlotte

 

Wednesday Wow: Paying Your Doula

 

Would you love to hire a Doula but you honestly can’t afford one? Fear not! Your Health Insurance may cover it!

Whether your pregnancy was meticulously planned, medically coaxed, or happened by surprise, one thing is certain – your life will never be the same.
– Catherine Jones

So you’re having a baby huh? Congrats! Things are about to be change in a beautiful way! 

Grab a bowl of oatmeal and relax. I did it 9 times, you’ll be okay.

 

I love being a Charlotte doula. I not only help couples before conception, but I also get to help them  during and after delivery. (Check out my Facebook page)

Doulancharlotte

I love attending births.  I love how it makes me feel.  I love how it makes the mom feel.  I love making a difference in other peoples’ lives.

Charlotte has a great selection of professional doulas, and I am proud to be among some of the best in the business. IF I COULD DO IT FOR FREE I WOULD. But I can’t. Aside from the cost of education, books, workshops, continued education, and advertising (website, cards, brochures), we also take into consideration the time that it takes for all of these as well as out of pocket expenses.

In the grand scheme of things, you’re paying for an invaluable service during your pregnancy, labor, and birth. The difference a doula can make during this time is often priceless. The least that can be done is pay her asking fee.  If you need help with that, look no further than your maternity Insurance. (See My Webpage)

www.http://thepinkgrasshopperbirth.webs.com/

As a doula, one of the first questions I’m asked is, will my HMA pay for your services?  Here’s the short answer:

Expenses paid for a doula who’s primary purpose is for delivery of the infant are reimbursable. Charges where the primary purpose is child care after delivery are not covered. An explanation of the primary purpose should accompany the claim.

The following is a partial list of insurance companies have reimbursed in whole or in part for doula services:
Aetna Healthcare

AltPro

Baylor Health Care System/WEB TPA

Blue Cross/Blue Shield

Blue Cross/ Blue Shield PPO

Cigna

Degussa, a German Chemical Company

Elmcare, LLC, C/O North American Medical Management

Foundation for Medical Care

Fortis Insurance

Glencare Managed Health Inc.

Great-West Life & Annuity Ins. Co.

HNTB (Peoria, IL)

Houston New England Financial, Employee Benefits (Fort Scott, KS)

Humana Employers Health

Lutheran General Physician’s Organization

Maritime Life

Medical Mutual

Oschner HMO, Louisiana

Professional Benefits Administrators

Prudential Healthcare

Qualchoice

Summit Management Services, Inc

Travelers

United HealthCare of Georgia (San Antonio, TX)

United Health POS

Wausau Benefits, Inc

 

Note: I would ask the doula for her NPI (National Provider Number It may or may not be an issue. Find out before hiring her. or it may be coming completely out of your pockets.

~~~~ON NEXT Monday, I’ll tell you the procedure to filing your doula fees~~~~

HSA qualifications vary; including Medicad. For some insurance companies may want you to identify as an out of network licensed healthcare provider and may make it easier to get reimbursement to your clients.  Depends on the insurance company and the state insurance laws.

I tell my clients to get their OBGYN to write them a prescription for me (a doula) One day Blue Cross Blue Shield called me directly just to ask if I was a doula in their network  and I was so proud to say, “Not yet but I am a certified doula .”  (Via my  numerous clients birth records and doula registration receipts) But they didn’t ask for them . So far, getting paid has never been an issue for me. My clients are instructed to submit receipts through their health insurance coverage, not a flex spending.

Feel free to check out my Pintrest board on ‘Pregnancy’. It’s the rated board for doulas! I’m sure you’ll find great information there.

If this hasn’t helped, just go to your HSA . They should have a third party administrator who can answer this for you.

Here are some beautiful quotes on pregnancy. Click here!

Yay For REFORMED CLIQUES!

Untrue, it really is, let’s talk about it!

People are creatures of habit, and the habits you pick up early in life often carry through to adulthood.

If you would have asked me last month what I thought about cliques, I would have said something like “NOT FOR ME!” During high school and college, I made it my mission to stay away from them. I felt that like they were cruel, snotty, and ambiguous. They served no real purpose other than to make someone else feel less significant. Even the definition sounds ignorant. Clique:  klēk,klik/noun

 plural noun: cliques

• a small group of people, with shared interests or other features in common, who spend time together and do not readily allow others to join them.

  Now think how it would work if it was the reformed. Something a little smarter, it would work for everyone!

  As a work from home mom…. it gets lonely, frustrating and even depressing when you feel like no one is rooting for you or supporting you. Getting likes feel like pulling teeth. No one refers your business to others that may fit your target market, even fruitless like ladders, in spite of the your thoughtful actions you’ve shown others. I know, I know…. and the list goes on and on. Delivering a high-quality, unique product or service to the marketplace sometimes takes a lot of people.

  Bad enough that you are home with the kid(s) and want to bring a financial blessing to the family, doing something that you really think that you’re good at, BUT to get from point A to point B, you gotta have someone that believes in you so much that they insist on bring you up with them. Reformed cliques can set a great precedence for overall professional camaraderie and teamwork. That what I’m talking about. This type of unshackled coterie isn’t just empowering for you, it’s sanctions good will to everyone you come in contact with. It’s because you are not just committed to your clique, you’re just as committed to finding ways to bring value to them! That will make you go outward and make bold as brass moves knowing that you have support. I can’t imagine a better way for children to see their stay /work from home mom.

   May all belong to an amazing supportive, innovated, integrated, smart, strategic clique!

And I DOULA!

I was asked during a recent interview,“How do you handle being a doula when you have young kids?” My answer:I love what I do, I have an supportive family and a wonderful gym membership!” (read more on that here: )  

I think most moms would do well at it! The truth is, giving birth is strikingly similar to mothering: It’s usually chaotic, sometimes stressful, rarely pretty, never easy. You might feel like you’re failing even when you’re not; sometimes, it will feel impossible. But you’ll press through anyway, because forward is the only option. When you do, your doula will be with you. Not just because she’s been there, but because she loves it and lives it!

For those who do not know what a dolua is I’ll explain. 

A doula is “a woman who serves” and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.

A Birth Doula  

• Recognizes birth as a key experience the mother will remember all her life
• Understands the physiology of birth and the emotional needs of a woman in labor
• Assists the woman in preparing for and carrying out her plans for birth
• Stays with the woman throughout the labor
• Provides emotional support, physical comfort measures and an objective viewpoint, as well as helping the woman get the information she needs to make informed decisions
• Facilitates communication between the laboring woman, her partner and her clinical care providers
• Perceives her role as nurturing and protecting the woman’s memory of the birth experience
• Allows the woman’s partner to participate at his/her comfort level

Research evidence shows that the quality services of a postpartum doula can ease the transition that comes with the addition of a baby to a family, improve parental satisfaction and reduce the risk of mood disorders.

 

A Postpartum Doula

• Offers education, companionship and nonjudgmental support during the postpartum fourth trimester
• Assists with newborn care, family adjustment, meal preparation and light household tidying
• Offers evidence-based information on infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from birth, infant soothing and coping skills for new parents and makes appropriate referrals when necessary

It’s World Doula Week -Mar ch 22-28th

The purpose of World Doula Week (“WDW”) is to empower doulas all over the world to improve the physiological, social, emotional, and psychological health of women, newborns and families in birth and in the postpartum period.

Here’s a little more information on

postpartum-recovery

My doula service, The Pink Grasshopper is named after my oldest daughter.  I have great holistic mom /baby supplies over there.

I’m on Twitter too. Follow me over here also. I’ll start a few raffles soon once I get some traffic over there .

Check out my Pinterest Board!It’s LOADED with hard to find birthing information!

Need to increase your milk supply? Buy these awesome lactation treats! Cassie is a teen baker from Charlotte NC and makes all sorts of GMO, Vegan and Organic treats!  – Cassie Sweetz

Now Go Have A baby and call me in the morning,

QC Supermom

Wednesday Wow: Getting past postpartum depression (prt2)

On last week, I share 1/3 of of my series on postpartum depression. I hope you liked it. Here’s part 2. Feel free to share and add your business information if you supply servicesw for this illness.

1. 30 minutes of sunlight per day.
   

   I have met too many moms beating themselves up with guilt and shame because postpartum depression has a grasp on their JOY. I feel it weighing on my heart to share this message and take a stand. I want moms to know they’re not alone in this struggle. Let’s shake the shame, lose the guilt and help these moms take back their JOY♥
   Please LIKE and SHARE if you or someone you know is or has been affected by postpartum depression. visit http://www.postpartumprogress.com for answers and support from experts and fellow moms.

2. Take time with your appearance, grooming, self care. Looking good and caring for your body can help you feel better.
3. Nurture yourself. What feeds your soul or makes you feel wonderful? Do these things, go to these places.
4. Keep to a routine. It can be a daily routine or a weekly routine. Even seasonal “routines,” activities or rituals done at particular times around the year, strengthen our sense of rhythmicity and resilience.
5. Laugh regularly and hard. Visit with people who make you laugh, read your favorite humorous web sites, or watch a TV show that always provides a chuckle. When turning to youtube or the internet, set a timer, and after 30 minutes move on to activities in which you connect with someone you can physically interact with and touch. The internet is wonderful, but during times of depression it can actually serve to further isolate us by creating connection experiences that don’t involve all of the senses through which true attachment is built.
6. Pray or meditate. Spiritual transformation and growth are a common part of the transition to parenthood. So much about your life has changed. This impacts your control in the world, as well as meaning, purpose, and identity. Exploring spiritual significance is a healthy means of integrating motherhood or fatherhood into who you are.
7. Sing. Songs can express any emotion and may be used either to release emotions you are feeling or to create in you emotions you are reaching for.
8. Listen to a variety of music.
9. Spend time with other adults. Talk with supportive and understanding people. Perspective, normalization, and community are essential for the new parent.
10. Keep a journal. Express your thoughts and feelings by writing them out.
11. Get involved in the outside world. Help others. There are volunteer programs that welcome parent-baby pairs. Call your local nursing home and ask about opportunities for visitation with healthy residents.
12. Find a support group. Local birth doulas, midwives, and childbirth educators should be able to help you find a postpartum depression support group in your area.
13. Use essential oils for depression. To a warm bath or to 2 ½ T massage oil (such as grapeseed oil or almond oil) add 2 drops neroli, 2 drops petitgrain, and 2 drops orange oil. Enjoy a massage or soak for 10-15 minutes. These three oils come from three parts of the orange tree: the flowers, leaves and twigs, and the fruit. The wholeness of them when used together restores balance. Bergamot, jasmine, neroli or clary sage are also recommended for postpartum blues.**
14. Use essential oils for fatigue. To encourage deep rest – 3 drops of lavender, marjoram, or roman chamomile in a warm bath before rest. To create a sense of more energy: 2-3 drops of geranium or bergamot and 2-3 drops of rosemary to a morning bath or in a bowl of water or a fragrance burner to scent a room: 2-4 drops of any of the following: petitgrain, geranium, mandarin, rose, bergamot, ylang-ylang, lemon, lavender, or rosemary. Especially recommended is a combination of lemon and geranium.**

** Any time you are adding essential oils to water it is best to first add them to a small amount of milk, and then add the milk to the water. This helps the oils bind to the milk and prevents chemical skin irritation from direct contact with the strong oils.

Friday Four: 4 Things Not to do or say to a Mom in Labor- EVER!

This song by Katy Perry helped my last birthing mom through her labor pains.

Last week impressed me. Not in a good way either. I seen first hand why a solid support system is a must for a successful labor and delivery.  What I did like about the entire situation is my daughters learned a few lessons as well.

The birthing process puts mom in a critical position. As a young girl, my mom always said it’s like having one foot in the grave and one on land. I seen the wrong support end in a infection for mom and baby last week and hope that I will never see anything like that again.

This is for ANYONE that has anything to do with a laboring mom. Please read and follow these simple suggestions.

1. Don’t say “Goodie, see I told you it would hurt”  or “Stop yelling!” Yes, the teens mom said this to her. I don’t want my daughters on the laboring  bed either (as I was at 17 years old) but I would never say such cruel things to her. Life will be challenging enough. Instead say some thing to encourage her like, “You’re doing a great job” or “you’re laboring beautifully.” statements like that can make her feel confident when she doesn’t and also prevents the staff from saying things like “She looks tired.  Do you want an epidural?”

2. Don’t take pictures of her with her hair all over the place unless she’s okay with that type of stuff. Even then, I’m sure the baby does not want to see mom looking a hot mess. At least put one of those hospital caps on and rub her lips with Shea butter. She’ll love you for it.

3. Give her sips of water after every contraction in hard labor-
Have a cup or bottle ready, full of her favorite labor drink, (water, herbal tea, coconut water) with a bendable straw. This will help her labor efficiently. It will not only give her energy but helps keep her hydrated. So just do it.

4. “‘You can’t push yet.” (Doesn’t that just sound crazy to you?)  My nurse asked me to wait while the call the doctor from the cafe three floors down. My girlfriend, and the nurse delivered that son of mine.  There is no such thing as “Hold it!”

I should have added more than 4 on this topic. Maybe I’ll add more later. I’ll end with this bonus tip:Hire a Doula!  Think of us as a helper for YOU too-  This is a person who can remind you what you know, can spell you if you need to pee or eat an energy bar, and who can be supportive for everybody involved.  This isn’t something that everybody wants or needs- but if it is something she wants- it will benefit you too.

The birth experience is important for the whole family.  Mom, however is the one who will be giving birth. Make it pleasant and think of what you want in the end…. a happy, healthy, baby!

Here are just a few more resources: 

More tips

Jabela, The Doula 

My 5th Doula Baby is here!

My daughter texts and say,”Mom, please come do your doula thing. I’ll pay you.” Now, how can I say no to an offer like that? So off I went. When I walked in the laboring mom was not alone. She had a her mom, boyfriend, little brother, and dad there, so obviously I didn’t know how I would fit in, but very soon, I seen the need.  This teen parents had so much on their mind. Missed working hours, their own major medical appointments, and feeding their own younger children. I sensed quickly that although they were physically there with Shawnte’, they we’re not mentally. That’s why my daughter asked me to come.

Me giving a pain relieving massage.

As I entered the door, I sprung into work. after saying hello to everyone, I asked mom to be how she was feeling and gave her, her very 1st gift, a much needed massage. While doing so, I asked her if she knew what was about to happen. How her body would open up a like a lotus flower. I also asked her what did she know about labor and delivery. To my surprise that she knew nothing ,so I filled her in with a clear conversation and pictures between labor pains.

That conversations seemed to relax her a lot, so then we started to discuss other birthing things. When it seemed like she was getting uncomfortable, I started reciting labor affirmations to her. With her being  teen, AND having so many people in the room, she couldn’t really focus on what I was saying so I tried something else….. The birthing ball and Youtube! This warrior was smiling, and singing Katy Perry’s “Hear Me Roar.”

 

 

After cries, scratches, moaning, even more questions, and 30+ hours later Destyn arrived via C Section. No, it wasn’t our plan, but he’s here, healthy and well loved. Mama  deserves a recovery smoothie, and I earned one on one time with my newest love! All hail Prince Destn!! And yes, my daughter will pay her bill, in spite of the fact, that I loved the job.:)  Whoose next?

Wednesdsay Wow! All Moms need a Great Babysitter

When I had my daughter, her father worked full time. My mother came up days later. That first few days alone with her were rough. To add fire to the flame, her dad didn’t want anyone else to watch her. Not even our parents (unless they stayed over).  I was crazy enough to do it again. The issues doubled! I’m sure that you can relate:

• My children needed a playmate and so did I.
• I wanted to take a shower,
• Go to the store 
• Take a nap.  
• Go to my own doctor appointment
• Make a dash to the store.
• Time alone in the bathroom
• I still wanted to party every once in a while. 

Being a stay-at-home mom is one of the most demanding jobs out there, and even though I stayed home full time, that didn’t mean I had plenty of time to get everything done each day.

If you are a SAHM, close your eyes and think about how you’d use a few hours to yourself a few times a week — or even once a week-Kelle

When my home-schooled 15 year old daughter mentioned to me her desire to be a mobile babysitter, I knew she would be great at it. She’s had loads of practice and I knew just who she would serve. After getting her Family and Friend CPR certified she was ready to go.  My daughter is the official babysitter of Queen City Stay At Home Moms!

Great babysitters creates great memories!

Now my sista moms of QCSAHM can take a nap knowing their lil one is just a few feet away. If they need time to work on a business project they can call her up for 4 hours and don’t worry about the tv entertaining them. If she is lucky enough to ” earn”  date night or a Mom’s Night Out, they have the option of either getting 1-2 other moms to jump in for a fun group rate together at their house or dropping them off for an fun structured activity.

At a fair rate,it takes the work off of the mom. As active members of the moms group, they have seen her in action, they know  the family, she’s exclusive and always show up with a surprise bag. A total win for all as she is able to pay for her phone charges and other minor bills she incurs.

Every mom deserves a mobile babysitter. Good babysitters can be tough to come by; if you find one, hang onto her/him by appreciating and compensating accordingly.

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Top Ten List: Just Get A Babysitter

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A New Vision CDC~  500 W. 32nd St., Charlotte, North Carolina 28205 offering a wide range of enriching activities to meet the individual needs of each child.