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Dr. Tasha D | Los Angeles Doula | Pelvic Floor PT

@physiodoula

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Doula & Holistic Pelvic PT
Mobile: L.A., SGV, SFV,North OC
Helping you feel strong & empowered in pregnancy, birth confidently & thrive in postpartum

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This might help you determine how long you want to labor at home, helps to make a plan for any pets, adults or children in the home needing care while you are away, find an alternate route in case of accidents or traffic.

Why late night? Birth often happens once the sun goes down 🌙 . But I would also add that rush hour is a good time to practice as well. You never know when things will get rolling!

If your hospital offers a tour this would be a great time to check these things out as well. During the peak COVID era and for awhile after, they stopped labor and delivery tours in person but I see them occur much more regularly now. by @physiodoula

It was formerly called “Geriatric pregnancy” and now it’s “Advanced maternal age” I never liked these terms. It lumps everyone into one group and doesn’t allow for variation.

Each person has an individual risk assessment that includes many factors . Age is just one factor in the big picture of your overall health

Your age in isolation does not automatically mean that you will have issues or complications. I have seen plenty of folks 35 and older have healthy pregnancies and thrive. Birth rates in ages 35-44 have increased significantly over the last few years. I think this is fantastic and also why this conversation is needed.

Your baseline fitness, pre-existing medical conditions , current health status, personal and family medical history should all be considered

Don’t miss my point, there is nothing wrong with being educated on certain conditions that may increase with age, being offered extra screening or monitoring etc. It is always your choice to accept or decline after being given the information you need. I find this type of blanket labeling as high risk solely due to age can feel negative and often cause unecessary stress and anxiety.

Being 35 or older isn’t a disease or condition. A whole person approach that is tailored to you is best practice for prenatal care, no matter the age.

#losangelesdoula #birthdoula #postpartumdoula by @physiodoula

POV: you planned for a supported postpartum

What happens in my postpartum Doula sessions? It is tailored to your needs for that day and moment.
Warm teas, warm foods and nourishing snacks to support your recovery are always apart of the session as well as any of the following:

🌱Bodywork and massage
🌱Scar mobilization and desensitization (C section)
🌱Stretching and breathwork
🌱Sitz or full herbal bath for relaxation and healing
🌱Gentle mobility to soothe achy muscles from birthing, sitting, holding, feeding, carrying etc
🌱Education on tissue healing, recovery and return to exercise. I can provide a physical therapy assessment and program when you’re ready 🙌🏾
🌱Education on hydration and fiber to maintain regular poops
🌱Debrief birth
🌱Checking in on mental health, navigating personal changes and shift in relationship/family dynamics
🌱Setting up a plan for your sleep
🌱Setting up a plan for your rest
🌱Educating Spouse, Partner and other adults in home about ways to support your healing. This includes teaching them signs to look for that you may need help (physical, emotional, mental distress or emergency)
🌱Baby care - feeding, bathing, diapering, soothing, baby wearing, sleep
🌱Lactation/feeding support and education
🌱Household support: Laundry, tidying, meals
🌱Resources for products, books, local providers and community offerings

Everyone deserves this type of support. Are you expecting in 2027? Message through my website or email to learn more.

#losangelesdoula #birthdoula #postpartumdoula by @physiodoula

These are the tips that I wish I had when I took my boys to Tennessee, Mexico and Japan while nursing! Your girl was STRESSED! 😅

Shout out to @mamava_vt because I can usually find one of their gorgeous pods in any airport. 😍 They have a helpful app to guide you to their spaces.

Anyone traveling this month or for the upcoming holidays? save and share with a friend! by @physiodoula

We can’t control every factor but we can decrease the chances you’ll deliver with a total stranger. Most Birth providers work in a group. The only constants for your entire labor are your Doula, Partner and whichever family or friends you have designated as birth support. The Nurses will vary based on the day and their shifts usually change every 12 hours.

Most providers rotate on call shifts so you may not deliver with the person you’ve been seeing and grown close to for your entire pregnancy.

Find out early on what this looks like: if your doctor is in a group of 3-5 versus 10 or 20+ (larger institutions). What does that feel like for you? Is that familiarity important? This answer will be different for everyone.

I got lucky and my OB delivered all of her patients but this is veryyy rare.
Tell me about your experience if you are comfortable. Did you know to ask questions surrounding this when choosing a Provider?
#losangelesdoula by @physiodoula

Support is crucial
Support should be a main priority
Support is priceless

I get concerned when I see people budgeting for everything EXCEPT birth and postpartum support. Your birth and postpartum experience will stick with you forever. It affects your body and mind forever.

Buy the cute crib and stroller if that’s your jam BUT invest in yourself as well. Don’t place support at the bottom of the list.

Winging it is not advised. I want you to thrive. 💜

Share this with loved ones!
What are your thoughts? 👇🏾

#losangelesdoula #losangelesmidwife by @physiodoula

Pretending I’m back in O’ahu on the beach which is where this photo was taken 😍. I always think of birthing when I’m near the ocean.

I wanted to share a few of my favorites but there are so many great affirmations that l’ve heard over the years.

I’ve also seen people sing meaningful or empowering songs, write prayers, recite scriptures or sacred text, focus deeply on a few words, sounds or visuals. You also might prefer silence to focus on your breath. It’s really up to you, it’s your journey!

Save or share this if you or someone you know is expecting!
Which of these do you connect with? What would you add?

#birthdoula #losangelesdoula #blackdoula by @physiodoula

Weight measurements, head and length checks, shots, etc. can wait

“Golden Hour” is the time immediately following birth. In absence of an emergency with you or Baby, skin to skin should happen without exception. your little one should be placed directly on your skin for a minimum (but definitely not limited to) of an hour.

YOU are the best warmer for baby , you are physiologically wired to warm up or cool down based on baby’s temperature

Things to remember:
🔸A baby wrapped in a towel or blanket placed onto your chest isn’t skin to skin

🔸An unclothed baby on top of your gown isn’t skin to skin

Tuck them into your gown or clothes (if you are wearing something). If you are unclothed and want cover then drape the blanket on top of both of you versus in between the two of you. No barriers.

🔸Skin to skin with both parents is important for bonding as well 😊

Did you learn something from this post? Share with a friend or loved one who is expecting.

#losangelesdoula by @physiodoula

Why are cavities and oral infections more common in pregnancy? Some reasons may include:

🦷 The fluctuation in estrogen and progesterone affecting the flow and composition of saliva which can lower your ability to fight bacteria.

🦷 increased gum sensitivity and worsening gag reflex may make it harder to floss and brush effectively or as often

🦷 If you’re experiencing frequent vomiting , stomach acid can erode the protective enamel layer

Keep up with your cleanings, be diligent at home to brush/floss and be in touch with your Dentist if you start to notice changes with loose teeth, persistent pain & swelling or signs of infection.

Did you see the Dentist during pregnancy? Share with a friend that is expecting.

#losangelesdoula by @physiodoula

We don’t need research to back this one up but here’s a source if you love to read and are curious about the evidence on support and success with initiation, continuation and increased duration with breastfeeding
PMID: 31936302

-Partners aren’t the only ones who can provide this support, anyone in your village can step in and help in this way. it’s a good reminder that there are many ways for loved ones to be helpful other than asking to give the baby a bottle.

Supporting breastfeeding/ or pumping requires well rounded care for the whole person.

Which one of these tips is your favorite? What would you add?

#losangelesdoula #ocdoula by @physiodoula

Nervous for that first postpartum poop? Not to worry, here are a few tips to remember:

🚽Prop up your feet - use something that can get your knees higher than hips like a squatty potty, stool, box etc
🚽Remember to hydrate
🚽Avoid straining & clenching the jaw, belly or booty
🚽Don’t hold your breath - use a full deep exhale. Imagine blowing out a bday candle)
🚽Prioritize warm foods and fluids
🚽Don’t forget fiber : whole grains , fruits and veggies etc
🚽Avoid distractions - no phones please
🚽Go with the flow when you feel the urge
🚽 Use stool softeners if needed

For my folks recovering from a C-section: you may consider these two tips in addition to those above
🚽Bracing your abs with a pillow
🚽Chewing gum to get digestion rolling

If you find that you have issues with pooping in postpartum (not able to fully empty, straining, pain, hemorrhoids, constipation etc.) Reach out for pelvic floor therapy. You don’t need to wait 6 weeks to see me!

#pelvicfloortherapy#pelvicfloortherapist#losangelesdoula
#ocdoula by @physiodoula

It’s Black Breastfeeding Week! 🎉I had the loveliest time at the second annual Milk Crawl! Thank you @thesucklecenter.fdn @theirthapp for providing the space for stories, laughs, joy, hope, connection, a plethora of resources and game changing education. It’s always love and so inspiring when we come together.

Whether you are reflecting on your past feeding journey, in the thick of it or getting ready to start - there’s support and community for you. 💜

#blackbreastfeedingweek2026 #blackbreastfeedingweek #losangelesdoula by @physiodoula