Gail Tully & Spinning Babies

Denise Bolds, MSW CD(DONA) September 27, 2016

Gail Tully invited me to the Spinning Babies Confluence 2016 after coming across my work and being attracted to my business name of Bold Doula. I agreed to fly out to Minnesota; I ended up having the time of my life. The Spinning Babies Confluence 2016 was wonderfully filled with information and support.

Gail Tully is the type of person that you have to say her entire name, not just her first name. It just comes out like a mantra. She's a midwife who grew up insanely curious about life “If it’s not that then what? Why am I here?” If you want to know who Gail Tully is, just remember your favorite friend when you were little; you had that tea party and you play dress-up. Remember how your friend took your hand and you both would just walk off together like nothing else mattered because it didn’t; that's Gail Tully. I've never met a more open hearted person in my life. I think she’s Glenda the Good Witch’s mama. She's quick to goof and laugh and when she speaks to you, it’s like you're the only person in the world at that moment, then she’s off to another; the quintessential hummingbird. She had me laughing from the airport when arrived and then she let me vent as a doula complete with ugly cry before I went home. 

Gail is passionate about how babies are born: keeping the natural aspect of that baby as the forefront of what we do including breech births. Spinning Babies stepped up the game of anatomy positioning and birth. It takes away the myth that the person and fetus knows exactly what to do when it's time to give birth AND that the body is ready to give birth.

Well, it isn’t.  Many pregnancies today are riddled with misalignment, stress, misinformation and of course lack of education on both sides of professionals and prospective parents. Gail Tully pulls it all together and spins baby aligning the fetus and relaxing the mother’s pelvis empowering birth. How did we lose so much knowledge about the pelvis and birth? As Gail puts it, birth is just not about cervical dilation it's also about station. 

Spinning babies is also about movement. In many instances, birth is confined to a hospital bed with the pregnant person supine and latched onto monitors and IVs. Once the last ultrasound has been done for fetal size, there's very little support in getting that fetus aligned for birth. Spinning Babies is a must-have knowledge for all who work in birth - it works. 

Gail also teaches belly mapping and painting as a form of social welcome of the baby. It's not all clinical and evidence base, Gail does her best to make birth fun. She also does her best defined the most comprehensive team to present a conference that is birth empowering and necessary. She's a CPM who is also an educator, mentor and trailblaizer.

Consider attending the next spinning babies conference to enhance your birth work practice. I guarantee you will not be disappointed and you will take home immense knowledge. She's the most humble and unassuming person you will find in birth work. Gail Tully and Spinning Babies is a movement we can all dance to.

 Spinning With Penny

Denise Bolds, MSW CD(DONA) September 27, 2016

I am a DONA Certified Birth Doula. For years I've come across the prolific works of Penny Simkin and I decided I wanted to meet her. I was completely starstruck meeting Penny at the Spinning Babies 2016 Confluence where she presented. I made a point to stay with Penny for an entire day just to hear her speak and be in her company. I was very fortunate to meet Penny one-on-one the night before; I was introduced to her by Lorenza Holtz. At first Penny was polite, shaking my hand and greeting me, allowing me to gush like the fan. Once I got over that moment I proceeded to tell her my hopes and dreams as an African American doula certified by DONA. Penny and I retreated into a corner with glasses in hand and spoke for long time making eye contact and sharing smiles and even a pat or two on my back. Penny became my doula.

I was able to tell Penny my hopes and dreams for birth workers of color in the institution of DONA International; I told Penny of my passion in promoting the awareness of black maternal health disparities and birth injustice. I told her about the need for diversity and for comprehensive awareness in the community from the churches to the politicians as I believe the work that we all do impacts future generations. Penny agreed with me wholeheartedly standing quietly with me as the tsunami of all my hopes and dreams for birth came forward. She gave me sage advice and kept it real. She did acknowledge the fact that there is a lack of diversity, and change is slowly coming forward. We exchanged contact information and I was invited to come to the Simkin Institute.

The next day I listen to Penny facilitate over four workshops consecutively. I spent the entire day just listening to her speak. Penny is quick to make fun of herself, she's very observant of what goes on in the birth room and if you listen closely you will find out she started in this field quite by accident. Penny is a physical therapist by trade but looking for extra work with four small children, she was asked to teach childbirth education classes. Penny had no idea what she was about to embark upon: over 30 years of books, YouTube videos, workshops, presentations, and of course being one of the founders of DONA International. All of this from a woman working as a physical therapist, a wife with four small children. In Penny’s generation, women didn't work. Penny didn't just work. She was on her grind, in the zone and becoming a brand before we knew what a brand was.

With blue eyes that twinkle and a sharp mind, Penny is all about evidence and data. She loves to read, she's a sponge for knowledge and wisdom anywhere she comes upon it. Penny has traveled across the globe talking about birth and witnessing it's clinical evolution; she’s quick to include the human aspect of birth in her work. Her presentations are easy to digest and for a seasoned birth worker, it’s common knowledge; it’s awesome to hear Penny say it what you are already doing and seeing. It’s like a birth high five.

Before Penny flew back home, I was able to thank her for listening to my dreams and allowing me to be a fan. She gave me high compliments and several nice hugs. We goofed and took some really fun selfies because believe it or not, Penny has an awesome sense of humor. She's a penny for your thoughts when it comes to birth and your place in it, she's that shiny penny you find at a birth giving you faith to keep going forward. She's that lucky penny to carry into a birth with you always because you will never forget her. 

Spinning Like a Booker!

Denise Bolds MSW CD(DONA) September 27, 2016

Claudia Booker was one of the presenters at the Spinning Babies 2016 Confluence, this is my first time meeting her; we've known each other online through social media for quite sometime. Claudia is a birth worker whom is actively radical on birth justice and diversity. What I didn't know is that Claudia hold multiple degrees: she holds a Juris Doctorate and is a retired court judge, she also holds a Master’s Degree in Education and in Public Organizing as well as being a Certified Midwife. It is safe to say Claudia has compacted multiple lives with multiple careers in one lifetime; she has no indication in slowing down as indicated by her multi- tagged luggage. At her presentation, Claudia wore a shirt with “Stay Woke” emblazoned across her breasts. 

Claudia began her presentation by passing out the lyrics to the Black National Anthem: “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” written by James Weldon Johnson and his brother John Rosamond Johnson. This is profound, especially with all that is occurring in the media with the “Star-Spangled Banner,” I find “Lift Every Voice” to be inclusive of those who came to America with hopes and dreams. Claudia came out of the gate running with her presentation; lifting every voice and singing was just the beginning…

Claudia spoke about what many take for granted on a daily basis; it is an obvious fact that in the United States birth work is predominantly white in representation. Claudia spoke about the client in the community where the birth worker lives or worships, there is a gap in cultural diligence when the client is suggested certain supports that they have never heard of nor are present in their community. Claudia also spoke about the condition of the American woman today as opposed to the time of our ancestors; today's a pregnant person is compounded by her environment: her community, her diet, her relationships, her sustainability and more. This is further exacerbated by race ad culture. Evidently, the many avenues of Claudia Booker’s  life experiences are all entwined into her awareness with her presentation at Spinning Babies Confluence 2016. Claudia talked about meeting the client where they are: this is the foundation of social work and the foundation of Birth work; it all returns to access. This theme was present in multiple presentations and would be helpful to incorporate a universal phrase in all birth work trainings. Not only did Claudia refer to access for the pregnant person; she also poignantly referred to access for birth workers.

The birth work community in the U.S.A. is predominantly white, with many birth workers who will not refer clients in need of multiple services to other birth work support professionals. Instead, there is a paradigm that the birth worker feels and acts upon; she is the comprehensive support for that pregnant person and family. If a pregnant person makes a special request for cultural diversity or is in need of enhanced support, there is a very less likelihood that she will be referred out for additional services to a birth worker that represents ethnicity and culture. Most likely, the person is directed to accept what's in front of her (non-diverse, non-cultural) and be grateful.

Until we can address the deficit of cultural diversity in America, until there is accessibility and equality in the regard of both birth worker and pregnant person, Claudia Booker and many birth workers whom are sharing the same message will have to continue to Lift Every Voice and Sing. Here is the link to the song if you would like to listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ya7Bn7kPkLo

Spinning Babies

Spinning Babies

Denise Bolds MSW, CD(DONA) September 21, 2016

One of the first things I heard about as a doula is Spinning Babies. I really didn't get it at first, until I started supporting births. What I've witnessed as a doula supporting births are women facing challenges in their labor that is the result of fetal alignment in birth. How simple is that? It's very simple and it's a part of our daily lives; why isn't Spinning Babies part of mainstream support when it comes to child birth?

We have chiropractors who help us keep our spine an alignment, we get the wheels on our cars properly aligned so it will drive better, the earth is rotating on a planetary alignment; alignment of the fetus in birth is just as important. We know what it feels like  not to be in proper alignment with our bodies and our environment; the same applies to a baby being in alignment for birth. Fetal alignment reduces back labor, the need for interventions during labor, the need for C-section, babies flip to the head down position moving away from breech/transverse births; better birth outcomes occur with Spinning Babies!

Historically, medicine science relies on anatomy.  Anatomy was first learned on cadavers illustrated by scientists who were also artists. These illustrations were primarily done in the supine or prone position; today women who are in labor are commonly commanded to lie on their backs and birth. This is a very unnatural position when considering the anatomy of the spine and the curvatures of the pelvis.

Spinning babies is more than an education, it is a movement (pun intended). Founded and facilitated by certified midwife Gail Tully with over 30 years of experience, Gail not only knows about birth; she also knows pelvic anatomy and the importance of fetal alignment in birth. Gail travels all over the world sharing this empowering knowledge and techniques of alignment for birth. Using simple positions and stretches, the woman in labor can align her baby for birth, working with her body, her baby and gravity.

Spinning Babies; necessary education beneficial for obstetricians, midwives, nurses, doulas and the pregnant woman. The knowledge of spinning babies reduces labor time, decreases costs, interventions and stress in birth. Knowing the anatomy of birth is just as powerful as supporting the birth. Are you in the Spin? September 21, 2016 begins the Spinning Babies International Confluence in Minneapolis until September 25, 2016. Speakers from all over the world are together sharing knowledge on the importance of anatomy, alignment and birth.

The link to Spinning Babies 2016 Confluence: http://spinningbabiesconference.com Cant be there in person? attend virtually and earn CE’s from your living room: http://spinningbabiesconference.com/register-for-online-conference/  As a birth doula, Spinning Babies is necessary knowledge for me in supporting my clients births. Get in the Spin! Host a Spinning Babies training in your community! Sign up for the newsletter and be in the Spin! 

http://spinningbabies.com

Keep Me In Your Mouth...

Denise Bolds MSW, CD(DONA)

September 4, 2016

August 31, 2016 I was a guest on a local cable network show. I had no idea how I was selected and invited… There’s an old saying in the South: “Keep me in your mouth, I will keep you in mine.”

I received phone call from a lovely woman who informed me she facilitates natural healing with herbs; she owns her own tea shop in Mount Vernon, NY. She was seeking a doula to be a guest on her local cable network show. Someone had given her my name and business brochure. I was pleasantly surprised, I happily agreed to meet her before the show as a way of getting to know each other and to finalize details of the taping.

Sadhana Tea House is located Mt. Vernon NY, its a cornucopia of foods, herbs, spices and more; all the things you would find in your grandmother’s pantry. I met Dr. Mother Khoshhali; I could tell this statuesque, well spoken woman was of African descent (Ethiopian). We had a wonderful conversation about birth and trends we observe occurring today; how it's affecting women of color. Khoshhali also reviewed what was expected of me as a guest on her show. We confirmed the time, date and schematics. I wanted to ask her whom referred me to her as I watched her open my Bold Doula brochure but I chose to wait.

The morning of the show taping, I was early and eager to get started. A young African-American woman came up to me in the lobby and introduced herself, Janelle. She went on to explain to me a year ago she attended an Expo focused on black women that I also attended, tabling my doula business at. I remember the event well; many people were there. Many came to my table and took my marketing cards and brochures. Usually these events are good practice for my elevator pitch of my services, and to get a feel of what's happening in the community.

For a year, Janelle kept Bold Doula in her mouth. Upon having a conversation with Dr. Mother Khoshhali, the need for a doula came up; Janelle brought me forward into a wonderful opportunity of being a guest on the cable show which has a very large media reach and expands my marketing reach tremendously.

I have many friends on Facebook and social media, everyone knows I am a certified birth doula with my own business. As a sole proprietor, the challenge of constant marketing and community awareness is vital to business success. Not only do I provide labor and birth support, I also provide postpartum support and breast-feeding counseling. As an African American female having my own business is very interesting. One of my greatest feats is the continued awareness and education of African American women in the community about exactly what is a doula and why it's so beneficial to black birth in America. 

Many African-Americans will agree; marketing and constant referring are two of the biggest challenges black businesses face. Keeping each other in our mouths promotes business viability, visibility and longevity. The more you talk something up, the stronger it manifests. This is done successfully in other cultures; everyone knows someone for something that you need to get done or you're facing right now. I work hard in maintaining the symbolism between pregnancy, childbirth, breast-feeding and Bold Doula services. 

Our breath is our connection to God; when we speak our words are masses of letters that spell out intentions. Keeping someone or some action in your mouth gives it power for example: prayers and mantras. The same applies in a negative situation such as bullying or verbal abuse. Both examples have powerful affects.

Imagine if we all kept one another, our skills and our services each of us is capable of especially entrepreneurs and small businesses like Bold Doula in each other's mouths. The explosion of resources and business growth would be infinite!

Silence is deadly; when we remain silent, the light of wisdom and empowerment is more difficult to maintain. I am about to be a guest on a cable network show discussing birth, the benefits of having a doula and what Bold Doula provides in support of maternal health. I could not have generated this amazing opportunity had I not tabled an event over a year ago, where young woman took my brochure about my business and kept my information in her mouth for over a year. She spoke about me when I wasn't there to do it myself. Referral is key.

I understand the old southern phrase much more clearly. To keep one other in each other's mouths is to keep hope and action of one another alive. With the power of the breath, speaking into existence a persons abilities and skills is a resource to humanity. For my ancestors who were captured, abused, and thrown into a foreign land, naked, hungry for home and forbidden to practice their spirituality openly; keeping one other in each other's mouths was and still is a way of survival.

Do you know a small business owner? Do you know an entrepreneur? Do you know what services they provide? Are you keeping them in your mouth so when the opportunity comes for you to bring their resources to the power of your breath, you will manifest prosperity and empower someone? Now, I keep Sadhanna Tea House and Dr. Mother Koshhali in my mouth as a resource of healing.  And so it is.