I took a class.....

A few years ago, I stumbled across One Strong Mama on Facebook. One Strong Mama (OSM) is an exercise program that specifically prepares the body for pregnancy, birth and postpartum. I didn’t know much about the program, but I couldn’t get enough of the info they had to share on Facebook and Instagram. Their website quickly was added to my resource list for new clients. I signed up for their e-mails.

One day in 2020 I got an e-mail from Lindsay McCoy through OSM explaining that they were starting a program to teach birth workers how and why One Strong Mama works! I wanted to celebrate, I needed to know, and I couldn’t wait to sign up! I knew that this was going to be a game changer for me and my clients! And in all honesty, I was also thinking that I have daughters and if they had children one day this would be a game changer for them.

So, in September 2020 I started the first Body Ready Method cohort. This class was like none other. Every week we would have a live class (most weeks Lindsay taught the class, but other incredible teachers were brought in to teach), content for the week to read through which once printed became a textbook, and so many informational videos that went over tools to help gain balance and mobility! Wow!

Each week there were quizzes and a capstone as a final assessment of what we had learned. Throughout the entire program, those running the course were our biggest cheerleaders! They encouraged us, were so patient with all of our questions (and there were many) and were super responsive anytime I reached out.

And last but not least, friends!!! I met other doulas through the program even though our classes were remote. It’s been so great to be able to text one another about what we are learning and how to incorporate it into our work.

I loved the program so much and really the community that is being built around Body Ready Method; I signed up to be a part of this year’s cohort! This year I have the opportunity to be a small group leader, so that I get to encourage others. It’s really so exciting!

Years ago, I dreamed of knowing how to help my clients navigate labor and birth in the best possible way that they can, and I knew One Strong Mama was on to something. Today I am in the know. I have learned that the uncomfortable parts of pregnancy might be common, but don’t need to be normal, that simple adjustments in the way we carry ourselves throughout the day can make lasting impacts on our bodies, and that not only does physiological birth work, but how it works.

Sooo, all this to announce that I am now a Body Ready Method Birth Pro! I love being a doula. It really is who I am. And now I am more confident than ever that I can come alongside my clients and help them emotionally AND physically.

Wow, if you have made it this far, Thank You! If you are pregnant and interested in how I can help you prepare for labor reach out. If you are a birth worker and are interested in being a part of the next Body Ready Method cohort, I’d love to chat.