Answering my MOST asked Question!

Michaela, How do you become a doula? This has to be the question I am asked THE MOST! I want to walk you through my journey, & I’ll give you actionable steps to help you become a doula too!!

Michaela Fink, Advanced Newborn Care Specialist & Birth and Postpartum Doula Coach & Mentor

Everyone’s path to their career is different, and I am so so thankful my path has lead me to where I am!! I went to Early College, and graduated with my Associates Degree, CNA, & then High school diploma! I worked as a Nursing Assistant while I was at Catawba College, where I received my Bachelors of Psychology!! I worked in the Nursing Home while I was in college, then switched gears to work Home Health Care for my clients . While I finished my Bachelors, I also became trained to work as a Birth and Postpartum doula! After years of working as an overnight Doula and Newborn Care Specialist, I became so passionate about helping other Doulas do what I do- so I became a Doula Coach/Mentor!

During my time at Catawba I did two, super amazing internships! I was a peer counselor, educator, and community outreach leader for our local Pregnancy Support Center. There I was able to give pregnancy tests, counsel women and their families, I created and taught Prenatal, Newborn, and Postpartum courses for our students. I was also able to go back & assist as the second hand in the ultrasound room. It was a super incredible experience for me, and I knew for my senior internship that I needed to be even more hands on!! I was able to intern at our local hospital in Labor and Delivery! There I helped monitor contractions, support laboring woman, assist nurses, go back for observation of caesarean section births, & I even, quite literally helped “catch babies”. I also shadowed behind the lactation consultant, & that’s when I knew I had to work in the Mother-Baby field. I continued to research, and I learned what a Doula was, and from that very moment, I knew I had to do everything in my power to work as a successful doula!!

When deciding if you want to be a Doula, I think it’s important that you learn what all being a Doula consists of. Like myself, and many others, most doulas don’t realize that when you become an active working doula, you’re also a business owner. Doulas work solo, or through agency’s, and they work as Independent Contractors. This means that you will need to do all of your own taxes, business liability and license, and much more. While there are pros and cons to being a Doula, I think the pros will always outweigh the cons!

When you decide that your heart is passionate about doula work, your next step is to find a certifying organization! There is no actual career regulation for being certified- so you don’t necessarily have to certify, but it will make your process easier, and you more confident to work as a doula. Personally, I trained & certified through Birth Arts International! There are other training organizations like CAPPA, PRO DOULA, Bebo Mia, DONA & many more! I highly suggest researching organizations and going with the one that has the similar values/morals around birth/postpartum as you!

After you become certified, you will begin the nexts steps to make sure you start off on the right foot to become a successful working doula!! When working as a Doula, it is extremely important that you get liability insurance. Most doulas gain liability insurance through CM&F. After you get liability insurance, you also need to look at your states specific requirements for running a business.

Once you’re confident enough and ready to support clients, I would suggest to do MAJOR networking. Connect with business and local families to get the word out that, YOU’RE A DOULA! We have to let the world know what Doulas are & how we can support families. I also highly suggest connecting with a great mentor/coach. If you’re looking for someone to guide you throughout your journey- you’re in the right spot. I am a Doula Coach, & mentor doulas throughout their careers. I would love to connect with you further!

Congrats on hopefully starting your career as a doula, & if you have any further questions- feel free to reach out!

Download our FREE Step by Step Guide to becoming a Doula!! https://www.canva.com/design/DAEosnUs094/V2gcu47zlgHhOqN04DPxZg/view?website#2:steps-to-become-a-doula

To become a Newborn Care Specialist: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rGo7hJPn1HNMFbnnrD-YaUOVX93FDIGoDUjdfsJvYIg/edit?usp=sharing

michaelasnewborncarellc@gmail.com

Caitlyn O’Neal’s Birth Story

Hi moms!!! I am so happy to finally share with you Caitlyn’s birth story! Processing your birth story SO important. It’s also something that should be done totally in your timing. Birth stories provide realistic insight of how women experience birth. I’m honored to share birth stories of home births, hospital births, birthing centers births, scheduled inductions, scheduled c-sections, twins and higher order multiples.

On Monday April 20,2020 I was scheduled to be at the hospital at 4pm to start inducement and expected to have my daughter either that night or possibly Tuesday depending on how everything went. Of course this is during COVID-19 so it was definitely a weird experience not having family in there with me (which I’m super close to). Once I was settled in, they felt to see if my cervix was thinned or if I was dilated at all. The Dr. said I wasn’t dilated, however my cervix was really thin. They hooked me up to the heart and contractions monitors, after staring at it, the drs asked if I was feeling anything. Of course I answered no & they told me the whole time I’ve been having contractions. They inserted a pill that dissolved into my cervix to thin it out more. They checked back in around 2:30AM & did it again. Came back after 4 hours and still nothing. Now Tuesday, April 21, 2020 around lunchtime time they suggested to insert a foley balloon to help dilate me- I was told once it fell out, I would be approx 4-5cm dilated. The balloon didn’t fall out until 5PM. In my whole experience that was the worst- it hurt SO bad when they inserted it. During the whole time my contractions were getting worse. You couldn’t walk the hallways, so I would walk in circles around the room for hours. I then asked for the epidural, I was to the point where I was so tired and just couldn’t take it. They had to give me 2 bags of pitocin before the epidural. During the epidural, I got stuck twice due to the dr having it in the wrong spot the first time. It hurt but it was bare-able. Once the epidural kicked in, I was still on Pitocin to see if it would speed up the process. They kept an eye on her heartbeat and kept noticing it was dropping. After about an hour they took me off of pitocin to see if her heartbeat would remain dropping or pick back up to where it was. It did go back to regular. They checked to see if I dilated anymore and was still at 4-5cm. This is day 2 of me being in labor. Tuesday night they started the pitocin again for an hour and her heartbeat started dropping again. So they took me off pitocin and just wanted to wait, checked me about every 1-2hrs to see if I dilated which I didn’t & they finally broke my water. 
Here it comes midnight, Wednesday April 22,2020 the OB suggested if things didn’t progress, I would have to have a C-Section. At this point I honestly didn’t care, just as long as my babygirl was healthy. (I was always warned that your birth plan never goes how you want it too). 
Once they scheduled the C-Section, they took me into the room, and not long after my fiancé was joining me. My daughter was born Wednesday April 22 2020 at 1:48AM by c-section. No one warned me about the shakes. 

  • A fed baby, is a happy baby!!


About an hour after, they took us up into a room & of course the lactation nurse came, my obgyn, more dr/nurses to do their routines. The first night was a little rough without any family there, it was definitely something I didn’t like. So now on Thursday, April 23rd 2020, all the Drs came to see me. I had issues breast feeding, it was like she wasn’t getting enough. She was up almost every hour not sleeping at all. I had to use a nipple shield (come to find out, they gave me the wrong size and my nipples were bruised). Breastfeeding was definitely something I wanted to do and planned on today, but things changed. It hurt SO bad all I could do was just to cry. The lactation nurse suggested to pump to see if that worked (again gave me the wrong size for my nipples- at this point they were black/blue). I was hanging on by a thread with breastfeeding because it was like she wasn’t getting anything and I hurt so bad, but I stuck with it because it’s something I planned on doing. 
Thursday I was told we would be able to go home, I was so ready. The pediatrician came to see me and suggested that if my daughter didn’t have at least one more wet/dirty diaper they would start her on formula the following day (friday) and see how it went. I asked if we could just go ahead and start that night (I was SO ready to be home). They started her on forumla & you could tell she wasn’t getting enough breastfeeding. I was so exhausted and worn out (remember during COVID) I asked if I could just get an hour of sleep and asked about how they were doing the nursery or if a dr could sit in here with me. The nurse did say nursery was closed, however she would be happy to sit in a room by herself with my daughter to give me a break- as much as I didn’t want too, I knew I needed to rest. 
Finally FRIDAY- GOING HOME DAY!!! 
It seemed like it took FOREVER for them to release me. I didn’t get released until after lunch. This day I was so looking forward to. I got up, took a shower myself, got my daughter ready and was just waiting so impatient. Once she gave me the papers, I went out that door! 

I’m sure I’m missing some of what happened, I would do it again for my daughter but unfortunately my hospital experience was horrible. 

I had no help taking a shower after the took my bandage off from the C Section, I didn’t get any advice and couldn’t breastfeed because of the lactation nurse- but a fed baby is a happy baby!! 

My chunky girl will be 4 months old on 08/22/2020 !

I wanted to say thank you again to Caitlyn for sending in her birth story. I’m sorry that things changed from the way you may have originally planned to have your baby. I’m also sorry that you were disappointed from not being able to breastfeed, but you’re so right, a fed baby is what’s important. Congratulations on your beautiful baby girl!!

If you’re interested in sending in your birth story, email me- michaelabfink@yahoo.com

The Fourth Trimester

The Fourth Trimester is from the moment that your baby is born, until she is 3 months old! I usually tell my families that, it’s kind of a period that your baby doesn’t really realize she’s in the world quite yet! She has been so safe, secure, and snuggled up right with you her entire life. So, during those first 3 months, you have to continue that!

Lem and June Photography

Babies want and need to be held and snuggled. They are growing and developing. As long as that third trimester felt for you, she would have just rather stayed right where she was! Focus on what’s important during the fourth trimester: keep the tiny baby safe, fed, & nurtured and take care of yourself!

The fourth trimester can be hard. You can expect your baby to be sleepy, fussy, and needy. This is all so tiring, I know Mama. Preparing for this is extremely important! Hire a Postpartum Doula or Newborn Care Specialist to help take care of everybody. Maybe even a housekeeper if that will make things easier. Prepare freezer meals- like yummy soups, or casseroles!  Be sure to also have your cubbies set up in every room! (Last blog)!

Make sure you give yourself grace while you adjust to mom life!

Lem and June Photography

Learn how you can help your baby adjust to the world. What made them feel comfy in the womb will also make them feel safe and loved now. Swaddle them, do skin-to-skin often, play white noise when they get fussy, take them outside to get fresh air, and baby wear! Practice the 5’s; Swaddle, Sway, Shush, Suck, and Side position. Think to yourself: in 5, 15, or 20 minutes, things will be different. Breathe, you’ve got this!! You are both getting to know each other.

Lem and June Photography

As much as you’re getting to know your baby, you’re also adjusting to motherhood and life with a new baby! Take time to lay in bed, and bond with her! That’s what’s important- the laundry will get done, I promise! You also have to take care of yourself- make it a priority! Make sure you eat, shower, and take breaks when you need to! And drink water, all the water. You need it to recover, & its crucial if you’re breast feeding, just drink it!

Pay attention to your emotions! During this postpartum period, you’re experiencing hormonal, physical, and emotional changes. Know what resources are available that you can reach out to when you need them! A counselor, IBCLC- breastfeeding support, Doula, etc.. Motherhood is new and may seem scary, but you are the best mom for your baby. Talk to your support people. It takes a village! We know you’re super mama- but you are allowed to ask for help. Allow yourself time to heal and take it a day at a time when you need to.

Lem and June Photography

The wonderful part about the Fourth Trimester is that this is also the time you are falling in love with your baby! Through all the long nights, and foggy feeling days- the beginning of a bond between you and your baby is developing. Do your best every day, reach out for help when ya need it, & love that baby! The days are long, but truly the years are short. You will make it through those first couple weeks! Enjoy these days!

For extraaaa love & support, Join our private Facebook Group: Postpartum and Newborn Care Support Group https://bit.ly/newborncarefacebookgroup

Bringing Home Baby!

Congratulations!!! You did it mama!! Your sweet baby is here, & I am SO proud of you. I know you’re tired! Did you know that giving birth is like running TWO, yeah-uh TWO marathons! Drink some water and realize that that part of the journey is done, you can rest now! I know what you’re thinking. Why rest when you can stare at your baby all day and night? I get it, but whenever your mind calms down a bit, wash your face and relax. Snuggle up in the bed with baby!

After you have your baby, you will stay in the hospital for a couple days & be checked and monitored by hospital staff. You should also be visited by an IBCLC to help with breastfeeding, if thats what you chose to do! You will be given lots of educational packets, and out the door you go! Now, on the way home to navigate life with a new baby!

Does that make you excited, anxious, or nervous? How about all 3, because I GET it! I hope that this blog helps bring your mind at ease and makes you feel confident in your first days home with your baby!

Preparation is key

  • Set up cubbies/stations in every main room you will use in the house! Think about it: living room, dining room, laundry room (wait until you run out of living room burp clothes- you’ll be running to the laundry room burp clothes, wait for it!), your room, baby’s room! In these cubbies keep things like: extra diapers, wipes, burp clothes, outfits, socks, ointment, a water bottle, snacks, and whatever you think will be useful for you!!
  • Go ahead and clean all bottles, baby gear, and get items in nursery ready for baby to use them! Really take some time and memorize (or label- hey work smarter not harder!) where things are! No need to scramble at 2 am for a new outfit, or gas medicine!
  • Speaking of gas medicine, its better to have and not to use, than not to have it when you need it. One of my biggest questions I get is “What can I do for my baby, they are so gassy!” no worries, I will be uploading a whole blog on this but most definitely buy MYLICON https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011EVP6WA/?tag=michaelafinkn-20. For all of my clients, I always tell them to buy the actual name brand one. I’m all for a steal and deal when I can get it, but this time, I’m telling ya, get this brand.
  • Get an idea of how the next couple days/weeks will go. Who will be there for when you need to rest/shower/eat? Family & friends are amazing- but I realize they are also guests coming into your house! You feel the pressure of having to clean the house, or “have it all together”, you really don’t need to though, but I do understand. Consider hiring a Postpartum Doula/Newborn Care Specialist, we don’t care about anything besides your baby & your family thriving during this postpartum period! We can help you navigate those first couple weeks easier! I usually meet my clients home from the hospital, & get baby fed & settled in, while mom & partner shower & get some rest.
  • Meal prep/prepare to get take out!! Prepping those yummy soups, casseroles, etc can actually be SO fun! But also put on your registry that you will happily accept gift cards from your fav restaurants! (Thank me later!)
  • Local Resources: Make sure that you have considered all the resources you may need after birth! You should have a primary doctor that you will be following up with. You also should reach out & connect with local IBCLC’s (lactation consultants) so you can have their number ready if you need to call! Chiropractors- if that ya thing! (I will also be posting a “benefits of chiro blog”- if theres enough interest) You also need to prepare to have someone you’re comfortable talking to! Counselors help tremendously with navigating those new emotions after baby. Know your local doulas, NCS, and CPSTs!
  • Practice makes perfect! Get familiar with practicing diapering, baby wearing, swaddling, & using the car seat! By the time baby gets here, you’ll be a pro!
  • Write affirmations down & look at them often!

AFTER YOU GET HOME

Theres so many exciting things happening! You’re finally home with baby! Consider your other babies! Figure out how you will introduce your older siblings to their new baby! Allow them time to adjust to this transition! Don’t forget your fur babies! The biggest part of introducing your animals to your new baby is to know their personalities & tendencies. Let them be around all the baby stuff, & you can even have someone bring home a shirt/towel from the hospital to let them smell baby. Meeting outside can also help!

Put all of baby’s paperwork from the hospital somewhere safe! You will need to remember things like, when was their last feed/diaper change & have it to record the next ones.

Put all of your paperwork somewhere you can easiliy get to! This will include info about when the last time you took your medicines, appointments, and postpartum healing.

Take a shower if you want to, get some water, and snuggle in the bed with your baby. This is the new normal. This is what you’ve waited and dreamed of. It’s happening, you’re here. Embrace the change, do the best you can, and you will do amazing! Don’t forget to take care of yourself too, I’m serious! Congratulations again!!

I am with you mama!! You will be the best mom for your baby, I promise! If you need support and education, I’m here for you always! Go ahead and join our Postpartum and Newborn Care Support Group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/687424048495594/?ref=share you can also email me, michaelabfink@yahoo.com!

All links:

Baby Registry: https://www.pinterest.com/michaelabfink/?fbclid=IwAR16-sX2k-bVKCzB-Pk9K_ZO-B4_Wzwixr8yryaovQev4Ie2mg3E-DNytTU

All pictures: LEM & JUNE https://lem-and-june-affiliates.peachs.co/a/michaela-fink

Catawba College Senior Internship Gives Birth to Her Career

This is a blog post that was written by my alum, Catawba College!

This Catawba College senior’s internship brought new life to this world, and to her passion for health services.  Senior Michaela Fink is a Psychology major who used her previous internships to help guide her into her latest adventure this past summer.  With the help of her advisor, Dr. Shelia Brownlow, Michaela was able to intern at Novant Health Rowan Medical Center in the Labor and Delivery/Mother-Baby Unit.

While interning previously at the Pregnancy Support Center of Rowan County, Michaela was encouraged by her supervisor there to look into finding an opportunity to help with labor and delivery since it became such an interest of hers.  “After thinking for a while, I applied to volunteer in Labor and Delivery to help with the newborns and whatever I could do, specifically I wanted to help infants who were born with addictions.”

As she continued her time in the Labor and Delivery Unit, Michaela had the opportunity to dive into all parts of the unit. From getting scrub in on a C-Section, to learning from a Lactation Consultant, to literally catching a baby, Michaela was completely immersed in the experience.

“After asking, ‘If there’s room, may I go in?’ I got the necessary permissions I needed to, I scrubbed up and got to watch a complete caesarian birth.  After the baby had been delivered, I was able to help write vital signs and bathe her.  This was such an amazing experience because I was literally able to watch a life being brought into the world. This was one of the best experiences at my internship.”

In addition to this unique opportunity, Michaela was able to work with Beth, a lactation consultant.  “Educating mothers and their families on the benefits of breastfeeding was such a good feeling. So along with helping and shadowing in labor and delivery, I was able to shadow the lactation consultant.”

Because Michaela was able to have so much hands-on experience during her internship, she was also able to start looking forward to what she would like her future career to be.  She is currently in training to become a certified birthing and postpartum doula, which she will have completed by the time she graduates in December.

“The best experience gained through this was clarity,” Michaela shares. “Being able to apply everything that I have learned and hoped for in the real world really helped me realize what I wanted as a career.  Being able to have an internship allows you to complete a “test-run” on what you want to do as a career.”

Michaela leaves this parting advice for those considering an internship, “Push yourself, be open, and advocate for yourself to do what you need and want to do for your future.  An internship is a way of gaining experience and realizing if you enjoy something or not.”

https://catawba.edu/news-events/news/college-news/catawba-college-seniors-internship-gives-birth-her-career/?fbclid=IwAR3n94Q3i1oy43yrxc4DFTA9ogTSc1HUTBC0ODa-pcZNtrQ3VA45yLKBhQE#sthash.tOMk7XTE.gbpl

Michaela Fink

Hey moms, parents, doulas, NCS, whoever is reading- I am glad you’re here!! A little about me: I am a Catawba College Alum! I graduated with my Bachelors of Psychology, with biology and sociology minors. If you haven’t read the blog that Catawba posted, you should def check it out! https://michaelafinksnewborncarellc.data.blog/blog-feed/

I currently live in Lake Norman, North Carolina with my honey! Eli and I have been together since high school and will celebrate our 7 year anniversary in July 2020! If you see the blonde boy in my pics-thats him!!

I am SO excited for this because it is just another platform that I am able to use to get information out to families!

What will you expect to see in this blog?

  • I hope that we will grow as a village, & that you will find support through the information I post!
  • I hope to continue connecting with my favorite brands and give you the best deals!

To find me on other socials;

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