amanda dodson
Becoming a Military Doula: Serve Families with ...

Why Military Spouses Are Perfect for the Role

Military spouses are uniquely positioned to serve in this role. You've lived the lifestyle, you know the challenges, and you understand the support gaps that exist within the community. Becoming a doula allows you to use your lived experience to make a difference—while also building a career that moves with you wherever the military sends you.

Becoming a Military Doula: Serve Families with Heart & Use MyCAA to Fund Your Training
Military Doula, Doula Business, Doula, Birth, Tricare and Doulas, Tricare CBSD
amanda dodson
Tricare's Childbirth and Support Demonstration ...

An honest and open review about the demonstration. I remain skeptical that any doulas were consulted or had a seat at the table, despite our numerous meetings and phone calls. There are only so many people one can speak to before realizing they all seem to lead back to the same individuals.

Tricare's Childbirth and Support Demonstration Overview - Part 1
Military Doula, MyCAA, Tricare CBSD, Doula Business
amanda dodson
Tips to Becoming a Doula and Supporting ...

In recent years, the demand for doula support has surged, thanks in part to increased insurance coverage and growing recognition from larger companies. With the ease of access provided by the internet, doulas are becoming a familiar resource for expectant families.

Tips to Becoming a Doula and Supporting Military Families
amanda dodson
Empowering Military Spouses: My Mission with ...

With a passion for empowering military spouses and a career that can follow you from one duty station to another, my initiative provides not only valuable skills but also a sense of purpose and community by offering a transformative opportunity through labor doula trainings.

Empowering Military Spouses: My Mission with Doula Trainings and the Military Community
Doula, birth stories, Birth
amanda dodson
The Birth of Loralai Elaine

I had one LONG and INTENSE contraction the whole time I was up and quickly went to go lay back down. I was feeling pretty sick and started to wonder if I wasn't going into the transition phase as I remembered feeling that way with Hayes. But I thought that surely it couldn't be the case as my contractions were still so inconsistent and not quite 2-3 minutes apart. I was definitely starting to lose control of my emotions. Nate was airing up the birth pool and I was feeling pretty concerned about everything that was happening. Just as I was having another contraction, my sister stepped in the door. I felt my water break, which I immediately told her, and I felt the baby’s head drop.

The Birth of Loralai Elaine

The Birth of Carson

The Birth of Carson

I woke up just after 1:30 am on August 29, 2015, one day before my “due date”. This had become my average wake up time to use the bathroom and nurse Brendan back to sleep. I went to the restroom and when I stood up, I discovered my mucous plug in the toilet. This was my first true sign of labor starting. I had been having some warm ups the past week, but they weren’t frequent or strong.

Learning from the sensei

Learning from the sensei

For as long as I've lived in Okinawa I should be fluent in Japanese now. Sadly, I am not. Over the years I've learned to understand and pick up on what most conversations are about. But don't ask me to speak it back. So far I have been able to maintain with my version of "Janglish", a terrible combination of broken English mixed with small phrases in Japanese.

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