Lessons in Doula-ing Part 1

So I've been training as a doula through DONA International for about six months now. 

Basically, a doula is a person who supports a woman throughout pregnancy, labor, birth, and the postpartum period. I'm still very, very new at this. I wanted to chronicle some of the little things I've learned so far.

1. EAT. Don't forget to eat. Don't get to the point of being "hangry."

2. Sleep deprivation, like parenthood, is part of this job. It's 100% worth it but you will be exhausted and question your existence at times.

3. Be sensitive to the needs of each individual client. No two women are the same and no two births are the same.

4. We are stronger than we can possibly imagine. My clients surprise me constantly with their strength. Women have an incredible inner power that birth and labor really bring out!

That's all for now! I can't wait to see where this journey takes me next. 

An 1860's Baby Chemise

Here's a project I finished back in February, but it was too cute not to share. 

My little guy needs some 1860's clothes for some events we hope to attend this summer/fall, so the first thing was a chemise! Ignore the laundry pile in the background. Creativity calls for neglect of housework! 

I made it out of plain cotton muslin and an antique glass button from my stash, hand-sewed it on a Saturday afternoon, and added two growth pleats because he grows like crazy! I didn't use any particular pattern... I just looked at some originals and made my own! 

Just look at his cute little face!

New Beginnings and Fabric Stashes

So it's been a really, really long time since I've done any kind of blogging. I've abandoned my old blog and am starting a new one to record all my sewing shenanigans! Here I go!