Dr. Tasha D | Los Angeles Doula | Pelvic Floor PT

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. Here a few of many ways that Pelvic Physical Therapy can help. Shout out to all of you endo warriors 💛 Share this post with someone. 🟣Lymphatic and visceral support which can reduce abdominal bloating, distension, swelling and pain 🟣Improvement of pelvic floor muscle relaxation, endurance and coordination 🟣Postural re-education and breathwork 🟣Mindfulness and nervous system regulation to alter pain perception and thresholds 🟣Decrease pain and discomfort with penetration/insertion: speculum, menstrual cups, tampons, toys, $ ex and $ exual play 🟣Decrease pain, discomfort, spasms and cramping with periods 🟣Improvement in bowel/bladder function: leaking, constipation, pain & spasms with emptying etc. 🟣Exercises and movement strategies to build strength, improve endurance and decrease pain in referred areas such as back, hips, legs etc. 🟣therapy prior to surgery/procedures and post-surgical recovery including scar management 🟣Referrals to other disciplines that would be beneficial in your treatment team 🟣Plenty of education and self treatment methods to maintain relief and continue THRIVING *If you have endometriosis and need to find a PT. Look no further. DM, email or click the link above to book.

I am so delighted to delve into this book. Thank you @shafiamonroe for channeling your wisdom and gift into something that can be shared and passed down for years and years to come. This book is pictured with the first rose of the season from a bush that my husband planted in my Mother’s memory after she transitioned. 🥹 I’d like to think that when I serve and guide families my hands are an extension of my Mother, grandmother and all of the women in my lineage. I have always felt a calling to hold Mothers and families, especially during the deeply vulnerable and sacred time of postpartum. Reclaiming our cultural practice is about honoring, a deep remembering and generational healing. P.S. postpartum is forever and it’s never too late to show up in love for the friends and family in your life that are Mothers. We’re stronger together!

It’s World Doula Day and the beginning of World Doula Week! This is my love letter to my community. They help me show up & be the BEST for all of the families that I serve - special shout out to my husband, nanny, best friends and backup doulas etc 🥹. I could not do this beautiful & sacred work without their support. Doulas: Drop a 💜 in the comments. And share this post with your village to say thank you Parents, if you had a Doula, show them some extra love this week 🥰. Check in, write a review, send a hug. #losangelesdoula #blackdoula #worlddoulaweek #worlddouladay

You can’t put us in a box You can’t sum us up with titles and roles Yes we look GOOD! But that’s not all we are either. It’s not that our relationships to others are a negative but we aren’t defined solely by that. We are so much MORE We are defining womanhood for ourselves We are defining motherhood for ourselves and the kids we are raising are leaning into that! 🙌🏾 I love supporting women every day & on this app. I have met so many lovely people here and I’m thankful for the strong community that I have built. Thank you for being here 🫶🏾. Share this with someone who needs this reminder.

The best morning with my fellow Doulas @dasc_doulas chatting with parents about being supported in pregnancy, birth , postpartum and beyond. Thank you @thefamilyroom for this wonderful event. The education, variety of vendors, resources, intimate setting and vibes were amazing ✨

Doulas are not just for your baby’s birthday! Research and plan ahead because your chosen Doula might be booked if you wait. So many folks don’t think to inquire until late second or third trimester. In that case you’re missing out on so much guidance and support throughout the journey. We can help with so many things that you’ll need to make decisions on/encounter early on such as: (not an exhaustive list) 🔹Choosing a birth location 🔹Choosing a Birth provider and pediatrician that aligns with your philosophy and values 🔹Referrals for Providers that you may need during pregnancy and postpartum (lactation consultant, physical & occupational therapy, chiropractic, massage, dietician, acupuncture, mental health etc.) 🔹Choosing a childbirth education course, CPR course and lactation course 🔹Access to community resources 🔹Access to evidence based research, educational materials and lending library 🔹Support during the many physical adjustments, mental and emotional changes in pregnancy 🔹Education and tools on preparing for a supported postpartum 🔹How to choose baby care items (carrier, car seat, stroller etc 🔹How to navigate conversations with Providers during prenatals 🔹Education on options for “routine testing and procedures” 🔹How to prepare your partner for their role including physical/mental support and advocacy + everything you need to know to go into your birth powerful, confident and informed. Questions for me? My next opening this year is in July. I serve Los Angeles, OC, San Gabriel Valley and San Fernando Valley. If you are due this summer or early fall.… DM, email or fill out the info form on the website to get connected 💜 #losangelesdoula #blackdoula

The uterus is a muscular organ and its powerful contractions are what guides your baby out. Would we expect any other muscle group to function optimally on ice chips and “clear liquids” for 8-30+ hours? For reference, the caloric and energy demand for labor has been compared to running a marathon. The ‘nothing by mouth’ recommendation started in the 1940s when it was common to be sedated for birth and airway protection wasn’t always used. Some docs believe that everyone should be NPO because we can’t predict who will end up needing a C section. However, thanks to medical advancements, use of local anesthesia vs general anesthesia when possible and airway protection as a standard, the risk is of aspiration is extremely low. If the word “risk” scares you remember that EVERY decision in birth carries some risk. It is ultimately your decision which risks you want to take. If you’ve ever been In labor or witnessed one you will notice that as things progresses/intensify the person will naturally reduce appetite and pivot to only wanting light bites/fluids or maybe no food at all. On their own without anyone policing. The risk of maternal exhaustion, reduced effectiveness of contractions and longer labors are what we see when food and drink are restricted. This can lead to a C-section or using interventions that wouldn’t be necessary if we allowed people to nourish themselves as they wish. There are some factors which may predispose you to aspiration such as GERD, uncontrolled diabetes, eclampsia/preeclampsia etc. Every person should consult their intuition and a trusted Provider in these cases. Collaborative care and informed consent is key. Did you eat during labor? Did you know to chat with your Provider about this beforehand to make sure that your philosophy and theirs align? #healthypregnancy#blackdoulalosangelesdoulabridgerton

Look at all of this Birthday frosting 😍 Don’t wipe off the vernix. You want to let it soak all the way in. It has so many benefits! Vernix Caseosa is the waxy substance that you’ll find on the skin of a newborn. So why do we love vernix? 🧁Lubricates the birth canal for a smooth exit 🧁 Has antioxidant properties 🧁Has antibacterial properties 🧁Has healing properties 🧁Helps to regulate body temperature 🧁Is a natural moisturizer 🧁Helps to develop gut health and immunity 🧁the scent is involved in triggering neural connections in babies brains needed for breastfeeding 📸: yours truly ❤️ Did you know these cool facts about vernix? Save this for later and SHARE with someone who is expecting. Did you delay bathing your new babe to let the vernix soak in? Don’t forget to put your preferences on baby care in your birth plan. Need help with your birth plan? Email, DM or contact me through the website to set up a consult! #losangelesdoula

I remember running from the hospital where I was treating patients across the street to my prenatal appointments and having my blood pressure taken right away 😩 I started asking to have it taken either 5-10 mins after I got in or at the end of the session if there was enough time. There was a big difference! It’s important to have a correct reading and not one significantly altered by outside factors as the ones listed in the post. Of course we can’t control every single factor every time, but do the best you can. This helps your provider address and treat you properly if needed. Take care of that beautiful heart of yours 💜 #blackdoula #losangelesdoula

Holidays and the dinner table convos bring out the AUDACITY. Do not engage in anything that disturbs your peace. Honorable mention for the conversations about when you’re having another baby? Do you want to try for a boy, girl etc. Do not feel bad shutting those conversations down if you want to. Thats your business. I hope that if you’re gathering with family and friends in the next few days or weeks that you feel loved, respected and supported. Share this with someone who needs this reminder 💜 #losangelesdoula

POV: laughs and foot rubs for an oxytocin boost in labor > Oxytocin is the love hormone. We need it during labor to produce strong uterine contractions that help to guide baby through the birth canal Endorphins are natural pain-relievers and these levels rise during labor to help manage intensity and discomfort. The synergistic release of oxytocin and endorphins can be heightened by touch. Touch that is safe, reassuring and consented. Sensual touch such as: a warm embrace, soothing massage and rubs, holding hands, eye contact, kisses etc. Loving & supportive touch, hugs,snuggles, squeezes from your family, birth support, kids, friends, pets can be very calming and grounding as well. It can help you flow better and lean into the waves of contractions.

Time with my sisters is a love letter to my soul 🫶🏾 Another beautiful Women of Color Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy retreat in the books. 🎉 It’s so important for us in the health and healing professions to have intentional restorative time. Time for joy! Time to be in community - to be seen and held. I am feeling more energized and recharged than ever. Thank youuuu ladies & Toronto - My belly and heart are full.