About The Happy Mama Place
Discovering the Power of Doula Support
Becoming a mother and an enthusiastic supporter of expectant moms has been a truly transformative experience for me. It all began 15 years ago with the arrival of my first daughter, Teresa. I still remember those early days vividly – I was a scared young pregnant woman, feeling overwhelmed by anxieties and inundated with distressing TV stories and terrifying tales of others’ birthing journeys. However, I am forever grateful to the birthing hospital that introduced me to the concept of a doula. Having a doula by my side was a game-changer, providing me with the support and guidance I needed throughout my birthing journey. Her presence was invaluable, helping me navigate the ups and downs, and easing my fears every step of the way. I truly believe that every expectant mother deserves this warm and empowering experience, and I am now committed to being that support system for other moms-to-be.
Jessica Ann, The Happy Mama Place
“Over the years, I have cherished my unforgettable experience and yearned to share it with anyone willing to listen. It became my aspiration to ensure expecting mothers left their birthing journey with the same profound sentiment that I did.”
During my very first prenatal appointment, I was filled with uncertainty and anticipation. Little did I know that the wisdom and expertise my doula possessed would prove to be invaluable in helping me achieve the birthing experience I had envisioned. From our initial encounter to the labor itself and the postpartum period, my doula offered a continuous and unwavering support that elevated my satisfaction with the entire journey. It was as if a surge of energy and confidence coursed through my very being, fueled by the powerful Oxytocin. The Golden Hour spent with my enchanting baby girl, weighing 7.2lb and measuring 20.5in, was an absolute delight. Having a doula as an integral part of my birth team undoubtedly played a monumental role in creating an indelible memory of my labor, thus allowing me to cherish and share those invaluable moments with my precious daughter.
Evolving Into a Prenatal Bodywork Specialist
My massage practice naturally evolved from therapeutic massage therapy to a specialization in prenatal, induction, and postpartum bodywork. With a genuine commitment to personal growth, I continuously pursue ongoing education and acquire additional certifications revolving around supporting the body during pregnancy. This enables me to offer you the utmost care you deserve.
Leveraging my extensive knowledge and understanding of the body mechanics of an expectant mother, I create a customized bodywork session to meet your specific needs. By incorporating various techniques, such as movement, positioning, and working with the fascia and lymphatic system, I aim to leave you feeling balanced and open.
The Missing Element:
Addressing the Cascade of Interventions
In 2012, I furthered my expertise by becoming a certified DONA birth doula. Having attended over 200 births and counting, continually seeking growth through ongoing education and additional certifications throughout the span of 8 years, I couldn’t help but feel that the support I provided was lacking something special.
Why are moms steering away from their birth preference? They went from not wanting to be medically induced to agreeing to being medically induced.
In many cases this induction would last for 3 days. Moms encountered the cascade of intervention. Membrane sweeps, using prostaglandins, synthetic oxytocin better known as oxytocin. foleys, epidural usage, artificial ruptures of the membranes, leading to the Failure to Progress ending in a cesarean. The stage being set for postpartum was filled with exhaustion and healing from surgery.
Overcoming Personal Challenges:
Embracing Change
In 2019, upon the birth of my second daughter, Korrah, I discovered that I had complete placenta previa. Essentially, my placenta was covering my cervix. This meant that my vision of birthing my daughter in my gazebo at home surrounded by untouched snow and heat lamps, overlooking the ice-covered pond had to be altered. I had no choice but to undergo surgery (caesarean) as it was the safest option.
Instead of planning for a home birth, I found myself planning for surgery. Throughout my pregnancy, fear and stress consumed me. The day of my surgery only added to the stress.
Teresa, my oldest daughter, was supposed to go to school, but her bus never picked her up. She had to come with me. The nurses struggled to place the IV in my vein, resulting in multiple attempts and pokes. I had to summon bravery to ensure I wouldn’t scare Teresa. Unfortunately, during the procedure, the doctor missed the epidural space and hit a nerve, sending a surge of pain down my entire leg. My nerves were on edge, causing my blood pressure to drop. In an attempt to distract myself, I requested the assistant anesthesiologist to engage me in conversation. Anything would do, even if it was just reciting the alphabet.
HypnoBirthing:
Empowering Techniques for a Positive Birth Experience
In 2021, I stumbled upon a HypnoBirthing childbirth education course, and as I read the syllabus, I immediately felt a strong connection. It encapsulated many of my personal beliefs, including the power of the mind and the importance of breathing to relax tension. HypnoBirthing has gained recognition for its profound impact on birth experiences. By addressing the fears and anxieties that surround childbirth, this practice enables women to release tension and surrender to the natural process of labor. Through self-hypnosis, deep relaxation, and affirmations, expectant mothers can tap into their inner strength and navigate the challenges of childbirth with grace and ease.
HypnoBirthing emphasizes the importance of creating a calm and supportive environment, involving birth partners, and fostering open communication with care providers. With these tools, women can reclaim their power and actively participate in the birthing process. Since I started teaching this class, I have noticed a significant increase in my clients’ birth satisfaction, particularly among moms who require surgery.
Empowering Birth Experiences:
Unveiling the Truth Behind Birth Plans
In the world of childbirth, a disturbing trend has emerged – expectant mothers straying from their birth plans and succumbing to unnecessary interventions. This shift can be attributed to one powerful factor: fear. Care providers have perpetuated a narrative of doubt, convincing women that their bodies are flawed and incapable of the miraculous act of giving birth. The result? Bullying tactics and pressure on families to undergo unnecessary inductions.
Hospital policies, such as strict deadlines and arbitrary reasons, have been used to justify these interventions, all while neglecting to fully inform families of the risks and benefits. It is time for women to reclaim control over their birth experiences, unless truly extenuating circumstances exist.
The Misinformation Surrounding Childbirth Education
Hospital childbirth education classes often fail to provide a comprehensive understanding of the intricate processes the body undergoes before the onset of labor. These crucial aspects, including physiological, hormonal, and structural changes, are not adequately explained. Instead of prioritizing the present moment and equipping families with knowledge about these natural transformations, the classes tend to focus on hospital policies and protocols.
Medication choices take precedence over essential breathing techniques that alleviate uterine contractions, and relaxation methods that work harmoniously with the birthing muscles are often overshadowed. This lack of comprehensive education only perpetuates fear and prevents mothers from fully embracing the power within them.
The Empowering Philosophy of HypnoBirthing
HypnoBirthing, on the other hand, emerges as a philosophy that challenges the prevailing narrative of fear surrounding childbirth. It seeks to empower women by fostering trust in their bodies and providing the knowledge and tools necessary for a positive and calm birthing experience. HypnoBirthing acknowledges the intricate connection between the mind and body during labor
and birth, emphasizing the importance of relaxation techniques, self-hypnosis, and visualizations to minimize pain and promote a sense of empowerment. By embracing this approach, women can tap into their innate ability to birth their babies naturally and confidently.
Personal Transformation and Dedication
My personal journey as a mother and doula has shaped my commitment to empowering expectant mothers. From the transformative power of doula support to the importance of prenatal bodywork and addressing the cascade of interventions, I aim to provide comprehensive care that respects each mother’s unique journey. Overcoming personal challenges and embracing change has only strengthened my dedication to supporting women through their birthing experiences.
By integrating techniques such as HypnoBirthing, I strive to equip mothers with the knowledge and confidence they need to approach childbirth with joy and empowerment. Together, we can reshape the birthing narrative and ensure that every mother leaves her journey feeling empowered and fulfilled.
The Role of The Happy Mama Place
Recognizing the need for evidence-based information and support throughout pregnancy, labor, and postpartum, The Happy Mama Place was established as a physical location in Plains PA. This nurturing space serves as a beacon of hope for expectant mothers, providing a sanctuary where they can access resources and guidance to optimize their birthing experience. The Happy Mama Place website complements this physical location, offering a wealth of resources that cover everything from pregnancy care to birthing preferences.
The website aims to empower women to take control of their own pregnancy journeys by providing evidence-based information, encouraging informed decision-making, and promoting emotional well-being. By exploring the site and utilizing its resources, women can gain confidence and approach childbirth with positivity and excitement.
Licensed Massage Therapist
Professional Certification in Prenatal, Labor & Postpartum Massage
International Infant Massage Certified Instructor
DONA Certified Birth Doula
Spinning Babies Certified
IPPA Certified Placenta Encapsulator
CPR Certified
Neonatal Resuscitation Certified
International Associate of Infant Massage Certified Instructor
Up-to-date Food Handling Certification
Up-to-date Blood Borne Pathogen Certification
HypnoBirthing Childbirth Educator
RYT 200
Service Areas (included but not limited to): Hazelton, Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Clark Summit, Honsedale, Berwick, Bloomsburg, Danville, Lewisburg, Stroudsburg, Allentown, Bethlehem and their surrounding counties.
