The Postpartum Doula Chef Life with Kristin Stinavage
-
Transcript
Welcome to Dula Tips and Tits, the podcast where we cut through the noise and get real about what it takes to build a sustainable doula business. I'm Kaylee Harrod. I've been a doula informally for 14 years and full time for seven. Around here, we don't sugarcoat stuff. We talk autonomy, owning your worth, creating a business that works for you. No fluff, no burnout, just the honest truth on how to be your own best boss.
Let's get into today's episode. Hello and welcome back to Dula Tips and Tits. We have another guest on today. Her name is Kristin and she is from the Seattle area and has a doula business called Nurtured Beast. Okay, her name is Kristin Stenavage. Did I say it correctly?
You did Kristin's Savage. Yes, you had a great practice round there.
At first, I was like, I'm going to avoid it. And then I'm like, no, I have to, I have to do it. Oh, you got this. You're doing great.
So Kristen, thank you for joining us. Kristen is a postpartum doula and also a chef. And Kristen, I would love for you to share with our listeners how you became a doula and kind of what got you going on this journey.
Yeah, thank you so much for having me, Kaylee. So what started me, I am a chef by trade. I'm a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and Cornell University's Hospitaling Management Program. And I've been in the industry for some 20 odd years.
I, during the pandemic, much of the food industry was upended and I fell into a nanny position with a family in upstate New York. And then a dear friend of mine was like, Kristen, I think you would make a great postpartum doula. And I was like, what is that? I have no idea what that even is. And she gave me the book, The First 40 Days, How to Nourish a New Mom. And I felt like a new part of me was born. I was like, this feels like, yeah, my next step in the journey as a chef by trade, how and then nourishing and helping a family through that transition after giving birth. I was always curious about what happens. There's a lot of buildup with the birth and the pregnancy and with good reason, with so much good reason, but who is there in the after party? Who is there to nurse the family along? There's so many emotions that come up and hormonal changes during the pregnancy after. And yeah, the taking care of the baby and the newborn, that's kind of like, and then I was able to study and come upon the donor certification program. And so that is how I got my jumpstart into reading and getting experience with families and getting referrals, et cetera. And it just kind of, it all came alive to me. It was very much like, oh, this is a need. And so that's kind of like how I jumpstart my career.
And on the base of hospitality, just hospital hospitality, it's brought a lot of curiosity for me. Just how do these worlds intertwine and how do we treat each other and how does the, I mean, the questions are endless with the healthcare system and all the things at hand having to do with women's health.
Yes, I love that. And I part of so I want to kind of backtrack a tiny bit only because I'm going between having like, doulas on that that have like some kind of training for doulas that they could take and do and whatever.
And then having doulas like Kristin on who are doing amazing things. And I want you to use Kristin as like a jumpstart to your imagination of how you could do this work. Because one thing I love about this,
I love being a jumpstart because I think that that's something that you know, myself included can get so easily like into this perfectionist mode of like, oh, but I have to have this and like, don't worry. I went down that road where I was like, I have to go back to nursing school, I need to do this, I want to do that, like need to go become at least a lactation educator, which is very important. And also, I am enough and channeling that and that there's enough skill and support that I am able to offer and to show up for with families. And every postpartum doula has their thing, has like what they are best at. So I think it's really important in the early days of talking to clients, just being really upfront and honest about what your forte is. And it's I don't have to be everything.
And it's like, you know, and these are what these are my offerings ever. And I think, you know, one piece of advice is to also like help other women and birthing parents understand the different roles and parts of a birth doula, a midwife, a nurse, a postpartum doula, and and even the little intricacies within that. So like, it's a very relationship based kind of industry, you know, getting to know somebody and those intimate parts, and being able to be open.
Yeah, one of the things that I think about in terms of choosing a doula and you're in Seattle, so like also a very doula saturated part of the country, right? In DC, we are very doula saturated.
So you're not the only option, right? And you're not even the only option who also does food stuff probably, right? And so one of the things I think about is like, people being a good fit for you and you being a good fit for them is one of the biggest pieces because there's this crazy vulnerable time of life that we're like being welcomed into, you know.
Yeah. Which is why I also dislike marketing myself because I'm, I'm not here. Like, yes, I am here. I'm offering these services. There is an invite that I'm looking for, but I might not be the one for you. And that is no, no big deal for me because I definitely, yeah, I want you to, you to be happy.
I want me to be happy. I want us both to like exist in a world that works and yeah, that only happens if you're open and honest about what your needs are. And so my forte is food. Well, you know, have that nanny and understanding of the systems that play in the healthcare. Like I have a, you know, some understanding and can point people in the right direction with resources and that or if the air area of things, but like, no, I'm not going to be able to like be, I'm not a lactation consultant and I am not a professional masseuse, but I can give you really lovely foot baths and like care for your body and your house and like a light housekeeping kind of way. You know, these are reasonable offerings that I provide. And if I don't provide something, I do my best to try to find somebody who does.
Yeah, I was just about to say, I'm sure you have referrals for the things that you are not an expert in part of this world, right? Like we are, we don't all do all the things, nor should we.
And what we are doing for our clients is kind of curating, so they don't have to, especially in a big city area, they don't have to Google through the hundreds of options for massage or for whatever, you know, would only get like a crappy one, you know, or you're like, no, no, I know these three people and they're amazing. Go to one of them.
And you're in postpartum and maybe you don't want to like make an appointment to go get a pedicure and go get your feet Like nurtured, you know, like I'll just bring this over and make my own home scrubs I've got my little medicinal herbs and you know Like let's make it a cute moment where then it's not an opportunity to connect with you and help you You know talk you through your birth story and have make it Make it a moment. Like I'm here to hold space as an empathetic ear I am not a therapist but I am, you know there and again there with resources if if more needed and I think just showing up honestly is the first big step and and you know, I I think it's really it's I Don't want to say hmm I don't wanna say battling but it's like coming up against that like need for women to do it all like she just gave birth and now Cook and she's gonna still do all these things and I think it's ridiculous So like part of yeah, my business nurtured feast is because postpartum should be about feasting I want you I want women and people to embrace their new bodies and I want you to like I feel passionate about Them nourishing that body with like good wholesome and like there's no calorie counting There's no like baby weight to lose just be you be healthy and like all that will happen Eventually or maybe not but like it depends on it's your journey and to like you know be mindful and yeah, there's so much learning that's happening and Yeah So like just being epic to all of that and that's where like my first skills come into play You know, I've worked in kitchens.
Yeah, I'm able to like be in anyone's kitchen and make food of like you know, there's a little kitchen walkthrough that I do but like I'm very flexible because I have You know, I have my years of skill building of cooking and so I can make magic happen in any kitchen Yeah
Thank you.
But I love that.
What is your typical, sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt you. Oh, sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt you.
I mean, so much of this, like all of these things I resonate with so deeply, I'm like, okay, we can talk about all of the L and any of these particular things. What does it look like for you, like walk me through like a shift with a family, right? Like what, what kind of stuff and I, I, with the huge asterisk that yes, it looks different every single time because postpartum is not just one experience, you know, but what's kind of the like typical set of services that you're providing and what's your timeframe and that kind of stuff.
Sure. Yeah. Nothing like going through culinary school where we would make timelines and, you know, you quickly find out that nothing goes according to plan ever. But like, so that was a great prep for a postpartum.
But, you know, so I'm usually like a one or multiple day type of person. And I, you know, I love to connect with my clients before they give birth, but also like things change in postpartum. So it takes, again, a good listening ear and an empathetic heart to be like, okay, this isn't what this person needs. They, I think this is what they're looking for and like having that conversation moving forward. But I will say that, you know, my structure is mostly that like, maybe one day a week I come into your house for eight hours, and I cook up a storm and I set you up with like at least three days worth of meals to just have on hand. You know, I'm talking to you. I'm talking to you about your menu. I develop menus and do hopeful and develop a relationship before all of that, you know, coming into the house and, you know, yeah, getting to know each other a little bit. But, and then there'll be like, at least a subsequent day where it's like, okay, maybe I come in like three days later for like a booster meal fix of like, okay, let's get them another two days worth of meals. And then I'll do like light housekeeping and then check in with the birthing parent and make that a moment and whether that be like a foot bath or a light shoulder massage or arm massage and just and have a tea check-in like roses, buds, and thorns. Let's like have a moment of what's going on. Like is there, are there any resources that I can be helpful with? Are you, are there anything, is there anything that, excuse me, you're struggling with in particular. I also have a Google feedback form. I try to make communication as easy as possible because I know you're lacking sleep, you know, there's a lot of things are happening very fast. And so it's like, how can I, you know, whether it be the Google form, but like, and let it be known, if there's something that I make or cook that you don't like, I'm here to serve you. I, again, it doesn't matter to me. I want, I want your grandma's recipe that you want me to make. I, you know, I can also come with my lineup of recipes and come make delicious things. But like, the point is to serve you and your family in this time. And if you're like, Hey, Kristen, like, I'm actually feeling pretty energetic today. And maybe we can like make this recipe together because I'm feeling intimidated by it. Like, Oh my gosh, let's do it. Let's do it together. Let's break it down. You know, I can show you some tips and tricks. And, you know, that can be, that's it. So there's like some wiggle room and opportunity. And it just comes down to what the energy level is in that kind. I also, I do, if the family is open to it, I like to do dad check-ins too. Something that I haven't developed as much and continue to stay curious about is how to be a dad doula. Because I think, you know, as you talked about in our previous, in our talk before the interview, Kaylee was, you know, how, oh my gosh, I just lost the thought.
But like, how do we, wow, it just left me.
work ourselves out of a job or no. Thank you, that is exactly-
how we work ourselves out of a job. And I feel like getting dad's more on board and having conversations and making sure that he's okay. So that, you know, when after the time is over, et cetera, that like, there's a scope of understanding that there's, you know, that the pieces, you know, not that I don't have confidence in them, but it's like, let's just have a chat.
And, you know, not everybody has supportive family, not everybody, not every family lives in the same state, let alone the same country. You know, there's all these ways in which family building can be very interesting to say the least. And so like, just be honest and real with where you're at. And like, maybe there's like a little assistance that can occur in that.
Yeah. Well, I mean, I think also like the non-birthing parent is neglected this whole process. Like sometimes it's like the process would go the exact same whether or not you were here. It's like how it feels, right?
And that's not true. That's not actually the case, but like the number of partners that have said to me like the provider comes in and talks to them, like I'm not even here, you know.
have with childcare, with everything. And it's like, Hold on. This person has a mind has a brain, like is also a parent. Yes, it's also a parent.
And it's like, let's, let's come together. This is your family. This is your unit. And so, I mean, you know, maybe there's like a cultural, you know, maybe that's a conscious, totally. Yeah. But like, if it's not, and you're open to it, I continue to stay curious about how that might exist. And yeah, yeah.
Yeah. Well, and I think like supporting a whole family unit to the extent that they want to need support, you know, because there are, of course, like family units that as a doula, you come in and you're like, gosh, there are some tricky dynamics here, you know, but there are just as many that the partner is like, I want to do the things well, and I want to support as best I can.
I also have like 700 questions for you, you know, and that I'm here for that. You know, like I've done, I've done solo postpartum shifts with just the partner. If there's like a medical emergency that, that created scenario where like the birthing person stayed in the hospital longer, then I'm teaching the partner stuff at home and we're like doing some baby care together, you know, like that stuff, it has to be a shared job. If it's going to be a two person family, like that in order to be sustained and happy and healthy and all of those things, like there needs to be collaboration. But I think so many things are just like check up for the baby, check up for the person who gave birth and like partner is just like trash on the side, you know, which is, shouldn't that be the case?
And they more often than not want to be involved too, but also they don't know how because our society and culture haven't paved the way. I have kind of done some searching and there's a couple dad websites here and there, but I'm like, where are the support groups?
Where are the non-birthing parent? And it's like, yeah, I wonder.
Yeah. It's a severely underserved space.
Yeah. Well, and I mean, we're kind of using like more inclusive language where like there's already very little for people who identify as a dad. People who are a non-birthing parent who don't identify as a dad, basically nothing. Like there's so much less for those people. Right.
110%. And it, and that's a whole, you know, yeah, that's a whole lot as well. And yeah, I mean, even as a doula and doing the research and studies that I have done, I still am like, wow, there, there's still plenty of room for growth.
And so I'm, yeah. And I, which is why I love Seattle, you know, there's quite a bit of resources and is, it is saturated and, and a lot of different ways, but, you know, I'm still, I'm actually only a year old there in the Seattle area. And so networking and getting to know other people, I haven't met too many others that actually do the cooking as well as like, little work. I mean, you, I know you understand the, the dual life Kaylee, and it's like nonstop. And so I'm not sure if I'm, yeah, they, they're probably out there and I'm just like not connecting with them because they're so busy and they're just like trying to get rest here and there. But yeah. Yeah. So it's,
Yeah.
It's a moment.
I mean, I do think the way that you show up in postpartum is unique in that. I mean, I think all of us are unique.
That's a whole different story for another day. We all do our own thing in our own way. But I think even here in DC right there, literally thousands of doulas and I know I can think of maybe like three that I know who come into the home and cook. And so, I mean, everybody I know will like get a snack together or like heat up leftovers for you, you know, but not like fully cook or help you plan meals or any of that kind of stuff. And so I do think it is a less common combo, even though it's so necessary. Very, very important.
And the nutrition world with postpartum is relatively new. Like I've looked into research papers and different medical journals. There is not much out there as far, and which is a little mind blowing to me because it feels so second nature like, of course.
But I also come from like food is medicine mentality and always have. And I'm like, how is there like, hold up, what? And so yeah, like nutrition and how that plays a huge part. And with respect to different cultures and ethnicities with indigenous peoples or Asian peoples feeding themselves seaweed and how does that help the body be nourished in postpartum and just different herbs and et cetera, so crucial.
Yeah. Well, and in general, I mean, one thing that I resonate with you about for sure is the idea that like this time of healing is a time for intentional nourishment and not a time for calorie depletion, right? Not that I think there's time for that, but, but I think we, if you were to just Google food in the postpartum time, some of the first things you find are about losing weight and that makes me want to lose my mind. Because I mean, it's on my, in my mind, I'm like, you are allowed to want to live in a different sized body. That's okay with me.
If that's your desire at some point, when you have just grown and birthed a baby, that is not the time because your needs are so high on a caloric level, on a nutrient level, on a mineral level, like so high, and we have zero context for that, right? We don't talk about like the hormone shit storm that it, that's of course, the medical terminology for it, you know, if you're, if you're making milk, right? How much extra does your body need to make milk? And if you don't have enough, it will take it from you and give it to you, right? Like there's all of these different pieces that I'm like, why don't we talk about just something simple as if you want to eat veggies, eat them cooked so your body can get the nutrients from them easier. So you're not just downing a bunch of salads because that's what we automatically go to in terms of like the ultimate calorie.
Yes, and I'm like, no. You can have a beautiful, simple, warm stew that with all kinds of vegetables, all kinds of beans, legumes, like there's so many other ways to nourish your body.
And having, you know, there is a big part of my offerings that does have a root in Ayurvedic medicine. And just like- I was gonna say, I have another episode.
So it's like that, yeah. Yeah.
Yes, you just lost all this blood, all this energy in this birthing process. And so let's replace that. Let's bring back the warmth into your body. And there's just such this view of go, go, go mentality. And it's like, oh, I don't wanna seem weak even after giving a birth to a baby. And I'm like, you just ran a marathon and I don't care who you are and what level of sport you are, you still have to recover. You still have to rest.
And this idea, and that's why I really feel so passionate about my new business name being nurtured feast because it is like, but yes, feast, feast on good nourishing food. Let yourself be where you are. Let yourself transition and do the learnings and take it easy as much as possible. And like, yeah, let it be what it is, but also like feed yourself. Feed yourself because like, yeah. And empower yourself to do that. Your body will thank you.
Your recovery will be faster. And you know, part of my whole thing is that like hiring me or someone like me to be there in that postpartum period will save you months, maybe years down the road from like mental stability standpoint. You know, I'm not here to solve all your issues and things, but like, my goodness, like during such a big transition of just like having a warm meal at the table, like that's, it's a world of difference. I'm not even pregnant, I am childless. And like, just in, on the days when, you know, I get extra care from a family or a friend, like that means the world to me. And I can only imagine giving birth and that like, yes. Yeah. No matter how much like we can go into technology and the snoop and all these other things, it's like, it still comes down to these basics of being human, the Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which is like food, shelter, water is the base. And like, you only reach enlightenment after like the, all of your bases are covered and you need to like, that's just honest and real.
Yeah, yeah. Well, and I think, I mean, two pieces of it that I think are so important that we often overlook is the partner who hasn't given birth is often kind of carrying everything. But this is emotionally and physically taxing for them as well. Not in the same way, right? But still, it is a very emotionally and physically taxing time for the entire family.
And also, we have like support sometimes by friends and family that is like, well intentioned, but not up to date or not like, the safest or, or even sometimes not emotionally good, right? Like I talked a lot about about oxytocin with birth plants. I'm like, if that
your PDF on your website. And I was like, Ooh.
I need to download them. Yes.
I'm not currently having a baby, but I want to have her. I don't know. But I mean, if your whoever relative or friend wants to be there and helpful, but they kind of stress you out of it, this is not going to be a time when they are actually helpful to you, because those hormones are so negatively impacting the process, both of birth and postpartum. But also, if that's your only option for support, you know, then what you're looking at is potentially having like no support or crappy support, rather than maybe like prioritizing, having someone on your team that can actually nurture you well, you know, and I mean, we talk about like one of my my very first OB, so my oldest is a teenager and my first OB with him was like, I should be in the baby gear industry and not the baby delivering just because there's so much money to be had. And I think about that often when people are like, I can't afford to have, you know, a postpartum doula come in, and I'm like, everybody has different financial priorities. So I am not shaming anyone for buying expensive gear. But if you're buying expensive gear at your own expense, where you are not setting yourself up to be well cared for, then the expensive stuff is not going to matter when you're having towards your partner, because they can't do everything on their own, you know, if there's so many layers there.
Oh my gosh, that resent, the resent that will eat you alive. And it's yeah, yes. Yeah, which is why I love the Be Her Village, you know, Instagram and whatever because it's like, yes, let's like create like, okay, if financial things are the barrier, how can we like come together as friends as family to like make sure that this can happen and yeah, totally on the family front and it's and it's, again, it's just, you know, whenever I think about, you know, the day that I might get pregnant, I always think about creating this like master Google Doc, like everybody's gonna read it.
But like, you know, if I had it by the way, and like setting up the boundaries and just like an understanding, but even like, thinking about how like grandparents and parents could like have classes could be a part of those like, some kind of curriculum to just kind of become a little bit more in tune with what's happening and how to best support and how to show up. And, you know, it took me years to be like, oh my gosh, like, I know how to show up, I don't need to take a class, but then but it's like, no, no, no, no, there's, there's so much that can exist. Just like in those pieces of like, okay, like, wow, I really was doing my wow, like this is, you know, come back to those like basic relational ways of connecting. Like, I'm here for you. How can I best show up for you? Like how, what would be the most important, but also for the birthing family to then say it? Yeah, okay, with whatever happens next, you know? Yeah, yeah, that's a real tea. It's like, okay, cool. Now we're, now we're talking, but it's like, okay, yeah, always got to be open, always got to be flexible.
Yeah, well, and I think part of, I mean, part of the space of birth support for sure, and that kind of like melds into postpartum is like being honest with yourself first and foremost about what you want to need, and then feeling like you can communicate that without shame, either from yourself or from others, right? Like not taking on any of that, because there are so many things in the birth and postpartum time, like just the whole pairing needle space that are unique to you and your experience, and they sometimes do not make sense.
And what I mean when I say that is like, yes. And there are times where you're like, I don't know why, but like, that feels terrible. And I don't know why, you know, or like, I mean, in the postpartum space, I very distinctly remember, I don't remember which baby it was, because we have three kiddos. But at some point, my husband was like, you should like, I don't remember if I was take a nap or take a bath or something. And I was like, what I actually want is to go to Starbucks by myself, where no one knows I just had a baby, like just like, be a regular human. That's not a like newly proposed part in person. And just like exist in the world without this, this pressure of having a newborn and taking care of a newborn and just having a baby and all of that. And he was sort of like, you don't want to nap. I'm like, no, I want some autonomy. I want my own space and time for a minute. And I was like, start, you know, Starbucks and the target is 10 minutes down the road. If the baby starts losing her mind and needs to be fed, I'm pretty sure this is our youngest. Then I'll come back because she refused bottles. There's a whole story for another day. But but in that moment, if he had that moment, right, if it was the rules, the rules were reversed, he would have taken a nap because that was the thing that he needed the most, where I was like, I want to get out of this house and feel less like I'm just like this one version of me only, you know, and this was some weeks into postpartum, like this wasn't days, you know, I wasn't just driving off the target two days after having a baby, you know, but I say that to say like, part of that space is you kind of owning like today, what would make me feel more whole or more supported is this thing. And I'm not sure why it's that thing. But as long as that thing is not dangerous to me or the baby, like, can we make that happen, you know, because it just doesn't look the same for all of us. And the experience is so unique to each kid, you know,
even with what your little blip that you just said about, oh, the baby not taking a bottle. I mean, yeah. So it's like, and this is why like, although I don't have like 20 years of experience being a doula or in the nursing world, what it does take across any job that you're doing is creativity. And that's why like, I've stepped into this because like, okay, the baby's not taking a bottle, but like, if you're watching and assessing and just kind of like ear to the ground moment and you're just like, okay, if you're open to it, mama, let's explore this way.
Or like, have you thought about maybe this position? And it's like, I don't, back to also, again, our conversation before we started recording, how many postpartum doulas does it take to change the light bulb? Zero, because we find you the ladder for you to do it yourself. And it's like, we are in this like problem solving like orb and like maybe, you know, the birthing family doesn't have as much space, but it's like, in what ways can we just add a little bit more breath? How can we like, just make a little bit more blossom and like getting you out to target? I hear that. Ooh, like needing autonomy to have this life changing. And like, life changing. Life changing, life changing to be like, oh, look at me go. I'm not a target. No one there knows, I just have to.
a baby. Yes.
Yeah, and like celebrating that, celebrating that moment. And again, like back to, you know, having conversations with the non-birthing parent and just be like, and like, yeah, like that's a touchdown point. Like this is, this is what's going on and listening to that in full love and support of like, okay, this is what they need right now.
Yeah. Well, and like, I mean, I, I was thinking when you were saying like, you, you know, you're a professional chef, and so you can enter a kitchen and kind of be like, all right, what am I working with? Right. And like, in a way that I for sure cannot, because I'm kind of like, you don't own that pan I own, because that's the only pan I know how to make this in, you know, like, that's, that's how my brain functions.
But you're also then coming into a space with fresh eyes and fresh perspective, and able to be like, Oh, hey, why don't we move that over here? So you don't have to walk across the room when you need to do it. And some of that, like, as crazy as that little stuff sounds, it is truly life changing. Like the number of times, like, probably dozens of times at this point that I've been like, can I stick a sleeper in the like downstairs diaper changing station? Because then if he poops through his clothes, you don't have to go upstairs. And the parents are kind of like, you know, and I'm like, yeah, I get it. Like, you have zero space in your brain and body to be creative right now. And I'm sort of like, you know what this station is missing is gear for when he starts having blowouts because it's coming soon.
with everybody.
Exactly. It's a day where you're like, I can't do anything else. Going upstairs for a onesie is going to break you.
And that's why it's like even just like existing in the space sometimes, because I've noticed that some parents are bashful or maybe they don't know that this is normal or whatever. And it's like, and there's like this barrier and it's like, hold up, I'm just observing right now.
I see these things. And what if I did this instead, but you won't get there unless you have that trust, unless you have that openness and honesty, and that you're like, ah, my life's a mess now help me, you know, like, yeah, because yeah, that's where like all the learning happens. And I think perfectionism is so overrated, like, let's be mindful, let's be, you know, thoughtful to some degree, but also like, life bids so many of its own things. So, yeah.
Can I admit that when you said, let's be mindful, right away I was like, are we going to talk about cutesy and viewers that we're going. Oh my gosh.
I have teenagers. I love that. Not this. My youngest is a sixth grader and so that's like exactly the line of things, the content that is in our house.
I can only imagine you've had a lot of content flying in there.
Yeah, well, all the algorithms are confused because I'm like, I'm in PT from an injury this year. And then I search baby stuff all the time. And then I have teenagers. And so the algorithms are like, are you 80 or in high school?
Oh, that is so good. I'm just so confused about what you want.
I'm guessing the algorithm doesn't even know how to handle you. They're like baby stuff 90% of the time, but they're also what?
My daughter the other day was like, all of your stuff is about doulas. And then there's like plus sized fashion. And I was like, is that not my life, though? I mean, obviously, makes sense.
Oh, gosh, I love you like parenting spicy kids kind of stuff, which is also my life, you know, totally. I want to wrap us up for today. This has been amazing. Thank you so much for taking time to be on the show. To wrap us up, I would love to hear from you. What is something that you want the listeners to kind of take away from this, like a piece of advice, a piece of wisdom that you have for them.
Hmm. I think it's just to let the journey begin.
And maybe it starts on a Facebook group or like me where I'm like, Oh, I'm just kind of like living life and these things are happening and like whatever, but just staying curious. And if it's not the answer, maybe it will lead you to the answer. But you won't know how much they try.
I love that so much. Also because I think this space of owning your own business and working in the perinatal space can look so different and evolve over time.
You don't have to have it figured out like start and then as you go give yourself space to refine is so vital to also just not getting bored but like stagnancy in business and all of that as well.
Keeping it spicy. I love that.
Yeah, exactly. Well, thank you so much for being on the show.
To all of our listeners, we will have a solo episode coming next, and then we'll hear from another guest next week. Keep updated with us on Instagram at Haradula, or you can join our newsletter, and the link for all of that is in the show notes, as well as all the ways to connect with Kristin. Thanks again for being on the show, Kristin.
Thank you. This was amazing.
Thanks for joining us for this episode of the doula tips and tits podcast. If you learned something today or had an aha moment, we'd love for you to share that on Instagram and tag us at Harad doula so we can celebrate alongside you.
If you found this podcast helpful, we would so appreciate you taking a second to leave a rating and a review on your favorite podcast app that helps other doulas find us as we do this work together. This podcast is intended as educational and entertainment. It is not medical advice or business advice. Please consult your own medical or legal team for your own needs around your health and your business.
We'll see you again soon.
Part of what doulas have that I believe is magical is the background journey to how we got here! I love hearing why people became doulas and what motivation is behind the work they do now. Today’s guest Kirstin is a chef and a doula and she shares her journey to postpartum doula care on today’s episode.
Quote from Kristin:
“A dear friend of mine was like, Kristin, I think you would make a great postpartum doula. And I was like, what is that? I have no idea what that even is. And she gave me the book, The First 40 Days, How to Nourish a New Mom. And I felt like a new part of me was born. I was like, this feels like, yeah, my next step in the journey as a chef by trade, how and then nourishing and helping a family through that transition after giving birth. I was always curious about what happens. There's a lot of buildup with the birth and the pregnancy and with good reason, with so much good reason, but who is there in the after party? Who is there to nurse the family along? There's so many emotions that come up and hormonal changes during the pregnancy after. And yeah, the taking care of the baby and the newborn, that's kind of like, and then I was able to study and come upon the donor certification program.”
Meet Kristin Stinavage
I'm Kristin Stinavage, a postpartum doula and personal chef with over 20 years of hospitality experience. I bring my deep passion for nurturing new families during the tender early months of parenthood. Combining my culinary expertise from years in the hospitality industry with personalized postpartum care, I create nourishing meal plans and provide holistic support to help parents thrive. My goal is to offer peace and empowerment to each family during this beautiful and transformative time.
CONNECT with Kirstin:
https://www.kristinavage.com/
CONNECT with Kaely on TikTok or Instagram
https://www.tiktok.com/@doulacoach
https://www.instagram.com/Harroddoula/
If you like this episode, don't forget to share it to your Instagram stories and tag me @harroddoula
Doula Tips and Tits is produced by Kaely Harrod of Harrod Doula Services
It is sponsored by The Doula Biz Blueprint Self-Paced Class for Doulas Launching Successful and Sustainable Businesses!
Music by Madirfan: Hidden Place on Pixabay
