Black Womens Reproductive Justice & ICTC Speak Out

Greetings! I intentionally attended the BWRJ SPEAK OUT held in Chicago's Jackson Park on May 18th, 2011. I observed, noticed there was a small gathering of majority black women who sat in the audience, channel 7 news was present, filming the introductions made by BWRJ. After hearing the guest speakers come forward, I felt compelled to share my story and to SPEAK OUT on abortion and how a woman is sometimes cornered to make a decision without having the support she needs during pregnancy. I spoke about the RAGE I felt as I drove past huge billboards that shamed black women who have abortions (as these billboards were posted by a multi-million dollar Texas based anti-abortion company) and are strategically placed throughout Chicago's south and west side neighborhoods, which are mainly filled with black women. I spoke out about the need for black women needing the space, the resources, and the support that so many lack supporting their decisions about birth.

As a mother of 2, and a birth doula, I feel compelled to share my story with many more women who suffer through making life changing events.

More from Black Women Reproductive Justice please check their website:

http://bwrj.org/welcome.html

and Flyer:

http://bwrj.org/documents/Speakout.pdf

Reflexology

I had my first Reflexology session last Wednesday and it was really healing for me. I felt its affects immediately and was physically sore from the session for 2 days following.

At the session, the Reflexologist told me I have an issue with my Thyroid and my Ovaries. My Thyroid, I experienced indigestion and digestive issues for several days following. I ended up fasting on Friday and part of Saturday in need of relief and to feel lighter. With my Ovaries, I experienced cramping and soreness in my thighs and lower abdomen. I have been drinking Red Raspberry Leaf Tea and using essential oils on my lower abdomen for comfort.

Today, I am feeling much better. I'm feeling lighter and really paying close attention to my natural responses to environment and food intake as well as my stress and emotional levels which were heightened the days following our reflexology session.

I found my first Reflexology session to be filled with wonderful insight performed with healing hands. I look forward for another session in the near future.

Raw Food Cleanse

For the past 11 days I've been on a Raw Food Cleanse eating mostly citrus fruits, nuts, and veggies. I have eliminated carbs, and sweets. Hard, but it is definitely worth the work. Greens straight from the garden up the hill; raw almonds from Whole Foods; and organic oranges and grapefruit! I've been drinking lots of water and tea (burdock root, ginger root, mint, astragalus, licorice, and catsclaw)! The toxins are being flushed out of my body which makes me feel lighter!


this guy knows whats up too:
http://www.mojojuiceclub.com/recipes.html

Gluten-Free Baking...

So, I've totally gone nuts over Gluten-Free Desserts...

YES! I bake! I bake Cookies, Chocolate Cakes, Brownies, and Cupcakes all Gluten-free!

Next I'll be making decadent Vegan desserts...stay-tuned!

Email for special occasions.

Reiki & Meditation: Where's Your Life Force?

As of January 10th, 2011 I'll be a Certified Reiki Level I & II Practitioner.

Reiki is...

n
	a form of therapy in which the practitioner is believed to channel energy into the patient in order to encourage healing or restore well being
[Japanese, from rei universal + ki life force] For New Clients, there is a $35 Intake and $60 for a 45-min Session. Meditations are $10 per 30-minute Session and topics range from Love, Silence, Chakra Cleansing, Fear Releasing, Energy Building, and Deep Breathing.

Birth Doula

As your birth doula, I believe that each woman has a right to have the birth she envisions for herself. I provide emotional and physical support which will enable you to feel empowered enough to make informed decisions about your birth and to prepare for the wonderful womans work that lies ahead of you.

Typically, we would meet at a quaint and quiet setting, twice during your pregnancy. We'll talk about your ideas of birth, your fears and anxieties, your vision, your medical history as it relates to your pregnancy; relaxation and self-care, physical comfort, health and nutrition. We'll also practice laboring positions, calming meditations and go over your birth plan (whether mentally or on-paper).

I'd make myself available to you for unlimited phone and email contact, and meet you at the on-set of your labor and stay with you, attending your needs at birth. Afterward, we'd have one final visit to re-cap your birth and discuss any self-care or baby care concerns.

My fee is $600 which includes 2 consultations, attendance at birth, after-care meeting. light massage, Reiki & meditation, birth preparation and labor support.



About me:
I am a mother of two and decided to attended DONA International's Birth Doula Training in January 2010 and have mentored under Felicia Roche one of the bay area's top Doulas. I have also worked as a Volunteer Doula with Sage Femme Midwifery Center (one of the bay area's only free-standing birth centers). Since, I have attended 11 births and anticipate more to come.