Kali Shanti Park, CLD
Hello! I’m Kali Shanti Park, a certified birth doula and birth photographer serving the Lindale and Tyler, TX areas.
What is a doula?
“Doula” means “a woman who serves” in ancient Greek, and that is exactly what a doula is! A doula is a “trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period”.
I would love to help you have a wonderful birth!
My 3rd Homebirth: Birth of Enoch Noble Grandison!
I welcomed my third child, Enoch Noble Grandison Park, into the world two weeks ago on November 29th! If you are interested in reading my birth story, you may do so here. It was a wonderful birth with Vicky Wells, CPM and Sarah Anderson, CPM of Labor of Love attending as midwives. Enoch was 8 lbs 7 oz and 20 1/4 inches. We are doing well and adjusting to a fun chaotic life as a family of five!
I will be available to attend births starting at the end of January 2012. I am still encapsulating placentas anytime starting now.
Here are a few pictures from the birth that my husband took.
Now Offering Postpartum Doula Services!
“It is clear that the importance of support, advice and assistance in the weeks and months following birth cannot be overemphasized. The ways in which the woman, baby, partner and siblings make the transition to a new family unit have a long-term impact on their physical and emotional health. The postpartum doula fills a large gap in maternity care and is able to facilitate a smooth and rewarding transition.” -DONA International
I am so excited to announce that I am in the process to be certified as a postpartum doula and will now offer nurturing postpartum care to moms.
I strongly believe something that is missing from our society is a “mothering” of the postpartum mom. In many traditional cultures, there is a time called the “lying-in” period, in which the postpartum mother, for typically at least six weeks after childbirth, nurtures herself and her baby. This is accomplished in different ways depending on the tradition of the society, but always involves a community of women (usually women who have been mothers themselves) giving strong physical and emotional support during the postpartum time. During this time, the mother is encouraged to stay in bed with her baby, avoid housework, and heal from her birth. Oftentimes she is “treated like a queen”, served special soups, assisted with breastfeeding, and given massages. She is not expected to “get on with her life” or follow normal routines or hold normal responsibilities. Her responsibility is to herself and her infant.
Our culture is very much lacking in this type of support; most moms are expected to go home from the hospital or birth center completely equipped to tackle the demands (however rewarding they may be) of having a newborn. It could be challenge to anyone, but to the hormonal, exhausted, sometimes physically ill/injured new mom, it can be overwhelming. That is where a knowledgeable postpartum doula may be able to help out, providing a listen ear, resources, physical assistance, and a simply helping hand to the growing family unit.
There is evidence that mothers who have support during the postpartum period:
- Achieve greater breastfeeding success
- Feel greater self-confidence
- Experience less postpartum depression
- Have a lower incidence of abuse than those who do not.*
It is not a sign of weakness to ask for help when you need it! You owe it to yourself, your baby, and your family to make sure you are cared for, nurtured, mothered.
The Homebirth of Remy J. – Birth Photography
What a peaceful, perfectly supported homebirth! Ashley & Brad are first-time parents and their birth experience was so inspirational. I arrived at their house after they had been laboring all night and found Ashley still smiling, even at 8cm dilated! Surrounded by her midwife, two midwife assistants, her sweet mother, and her very involved husband, Ashley breathed through the contractions with loving support. Worship music played in the background. Remy was born in the water, and he was immediately alert and calm! It was such a blessing to be the birth photographer at this birth! See more pictures on my Facebook page!
Wonderful support.
Still smiling at 8cm!
Working Hard
First Moment
Family of Three!
Beautiful Remy
Proud Daddy
The Birth of Nathan H. – Birth Photography
This absolutely adorable baby boy came into the world after a long and challenging labor. The mama was such a trooper and Baby Nathan pretty much came out smiling!
An early morning walk after 10 hours of labor- leaning on her husband for support.
Patiently waiting.
It was all worth it.
Holding Daddy's hand
What a sweet alert face!
A Face-first Presentation Birth!
Did you know that babies can be born in many different ways? Yes, the most typical presentation is vertex, like this:
Others are born breech, looking sideways, or, in the case of one of my more recent births I had the blessing to photograph, face first! Below is a picture I captured as the baby was coming out. I love how her sweet lips are pursed and her tongue is sticking out! It’s as if she is saying, “See? I’ll be born in any way I want!” In many cases this presentation is viewed as an automatic Cesarean, so it was wonderful how the attending midwife and obstetrician were supportive of this strong mama having a vaginal birth (and a VBAC at that!). By the way, this was the first face presentation the OB had seen in 17 years and the ONLY one the midwife had ever seen!
Facefirst Presentation Birth Photo
*Nudity involved, that’s why I only put a link to the photo. But it is a tastefully shot photo in black & white and well worth viewing!*
The Birth of Skyla J. – Birth Photography
Brittany had a beautiful VBAC, unmediated except for a bit of Nubain during some of the long hours (about 24 hours) to help her rest. I was blessed to not only be her doula but also her birth photographer! Despite previous doctors telling her she’ll never have a vaginal birth, she pushed out a 8 lb 1 oz daughter, Skyla, in less than 10 contractions! She was a superwoman, and her husband Jeff was a good support, reminding her to “birth without fear”. Brittany, you did it!
Newborn Session – Kidron Jair
So I am way behind in updating my blog! Probably because I’ve had almost a birth a week for the past month and a half. Plus I’m 11 weeks pregnant with our third child, so you all knows that equals nausea, tiredness, and general lack of motivation. 
Anyway, I have one birth photography session and two newborn sessions to share! So even though it’s out of order, I’m going to share my last session first!
I also was so blessed to attend as a doula the birth of this sweet baby boy. He was born at the Labor of Love birth center. His mama and daddy were such a sweet couple; their partnership in labor was incredible and their attitudes were just lovely, It was special to be there! Their baby boy, Kidron Jair, arrived with tons of dark hair as you can see from the photos. He was 3 days old at this session. Doesn’t his mama look gorgeous? It’s unfair for anyone to look this great the first postpartum week. 
My Recommended List of Pregnancy/Birth/Baby Items
I’ve noticed lately that I always have friends, family and clients ask me what my favorite products are for pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. So I decided to make a list on my blog. It is by no means comprehensive, and please feel free to add YOUR favorites and also to ask me whether I recommend a certain product.
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PREGNANCY
Earth Mama Angel Baby Stretch Oil
http://www.earthmamaangelbaby.com/
Yes, I still got a few marks. Not many though and he was 9 lbs! Also soothes dry skin and smells yummy!
Snoogle Pillow
http://www.amazon.com/Leachco-Snoogle-Total-Body-Pillow/dp/B0000635WI
This is how I slept the last two trimesters. It REALLY helps.
Red Raspberry Leaf Tea
I like Traditional Medicinal brand myself. Just make sure it’s 100% Red Raspberry Leaf, organic is best. Drink throughout pregnancy and afterward, it is a wonderful uterine tonic.
A Chiropractor
If you can go the whole pregnancy, do! If you can only afford it the last 6 weeks or so, I almost think it’s an essential to as good a birth as possible. Prepares the body for birth by making sure everything is in alignment and helps position your baby in the best position. Helps lessen the discomforts of pregnancy as well.
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BIRTH & POSTPARTUM
A Doula
No, seriously! It doesn’t even have to be me , though I’d love to support your life-changing birth. Doulas are labor support professionals, trained to add to the comfort and peace of your birth. Statistically in births using a doula, cesareans are cut in half, episiotomies and other interventions are decreased, labors are shorter, and the mom experiences a higher satisfaction of the birth experience. Doulas can be useful for any type of birth: home birth, birth center births, hospital births, VBACS, twins, natural births, and epidural births. You can find one in your area at findadoula.com or dona.org.
Earth Mama Angel Baby Free Birth Plan Helper
http://www.earthmamaangelbaby.com/free-birth-plan
Lists every possible option you might have to help you figure out your birth plan.
Depends
I’m not kidding. For postpartum bleeding, these are great. I’ve had clients kinda laugh at me, then call me the day after birth asking me to bring them some at the hospital.
Earth Mama Angel Baby Bottom Spray
http://www.earthmamaangelbaby.com
Perfect for postpartum soreness.
Earth Mama Angel Baby Nipple Cream
http://www.earthmamaangelbaby.com/
No other cream was as soothing, good smelling, and natural. A MUST, especially for first time breast-feeders.
Earth Mama Angel Baby Happy Mama Spray
http://www.earthmamaangelbaby.com/
A natural mood lifter. It truly works.
Your Encapsulated Placenta
Again, not kidding. You can read my story and more about this service here. I know you may think it’s weird, but if you’ve ever experience postpartum depression or any other mood disorders, you know that you’ll try anything to feel better. And this is THE most natural thing to try! Also aids with postpartum bleeding, and increase milk supply.
Postpartum Bath Herbs
http://www.earthmamaangelbaby.com/
Speed healing and sooth your bottom after birth. I order two before birth, I love them so much.
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GEAR
Ergo Baby Carrier
http://www.ergobabycarriers.com
I’ve tried at least 5 different baby carriers (Moby, ring slings, pouches, etc) and the Ergo is my go-to and must-have. I sold a few carriers to get one. I use it from newborn to toddler. I have a very small frame and have carried a 30 lbs toddler in it no problem. It is worth every penny!! Dads can use it too. My husband never minded carrying the babies in it.
Combi Twin Sport double stroller
http://www.amazon.com/Combi-Twin-Sport-Double-Stroller/dp/B002ZNKSNY/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1301545956&sr=1-1
I love this double stroller. Side-by-side but can fit through regular doors. Very easy to maneuver and fits in our small trunk of our Hyundai Elantra. Great cup holders, washable seats, etc. It’s been wonderful. We have zero complaints and that’s hard to find with a double stroller.
Car seats: Sunshine Kids Radian XTSL or Evenflo Triumph Advance 65
XTSL =Rear-faces to 45 pounds and forward faces to 80 lbs. Narrowest car seat on the market; great for small cars if you have to fit more than one carseat in it. Installs like a dream in our Hyundai Elantra. Made of steel alloy. Folds for travel/storage. Super LATCH. This is Zion’ seat (she is still rear-facing and will be for some time. Ask me why rear-facing is safest!) Just make sure it fits/installs well in your car- this seat can be finicky about which car it goes into.
Evenflo: RF 40 lbs, Forward faces to 65 lbs. to VERY Easy to adjust height (no rethreading). Knob to adjust tightness (very easy). Takes up a lot of space width wise, though. We have the older version for Tor.
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BABY ITEMS
Boppy
Must have for nursing. Hands down. Have used it through almost 3 years of total nursing so far and love it.
Ameda Purely Yours Breast Pump
Amazon.com, Target, Babies R Us
I’ve tried a few (like the Avent manual ISIS- I couldn’t pump anything with it!) and this one is my favorite. Not as expensive as others and works very well.
Bebe Au Lait Nursing Covers
http://www.bebeaulait.com/index.php
The best nursing cover! Lightweight, big enough, not hot in the summer, easy to use/adjust, very cute patterns. I know a lot of people have a friend sew one or sew their own, but really I’ve never seen one I like better than this.
Halo sleepsacks and swaddles.
Find them at Target, Amazon.com, or Babies R Us.
My favorite swaddle (so easy and tight)- and yes, you will thank yourself over and over for swaddling your newborn- they typically sleep much better with it! Halo’s sleepsacks go up to 4T and we use them until the child can pull his own covers up at night. Well worth it.
Diapers
Disposable: I like the WalMart brand. Cheap and they work. For newborn, Pampers swaddles.
Cloth: This is what we primarily use. This is a whole other post in itself. But I will say that we use a mix of prefolds with ProRap covers (fave), Bummis Super Whisper Wrap covers, BumGenius One Size, Fuzzi Bunz, and Flip covers. And the BumGenius Diaper Sprayer is definitely a must!
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WEBSITES
car-seat.org
Birth Without Fear Facebook page
Mothering.com
The Birth of Eric H. – Birth Photography
I was so blessed to be able to photographer at the birth of Eric H. His mama Megan, had been in labor since the morning, and contractions were starting to pick up when I got to the birth center around 8PM. She and her husband Caleb, were a wonderful team; they were using hypnobirth techniques to help guide her through the pressure waves (contractions). She seems so calm the entire time and actually sang the baby down. As labor progressed, Megan got in the birthtub and had a waterbirth in the early hours of the morning, with Baby Eric weighing in at 9 pounds. Way to go!
Maternity Pictures of the Morrell Family
I had the privilege of taking maternity/family pictures of my friend and doula client, Krista, and her sweet family this past weekend. They are great friends of ours who are traveling evangelists. I attended the birth of their daughter, Elizabeth, and will attend the birth of the son, due in March.Lizzy did really well for a toddler. She was bribed with Mum-Mums and gummy bears.
