Pregnancy, birth, and postpartum are deeply connected seasons of life, and having the right support can make all the difference. As a maternity and newborn photographer in Oklahoma City, I love connecting families with trusted local resources. Beautifully Connected, located at 400 S Broadway Suite 2 in Edmond, provides pregnancy, birth, and postpartum support, including family wellness, massage therapy, and overnight newborn care.
Below, Bri shares her heart, her experience, and what doula support really looks like for expecting and new parents.
Beautifully Connected: Holistic Doula Support in Oklahoma City
About Bri
What inspired you to become a doula, and what do you love most about supporting expecting parents?
“I became a doula because my first 3 births were traumatic. I was young and didn’t know that I had options for my births. After receiving doula training and education my last 2 births were beautiful, empowering, and healing. I got into this work to offer support and education to the community. If you aren’t educated about your options, you don’t have any! So it’s important to me to provide education and support to the community.”
Pregnancy Support
What are some common worries you hear from expecting moms, and how do you help them feel more at ease?
“Most of our clients are dealing with burnout from information overload. We live in a world of constant scrolling and overstimulation. With so much information out there on the Internet it’s hard to find what is right or what works. We specialize in helping people understand pregnancy, parenting, and healthy bodies without giving you information overload. Sometimes it helps to have an expert that you can process and ask questions with.”
What are a few simple things moms-to-be can do during pregnancy to feel more prepared for birth?
“Do a daily body and mind check in. Birth is a physical process. But it’s also a mental one. Your daily body check in should be a time for you to feel your body and release stress and tension. Try progressive relaxation, or a roving body check in. Mindfulness, meditation, and prayer is a great way to check in with your mind. Having a practice that sets your mind at ease helps you during labor.”
Birth Experience
What does doula support actually look like during labor?
“We do physical comfort during labor, like massage, helping with position changes, and making suggestions to keep you more comfortable. We also make space in the birth room and we ask your medical team plenty of questions so that you are informed about the process. Additionally, we help you digest the medical information and lingo so that you can spend more time focusing on the process of labor and birth, and being present with your partner.”
If a mom is unsure whether a doula is right for her, what signs do you think help her make that decision?
“If you feel like you need someone to help you navigate that process, if you’re having a VBAC, or if you are planning your first natural birth you should highly consider a birth doula. Many people would rather put resources to receiving postnatal doula support after the baby is born. This is an excellent option for people who are wanting a more private birth experience, but who are still wanting to be supported through the healing process.”
Comfort
Do you have go-to comfort techniques that tend to make a big difference during labor?
“We use Rebozo for labor support. It’s a long, hand even scarf that we use for massage and positioning during birth. ALL of our clients receive a genuine, handwoven rebozo as a gift for working with us. We also offer all of our birth clients a 4 hour childbirth education class to help them feel confident and prepared.”
What’s one underrated or surprising tip you wish every mom knew before giving birth?
“We offer a lot of nervous system and vagus nerve regulation techniques in our birth class. You’d be surprised at how well they work! It’s a great thing to practice during pregnancy as that vagal tone and regulation come in handy during birth.”
Postpartum
How can a doula support families after the baby arrives?
“We are an extra set of hands after baby gets here and we can help you during the day by caring for baby and the house while you rest and shower. We also offer longer shifts overnight to help you get good sleep. Our entire staff is background checked and CPR certified.”
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to new moms who feel overwhelmed in the first few weeks?
“Find community if you don’t have it. Those early days are hard, because everything in your life is changing you need community to help you heal. If you don’t have community, reach out to a local doula. We would love to give you resources, for free! I started this company to provide support to parents. And a lot of my work is providing resources and outreach to my clients and community.”
