'you doula what??' + first attempt at a lactation cookie recipe

So... all my life, I've dreamt of being a momma. Lots of little chicklets running around and me just pouring my overabundance of love on them and having adventures everyday. Fair enough, right? Well, not too long after I came to grips with the fact that that was more than an okay dream to have, I realized I simply can't do it on my own and will need someone wonderful to help me make it a reality... 

Unfortunately, Mr. Wonderful seems to still be on the loose.

(Wah, wah... I know.) 

Anywho. I have tried plenty of things that fit my fancy. I've dabbled here and there at different trades and skills. For the most part, I've liked them all... but have you ever met someone who was so crazy in love with what they do every day that their joy just completely saturates their entire being?? Have you ever just wanted so much to walk a day in their footsteps to see what it was that was so invigorating about what they do moment-by-moment to give them such a fire for life?

Exciting thing: I found it. :) Well, I found it for me, anyway. 

And I'm so unbelievably thrilled to tell you about it. As a matter of fact, if you were sitting right here next to me, you'd probably have to physically shut me up or fall asleep before I'd stop telling you about it. It's so wonderful. :)

Last summer, my incredible brother and sis-in-love announced that they were having sweet babe #3. Thankfully, we have a friendship that is very open and she allowed me to poke and prod and ask questions that some women wouldn't have welcomed. They also were so very kind and allowed me to be at the monumental moment of my very first niece's birth. 

What an experience. 

It was nothing short of amazing. Ashley is pretty much a professional when it comes to carrying and having babies. Seriously, she made it look way too easy.

First slumber party with my sweet niece! Just hours after her birth. Such a gorgeous lil miss.

My best friend is a nurse out in Colorado and had shared with me her experience of training to be a doula as part of her studies to become a nurse. I was intrigued, but unsure of my qualifications. After witnessing my sis give birth, I knew I wanted to know more. I'd alway been interested in the process of pregnancy and childbirth and figured I really couldn't lose too much by attending a training. I searched and searched and contacted multiple training centers and educators all over the country and found only one that seemed to be a real, genuine human on the other end. 

Luckily for me, she wasn't too far away either.

I signed up to train under Liz Abbene, CD(DONA) (Certified Doula of DONA Int'l), LCCE (Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator), CBC(CBI)(Certified Breastfeeding Counselor through Childbirth International), BDT(DONA)(Birth Doula Trainer of Dona Int'l), CLEC(Certified Lactation Educator Counselor), and just recently, IBLCE(International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners). Liz is the Alpha Mama at Enlightened Mama in St. Paul, Minnesota. 

I can't tell you the anticipation I experienced those few weeks from signing up to walking through the door.

June 1st, I journeyed north to the Twin Cities where I was able to stay with a very dear friend (that's a whole other super cool story, perhaps next time!) and Monday morning I headed off to my first day of doula training! 

My journey was a little extra eventful with dark skies, big raindrops, and tornadoes!

Liz is so unbelievably knowledgeable. I am biased, but I'm pretty sure it's safe to say she's the expert of pregnancy and childbirth. Myself and ten other women from all different walks of life, sat together and soaked up as much as we could about breastfeeding, growing humans, and giving birth as we could fit in into our four days together. Some of us were able to stay for a bonus seminar with Dr. Mark Sloan (no, not from Grey's Anatomy) and learned about the differences and long term effects of vaginal and cesarean births. We had hands-on practice with coping and comfort techniques. We met families who shared their birth stories with us, both simple stories and very complex and scary birth stories and the roles and benefits their doula played in their birth. We were given the opportunity to connect with different programs, agencies, and the birth collective of the Twin Cities. As women interested in the process and experience of birth, we were learning that there is a serious need and that the world is our oyster!  

Looking back, I love the difference between day one and day four. Initially, I was nervous entering as a single woman who had never had a child and only experienced birth as a bystander. (Turns out of the 11 of us only three were mama's!) By day four, I hated to leave. These women had become my tribe, my people! I know I couldn't have received better, hands-on, interactive training ANYWHERE else (and I'd certainly looked far and wide!) One of the best things about Liz's training approach is that she had us share personal experiences throughout each topic. This allowed us all to connect to what it was that we were learning with a very first-person mentality, because of her teaching tactic, we had little to no disconnect. (And trust me, there was a lot of information!)

Me and my new tribe! :) 

Upon returning home, I shared my excitement with EVERYONE I came in contact with. I jabbered too many people's ears off... (Thank you to those of you gracious individuals who allowed me to share with you. You helped tremendously in my processing!) I devoured books by Ina May Gaskin (and now, very much would like to meet her in person, please!) Within a week I had found a family to practice my newfound knowledge and passion with. (This is another super cool story in and of itself!)

Seeing that this family was quickly approaching their due date, we condensed and fast-tracked our meetings a bit. We shared excitement and anticipation until I got the call that they were heading into the birthing center. (I think excitement and anticipation are a bit of an understatement!) 

Once I arrived and labor was in full-swing, I couldn't help but keep thinking over and over again, "I love this SO MUCH, I swear, I could do it all day, everyday!" It was such an intense and intimate situation with trials and victories, laughter and tears, pain and joy... Oh my goodness, it was amazing.

I got home late that next night or early that next morning (either way) and lay in my bed; body exhausted, mind and heart racing with adrenaline. At that moment, I decided once a week might be sufficient... but loved it all the same. 

As a doula, I have the privilege of meeting with the family not just as they anticipate the arrival of their child, but also in walking with them as they process the event postpartum. I can't express the honor it is to be trusted with sharing such an intimate and exciting moment in a family's life. I am extra blessed that my first family are dear friends of mine and are gracious enough to answer lots of pressing, sometimes personal questions regarding their pregnancy and birth experience and are kind enough to allow me to use them as guinea pigs for my first attempt at different tricks and tools (like the lactation cookie recipe below!) 

I know this is just the beginning of an incredible adventure. I cannot express the gratitude I have for God's graciousness in allowing me to find this less than common profession and pursue it whole-heartedly... I cannot imagine a better fit for my character, gifts, and heart than assisting women and their families in bringing a new life into the world. 

Ah, such an honor. :)

//

For those of you choosing to breastfeed, try out this fool-proof, super versatile recipe to help increase your milk-supply!

Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.  

In a small mixing bowl or mug, mix together 4 tablespoons water and 2 tablespoons flax meal. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, beat: 1 cup of butter (two sticks traditionally), 1 cup packed brown sugar, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 2 tablespoons molasses one at a time. Add one ingredient at a time.

If you've been advised to steer clear from dairy, Earth Balance has a dairy free substitute.

I suggest organic Blackstrap Molasses if at all possible, but this gem was hiding in our cupboard, so rather than throwing it out, I made the executive decision to put it to use...
Molasses is the mineral rich portion pulled from cane sugar. The iron and other minerals of molasses are easy to absorb making it a great help for new mamas lacking in iron. 

In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the following dry ingredients: 2 cups flour, 4 tablespoons Brewer's yeast, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon fresh ground ginger.

Mix the wet and dry ingredients into the large bowl.

The flaxseed and water mix together to create a gelatinous substance. The milled flax seed is beneficial to a breastfeeding mama because of its abundance of fiber and omega fatty acids (which are also critical for brain development and growth in sweet babes!) 

Add 3 cups old-fashioned, thick cut oats, 1/2 cup carob chips (or chocolate chips), 1 cup dried cherries (or your choice of dried fruit), 1/2 cup slivered almonds (or your choice of nuts). These ingredients in particular are super versatile - I used what I had on hand, but whatever fits your fancy will work!

Again, if you've been advised to steer clear from dairy, Sunspire has dairy free carob chips and Enjoy Life has dairy, wheat, and soy-free chocolate chips.

Scoop onto a well-greased or parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes. 

Enjoy!

//

I couldn't help myself... in my research for putting these bad boys together, I came across 'Lactating Fountains of Italy'... had to share this beaut! Ladies, I hope this recipe has the same effect on you and your milk supply! :)

Fontana di Nettuno, located in Bologna's Piazza Nettuno.

sausage & kale | a hearty breakfast

I love recipes that don't really need recipes. :)

I love when I don't have to measure anything and I can swap things in and out based on what's in the kitchen. Lately I've heard loads of people mention they've got all this kale growing in their gardens and don't know what to do with it! Until recently, I really only utilized kale in smoothies and as kale chips... I decided this was perfect reason to branch out. 

On a semi side-note: I've been reading this PHENOMENAL book, Integrative Nutrition by Joshua Rosenthal. The book builds off of primary foods and how to build the best health for YOUR LIFE through overwhelming the not-so-great and beneficial aspects that creep into life with things that give life, energy, happiness, and health. As the title infers, he writes a lot about food... however, he shares his wisdom on how so much more goes into our health and happiness. I don't want to give the whole book away, but I do highly suggest it as a great read.

...all that to say, I found a simple, to-the-point, super-easy recipe to use up some of that extra kale. :)

sausage & kale:

prep time: 5 minutes

cooking time: 10 minutes

these measurements serve two

1/2 small yellow onion

1 precooked chicken apple sausage (I used pork as it was the best option having no additives and only 5 ingredients - still delicious)

1/2 bunch kale

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

If your sausage has not already been frozen, your timeline might make more sense to cook your onions first. 

-Heat your pan. 

-Slice onion in two quarters (you're starting with a half, so just one slice down the middle,) then into little half moons or long, thin slivers.

-Slice sausage into 1/2 inch rounds and cook so it is nicely browned.

-Remove sausage from the pan and allow some of the excess grease to drain off on a plate. Set aside.

-Use the grease from the sausage to cook your onions, about 5 minutes.

-While your onions cook, chop your kale very finely into strips of 1/4-inch bits.

-Add sausage back to the pan.

-Add kale to the frying pan and cook for 5 minutes or until sausage is reheated and kale has become soft.

-Remove from heat and sprinkle with balsamic vinegar.

-Eat and enjoy!

*Recipe adapted from Joshua Rosenthal's book Integrative Nutrition.

dangerous connor's pass, the blarney castle, and a last-minute change of plans!

The Connor Pass is the tallest mountain pass in Ireland. It is located in County Kerry on the Dingle Penninsula. The road bridges the gap between Dingle, the town, and the coast on the other side of the mountain.

We had been warned that Connor's Pass is very dangerous and NOT recommended for tourists... we were even told that many locals avoid it for the treacherous set-up. The travel books and websites we'd Amanda had scoured before our adventures also all warned against it... 

I'll be honest... I was nervous. 

Amanda was confident that this would be  the thrill of a lifetime.

It's a good thing I trust her. :)

We had a blast.

As you can see, we were up close and personal... and going a bit too fast for me to capture the full sign.

Remember how I mentioned Ireland had been going through a drought in 2010? I'd say it's still quite beautiful.

I don't believe any of the danger lie in the winds, apparently they were a bonus just for us. Amanda and I were (as always) avid photo-takers, eager to document each and every sweet memory we encountered on this grand adventure. We found a scenic carpark where in one direction, we were able to see as far as the Aran Islands off the coast of County Galway, and in the other direction, we were able to see the beautiful backdrop of all the memories we'd just made in Dingle town. 

We stepped out of the car and found ourselves in a wind tunnel. As you can see by the photos, we nearly blew away! We could not stop giggling. It was unlike anything either of us had ever experienced. Unfortunately, the photos do NO JUSTICE. It was really super intense!

Tour buses, trucks, campers, and caravans are not allowed on this road due to the lack of view (and space) allotted while driving. 

See what I mean?

Amanda did an incredible job driving through the pass. Only once did I truly fear at the sight of this face, merely because it was followed by the sight of this vehicle:

I so wish there was something in this photo to gage how crazy narrow this road really is! We did work up a sufficient amount of nerves and fear prior to the drive, but both agreed that it was well worth the risk. I can't wait to try it again on my next visit... hopefully not during a drought!

SO much of the beauty of Ireland, and much of Europe in general, is the romantic history that lies there in their many castles that accessorize their roadsides and rolling hills. I guess when you know the history in detail, it's a lot less romantic with all of the captives and slaughterings and lack of freedom... but the princes and princesses and the fight for freedom! Now, that is romantic. 

We came to a fork in the road. We could follow the path laid out for us, follow the traditional tourist trap, and continue onto the big city of Cork... OR we could find something new.

We took the blue pill.

We followed the plan. 

I just wanted to build a little anticipation for ya. ;) (You're welcome!)

Beautiful Blarney Castle!!

One of my favorite 'games', if you will, is the 'Small World Game'. Some may know it as the 'Sixth Degree', but it's basically meeting people and finding that you already have a connection with them through a mutual friend, location, or experience (I typically start with people and I love it, it's just so great.) Well, as soon as we stepped out of our car, I saw a group of gals walking our direction with an Okoboji sweatshirt on. I really doubted there were more than one Okoboji in the world and asked the young girl if she was from Iowa. Sure enough, she was from Spencer, Iowa and knew a sweet girl I grew up with from elementary school. They were visiting for Spring Break and were going the opposite direction of the path we'd so recently covered.

We were told daffodils were typically EVERYWHERE by St. Paddy's Day... that they normally took over ditches! This was the first we'd seen and they were clearly manually placed there for aesthetic reasons by the people of the Blarney Castle.

Irish wit never ceases to amuse me. :)

Amanda told me this was the only reason she agreed to come to this silly stop (she's not a huge fan of tourist spots -- a lot of times, I'm not either, I definitely most enjoyed the locals we met and following their suggestions). She's got a good point. It's an incredible view.

Thanks to this kind lad, I survived kissing the Blarney Stone and we were able to carry on our merry way.

The original plan took us back to the city of Cork where we'd landed just a week earlier. We arrived and found our B&B with little to no problem. We put our things in there and drove a little bit into town. 

It was that moment where it dawns on you that you're just not quite where you need to be but that you're very close and you actually do know what comes next... we looked at each other and said, nearly simultaneously, "I don't like the city! I feel claustrophobic! Let's drive back down to Kinsale and see if we can find anyone we met last week!"

And simple as that, we were a mere 20 minutes from the most beautifully, magical pub in the world.

We parked the car in the carpark overlooking Kinsale Harbor and marched inside. We found the same table we'd started our journey at and made ourselves comfortable. 

Before we knew it, the bartender and others were coming over to our table, recognizing us as 'The American Girls, John and Danny's friends'. Over the course of the night, we learned everything we needed to know about exploring Ireland (too bad they ALL weren't there a week prior!) If only I could find that napkin I'd taken notes on!! They informed us how to find the house where Def Leppard stays when they're in Ireland, where to find Sinead O'Connor and Bono, they told us about where the end of P.S. I Love You was filmed and how to get there - seriously, conversation packed with vital information for one (or two) looking to explore Ireland and all it has to offer... I wish I could find that napkin!!

Anywho. Just being a part of the local scene was magical. They filled us in on their personal lives and asked us about ours. They asked our favorite part of our trip and we responded that obviously it was Kinsale, which was why we decided to make one last stop before leaving. 

It felt as if we'd always been a part of their community. It was gorgeous.

Amanda tracing our trails to share with our new friends.

John enjoying a traditional pint.

Local, incredible Irish duo.

And last, but certainly not least, Danny, our new bar-tender!