Expecting A Blessing

Home
United States
Mesa, AZ
Expecting A Blessing

Equipping Arizona families with the tools and care that bring confidence and mindfulness into their www.expectingablessing.com
(7)

Delivering education, encouragement, and support to expecting families in Arizona.

02/18/2023

Pssst… I’ve got a sneak peek to share with you. I’ll give you a hint: my lovely pelvis prop will be coming with me. Any guesses on our new class location? Drop 'em in the comments below!

10/31/2022

I couldn’t resist jumping on this Halloween meme trend 😜

Join us for our next one day childbirth class on November 12 to gain your own tool kit to navigate your birth!

Schedule and registration links in my bio.

10/12/2022

Imagine what your future would be like if you were unapologetic about what you wanted for your upcoming birth.

Big or small, what you want matters!

Consider this the sign you need to add a guide to your team... because you don’t have to walk this birth story alone!

I will walk alongside you and your partner to bridge the gap between the unpredictability of birth and the options you value for your experience and equip you to create memories you will cherish for a lifetime.

Raise your 🙋🏼‍♀️ if you’ll be taking a step towards a better hospital birth experience today!

09/26/2022

Essential oils can be a super helpful tool to utilize during labor.

Sweet Orange can help give an extra boost of energy or keep the mind refreshed.

Lavender can be relaxing and help you settle into a labor groove.

TIP: If you plan to use essential oils during your labor, I recommend putting a
few drops on a washcloth rather than in a diffuser or applying them on your skin. This way it's easy to get the scent out of the room if the smell starts to bother you.

Learn more about this and many other tools in our 'Comfort in Labor class.

Join us for our next class on October 11th via the link in my bio!

09/25/2022

Your heart grows to embrace a new human.

It’s not just a figure of speech - your heart truly does grow when you have a baby!

During pregnancy, your blood volume increases by about 50%
(twice that for twins!). To keep up, the walls of your heart get thicker and stronger, making it bigger than it was pre-pregnancy.

Our bodies are pretty incredible! Not only changing emotionally in preparation for a new baby, but also physically!

08/05/2022

Summer adventures have me reflecting… What has your career path looked like?

My pathway to becoming a childbirth coach and educator started 7 years ago.

It’s something that I naturally fell into after watching many families transition through pregnancy, birth, and then welcoming a new little one into their home. I saw the joy and the struggles and I witnessed from an outsider's perspective the kind of education and care that made a difference in their experience.

I 'officially' began my journey in March 2015 when I took a doula training course. I quickly found that educating families was just as-if not more-important than physically supporting them and ran to become and childbirth education instructor the same year.

It was equal parts terrifying and exhilarating.

I had many doubting thoughts cross my mind.

Who was I to help guide families through this exciting, yet overwhelming time in their lives?

I am so glad I didn't let those thoughts stop me!

This job is even better than I could have dreamed thanks to such an incredible community and even more amazing clients whom I get to serve on the daily.

So tell me… What got you started on your path?

08/02/2022

Many new mothers experience painful sore ni***es in the early weeks of breastfeeding. This is commonly caused by a less-than-perfect latch.

If you’re starting to get sore, cracked, or bleeding ni***es, it’s essential to see a lactation professional (IBCLC) who can help you with latch and positioning.

To aid the healing process, try the following:

-Avoid tight bras or synthetic fabrics. Loose clothing promotes air flow to your sore ni***es so they can heal properly.
-After a feeding, rub a little breast milk into your ni***es. After they dry, apply a soothing ni**le balm or lanolin.
-Nurse on the side that is less sore first. In extreme cases, you may be advised to pump on the sore side until the skin begins to heal and your baby’s latch has improved.
-Vary your nursing positions. This switches up the areas where your baby’s mouth is putting pressure.
-If you’re engorged, hand express to soften your breasts to help your baby latch on more deeply.
-Try soothing gel pads after feedings.

If you need a referral to a trusted IBCLC for your challenges, DM me. Happy to point you in the right direction.

07/29/2022

If you've heard it once, you've heard it a million times.

Preparing your body NOW for labor can make a huge difference.

If you've attended any of my classes you know I begin to sound like a broken record when referring to preparing your body for birth.

One of my favorite recommendations for preparing now is utilizing the 'Three Balances' from Spinning Babies.

#1 - It's free. Simply wander over to your VIParent resource page (link in your post-class email) and pull up the PDF.

#2 - It takes as little as 10 minutes a day.

#3 - Find relief from even your pregnancy discomforts.

Yep, you heard me right, by doing just three exercises you can feel relief during pregnancy and begin to prepare your body for labor.

Have no idea what I am referring to? Register for our next one-day childbirth class and start filling your (metaphorical) tool belt with pregnancy and birth tools.

07/26/2022

👏BIRTH IS BETTER WITH SUPPORT👏
..and a hip squeeze is just one of so many supporting tasks that your birth partner can do to help you feel more comfortable during labor.

As your body changes to allow a baby to be born, it can be an incredible relief to have some counter pressure.

Ready for your birth partner to know how to support you like this? DM me and we can chat about how I can help your partner feel more confident in supporting you during labor.

07/22/2022

They say that nobody knows what goes on behind closed doors, but I’m about to change that!
If you could go behind-the-scenes in my business, you’d see that life as a doula is C-R-A-Z-Y.
For example, over the last week I juggled prenatal/postnatal visits, last-minute registrations for my Saturday childbirth class, a client with some prodromal labor, a brand photo shoot, finals for my summer college classes... and the list goes on.
How do I manage it all? Let’s just say my phone is my BFF and I have some mean skills when it comes to setting up my business systems!
Life may be busy, but I wouldn’t change a thing. What does life look like behind your door?

07/21/2022

Can I help you push those worries to the side?

How many times have you heard that you’ll never reach your birth experience goals without spending loads of hours in preparation and then fighting tooth and nail for what you want?

Well, I have good news!

You can achieve a birth experience you will treasure for years to come without cramming in all the books and google searches.

In fact, I offer a one-day childbirth class because I believe you don't have to be an expert in childbirth to have a good experience.

(Mic Drop)

I’d love to share more with you about my unique and eclectic approach to preparing for your childbirth.

We can make this birth your best one yet!

Leave a comment below or send me a DM. Always here to help!

07/19/2022

How do you know when it’s time to go to the hospital or birth center?
Some people experience clear signs that it’s time to make the move from home to hospital, like their water breaking with a gush.
But for most, it’s more of a gray area as early labor builds to active labor.
The general rule of thumb is to start heading to the hospital when contractions are 4-5 minutes apart, lasting at least a minute long, are getting stronger, and have been following this pattern for at least one hour.
However, several factors can affect how this applies to you. Have you had quick labors in the past? How far from the hospital do you live? How are you coping with contractions, and are you planning an unmedicated or medicated birth?
Your contraction pattern and unique circumstances all factor into the equation, but ultimately trusting your instincts and communicating with your doula is the best plan when deciding if you’re ready to head to the hospital.
Learn more about how to navigate 'go time' at our next One-Day childbirth class. Link in bio.

07/14/2022

In the last month of pregnancy, it can feel like the clock is ticking backward.

On top of the work of carrying a fully formed human, living in a constant state of unknown is exhausting. When will labor begin? What will contractions feel like? What will it be like to finally meet your baby?

As hard as it seems, try to embrace these unknowns. Ground yourself in the present moment and trust that all will unfold in due time.

Take lots of pictures – even if you don't feel like it now, you’ll appreciate being able to look back on the remarkable job your body is doing.

And most importantly, nourish yourself – with good food, gentle movement, and laughter.

YOU’VE GOT THIS!

PS - If you want to relieve some of those 'unknown' feelings, reach out via DM and I'll guide you to some resources.

07/12/2022

Seven years ago I started serving families as they welcomed their newest additions.
When I first started, I thought the best part would be the number of families I could care for without a cap.
But today, it goes much deeper.
My favorite thing about being a doula is working with that ONE family.
The one that has done this before but is apprehensive to do it again
The one that is at it for the first time and is ready to burst with excitement
The one that is terrified of whatever might come next
The one that is confident and ready to take on whatever decides to come
To meet each ONE family where they are and serve them in the way they need.
THIS is why I do what I do.

01/20/2022

They say that nobody knows what goes on behind closed doors, but I’m about to change that!
If you could go behind-the-scenes in my business, you’d see that life as a doula is C-R-A-Z-Y.
For example, over the last week I juggled prenatal/postnatal visits, last-minute registrations for my Saturday childbirth class, a client with some prodromal labor, a brand photo shoot, prep for college classes that started Tuesday... and the list goes on.
How do I manage it all? Let’s just say my phone is my BFF and I have some mean skills when it comes to setting up my business systems!
Life may be busy, but I wouldn’t change a thing. What does life look like behind your door?

01/02/2022

What an incredible year! I am so grateful to each and every family that invited me into such a special space to support and guide them.

What a joy it was so see each parent transform and show their incredible strength as they journeyed through a miraculous life event.

Many well wishes to you and yours this New Year’s Day. I’m looking forward to what 2022 brings!

10/12/2021

What happens at the anatomy scan? This level 2 ultrasound exam is scheduled between weeks 18-22 of pregnancy, and takes a thorough look at your baby’s development. During the exam, the technician will take many detailed measurements of your baby’s organs, bones, and placenta. These measurements assess your baby’s growth and can detect if they are at risk for a congenital abnormality. At the anatomy scan, you will also be able to learn your baby’s gender if you so choose. This ultrasound usually takes around 30-45 minutes to complete.

Have another question about ultrasounds during pregnancy? Pop into my DM's or attend my next prenatal class (Link in bio)

09/23/2021

Fall is HERE!

Well, at least that’s what we’re being told 😜

I am itching to get back to my beloved boots and cardigans. (I know, I know, I may be waiting a few weeks yet. Darn AZ weather)

While this season will be full of teaching childbirth classes, attending Lamaze study groups, and witnessing beautiful births as they come, I am excited to spend more time with my family and check of some sweet traditions and memories.

What do you do during these beautiful autumn months? (besides rejoice in the cooler weather that's coming!) I’d love to hear your recommendations!

In the mean time, I’ll pretend that the air conditioning is a first day of fall breeze by lighting this candle and putting out my pumpkins.

09/17/2021

Milk and cookies. Wine and bubble bath. Peanut butter and jelly.

Some things just belong together… like you and me!

Yes, YOU.

I see you.

Trying to support your partner as their body grows another human.

Scraping to understand what comes next and how you can possibly help to make things easier.

Worried about when it's 'go time' and you have to remember all the things you've been storing away just for this moment.

Let me let you in on a little secret. I CAN HELP YOU.

Yes, YOU.

I am your wingman. You know the one that keeps you out of trouble and whispers the next best step to take.

I am here with the skill, experience, and knowledge about birth to make you look like the most amazing and supportive partner.

You bring the love, history, and knowledge of your birthing partner to make this the most perfect pairing.

Partners and doulas... were the perfect team!

I really thought you ought to know.

Feel free to DM me now and I will send you some golden nuggets of wisdom to help you be the support partner you've wanted to be.

09/16/2021

Your body can withstand almost anything. It's your mind you have to convince. - Ina May Gaskin

Our minds are POWERFUL!

What did you do to prepare yours for labor and delivery?

09/15/2021

True or false: Humans and plants are strangely similar.

Hear me out on this one, because I just realized something: we both have roots.

Yes, plants have literal roots, but humans have roots that ground us on our journey through life.

For example, my roots stem back to a small town in central AZ, where everybody knew everybody.

Growing up in a community where everyone was willing to drop what they were doing to help out their neighbor, where you were expected to pull your weight and getting your hands worn and dirty was just part of life and really made an impact on me, and I’m a better person because of it.

As time goes on, we, like plants, may grow more branches and sprout more flowers, but everything depends on a strong foundation.

Tell me, where are your roots, and what have you learned from them?

09/14/2021

IT'S BABY SAFETY MONTH!

Think of baby-proofing as an ongoing process, not one box to be checked.

Because as your baby grows and develops, you’ll need to adjust or upgrade your babyproofing efforts.

Not sure what to baby-proof?

Get down on your hands and knees to see your home from your baby’s perspective.

What baby safety tips have been most helpful for your family?

09/13/2021

Did you know that a study from 2015 showed that 80% of birthers who TOLAC will result in a VBAC?

Not 20%.. not 30%... not 40%... but 80 PERCENT!

I know you're looking at me with a questioning expression on your face.

Likely because you heard a number in the 50 percent range when you asked about your odds. Lower if you're a POC. (Hint: If your provider is cutting your odds by including race in their calculation, you're probably with one behind the curve.)

It's incredible to me how many birthers are labeled with such low numbers and yet we have evidence from studies that show 8 out of 10 of you will come out the other side of labor having born a baby vaginally.

hmmmmmm

Want more (evidence-based ;) VBAC odds content? Join me in our next VBAC prep class!

Register through the link in my bio.

09/01/2021

Birth affirmations are positive statements to encourage and inspire you in labor.

Say them aloud in pregnancy, post them around your house, or hang a beautiful flag of affirmations in your labor room.

Affirmations help you powerfully shift your mindset in preparation for, and during, the challenges of labor and birth.

I am excited to finally share this geek-inspired deck!

If you are the slightest bit interested in Harry Potter, LOTR, and the avengers like I am, I think you'll find this set of 40 cards to be the perfect addition to your mindfulness preparation for birth.

TODAY ONLY::: If you send me your receipt I will put you in a drawing to have your deck comped!

CURRENT STUDENT OR CLIENT? Send me a message for a special coupon code ;)

08/31/2021

Got extra breast milk?

Here are some creative ideas to try and work through that overabundant freezer stash:

-Donate: If your milk hasn't expired and you’re not on certain medications, you may be able to donate your milk to your local breast milk bank. Visit https://www.hmbana.org to learn more.
-Mix into food. You can mix breast milk into purees, baby oatmeal, or even any regular recipe that calls for milk such as pancakes.
-Bath time! Mix extra breast milk into your or your baby’s bath. It’s wonderfully soothing and moisturizing for the skin.
-Make breast milk pops. Your teething baby will love the way these frozen treats feel on their sore gums.
-Make a keepsake. Some artisans specialize in preserving your breast milk into a beautiful piece of jewelry. I know we have a local who creates check her out!

08/30/2021

08/27/2021

Not sure if your waters have broken?

You’re not alone.

It can sometimes be difficult to tell.

Unlike in the movies, most don’t experience that telltale gush before labor begins.

It’s possible for the amniotic sac to have a high, small leak that results in small gushes of fluid that feel almost like you’re peeing yourself.

Your baby’s head also may be low enough to be acting as a plug, only allowing relatively small amounts of fluid to leak when you change positions.

If you think your waters may be broken, put on a new pair of underwear and a pantiliner, then call your provider.

They may have you wait a bit longer to see if the fluid continues to leak. Other times they advise coming into the office, a simple test can determine if the fluid is indeed amniotic fluid.

08/26/2021

It's still warm out there.

Beat the heat by staying well-hydrated and keeping out of direct sun.

Try to go for walks and exercise gently (swimming is perfect!) during the cooler parts of the day, and rest often in between.

A lot of people have less of an appetite when it’s hot outside, so be mindful as you make your way through the day that you’re still getting enough protein and calories to keep yourself well.

Address

56 S. Center Street
Mesa, AZ
85201

Website

http://www.expectingablessing.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Expecting A Blessing posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Hi! I’m Leanna…

CERTIFIED BIRTH DOULA & CHILDBIRTH EDUCATOR

I have truly enjoyed turning my natural gift of support and warmth into a career where I am able to coach and encourage mothers and their partners as they navigate their chosen birth plans.

I understand the excitement, uncertainty and even fear that comes as you enter into your parenting journey.

Whether this is your first time or your fifth, I am here to help you unlock your innate parenting ability, provide you with meaningful support at every turn, and equip you with the necessary tools to navigate this unique experience, all while creating memories that your family will treasure forever.