The Reynolds Nation

Keeping the house clean... The struggle is real and true...and many of us don't know how to get out of the vicious cycle. I understand. I have been there. I have five kids going in 5 different directions. I know. I so know what it feels like to get one area cleaned to turn around and see another disaster. So, how do you conquer this?  Ok, Ok, you can't get rid of the kids...or in some cases, your husband. Yes, I said it. Sometimes, it may be your other half. Even if it is, what can you do?  I have walked through this struggle. And to be honest ladies, it's really not a struggle for me. Ninety-nine percent of the time my house is company-ready. I like it to look nice, just in case somebody stops by. I never want to be embarrassed. But at the same time I am not a slave to my house. I have found that the more organized I have become the more time and spontanaiety I have in my life. Order can be a freeing thing. And yes, when the kids are younger it is har...

Three years ago I decided to take the classes to become certified as a Doula. I had been an Lactation Counselor for 7 years, and my kids were getting older, so I decided it was time to pursue this dream of mine.  What exactly is a doula? Most people don't know what it is. They think I am a midwife and I get to catch babies. That would be awesome...but a bit scary for me. The true definition of a doula is: a woman who is trained to assist another woman during childbirth and who may provide support to the family after the baby is born. That's it. Plain and simple. I don't do anything medical...I don't catch babies...but it is one of the most amazing jobs ever, ever, ever.  I get to support a mom emotionally, mentally, physically while she goes through one of the most challenging times of her life. I breathe with her...through every contraction. I move her around to better positions in different parts of the labor. I talk to her and tell her she is doing such a good ...

It seems that I have been going to births for most of my adult life. The first birth I ever was at was for my niece Brianna, and that was 22 years ago. I was 18 years old and it was one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. Little did I know at that tender age that I would be attending births as a job...as a careeer. There are so many moments that you experience as a doula. There are so many highs and lows. And there are so many hours that you are there. Many moments of laughter, maybe tears, tense decisions and talking. The first moment that I always think of is when you get that first phone call. It seems like they are always in the middle of the night. The jolt from bed you get when you hear your phone ring. It startles me. You are expecting the call any day, but somehow you didn't think it would be that night.  And then the adrenaline rush comes in.  Usually my doula bag is packed, a shower is a must (never too sure when you will get another one), and I usuall...