World Doula Week 2020
Each day of the week has a new prompt, but I am going to include all of them in one blog. :)
Day One: Introduce yourself
My name is Ali Sugarman, I'm a birth and postpartum doula in the Rocky mountains. I LOVE living amongst the trees and serving my mountain community. I am 29 years old, my strengths are listening, nurturing, and being present. My weaknesses are overthinking, being a workaholic, and not putting all of my intentions into action. Some of my favorite things to do outside of supporting mamas are hiking and exploring the wilderness, snuggling up with my family (husband, two doggies, and kitty), reading, seeing live music, dancing, and working on myself via meditation and self reflection.
I chose this photo from last year because Moab (and Arches) is my absolute favorite place on Earth!
Day 2: Where are you from?
I hail from Cincinnati, Ohio but I've called Colorado my home for over four years. I have lived in several cities including, Fort Collins, Boulder, Nederland, and now Black Hawk. Black hawk is in Gilpin county, which is only 40 minutes to Golden and Boulder, about an hour from Denver. I love that I live in the wilderness, but can easily get to a bigger city when I need to.
My husband and I are new homeowners so we will be here for at least the next ten years 🤗 I'm totally fine with that because the peace and serenity we find being near (pretty much IN) National Forest, state parks, miles upon miles of hiking, biking, climbing, fishing, and foraging is phenomenal! There's a "rough around the edges" kind of feel to the community which reminds us of Kentucky (Drew was born and raised there, and I spent 6 years of my adult life there as well 🧡)
Day 3: What's in your birth bag?
This pile of stuff comes from my birth bag! And that's my sweet kitty Korrah.
I have a variety of tools that I bring to births! My rebozo (probably my favorite tool), essential oils (peppermint, lavender, frankincense), cotton swabs for the EO's, a lavender eye pillow, wipes, big plastic bags for shoes or clothes that get messy, My Labor Progress Book for referencing positioning and problem solving, toiletries for me, snacks, flameless candles, phone charger, yoga ball for sacral massage, and anything else I can think of last minute:)
Even though I have all of these amazing tools, my hands, intention, and being present are way more important!
Day 4: Baby vs. Now
Baby photo vs. now photo 👉this is the only one I have on my phone!!
Day 5: Favorite On-The-Go Snacks!
Day 6: Show Your Space
This is one of my favorite places in the house.. it's my work space, my meditation couch, I have some of my favorite plants next to me, my doula calendar, planner, books, journal, food diary, and I can see the trees. Also, it's in the bedroom, so I still get that peaceful energy without having to be in bed!!
Day 7: Sage Doula Sisters
This is an old photo (we were going to do a photoshoot but then shit hit the fan), but these are some of the Sage sisters. @sage_birth_and_wellness is an amazing collective of women who want to give service to the community. Doulas, CLC's, therapists, PT's, acupuncturists, chiropractors, massage therapists, breathwork, reiki, reflexology. Holy wow! Really anything you could think of to help during preconception, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.🧡I'm so fortunate to have an amazing support system.