From Traumatized to Fulfulled

I don't talk a lot about my personal birth experience.

Sure, I complain about being pregnant because that was a process that was not kind to me in any shape, form, or fashion. I also tell plenty of stories about how my child flat out refused to sleep and I nearly had a nervous breakdown at 7 months old from sheer exhaustion. But, I skip the birth. Why?

It was and still is the most traumatic experience of my life.

Parts of it can still get me riled up but, for the most part, I've come to terms with tLG's birth story. It's really hard to explain with words the way her birth affected me and it's nearly impossible for someone else to understand unless they have experienced a traumatic birth themselves. It took me a year before I could even begin to process what happened, much less talk about it. For 365 days, I looked at my perfect baby and felt that she was ruined. I was broken and she was imperfect because of it. Trust me, there ain't no crazy like first time mom crazy especially when trauma is involved. Back then, if you would have told me I would become a doula, passionate about all things pregnancy, birth, and babies, I would have laughed. And probably cried too. I cried a lot back then.

By the time tLG was four I couldn't get enough of learning about pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding. It was healing in a way. During those years I had become the go-to person in my circle of friends, and even acquaintances, for advice on these topics. That's when I first thought about pursing doula certification. I started the process but, after reading the first chapter of the first book on the recommended list, I was emotional and furious all over again. I wasn't ready. Even though my traumatic birth experience was the spark that started this whole journey, I knew I couldn't be a good doula while still carrying my own baggage. A year later I was finally able to read through the books without getting enraged and mourning my birth experience. I completed my certification and started attending births with a fresh and open perspective. I felt free! FINALLY!

If you would have told me I would go to Africa on a mission trip and put those doula skills to use, again, I would have laughed. Hysterically, this time. I don't do foreign lands.

In the US, doulas follow a scope of practice that limits us to emotional and physical support only. Doulas do not perform medical tasks. When we recognize warning signs or are presented with medical questions, we give our clients resources and refer them back to their care provider to discuss their options and finalize their decision. I take my scope of practice very seriously but that has not prevented me from continuing my training and knowledge to gain additional skills. Birth is sometimes unpredictable. I like to be prepared. It's my darn type A personality. I've never had to use these skills and I don't advertise them but they are are a nice little tool to own. Just in case.

Fast forward to June 2014 and I hopped on a plane to Uganda, Africa. There, I'm not bound by scope of practice. As a certified doula, I have more training than most of their TBAs (traditional birth attendants). Not only was I teaching comfort measures on a daily basis but I was answering questions about pregnancy and birth. It took me a day or so to settle in and realize that even though I was prevented from answering such medical questions in the US, I may be the only "care provider" these women have ever seen and will ever see during this pregnancy. Any sound knowledge was better than none at all and certainly better than what they may hear from the local witchdoctor.

On some days I worked alongside a midwife, other days I worked alongside a nurse, but occasionally it was just me and a translator. Most of the questions and symptoms we encountered were mild and easily resolved but if a question was outside of my knowledge bank, I encouraged them to go to the clinic or hospital. I was also doing basic examinations including blood pressure, fundal height, fetal positioning, and heart tones. I can't tell you how amazing it felt to be able to put my skills and knowledge to use. I didn't have to tuck it away and hide it anymore. Not only that, but it was appreciated by the on-the-ground medical workers who needed reinforcements. In addition, we were welcomed by the village women who sometimes don't have access to medical care either because of transportation or financial reasons.

Several of my friends and family have said that seeing pictures of me in Uganda brought smiles to their faces and tears to their eyes. Even I look at these pictures and see the glow on my face. I was in my element and loving every second of it. I never in a million years would have guessed that measuring, palpating, and dopplering (ha!) bellies would be in my skill set and that I would enjoy doing it. I love talking pregnancy, birth, and babies to no end.

In Uganda, it is estimated that our team helped educate over 1000 women and worked with at least 150 in a clinical setting in the span of 10 days. Crazy, huh? What's even crazier is trying to wrap my mind around the fact that the most traumatic event of my life spurred me on to complete the most fulfilling thing I've ever done. On a different continent, no less.

And now that I'm home, I'm wondering, what in the world is next? Clearly I'm no good at predicting where this passion is taking me. I guess I'll do what I've always done.... approach it with with a fresh and open perspective.

nYn in Uganda | Declining Travel Vaccines

I recently traveled to Uganda, Africa for 2 weeks with Mercy for Mamas. Due to my personal convictions about health and wellness I elected not to receive any vaccinations or malaria prophylaxis. Below you will find the natural remedy protocol that I used during my time there.

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. The protocol listed below has not been evaluated by a medical doctor or natropath. This is simply the regimen I came up with after doing some research on my own.

For starters, let's discuss Yellow Fever. In retrospect, and after more research, I do not think it is required. Per the CDC, a Yellow Fever Vaccine is only required for entry into Uganda if you are coming from a country with a risk of Yellow Fever. The US is not on this list and I was traveling directly from the States.

What about re-entry? Again, per the CDC, the US has no vaccine requirements for entry.

I obtained a Yellow Fever card and exemption letter from a local travel doctor but, in the end, I don't think it was necessary. I was never asked for mine.

Other recommended vaccines include Typhoid, Hepatitis A & B, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio, Rabies, and Meningitis. Mefloquine or doxycycline are also recommended for malaria prophylaxis. To see the full list of CDC recommended travel vaccines, click here. For help finding a travel doctor, click here.

I personally looked at the 3 biggest threats (Malaria, Typhoid, Yellow Fever) and took steps to prevent those illnesses. I started this regimen about a week before I left and continued them a week after I returned home.

Immune Boosters - Echinacea, Astragalus, Goldenroot. I took 1 dropper full each morning and evening. I use Herbs for Kids because the taste is so much more pleasant. Probiotic. I took 1 capsule morning and evening. I specifically chose this one because it did not need to be refrigerated. Lavender. I placed this on my pillow every night not only to help with sleep but to fight bacteria. Elderberry. I took 1 lozenge morning and evening. Lemon. I put 2 drops in my water bottle each day. These are all for overall wellness to boost my immune system to fight off bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

Typoid Prevention - Coloidal Silver. I took 1 dropper full every morning and evening. This was mainly to protect against Typhoid or any other bacteria. I also made sure to consume only bottled water, no ice, and well cooked foods. I used boiled water for brushing my teeth. 

Malaria Prevention - Black Walnut and Wormwood. I took 1 dropper full morning and evening. This tastes terrible (no Herbs for Kids available in this blend) but these are some of the best herbs available for fighting parasites. 

Yellow Fever Prevention - Vitamin C. I took 2 tablets once a day. Great for fighting viruses.

Mosquito Bite Prevention - Mosquitos are carriers for both Yellow Fever and Malaria. I used my nYn Bug Spray which contains Lemon Eucalyptus (different from Lemon and Eucalyptus) throughout the day and made sure to sleep under a mosquito net each evening. I was also taking MSM, 1 capsule twice a day. It contains sulphur and repels mosquitos. 

I didn't get 1 mosquito bite. Another member of my team had more than 50 bites. Poor girl. :( Granted, something was biting me but it wasn't a mosquito. We think it was some sort of ant. I simply put a little tea tree oil on the few bites and they healed right up.  

Treatment - I also carried several things with me to treat disease should I become ill. Activated Charcoal, for stomach upset. Capsicum, to control internal bleeding, particularly with Yellow Fever and Malaria. Homeopathic phosphorus, treats Typhoid, Yellow Fever & Malaria. Quinine is also a known treatment for Malaria. My travel doctor also sent me with a prescription for an antibiotic and an antifungal, just as a precaution, but I didn't need either.

I also carried a wide variety of essential oils with me in addition to the ones mentioned above including peppermint, grapefruit, ginger, frankincense, rosemary, bergamont and eucalyptus. Just in case. 

I am very pleased to report that I did not have any issues on the trip. Some others on my team experienced nausea, vomiting and diarrhea that, thankfully, either resolved on its own or was treated with antibiotics. 

I hope that this guide may help someone else who is preparing to go to Uganda (or another country) but is unsure about the standard medical protocol for international travel. 

*Note: This post contains affiliate links. 

nYn in Uganda | Mercy for Mamas

I've just returned from an amazing trip to Uganda with Mercy for Mamas and wanted to share a quick update.

Background

Mercy for Mamas was started by Melissa Busby who adopted from Uganda in 2010. She learned that her daughter, Mercy, was orphaned because her mother died in childbirth. Melissa began to dig into the grim statistics about birth in Uganda and learned that 1 in 32 women die from pregnancy or childbirth related complications. It was then that she discovered Mama Kits.

These contain the basic supplies that a woman needs to have a clean and sterile birth (cotton wool, soap, gloves, cord tie, razor blade, plastic sheeting). In Uganda, a woman cannot deliver at a hospital unless she provides her own supplies. The cost of these items is only around $7 but many village women do not have the means to purchase them.

In an effort to honor Mercy's mother, the Busby's asked a few friends back in the States to help them purchase some Mama Kits for distribution. The idea took off like wildfire and Mercy for Mamas was born. To date, this organization has distributed over 10,000 Mama Kits in Uganda.

Fast forward to 2014 

A couple of times a year, Melissa takes a team of women to Uganda to distribute the kits and I was honored to tag along. We were in Uganda for 10 days and distributed about 2000 kits. We put 1000 directly into the hands of pregnant mothers and the other half were left with organizations that work directly within the communities for future needs.

Not only did we distribute the kits but we provided prenatal education and did basic examinations. We had a Ugandan nurse traveling with us who translated the information into Luganda, the native language. She talked to them about hygiene, vaccinations, the importance of prenatal care and when to be seen. In Uganda, the average prenatal care consists of just 4 exams.

Agnes, teaching under the gathering tree. 

I shared information on comfort measures during labor, birth, and breastfeeding tips. I was shocked to learn how the village women treat each other in labor. It's not supportive at all. I showed them ways they can work together to ease a laboring mother's discomfort. We also had a L&D nurse on our team and a pediatric nurse who addresses questions and concerns in their area of expertise. Overall, I felt like we provided them with some solid information that they most likely had never heard before.

Demonstrating the abdominal lift.

We set up several clinics for basic examinations as many of the women had never been seen for prenatal care. Others were experiencing what they felt to be a complication. Sometimes our clinics were on a bus, behind a curtain, or just a mat on the floor. Most of the things we saw were mild and easily resolved such as sciatica, heartburn, round ligament pain, general aches and pains, ect.  We referred out issues like UTI, yeast infection, elevated blood pressure, and STDs. By the end of the week, we had easily performed 100 exams but I totally lost count. Some of these mother's had never heard their baby's heartbeat before and it was so sweet to let them listen to that precious little swooshing.

To recap, we visited 6 villages, a women's prison, 3 crisis pregnancy centers, and 2 orphanages. We also held 2 missionary dinners to encourage expatriate women who are working full time in Uganda and building the day-to-day relationships with these women.

This little one had a tongue tie. 

It was an amazing journey! I have plenty of specific stories to share so be on the lookout for more posts coming soon. In the meantime, you can learn more about Mercy for Mamas here or read about the trip from our photographer's perspective.

Mothers and babies who delivered with a Mama Kit.

Note: All photos courtesy of A Southern Ruckus. Was so thankful to have her on the trip!

Uganda Prep Update #3: Health & Wellness

I leave for Africa in just 2 weeks. Eek!

The reality of that is starting to set in and I'm trying not to panic. Ha! I've done a ton to prepare but I still feel like I have so much left to do.

This post will focus on the knowledge I have gained in regards to disease prevention.

VACCINATIONS - I finally had my appointment with the travel clinic last week and was able to secure the exemption I needed for yellow fever. There are a ton of "recommended" vaccines (hepatitis A & B, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, typhoid, rabies, and meningitis) but some countries "require" a yellow fever vaccine. As many of you know, my personal beliefs and convictions about health and wellness prevent me from receiving vaccines. I believe the risk of the vaccination outweighs the risk of the disease. I also believe that a healthy immune system can fight off germs of all shapes and sizes with the aid of natural remedies. Vaccines trick our immune systems and, in the process, they actually lower our primary immune response.

Ultimately, the goal, of course, is not to contract any of these pesky diseases in the first place. I have already started daily immune boosters (astragalus, echinacea, vitamin C, elderberry, vitamin D, zinc, probiotic). I will continue these on the trip in addition to adding in super lysine, garlic, colloidal silver, essential oils such as lavender, lemon, tea tree and rosemary, and tinctures like wormwood, black walnut, and licorice root. Click here to view my complete alternative treatment regimen.

When you get down to the nitty gritty, these are the 3 most common disease threats in Uganda...

YELLOW FEVER - A virus transmitted through infected mosquitos. We will be in Uganda during the "dry season" so that should help. All of our lodging will have mosquito netting as well. Plus, I will be using natural mosquito repellents such as lemon eucalyptus (different than lemon and eucalyptus), garlic, and sulphur (natural mineral in the body). If infected, I will be treating with phosphorus, vitamin C, fenugreek, capsicum, and geranium. These are known to boost the immune system and aid the liver. The capsicum and geranium are to assist with hemorrhage should a severe case occur. There is no known treatment for yellow fever, only supportive measures.

MALARIA - A parasite transmitted through infected mosquitos. See above for insect bite prevention. The travel clinic doctor advised that all fevers should be treated as malaria until proven otherwise. A typical malaria attack lasts 6-10 hours. The known treatment for malaria is quinine, which I have in tincture form. If infected, I will also be using wormwood, black walnut, and licorice root tinctures as they are known to fight off parasites. Capsicum and phosphorus are also known to help with malaria treatment.

TYPHOID - A bacteria transmitted through poorly cooked food or contaminated water. I will only be consuming bottled water and eating well-cooked foods (no raw veggies or fruits). The travel medicine doctor advised that I take a chewable bismuch subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) with any meal I feel could be contaminated. This is a natural bacteria killer but it only works in the stomach so it must be taken at the same time as any food or drink containing bacteria. In addition, I did receive a prescription for azithromycin to take with me just in case. He advised that all cases of diarrhea with fever should be treated as typhoid until proven otherwise.

I have a million things that I'm worried about but disease really isn't one of them. For starters, I don't plan to get sick. But, if I do, then I will address it at that time using the knowledge that I have gained and relying on modernized medical care as the last resort that it should be. God has given us some amazing natural ways to prevent and treat illness so I like to start with those as a first line of defense.

Stay tuned for my next update. It will be about packing lists and childcare, two logistical challenges that I'm currently working through.

As always, if you've been meaning to contribute financially, it's still not too late. Checks can be earmarked for Staci Bishop and sent to this address or you can click the Donate button below.

Mercy for Mamas  |  1604 Prairie Run Circle  |  Mulvane, KS 67110

Note: You do not have to have a Paypal account to donate through this link. You can also donate with a debit or credit card via the "Continue" link on the bottom left of the next page.

Uganda Prep Update #2

Just joining in? Here's the backstory....

• nYn Supports Women & Children in Uganda
• nYn is Going to Uganda
• Uganda Trip Preparation Update

Things are going really well as far as preparations. My financial support has been coming in sure and steady, for which I am beyond thankful. Like, you have no idea how much each donation means to me. Hashtag "blessed" doesn't even begin to cover it. The Lord has consistently given me peace and comfort regarding this trip whenever I would get worked up about $3000. That's nothing to Him! 

I had enough in my MfM account to meet the first big deadline to purchase our group airfare tickets this week. PTL! The next deadline isn't until the end of May where I have to pay for accommodations. If you were planning to donate and it slipped your mind, it's not too late! You can donate through the Paypal link online. You can also make a tax-deductible donation by sending a check to the address below and earmarking it for Staci Bishop. 

Mercy for Mamas  |  1604 Prairie Run Circle  |  Mulvane, KS 67110

Two weeks ago, I finally made it to the post office and sent off to have my passport renewed. Let's just say that a wee bit of time has passed since my last passport photo at age 19. I may have aged just a smidge. 

Up next is trying to find a travel clinic in the Nashville area who will allow me to receive my Yellow Fever Card with an exemption. Due to my personal convictions about health & wellness I have decided to decline the recommended vaccinations for international travel and this area of Africa. Yellow Fever is the only shot "required" for entry into Uganda but I should be able to file an exemption, according to others who have done this. Of course, it may be easier said than done but I'm certainly going to try. The alternative is going without the card and hoping I'm not asked for it when going through customs. I'd rather not take that chance if I don't have to. 

I've also began my research into alternative therapies and immune boosters against malaria and typhoid, the biggest disease threats in this area. I will be sure to do a complete post on that when I've got my regimen nailed down. 

Many of you have asked how you can become more involved by providing Mama Kits. I can't tell you how much it excites me that this cause has pricked your heart as well. You can make donations through Hope Venture on a one-time or recurring basis. The kits are a mere $7 each and provide sterile birthing supplies for a clean and safe delivery. They are then distributed by Mercy for Mamas on trips like the one I'm joining this summer. 

Please know that I treasure each one of you who are following along with me on this journey! Until the next update.... 

Uganda Trip Preparation Update

At this point, the reality of my trip has set in yet I stay on the same roller coaster of emotions ranging from super excited to super anxious. Today, I'm somewhere in between so I thought I'd post a little update on what's been happening.

Last week I found out that Mercy for Mamas is applying for non-profit status. That means that all donations made payable to them (and earmarked for me) will be tax-deductible for you. Yay!

Mercy for Mamas  |  1604 Prairie Run Circle  |  Mulvane, KS 67110 

As many of you know, the only reason I even know where Uganda sits on the map is thanks to my Birmingham Bestie who adopted her little one from there in 2010.

Guess what.

Wait for it.....

She's going on the trip too!!!!!!!!!! How crazy awesome is it that I'm getting to visit Uganda for the first time with the person who introduced me to this country? God sure has a way of making good things even better! This trip has sweet memories already and I haven't even left yet.

Up next is renewing my passport that is currently expired. That's going to require a trip to the passport office, also known as the post office, so I'm sure you understand my delay. I never know what I'm going to get, so I'm hoping I catch them on a good day. ;)

I appreciate each and every one of you who have been excited right along with me and for those who have offered to pray for me. It warms my heart! For those who have already made donations, please know that each one has caused me to squeal with glee (or do the ugly cry) because I'm just so grateful! Every little bit puts me one step closer to helping mothers and babies in Uganda in a unique way. Thank you!

nYn Is Going to Uganda!

There really are no words to contain my excitement right now!

Six months ago I announced that nYn would be partnering with 2 amazing groups in Uganda which support women and children.

I'm thrilled to announce that in June 2014, I AM GOING TO UGANDA with Mercy for Mamas!

*major happy dance*

Did you know that Ugandan women are unable to deliver in a hospital, birth center, or clinic unless they provide their own supplies? Unfortunatley, this means that 59% of women deliver without the help of a trained nurse, midwife or doctor and 1 in 35 women die from pregnancy or childbirth complications.

ONE in THIRTY FIVE.

What if I told you the cost of these basic supplies was only $7?

ONLY SEVEN DOLLARS!

This summer, Mercy for Mamas is taking a team of women to distribute 2000 "mama kits" which contain basic necessities for a clean and safe birth.

TWO THOUSAND!!!

During our 12-day trip, I will also be assisting with basic examinations as well as prenatal education including childbirth, nutrition, breastfeeding and parenting classes.

Seriously, it's like this trip was made for me. How could I say no? I've never desired to go out of the country for a mission trip, until now.

Today, I was having a conversation with my 7-year-old daughter about the trip. I was telling her that I was a little bit scared but I felt like God was asking me to step out of my comfort zone and say "Yes!" She reaches over to hold my hand and says, "Mommy, don't be scared. You are going to help those mamas so their babies don't have to be orphans." Y'all. This kid is wise beyond her years and tears were streaming down my face. Even at the young age of 7, she gets it. She totally gets it! I don't know how else to explain why I want to go to Uganda but she summed it up, perfectly!

In 2010, my best friend adopted from Uganda. Before that journey alongside her family, I didn't even know where Uganda was. She says I was her "adoption doula." In turn, I say Uganda stole a piece of my heart.

Doulas support families in a variety of ways. Those include education, emotional support, and comfort measures for pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period.

Doulas are needed in Uganda and nYn is going to help.

However, I need your help to get there. Overall, I need to raise $3000 in support in 90 days. That's kind of unfathomable to me right now. But, I believe that God laid this on my heart for a reason, and I believe that He will provide a way. Just yesterday, a check magically showed up in my mailbox that covered the deposit to secure my plane tickets. Awesome, right?!

If you would like to help, please consider donating. Every bit counts no matter how big or small. I would be ever so thankful for your support! Checks sent to the organization below are tax-deductible. Just remember to earmark it for Staci Bishop.

Mercy for Mamas  |  1604 Prairie Run Circle  |  Mulvane, KS 67110 

You can also contribute by clicking the Donate button below. If you have general questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at bishopstaci@gmail.com. In the meantime, I'll be over here trying to wrap my head around this amazing opportunity that has literally fallen in my lap (and doing the happy dance). God is SO good!

Note: You do not have to have a Paypal account to donate through this link. You can also donate with a debit or credit card via the "Continue" link on the bottom left of the next page. 

UPDATE: I'm home. Here's a recap of my trip.

nYn Supports Women & Children in Uganda

This has been on my heart for a while and I'm excited to share it with you!

Starting today, a portion of all nYn doula fees will be given to ministries in Uganda.  

I've never even been to Africa but there is a piece of my heart reserved for Uganda. Why? Well....

My best friend, who also blogs at A Southern Ruckus, adopted her daughter from Uganda in 2010. In an attempt to survive the painstaking waiting process, she soaked in as much knowledge as she could about Uganda: the landscape, the history, the culture, the language, the orphanage, logistics. Everything. In my attempt to support her as much as possible during this time, I learned right along with her. We've often joked that I was her "adoption doula." I read the same websites, saw the same pictures, read reviews on her book selections, followed the same blogs, and stalked kept up with the same people on Twitter. Some of my favorite people on the Internet right now are families that I "met" virtually during that process. Many of them have also adopted from Uganda. 

When my bestie was in Uganda for 6 weeks, I lived vicariously through her via email, chat, blog updates and video conferencing (thank goodness for technology). While I have never experienced Uganda first hand, it's 3 years later and still on my mind. Mainly because it pops into my blog newsfeed so frequently. ;) In the last few months, I have been feeling the need to continue to support women and children in Uganda. 

After much prayer and consideration, I'm excited to put real funds towards the following ministries. When you hire me as your doula, a portion of that fee will be given directly to this family and organization. Read below to learn more about each of them! 

NATHAN & JADE METZ

I "met" Jade when she was on Uganda soil waiting to bring her son home. Her personality, patience, humbleness and love for the Lord was and still is abundant. I've been inspired by her in ways she will never know. Now, her family is preparing to go back to pursue a full-time ministry opportunity.

MERCY FOR MAMAS

I also "met" Melissa while she was in Uganda waiting to adopt her daughter. She brought to my attention to conditions in which Ugandan women deliver their babies. She began distributing "Mama Kits" to help the women of Uganda have cleaner, safer births.