No 'Poo Part 4: Update

Want to start at the beginning?
No 'Poo Part 1: The Journey
No 'Poo Part 2: The Experiment
No 'Poo Part 3: Switching to Low Poo

Someone commented on my hair today and it reminded me that I hadn't done an update in a while. Let's see, when we left off I was doing a low 'poo method of baking soda, water, and castille soap.

In September of 2013 (4 months into the experiment) my hair was acting funky again. I was using the same concoction but I never knew if it was going to be a good hair day or a bad hair day. It varied so much and I couldn't figure it out. The uncertainty was really frustrating. I was getting ready to leave for a 6-day work trip and started panicking about what to do. I am an event planner who would be hosting our big, annual conference. I needed awesome hair every day, no exceptions.

At this point, I purchased a sulfate, phthalates and paraban-free shampoo. We were already using this brand for my daughter so I felt comfortable with using it myself. I used a quarter-sized amount to wash my hair every other day during the show. Once home, I attempted to return to my old low 'poo method but became frustrated with the uncertainly again.

At this point, I finally got brave enough to try what I've wanted to do from the beginning... water only. With this method, you don't use anything on your hair other than plan ole H2O. I hear that it takes about 2 weeks for your hair to normalize especially if you have already been doing no 'poo or low 'poo regimens. Four weeks later, my hair was still wasn't adjusted even to the point where my hubby made a comment about it. That's the day that I threw in the towel. 

Here is my current regimen. Basically, I take an old shampoo bottle and fill it up with water (about 10 ounces). Then, I put in a quick squirt of the Alba Botanicals shampoo. I shake that up and use that mixture to wash my hair. Each fill of the bottle lasts me about a week (3 washes).  It's pretty much super-diluted, natural shampoo. I use about a dime-sized drop of Alba Botanicals conditioner on the ends of my hair and rinse out at the end of each wash.

Technically, what I'm doing now is still considered low 'poo. I've been on this regimen since December (about 3 months) and haven't had a single issue. Plus, it's just as inexpensive as the baking soda/vinegar method, or maybe even less. I'm still using the very 1st bottle I bought 5 months ago. Considering that I got a compliment on my hair today, I'd say it's working out pretty good. Ideally, I'd like to find the minimum amount of shampoo my hair really needs and/or be able to push back my wash days to every 4th day.

I really wanted no 'poo to work for me. Heck, I still REALLY want the water-only method to work for me. How convenient and easy would that be? But, alas, neither has worked out so far. At this point, I think I've tried every natural hair washing technique aside from CO (conditioner only). Maybe I'll give that a go next time. ;)

nYn Is Hiring Doulas

nurturing YOU naturally is expanding! At this time, I am looking to create teams of 2-3 doulas on an ongoing basis, starting in Nashville, TN and possibly other markets in the future. Please read through the following to determine if you would be a good fit. This is a great opportunity for someone who doesn’t want to deal with the business/paperwork part of being a doula. We handle all of that for you. This is also a nice opportunity for an up-and-coming doula who would benefit from some guidance as they get started.

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please reach out to us at nurturingYOUnaturally@gmail.com.

You will be expected to:

•  attend complimentary get-to-know-you interviews with prospective clients.
• work with a minimum of 1 client per month or more as your schedule allows.
• serve clients in a home, hospital or birth center setting.
• schedule and conduct 2 prenatal visits, attend the birth, and do a follow up postpartum visit.
• provide backup for other nYn team members.
• be certified or working towards certification.
• adhere to the nYn contract and a code of conduct.
• keep accurate records for each of your clients and maintain confidentiality.
• have reliable childcare and transportation.
• sign an independent contractor agreement with a non-compete clause.

You understand that:

• a doula’s primary role is to support each family and be respectful of their wishes.
• doulas provide un-biased information and education throughout pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period.
• doulas do not perform medical tasks.
• doulas do not make decisions for clients.
• working with nYn does not guarantee you clients.
• you will be working as an independent contractor and expected to file your own taxes.

You will receive:

• access to YourDoulaBiz software.
• business cards.
• online and printed marketing materials.
• a nYn T-shirt. 
• prenatal and postpartum meeting guides.
• a team of experienced doulas to call on for support and advice.
• a 1099-MISC tax form for compensation over $600.
• partial reimbursement for continuing education.
• group membership in the local chapter of Birth Network National.

Compensation:

• Birth and postpartum doulas will set their own contracted rates. nYn will deduct a small percentage to cover the services we provide. 
• Backup labor/birth doulas will receive $15 per hour up to a max of $200. This will be deducted from the primary doula’s compensation. 

If this sounds like something you’ve been looking for, please email nurturingYOUnaturally@gmail.com with answers to the following information.

• Name, Address, Email, Phone.
• Contact info for 2 clients willing to provide a reference for you. If you have not yet attended a birth, please list 2 general references.
• Are you certified or working toward certification? Which organization
• How long have you been a doula?
• How many clients have you served?
• Why did you become a doula?
• What do you like best about being a doula?
• What is your least favorite part of being a doula?
• Tell me about a challenging situation you’ve experienced with a family or during delivery? How did you handle it?
• Why do you feel nYn would be a good fit for you?
• Are you interested in also providing postpartum doula services?

Potential nYn doulas will be contacted for an in-person or Skype interview. 

Doula Testimonial

When I started looking for doulas I found Staci Bishop through the Hypnobabies website since she is a hypno certified doula.  I had planned to “interview” multiple people but after I met Staci I knew I didn’t need to look any further!  She was so warm, so knowledgeable, and made me feel so comfortable and confident that I could have the beautiful natural childbirth that I wanted to have.

She was available to me throughout my entire pregnancy to answer any questions that I had and was always extremely responsive.  During birth she was right by my side the entire time bringing me water, cold compresses, applying counter pressure, etc.  Not only did I love her, but my husband was also SO glad that we had Staci as our doula.  She helped him tremendously throughout the birthing day. 

I also loved how thorough Staci was during our postpartum visit.  We talked about everything from how I was adapting to mommyhood and my emotional health; breastfeeding and the benefits of it; vaccinations; pediatricians; chiropractic care for newborns; homeopathic treatments for newborns through adults; postpartum exercises; baby wearing; etc!  It was probably the most beneficial meeting of my entire pregnancy!

I honestly can’t say enough great things about Staci!  Seriously, just hire her, you won’t regret it!  J

-Mary  |  Fairview, TN