Embarking on the transformative journey of pregnancy and childbirth opens a realm where self-care takes center stage. In the bustling city of Los Angeles, first-time mothers find solace and expert guidance from Carson Meyer Doula, an advocate for both holistic support during pregnancy and the clean beauty movement.
A doula, for the uninitiated, plays a pivotal role as a trained professional offering emotional, physical, and informational support before, during, and after childbirth. Carson, with her rich expertise as a doula, seamlessly weaves her experiences into her passion for natural skincare, evident in her role as the visionary behind Malibu-based clean beauty brand C & The Moon.
Join us in delving into Carson’s multifaceted insights, encompassing her inspirations, her own birth experience, and the founding of her cosmetics line. With a commitment to empowering expectant mothers, Carson Meyer Doula shares invaluable tips on self-care, navigating the birth process, and embracing postpartum support. As we explore the intricate tapestry of pregnancy and birth, Carson’s role as a doula becomes a guiding force, offering the reassurance and expertise that every mother-to-be deserves.
You recently became a mom yourself. What are some of your best self-care tips to be healthy throughout your pregnancy?
Get massages as often as possible, moisturize the belly, take epsom salt baths, spend time in nature, walk everyday, practice slowing down, eat well-balanced, nutritious meals and stretch daily.
What inspired you to become a doula and also a cosmetics product founder?
The first time I saw footage of an unscripted birth was in the documentary “The Business of Being Born.” I watched it at NYU and I was overwhelmed with emotion. Up until that moment I had only been exposed to Hollywood’s terrifying portrayal of birth that seemed to take power away from the woman and put it into the hands of a doctor. I met a midwife in 2016 and was enamored by her work. She inspired me to take a doula training course at Bini Birth. I have been supporting parents through pregnancy, birth and postpartum ever since!
C & The Moon was also inspired by my work as a doula and my passion for environmental health. For new mamas, a bath or shower might be her only bit of alone time in the day. I wanted to create a product that not only makes people feel good, but could pamper new and expecting mamas and nourish their changing bodies while steering clear of hormone disrupting chemicals that can cause harm to our bodies and the environment.
Working with newborns I saw firsthand how the skin, our largest organ, takes in information from the environment around us and how the human body is itself a delicate ecosystem. Creating a clean product that is made without any toxic ingredients was so important to me. I believe that we should be as thoughtful about what goes in and on our bodies during all stages of life, not just pregnancy.
For those who cannot afford to have a doula guide their birth process, are there other alternatives (books, podcasts, classes) you’d recommend?
Yes! My Growing Together Circle is a wonderful resource for expecting mamas with the bonus of community support. As far as podcasts go, I love The Informed Pregnancy Podcast, Indie Birth, and Birthing Instincts. The book Your Baby Your, Way by Jennifer Margulis is also great.
Any tips pre- or during labor to minimize tearing?
Yes! In pregnancy good nutrition is key for promoting healthy skin elasticity and resiliency. Bone broth, fish and other animal fats are great for skin elasticity. Consuming these with Vitamin C rich foods will help with collagen production. I also recommend applying Vitamin E oil to the perineum in the weeks leading to birth to keep tissues moisturized. During labor it is important that you are able to move freely and push at your own pace. Being rushed or improperly coached through pushing can result in a fast delivery and greater risk of severe tearing.
What are your three biggest lessons as a female founder?
- Don’t compare your trajectory to others
- Breathe… it will pass
- You will make mistakes and grow from them
What is one thing you wish you knew before becoming a mom yourself?
Thanks to my work as a doula I felt very prepared in all the ways one can be and had the unique experience of getting to be around so many new mothers and to support them through the raw and real moments that aren’t always talked about. I didn’t anticipate how important support would be beyond the first 40 days! My daughter is 7 months old and in many ways we are needing support now more than ever as we return to work and she is crawling around. Knowing that would have allowed me to prepare for finding more support sooner.
I read that you choose to do a home birth, which in my home country (The Netherlands) is much more common than in the US. Could you recommend any sources explaining the pros and cons of this delivery method?
The films The Business of Being Born and Why Not Home? are great resources. The Indie Birth website has some really great info. I also wrote this article for The Fullest that goes in depth on the topic.
A heartfelt appreciation to Carson Meyer Doula for generously sharing her wisdom and experiences, illuminating the intricate tapestry of pregnancy, birth, and self-care. From the bustling city of Los Angeles, where her journey unfolded, to the soothing embrace of home birth, Carson’s expertise resonates in every piece of advice. A doula, as Carson exemplifies, plays a crucial role in providing emotional and practical support, enhancing the overall birthing experience.
As we navigate the nuanced landscape of the birth process and postpartum support, her insights, coupled with her doula expertise, become guiding lights. We extend our gratitude to Doula Carson Meyer, embodying the spirit of self-care, for paving the way toward holistic well-being. For readers seeking a comprehensive approach to a healthy pregnancy, explore our app with its pregnancy-safe ingredient checker – your trusted companion on this incredible journey towards motherhood.
