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Interviews mind-Body Fertility Pregnancy Q&A

The Healing Power of Art – Interview with Artist & Doula Amy Haderer

Dalene Barton - Certified Herbalist, Birth Doula
January 26, 2015
Reviewed by Christine Traxler, MD

"Earth"
“Earth”
I walked into a local coffee shop the other day and a huge smile spread across my face. Why? As I looked around I saw images of pregnancy, labor and birth photography and art hanging on the walls. I am a junkie for this kind of stuff, seriously. I have a deep connection to pregnancy and birth and I LOVE art, so if there is ever a chance that the two come together, I get giddy like a young child would over her favorite dessert.

I believe that art has the power to not only make life more beautiful and to inspire the heart’s desires, but to also heal. So, when I stumbled across the art of Amy Haderer, I was blown away. She is a true pioneer of sacred pregnancy and birth art.

Creating Art to Represent the Emotions of Infertility

I follow Amy on facebook and recently saw a post with a question from her… she was asking her followers for feedback on what symbolism might represent a piece of artwork to speak for infertility. This caught my attention right away, since we work with thousands of couples each year who are struggling with infertility. I knew right away I wanted to interview Amy, so I could share a small piece of the incredible work she does for ALL women, regardless of where they are at in life. I know that if I love the work she is doing, so will you because it comes from an intuitive, creative and loving source.

Interview with Artist and Doula Amy Haderer

Dalene: First, tell us a little bit about yourself…

Amy: I am a doula (childbirth assistant), artist, and mother in Denver, CO. I live with my children plus my partner and three more kids (Brady Bunch!) and it’s fun and hectic and crazy all at once! I became a doula after the birth of my second daughter at a freestanding birth center. I became really involved and educated about the birth world and wanted to be a part of it and help others to advocate for themselves. I started doing birth/motherhood/goddess mandalas when I was pregnant with my third daughter as a way to center myself, get comfortable with being in my right brain which is where you are when you’re birthing, and visualize my birth. I never intended for the mandalas to be so public initially, they were pretty personal for me. But I shared them with some people and after a while people were blogging about them and sharing them so I figured I had better get organized.

"Waiting and Wishing"
“Waiting and Wishing”
Dalene: What led you to do a piece on infertility?

Amy: Though I haven’t experienced infertility myself I have had a number of friends struggle with it. My goal in my art is to represent a broad spectrum of experience about motherhood, even if that includes things like loss. I think it’s important that we honor those experiences as well. I have also done a piece on stillbirth and maternal mortality.

Dalene: What emotions were you feeling as you created this piece on infertility titled “Wishing and Waiting”?

Amy: My parents tried for about four years before becoming pregnant with me so I thought about that. I also thought about my midwife who caught my last baby at home and her seven year journey to accept that she would never bear biological children.

Dalene: How do you think art can help people experiencing great adversity and heartbreak, as couples do who are struggling to have a child of their own?

Amy: I think symbols are powerful and can sometimes communicate more than words can. Someone can see a piece of artwork and it will mean something different to them because it is steeped in their own experience. So, I think that creating a piece about something difficult can be very healing for people and can symbolize different things about their own journey.

Dalene: What are some tips for incorporating more art into one’s life? Where can a person get started?

Amy: The biggest challenge I think is overcoming a negative mindset to keep from becoming product-oriented. Lots of people don’t even try to be creative because they’re afraid they will fail at the finished product, when it’s the act of creating something that’s the most valuable. So just starting somewhere, anywhere, like playing with polymer clay and just feeling it and watching what shapes come of it. Or using coloring books can be helpful because the structure is already there. Also just doodling free-association style.

Dalene: I see that you also do henna art on pregnant mama bellies. I had henna done on my belly during my first pregnancy, it made me feel more connected to my pregnancy, as though it was a way to honor the changes and rite of passage to motherhood. What drew you to henna art and making this as part of your business?

Amy: I love henna because it’s a way to really bless a mama during pregnancy. The belly is the perfect canvas, especially for me because I see everything inside circles! I had henna on my belly for all three of my births and it just made me feel like a goddess, I loved it. I also love incorporating symbols that a pregnant woman is attracted to into the finished product to make something meaningful and almost spiritual.

Dalene: You are also a doula and a mother of 3, how do you have time to fit all of this in? What led you to become a doula?

Amy: I’m crazy and I don’t ever sleep? Honestly being divorced is a big part of this. Before I was divorced I was trying to do everything at once and failing at everything. It’s impossible to be present as a mother while running three businesses with small children running around. I was trying to do everything in 20 minute stretches and it was just ludicrous. So now that they spend 3.5 days a week with their dad it allows me to focus on my work for that time and then when they are with me I’m able to be content and present with them. I feel so much more balanced about my life. Plus I am really blessed to have such an awesome co-parenting relationship with my ex and an amazing partnership with my boyfriend Paul.

Dalene: I think the work you are doing is very important to women’s health and how the world views women, pregnancy and birth. In your personal opinion, why is the work you are doing important and who is it most important for?

Amy: I believe that as a society we have built up so much fear, manipulation, and misinformation about birth we’ve really forgotten who we are as women. We are too worried about being polite or “good patients” than we are about listening to ourselves and advocating what we want and need from our birth experience. I want to encourage birthing families to listen to their intuition and truly become active participants in their births, however they choose to birth. Peace on earth begins with birth and I want to do my part to support attached, healthy, intuitive families.

"Mother Moon" & "Nautilus"
“Mother Moon” & “Nautilus”

Dalene: Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

Amy: Artistically I adore Amanda Greavette’s work, along with Mara Friedman and Durga Bernhard. My favorite sculptor is by far Debra Bernier, I adore her work! Birth-wise I am inspired by Ina May Gaskin, Barbara Harper, and Pam England.

“Art is good for the soul. It profoundly helped me through an emotionally trying pregnancy and continues to be my sanity even now.

Here are some tips for those who are scared because they “just can’t draw.” Don’t be afraid, you can surprise yourself and will be amazed at how peaceful you feel when you dive into your right brain!” – Amy

About Artist Amy Haderer

Artist Amy Haderer - The Mandala JourneyAmy is a doula, artist, and henna artist living in Denver, CO with her three beautiful daughters. She sells her artwork as originals, prints, cards, jewelry, banners, calendars and more.

Her artwork can be viewed and purchased at www.themandalajourney.com or at her Etsy shop The Mandala Journey. You can connect and follow her on her facebook page.

Amy also books private sessions and parties for her henna at www.hennadenver.com

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About the Author

Dalene Barton - Certified Herbalist, Birth Doula

Practicing natural health and herbalism for over 18 years, Dalene received her training and herbal certification under the guidance of Lynn Albers at Yarmony Mt. Herbal College in Colorado in 2000. She went on to become a Certified Birth Doula at Birthingway College of Midwifery in Portland, Oregon in 2007. As a Birth Doula, Dalene has helped to bring many new lives in to this world. Dalene has written 280+ fertility articles and with her vast array of herbal and holistic healing knowledge has helped 1000's of women on their journey to Motherhood.

5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally

  • Learn the 5 different areas to focus on for optimal fertility health
  • Learn how to support hormonal health with herbs and essential oils
  • Tips on transitioning to a whole food fertility diet.
  • Self-care therapies to support your reproductive health

@NaturalFertilityInfo

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🍓 Antioxidant Rich Fertility Smoothie Recipe:

Feel free to add some superfoods if you like (such as greens powder, protein, maca, etc..)

1C Mango
1/2 C Strawberries
1/2 C Blueberries
1/2 C Almond yogurt
Nut milk

➡️ Blend together and adjust liquid so it is a thickness you enjoy. Top with nuts or seeds if you are making a smoothie bowl. Enjoy!

🍹If you would like to learn more about eating for your fertility type in FOOD and I will send you a link to my 21 Day Fertility Diet Challenge. 👇👇

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Feb 1

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After focusing on creating a healthy body, Chavonne had her "miracle" baby at 41. Read more about her story...

****While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.

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Feb 1

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Also knowing when your most fertile time is going to be VERY important. Two ways to do that? Fertility Charting and OPK tests.

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Jan 31

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☕Reproductive Support Tea contains herbs that support, tone, and nourish the female reproductive system while supporting hormone balance.

It’s a soothing and effective fertility tea that provides just the right mixture of beneficial fertility herbs designed to help:

1️⃣ Nourish the uterus*

2️⃣ Support fallopian tube health.*

3️⃣ Help maintain normal ovarian function.*

4️⃣ Encourage normal uterine health.*

5️⃣ Support hormonal balance.

Type ‘TEA’ in the comments below if you would like 10% off your first order or Reproductive Support Tea and I will DM you a discount link. 👇👇

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Jan 31

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👇3 Ways To Naturally Support Ovulation 👇

Lack of ovulation is one of the most common causes of infertility.

BUT you can help support your body to regularly ovulate again when hormonal health is found.

Here are some steps you can take to support yourself….

1️⃣ Eat healthy fats like avocado, chia, flax, nuts & seeds

2️⃣ Eat an abundance of whole foods 🥦🍉🥗🍇

3️⃣ Increase circulation to the reproductive system through exercise, Self Fertility Massage and castor oil packs.

👇 To learn more on how to support your fertility naturally, type STEPS in the comments below to join my free mini-course - 5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally, where I go into detail on each of the steps you can take to support your fertility cycle. 👇

#ovulation #periodhealth #naturalfertility #fertilitytips #fertilitydiet

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Jan 30

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🌱 Ashwagandha is one of my favorite herbs for stress support while trying to conceive. 

It is easy to use and the calming effects can be felt pretty quickly after starting the herb. 

➡️ The hormonal support results take a bit longer, as with any hormone supportive herb, but is wonderful for both women and men who are experiencing high stress and hormone imbalances. 

Type ASH in the comments below and I will share which Ashwagandha I recommend and how to use it for fertility support. 👇👇

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Jan 30

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Q: I have a 24 day cycle. What is this saying about my fertility?

A: Swipe left for our answer...

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Jan 30

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⭐ 3 Benefits of Vitex for Fertility…

1️⃣ Regulates hormones: Vitex, also known as chasteberry, is known to regulate the production of hormones such as luteinizing hormone and prolactin, which can help to balance out estrogen and progesterone levels, promoting fertility.

2️⃣ Improves ovulation: Vitex can help to regulate the menstrual cycle and improve ovulation in women with irregular cycles or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

3️⃣ Decreases symptoms of PMS: Vitex can also help to reduce the severity of symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), such as cramps, breast tenderness, and mood swings, which can improve overall health and well-being.

Want to know which Vitex I recommend and how to use it? Type VITEX in the comments below 👇

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Jan 29

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🌱 Red raspberry leaf has been used by midwives for fertility for generations. Some of the most well known benefits of raspberry leaf for reproductive support include… 

1️⃣ Regulating menstrual cycles: Red raspberry leaf is believed to help balance hormones and regulate menstrual cycles, making it easier for women to conceive.

2️⃣ Strengthening the uterus: Red raspberry leaf is rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron and vitamin C, which are believed to help strengthen the uterus and prepare it for pregnancy.

3️⃣ Improving egg quality: Some studies suggest that red raspberry leaf may improve egg quality and increase the chances of conception.

4️⃣ Reducing morning sickness: Red raspberry leaf is also believed to help reduce the symptoms of morning sickness, which can be especially beneficial for women who are trying to conceive.

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Jan 29

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🧪 Xenohormones are chemicals that mimic the effects of hormones in the body. 

They can disrupt the endocrine system, which controls the production, transport, and function of hormones. 🚫

This can lead to a variety of health problems, including fertility issues. 

Examples of xenohormones include certain pesticides, plastics, and phthalates. 🕯️

Exposure to these chemicals can affect the production of hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, which play key roles in fertility. 

Xenohormones can also affect ovulation and implantation of a fertilized egg, leading to infertility. 

It would be best to avoid these chemicals as much as possible. 

👇👇To  learn more about which chemicals to avoid and which products are most important to replace type in ‘TOXIC’ in the comments below to get my guide to Creating a Healthy Home for Fertility Pregnancy & Family 👇👇

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Jan 28

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5 Steps you can take to help support your fertility naturally…. 👇

1️⃣ Cleanse and prepare the body for conception

2️⃣ Nourish the body with fertility supportive foods

3️⃣ Protect and remove any substances that are causing harm

4️⃣ Learn how to fertility chart and read your monthly cycle

5️⃣ Add lifestyle habits that help to support fertility health

🌼 To learn more on how to support your fertility naturally, type STEPS in the comments below to join my free mini-course - 5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally, where I go into detail on each of the 5 steps. 👇

#naturalfertility #fertilitytips #gettingpregnant #hormonehealth #hormonalhealth

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Jan 28

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The body is always giving us feedback to what is happening inside. How regularly you go to the bathroom shares a lot about your digestive health.... as does a bloated belly or gas. Your period or monthly cycle can share a lot about your hormonal state. Your skin can share how your liver is doing. And so on. What have you learned from listening to your body?

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Jan 28

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🕯️Chemicals in candles, such as paraffin and phthalates, can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when burned. 

Some research suggests that certain VOCs, such as phthalates, may disrupt hormone balance by mimicking estrogen and other hormones in the body. 🚫

It’s always a good idea to choose candles made from natural materials, such as beeswax or soy wax, which produce fewer VOCs. 🐝

naturalfertilityinfo

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Jan 27

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5 Steps you can take to help support your fertility naturally…. 👇

1️⃣ Cleanse and prepare the body for conception

2️⃣ Nourish the body with fertility supportive foods

3️⃣ Protect and remove any substances that are causing harm

4️⃣ Learn how to fertility chart and read your monthly cycle

5️⃣ Add lifestyle habits that help to support fertility health

🌼 To learn more on how to support your fertility naturally, type STEPS in the comments below to join my free mini-course - 5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally, where I go into detail on each of the 5 steps. 👇

#naturalfertility #fertilitytips #gettingpregnant #hormonehealth #hormonalhealth

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Jan 27

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Preparing for pregnancy is one of the best steps you can take for a healthy pregnancy and child. Here are some steps to help you get started…. 👇

1️⃣ Eat a diet high in fiber. More fruits and veggies

Fiber helps the body to get rid of excess hormones and fruits and veggies are packed with fiber. They also are very hydrating and have lots of nutrients. All are useful for someone with heavy cycles. 

2️⃣ Learn about your fertility cycle through tracking and charting

Fertility charting will help you to understand your current hormonal state, when or if you are ovulating and other information about your cycle that will help to bring clarity to your fertility path. 

3️⃣ Fertility Cleanse 1-2x per year

The first phase of the Fertility Cleanse is a great way to help support the liver in it’s natural ability to get rid of excess hormones. The second phase focuses on the uterus and helping the uterus to cleanse and increase circulation.

👇 To learn more about the Fertility Cleansing type CLEANSE in the comments below and I will send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 👇 

#hormonehealth #hormonalhealth #periodhealth #naturalfertility #fertilitytips #fertilitydiet

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Jan 26

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💡It can be completely normal for your menstrual cycle to vary in length slightly from month to month! 

Ovulation may come a day before or a day later even in normal some cycles. 

We actually expect to see natural variations between menstrual cycles. 

Early ovulation can be concerning, however, when/if it consistently happens. 

➡️ If you would like to learn what you can do to help balance a short follicular phase type EARLY in the comments below and I will send you a link to my guide….👇👇

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Jan 26

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Are you experiencing fibroids? 👇 Type FIBROID in the comments below and I will send you a link to my natural guide. 🌱

#fibroid #fibroids #naturalfertility #fibroidfertility #fibroiddiet

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Jan 26

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Intimacy may not be something at the top of your mind with everything else you are doing to TTC. But connection with your partner and you feeling.... good is important. Here are some natural ways to support libido if the stress of baby making has made things tense in the bedroom.

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Jan 25

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When in doubt get it checked out. 

One of the most common reasons I suggest women to see their doctors is when they are experiencing  a heavy period that doesn’t stop after 5-7 days and has heavy flow. 

There are many different reasons this could be happening, but we first want to make sure it isn’t something that requires medical assistance before going on to healthy lifestyle support.

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Jan 25

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Ovarian cysts are more common than you think, and there are ways you can support your body naturally. Type CYSTS in the comments below and I will send you the natural steps you can take to support your self.
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