What is Fetal Monitoring? What You Need to Know
“Why is fetal monitoring important?” “Is it safe for my baby?” Are these questions running through your head? If so, you’re not alone. Fetal monitoring is one of those medical terms that is frequently used, but many expecting parents don’t fully understand what it entails or their options. Understanding fetal monitoring can actually help you…
Making Peace with Pregnancy Weight Gain
Your body is changing faster than your closet can keep up. The scale might feel like your enemy—but it doesn’t have to. If you’re feeling anxious about the numbers creeping up, you’re not alone. Weight gain during pregnancy is normal, but that doesn’t make the emotional side any easier to navigate. Perhaps you’re concerned that…
5 Lovely Lullabies For Infants (and How to Sign Them)
Picture this: the lights are dimmed, and your sweet baby is nestled close against you. Your gentle voice fills the quiet room with a soft melody. But there’s something special happening beyond the song—your hands are “talking” too, creating a beautiful dance of words and music that speaks directly to your baby’s heart. Doesn’t that…
What To Say to New Grandparents: Will They Understand How I Want to Parent?
If you’ve ever found yourself thinking… “I don’t want to raise my kids the same way my parents raised me—will they understand?” You’re not alone. This worry crosses the minds of so many new parents, and honestly, it’s completely understandable. The truth is, parenting styles evolve with each generation, and it’s normal for some tension…
What is Amniocentesis?: Understanding This Diagnostic Test
You’re sitting in your doctor’s office, and they just mentioned something called an amniocentesis. Your curiosity piques, and your heart may skip a beat. Maybe your recent screening showed higher-than-expected numbers. Maybe you’re over 35. Or perhaps there’s a family history that has everyone on edge. Whatever the reason, you’re probably feeling a swirl of…
My Twin Birth Story: Trusting My Body, My Prep, and My Plan
One of our clients, Celie Degasse, was gracious enough to share her twin birth story publicly on her Instagram page. She has given us permission to publish it below. We are so grateful to this family for choosing Buddha Belly Doulas to support them through this very special birth experience! Pregnancy is transformative in every…
Anatomy Scan Ultrasound – What to Expect
Your 20-week ultrasound is coming up! For many expectant parents, this appointment stirs up a lot of feelings. Excitement. Curiosity. Maybe some nervousness too. Understanding what this anatomy scan involves can help you feel more prepared. So let’s walk through it together. What is an Anatomy Scan? The anatomy scan ultrasound goes by a few…
How to Prepare Your Pet for Your Baby’s Arrival (and a Smooth First Meeting)
If you already have a furry family member at home, you’re probably wondering what bringing a baby home to your pet might actually look like. It’s natural to feel a bit anxious about it. Your dog or cat has been your first “baby” for years. They know your routines, claim their favorite spots on the…
Maternal Bonding In Pregnancy – And Why It Counts
You might be wondering… when can a fetus start to hear? And here’s your answer: the inner ear begins forming around 16 weeks… At this stage, your baby begins tuning into the symphony of your body: Your blood rushing, the steady beat of your heart, the rhythm of your digestion. By 23 weeks, babies can…
5 Ways to Own Your Postpartum Recovery: Tell “Bounce-Back” Culture to Bounce
Somewhere between sleepless nights and healing stitches during postpartum recovery, there’s this unspoken expectation: Look like you never had a baby. And have your postpartum recovery wrapped up quickly. When you’re scrolling at 3 a.m… Is your feed filled with influencers showing off flat stomachs and baby nurseries straight out of a dream? Yeah. You’re…
Hydration During Pregnancy: The Path to a Healthy Pregnancy
Between the belly and the blazing Florida sun, staying hydrated during pregnancy can feel like a full-time job. Here in Florida, our hot and humid climate makes hydration even more crucial when you’re expecting. Your body is working overtime to nourish your growing baby, so staying hydrated isn’t just a suggestion—it’s essential for both your health and…
Bringing Baby Home from the NICU: What Every Parent Needs to Know
Bringing your baby home from the NICU is a moment you’ve probably dreamed about—but if your baby was born prematurely or needed medical support, it’s also a moment that comes with a swirl of emotions: joy, fear, overwhelm, and even grief. You are not alone in this. In fact, 1 in 10 babies worldwide is…