How Sex Can Help Induce Labor
Have you heard the saying “What gets the baby in there (sex) may help get the baby out?” Or maybe your doctor or midwife told you to have sex to help get labor started? You might be wondering what in the world this is all about. How does sex help get the baby out exactly? …
5 Important Questions to Ask About Labor Induction
The rate of labor induction in the United States has doubled in the last thirty years. Approximately 1 in 4 women are induced. You’ve probably heard mentions of induction from family and friends. And you may be questioning if induction will be necessary for you. So, here’s the most important thing to remember about induction: The more…
All the Baby Shower Ideas
If you’re pregnant and looking for some baby shower ideas… We’ve put together some great ones so you can have one less thing to worry about. As doulas, we know how important it is to celebrate these moments on your pregnancy journey. It might not feel like it right now, but pregnancy goes by in…
What No One Ever Talks About: Hormone Imbalance After IVF
You know that infertility is… Hard. You know that single parenthood is… Hard. IVF is hard too. We get it. However you arrived at undergoing IVF treatment… It isn’t for the faint of heart… and truly for people who want nothing more than to be a parent! We see you. So, if you’re reading this……
Why Infants Cry and How to Soothe Them
Oh, a crying infant… There’s nothing quite as heartbreaking. Or overwhelming. But… remember… Your baby doesn’t have very many ways to communicate yet. If something is wrong… Cue the tears. While it is part of the process, we know you want to find a way to make sure your baby is comfortable and not crying. …
Doula Tips For Diaper Rash Treatment
Is your baby in a never-ending battle with diaper rash? No parent wants to see their sweet baby in pain and irritated. You are probably looking for a quick, effective solution. Depending on how severe your baby’s diaper rash is, it may take a longer or shorter amount of time to heal. Using some of…
Past Your Due Date? 7 Things to Know
Going past your due date can bring on a mixture of emotions. You’re ready to meet your baby and you’re tired. You have to wait…… and ….wait some more. Bending down to tie your shoe is out of the question. Getting up from the couch is a sporting event. You find yourself flashing glares of…
Why Is My Newborn So Gassy? 10 Expert Doula Tips
You might be wondering why your baby is struggling with gas. Digesting food is a new skill for your baby’s body to learn. Being immature and new, your baby’s digestive system needs time to adjust Whether they are eating from the breast or bottle, their little tummies are still sorting out this new “eating arrangement.”…
Can My Baby Handle a Trip? Your Helpful Guide to Newborn Travel
Are you planning a trip soon? Planning on taking your sweet, precious baby along? There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to traveling with your baby. First off… We understand that traveling with a newborn can be daunting. Not only are you getting used to your at-home routine, but you’re also…
What is a Non-Stress Test (NST) in Pregnancy?
There are a variety of tests that your doctor may recommend at some point during pregnancy. After 28 weeks of gestation, one of them may be the non stress test – a pregnancy screening that measures fetal heart rate and reaction to movement. It is referred to as a non-stress test because no stress is…
Helpful Recovery Steps For C-Section Healing Week by Week
What is a c-section? A c-section (cesarean delivery) is major abdominal surgery where your baby is delivered through an incision made in your abdomen and uterus. This happens when a vaginal delivery seems to be unsafe or risky. A few possible reasons a c-section might be needed include: You might be wondering… What happens if…
Should I Wear My Baby? Your Ultimate Babywearing Guide
Does your baby always want to be near you? Of course they do! That’s where babywearing comes in. Babywearing is a wonderful way to connect to your baby and be hands-free… You can have the best of both worlds— you can hold your baby, and do all the things you enjoy. There are many factors…
Coping with Morning Sickness: 3 Big Questions Answered
If you recently found out you were pregnant, you might be receiving that oh-so-wonderful first-trimester gift: Nausea. Fatigue. Toilet… Repeat. Morning sickness is not for the weak. But it sure does make you feel weak. There are so many things happening in your life-giving, miracle-producing body. And with that may come this unpleasant side-effect. What…
Will Acupuncture Help My Pregnancy Symptoms?
Pregnancy can sometimes feel like a mix of pleasure and pain. On the one hand, your body is a literal miracle machine. You’re creating new life, and my, don’t you glow! But on the other hand… Maybe the reason you’re “glowing” is from all the lovely morning sickness sweat. Or now your back is hurting,…
Baby Sleep: The Basics of Sleep Stages
No matter who you are… Sleep is important. We all need to sleep in order to revive our bodies and minds. So, if it’s vital for you as an adult, imagine the importance of good sleep for your growing baby. I know what you’re thinking though… Won’t my baby learn how to sleep on their…
Feeling Emotional About Weaning? 3 Tips to Start Your Breastfeeding Weaning Plan
You’ve worked long and hard to breastfeed your baby. For some, breastfeeding comes easy, while for others, not so much. After you manage to connect all the dots, breastfeeding still takes a large portion of your day. It takes time and energy to connect and learn your baby’s rhythm. As your baby grows and no…
Will I Make It As a Solo Parent?
Being a single parent brings parenting challenges to the next level. If you’re pregnant or just had a baby, you understand the pressure it puts on you as a single person. There’s no way around it. It’s hard. But, it’s not a bad thing. It’s important to remember that you are the best parent for…
What’s Best For My Body? Your Personal Postpartum Birth Control Guide
You’ve made it! You’re finally no longer pregnant. I know at one point you convinced yourself you’d be pregnant forever. Your baby is here, and now you can breathe a sigh of relief. But, not so fast… You’ve recently survived labor and navigated a roller coaster of emotions. Now you’re in the newborn stage…neck-deep in…
Gender Disappointment: You’re Not The Only One
For some this may be a taboo or controversial topic, but let’s go there together. We are all having a human experience and it’s okay to be authentic about our feelings. As a Mom of two amazing boys, who are now 17 and 11, these young men mean more to me than anything in the…
Your Childbirth Game Changer: Learn 3 Effective Breathing Techniques For Labor
“I’m not ready to give birth….” Is this you? Does the thought of giving birth make you anxious? Not sure what to expect? Perhaps you are still recovering from a less than ideal birthing experience? Whatever the reason may be, you might be dreading your upcoming birth. I get it, there are a lot of…
5 Helpful Ideas to Create Intimate Connection With Your Partner
It’s been a while since you brought your new baby home. So many emotions… Joy and stress. Mountain tops and valleys. Moments of pure bliss followed by moments of panic and overwhelm. What a rollercoaster! You feel like your brain cannot bear to hold one more responsibility or emotion. That’s why during this time, connecting…
Your Ultimate Childproofing Checklist: 5 Easy Tips For Childproofing Your Home
Did your sweet baby just take their first steps? Amazing, isn’t it? As they do so, the light in their eyes shines. They are awakened with a newfound skill and curiosity. You finally have a “walker,” and you’re equal parts excited and terrified. But you can’t help feeling anxious about their safety. You already know…
“Do I Hate Being a Parent?” 3 Helpful Ways to Shift Your Mindset
Being a parent has its challenges. There’s no way around it. While it has beautiful moments, there are equally ugly moments. Being pushed past your limits at times, you may want to quit. Sometimes, you question yourself and ask: “Do I hate being a parent?” A simple internet search reveals many people feel burnout when…
6 Common Pregnancy Ailments and Easy Remedies to Help
Pregnancy is a beautiful time in your life. You are growing a living, breathing miracle inside your body. Trust me, your body is amazing. Don’t forget to soak in this moment and reflect on how much your body is doing. I know it can be hard to focus on that. Mostly because… While your body…
Who Should You Allow in the Delivery Room? 5 Questions to Ask
Is your due date fast approaching? There are always so many things to figure out when it comes to giving birth. Packing your hospital bag, knowing your birth plan, who to invite… You might be wondering, who should I allow in the delivery room with me? This can be a difficult question to answer, and honestly, you…
Am I Going Into Labor? Understanding Prodromal Labor
Coming to the end of your pregnancy can be such a challenging task. Not only are you done being pregnant, but the inevitable question rears its head: When will I go into labor? Most of your pregnancy goes by in the blink of an eye. But the last month of pregnancy is a different story. …
Is “Mommy Brain” Actually Real? New Moms Need Real Answers
You woke up today with a lot of things to do. You have housework, a doctor’s appointment, and a million other things. Then this happened: You made coffee but you can’t remember where you left it. It’s in the microwave. Your husband called and you told him you lost your phone. You’re talking on it. …
Third Trimester Checklist: What to Do in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy
Congratulations you made it to the third trimester of pregnancy! You are on the homestretch, the excitement is palpable, and your baby’s arrival is just around the corner. To help you have a smooth transition, we’ve compiled a comprehensive third trimester checklist just for you. Go here to see our First and Second Trimester Checklists. …
10 Things I Learned from our 165 Days in the NICU
My dear friend Laura has had two babies born prematurely. With both she went through quite an ordeal and learned many things during their lengthy time in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit.) She was kind enough to share some of her story with us in honor of November being Prematurity Awareness Month: An adventure…
Hunger Cues | How To Tell Your Baby is Hungry
Why is it important to know your baby’s hunger cues? Understanding your baby’s signals helps you know when and how often to feed her. Newborn babies have tiny tummies and need to eat often. An average of 8 – 12 feedings in a 24 hour period is expected and necessary. A couple of those feedings…