Labor of Love Birth Center Tampa

Tampa Birth Options: Labor of Love Birth Center

We are fortunate in Tampa Bay to have so many excellent birth location options, including Labor of Love Birth Center in Lutz – the “home of natural birthing.” For the last ten years, Labor of Love has been owned and operated by Bea Rowell, RM, LM, CPM. It is professionally and expertly staffed by four…

Babymoon Vacation

Babymoon: One Last Hurrah before Baby

I sat on Caspersen Beach, just south of Venice Beach, Florida, in a beach chair, my toes slowly curling and uncurling through the sand, under a tropically-hued umbrella, leisurely reading one of the installments in “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” series. Perhaps I easily return to this blissful day, seven years ago, because it…

Two Doulas Are Better Than One

Another Reason Why Two Doulas are Better than One

Recently, one of our clients gave birth to her twin babies at 32 weeks. Her doula was by her side supporting her during labor, delivery and postpartum. She had a very positive experience. While many babies are born closer to their due dates, you most likely won’t know exactly when your baby will be born. As doulas,…

Xmas-Gift-Ideas-For-Husband

Christmas Gift Ideas for your Partner

Well, Christmas is here. Everywhere you look there is a new toy, book or adorable outfit to purchase for a child. But, my mind always goes blank when trying to pick a gift for my husband. This can be even trickier when you are new parents (or soon to be new parents). To help make your job…

santa baby

Welcome, Santa Baby!

Amy Detweiler is a mother, nurse, blogger at Sarasota Moms Blog and former client of Buddha Belly Birth doulas. She graciously contributed this post about her special Santa baby, born in 2015. – Amy  Christmas means different things to different people depending on who you ask. We all know at least one Christmas fanatic who has their tree…

traveling with little kids

8 Tips for Holiday Travel with Littles

As a breastfeeding mom with a demanding career, my oldest daughter went where I went! By the time she’d was one year old, she’d been to California, New York, Washington, DC, Vermont, Ohio, and Arizona, just on business travel! Along the way, we added two more daughters. While our travel has slowed down some, we’ve…

afraid to give birth

I Was Scared to Give Birth

Second pregnancies go so fast. Between keeping up with my toddler, Annie, a career and busy family life, before I knew it, I was eight months pregnant. At first, I felt sad that I hadn’t had a moment to be “present” mentally while growing this new baby. Then one day, I was driving home from…

delayed-cord-clamping

Newborn Care: Why Delay Clamping Baby’s Umbilical Cord?

Once your baby is born, at some point, his/her umbilical cord must be clamped and then separated from the placenta. Many families are now considering delaying when this clamping happens because of the benefits offered to the newborn. Approximately one-third of a baby’s total blood volume is in the placenta and/or umbilical cord at birth.…

AdventHealth Tampa Hospital Tour

Giving Birth at AdventHealth Tampa

What is it like to give birth at AdventHealth Tampa? We recently toured and met with Birth Designer, Emily Sullivan, RN, BSN. Here are some of the things we learned about this hospital: Birth Designer The Birth Designer works with each mother-to-be to customize her birth experience and act as a liaison between her care…

shaving or waxing for childbirth

Not-so Private Parts: Should You Shave or Wax Before Birth?

If you’re currently pregnant, have been pregnant previously or thinking about getting pregnant in the future, chances are you have wondered about this. Given the incredibly personal nature of this topic, though, you most likely didn’t talk about it with anyone. Maybe your sister or a very, very close girlfriend who has given birth. Most…

vbac

To VBAC or Not to VBAC?

If you are here, you are probably asking yourself “Should I try to have a VBAC or should I choose a repeat cesarean?” Always speak to your doctor or midwife to get their professional medical advice. But, if you are anything like me you may also want to do your own research. When I was…

Morton Plant Hospital Clearwater

Giving Birth at Clearwater’s Morton Plant Hospital

Tampa Bay is fortunate to have many different excellent birth options, including Morton Plant hospital in downtown Clearwater. Today we had a private tour and are pleased to share what we learned! Before You Go into Labor You’ll be able to pre-register and meet with a special “family admission nurse” to talk about your choices and…