A Floridian Mom’s Tips for Disney with Kids
I worked at Magic Kingdom in my late teens and it was my favorite job, aside from being a doula. I worked in a special section called “Glow.” We sold the light up toys at night during the parades. Each night I wore a different costume, based on where in the park I was working,…
The Many Uses of a Yoga Ball (updated July 2022)
A yoga or exercise ball is a great tool to have in your home during your pregnancy, labor and beyond. Due to the many helpful ways you can use a yoga ball, it really is a worthy and smart investment. When choosing a ball be sure to get the appropriate size based on your height.…
Overnight Newborn Care
“Last night was amazing! I was able to let go and really fall into a deep sleep. I feel almost human again! My doula was amazing.” Erin Sharpe, Buddha Belly client. Did you know that Buddha Belly postpartum doulas can provide overnight newborn care in your house? It’s true! If you’re like most of our clients, sleep…
Best Kept Secrets – Summer Fun in Tampa Bay – Part 2
It’s mid-July and Tampa Bay parents are hot, tired and asking in unison… “When does school start again!” While we can’t make school start any sooner, we can tell you about a sort-of secret splash pad at the Florida Aquarium! Scroll all the way to the end for the best part of this cool destination. A…
Who Hires Postpartum Doulas?
As awareness of postpartum doula support grows, many people ask us what type of family hires a postpartum doula. They often ask “Who hires postpartum doulas?” Here are just a few examples of who hires postpartum doulas: First-time parents. When bringing your first baby home, everything is new! Feeding, sleeping, diapering, washing, doctors, daycares… it’s…
All Alone With My Newborn Baby
I had planned to have a natural birth at a birth center but things didn’t turn out that way. My son was born via emergency cesarean and my world was turned upside down. My mother had a flight booked for the first week in January to be at the birth, but my son came two…
The Low-Down on Tearing ‘Down There’
You just had your baby! Yay! Congratulations! You also have a … (cue scary music) … tear. Try to relax, perineal lacerations, aka “tears,” are a common occurrence during vaginal birth. Yes, it’s common; in fact, it happens in more than two out of three vaginal deliveries. These lacerations are classified into four categories: First-degree:…
The Love Hormone: Oxytocin
Oxytocin has physical AND behavioral effects on the human body, making it one amazingly magical chemical. (Note: oxytocin and pitocin are not the same thing. Pitocin is the synthetic version of oxytocin. It can replicate the physiologic aspects of oxytocin on the body, but not the behavioral ones.) It’s called the “love hormone” because our…
Are Childbirth Classes Still a Thing?
Yes – taking a childbirth class is still a thing! Let’s breakdown the benefits of a childbirth class. I know we are now accustomed to Googling and using the Internet to find information. And while those are definitely a resource, taking a childbirth class in person is still a great option. I attended a 10-week childbirth…
When is the Best Time to Hire a Doula?
Is it ever too early or too late to hire a doula? Our answer is: if you are currently pregnant, it’s never too early or too late. If you hire a doula very early in your pregnancy, you will have more time to use her services and get to know each other. Your doula will be…
6 “Out of the Nest” Ideas for…Nesting
As your pregnancy comes to an end, you may notice an increased desire to clean, organize, cook or otherwise prepare (mentally or physically) your “nest” for your baby’s arrival. This may be in spite of your normal desire to do anything of the sort! I spent more than one hour cleaning out the microwave a week…
Why Prenatal Yoga?
During my last pregnancy, I attended prenatal yoga classes at Yoga Village in Safety Harbor and I was really happy that I did. I got more out of it than expected. Here are some reasons to consider prenatal yoga. 1. Relief from common pregnancy discomforts. As your body transforms, more weight and stress is put…