Pregnancy After Loss
Losing a baby through miscarriage or stillbirth is one of the hardest things any parent will ever go through. When I was pregnant with my 2nd child, I went into preterm labor at 17 weeks. Having made it to the 2nd trimester we had already announced the pregnancy to friends and family. My husband and…
Recovering from a Traumatic Birth
Childbirth is a powerful and transformative event, but sometimes the experience can be traumatic. Things don’t always go as planned and the feelings you have during and after the birth can be emotionally challenging. On a personal level my first baby’s birth was very difficult and I experienced a degree of PTSD afterwards. I worked…
Pregnancy After 35 | Advanced Maternal Age
One day you’re 34 and feeling fine, but as the clock strikes midnight on your 35th birthday the switch is flipped and your fertility takes a nosedive, right? Forget gradual changes, your ovaries throw a little party and the DJ starts spinning “Last Dance.” Your eggs decide to pack their bags and head for retirement…
Do You Have a Postpartum Plan?
You’ve got your birth class done, your hospital bag packed and your car-seat safely installed! Have you considered what happens once you are home with your baby in your arms? Do you have a postpartum plan in place? You may have heard a lot of talk about birth plans and much less discussion about a…
The Benefits of Choosing a Doula Agency
If you’re on this page, you’re likely considering bringing a doula into your birth or postpartum experience. Kudos to you for prioritizing support and care during this remarkable journey. As someone deeply involved in the Tampa Bay community – a doula here since 2009, and the founder of Buddha Belly Doulas since 2014 – I’ve…
Safe Sleep For Your Baby
We know how exciting it is to tuck your baby in for a good night’s sleep, so let’s make sure it’s not only cozy but also safe as can be. a. Safe to Sleep Recommendations for Baby: First things first, let’s talk about the golden rules of safe sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)…
Braxton Hicks Contractions: The Prequel to Labor
Braxton what?! If you’re on this page, chances are you’ve heard whispers about Braxton Hicks contractions and today, we’re going to demystify them for you. What are Braxton Hicks Contractions? Braxton Hicks contractions, also charmingly known as “practice contractions,” are the dress rehearsal before the real show. They’re your uterus’s way of flexing its muscles…
Newborn Sleep – What to Expect
Ah, the magical world of newborn sleep! It’s like a roller coaster ride that you never signed up for, but guess what? You’re not alone on this wild journey. Parents and soon-to-be parents, especially those snuggling tiny bundles of joy in the wee hours of the night, this one is for you. Let’s dive into…
Postpartum Sweating & Body Odor: Smells Like Motherhood
Along with the countless joys of parenthood, there are also a few unexpected challenges that come with the territory. We’re diving right into a topic that might not get as much airtime as baby names and nursery decorations, but it’s just as real: postpartum sweating and body odor. Yep, we’re getting up close and personal…
The Prenatal Meeting with Your Birth Doulas
When you work with Buddha Belly Doulas for labor support you get two doulas who are on-call for you 24/7! During pregnancy your doulas are available to answer questions, provide support and help you prepare for your special day. When you go into labor, whichever doula is on-call at the time will be the one…
Decision Making During Labor: Using Your B.R.A.I.N.
The waves of labor bring you up and down and occasionally all over the place. At times in labor, we simply have to go with the flow and surrender to mother nature’s plan. However, now and again we may need to use our B.R.A.I.N. to make decisions during labor. While childbirth can be filled with…
The Group B Strep Test and Its Role in Labor
One of the numerous tests and procedures to deal with during pregnancy is the Group B Streptococcus (GBS) test. This is a routine part of prenatal care and July is International GBS awareness month. So, in this blog post, we will shed light on what to expect regarding your GBS test and the results. What…
Newborn Poop, Is THAT Normal?
As a new parent, amidst the continual diaper changes and sleepless nights you may find yourself obsessing over every little detail, including your baby’s poop. Yes, you read that right! Today, we’re diving into the world of baby poop, discussing its frequency, appearance, and even when to get medical advice. So, hold your nose and…
Why Take a Newborn Care Class?
Welcoming a newborn into your life is a special adventure that can bring a mix of emotions – joy, love and yes, a little uncertainty. As a parent myself, I know firsthand that no amount of preparation can fully ready you for the arrival of your little one. Parenting is a complex blend of following…
Understanding the Hormones of Early Pregnancy
Pregnancy brings about incredible changes in your body, driven by a beautiful dance of hormones. Understanding the hormonal changes in early pregnancy empowers you to embrace this transformative period. In this post, we will explore these hormones, their functions, and how they can affect you along the way. Firstly, what exactly are hormones? Hormones are…
Understanding Prenatal Rh Antibody Testing
During pregnancy you may encounter various prenatal tests and new or complicated terminology. Your doulas are here to help you understand this information. One such test is the Rh Antibody Screening. Let’s break it down and highlight the important points you should know. What is the Rh antibody test? This test aims to identify specific…
Postpartum Hair Loss: Beyond the Baby Glow
During each of my pregnancies my hair was so shiny, long and healthy I felt like I was living in a Pantene commercial every day. Fast forward a few months with a newborn in my arms, and those commercials had officially been axed. Along with the joys of welcoming your new baby come a host…
Postpartum Perineal Care
During pregnancy we do a lot of preparation for birth and baby. One part of the experience to add to your postpartum planning is healing your bottom. Postpartum perineal care will be a daily part of your recovery for the first couple weeks. How sore your bottom is after birth often depends on how your…
Should I Take a Breastfeeding Class?
I talk to a lot of expecting mothers and hear many of them say they hope to be successful at breastfeeding, but they aren’t sure it will work out. These hopes are mixed in with stories they’ve heard from friends and families. At least 80% of women initiate breastfeeding. That is a high percentage who…
What is Preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia is a complication that happens in about 1 in 25 pregnancies in the United States. While it’s a serious condition, it’s important to remember that with proper care and monitoring, many women with preeclampsia can still have a healthy and safe birth. So, what is preeclampsia? Preeclampsia is a condition that typically develops after…
Postpartum Bleeding: From Padzilla to Pantyliners
Yes, unfortunately after giving birth you will have to endure several weeks of postpartum bleeding. The more informed you are, the better prepared you will be for your postpartum journey so here we go. What is Lochia? Lochia is the term used to describe the vaginal bleeding that occurs after childbirth. It is a natural…
12 Steps to Prepare for a Successful VBAC
My first child was born via cesarean and my second child was born vaginally. Despite the odds we had a vaginal birth after a cesarean, aka VBAC! I gave birth in the comfort of my home with my husband, a licensed midwife (CPM) and my birth doula present. The journey from c-section to VBAC was full…
Cesarean Birth: What to Expect
Learning about cesarean birth, even if you are hoping to avoid it, is always a good idea. When I was taken for an emergency c-section, there was little time for anybody to explain things to me. I was grateful I had gained knowledge about cesarean birth in the birth classes I attended. As a first…
All About Childbirth Afterpains
Childbirth afterpains are one of those things that: “nobody tells you about!” So let me be the one to rectify that. When I first heard about childbirth afterpains, my mind went to the perhaps grim analogy of an earthquake. Forgive me. I grew up in Los Angeles, California where we did earthquake drills regularly in…
Nutrition During Pregnancy: Nourishing Yourself and Your Baby
We all understand that nutrition during pregnancy is important. Pregnancy is a time of immense growth and development for your baby, and proper nutrition is vital to ensuring that your little one gets the best possible start in life. Not only does good nutrition help support your baby’s growth and development, it also plays an…
Bringing Your Baby Home – Steps to Success
As you reach the end of your pregnancy the reality that you will be bringing your baby home soon is starting to set in and is exciting! Like most new parents in the nesting phase, you are probably busy preparing and getting things ready. Here are some things to consider getting done in advance to…
The Golden Hour After Birth
The Golden Hour (or hours) refers to the immediate hour after you have given birth to your baby and the connection that takes place during this time. This quality time between you and your baby will have lasting effects on your relationship and how your baby adapts to their new environment. Your beautiful baby arrives…
Choosing an OB/GYN or Midwife (Hospital, Birth Center or Homebirth)
Is an OB/GYN or a Midwife the best choice for your prenatal care? How do the different options affect where you will give birth? There are many factors to consider when choosing your prenatal care provider and your birthing location. In addition to taking into account your personal health history, it also comes down to…
Announcing Your Pregnancy
You just found out you are pregnant! You may be feeling mixed emotions; a little nervous and likely very excited. While you are considering when and how to announce your pregnancy there are some things to consider before sharing the news. Some expectant parents call their closest family and friends right away. Many wait until…
Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy
There are many beautiful things that come from pregnancy. Hemorrhoids are not one of them. Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the rectal area. They can cause burning, itching, bleeding and pain. While common during pregnancy, afflicting more than half of all pregnant women, they are more prevalent in the third trimester. So, though this…