Baby on Mom's chest during the Golden Hour After Birth

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…

Your Prenatal Care, A woman gets an ultrasound in early pregnancy

Prenatal Care: What to Expect

Regular prenatal checkups are an important part of staying healthy while pregnant. During these visits your doctor, nurse or midwife will monitor your baby’s development and do routine testing to find and prevent potential complications. This is also a good time to ask questions and learn important information related to your pregnancy, labor and birth.…

Choosing an OB/GYN or Midwife, a care provider sits with a family

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, mom, dad, baby on the beach

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…

Pregnant Woman on a phone call, when should I call my doula?

When Should I Call My Doula?

You’ve decided to hire a doula to help you have a better birth experience. Great plan! So, now you are asking, when should I call my doula? Or, how do I best use her services? There is no wrong time to call your doula for help and guidance. When you hire Buddha Belly Doulas, we…

Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy, a clean bathroom

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…

baby lying down with newborn acne on her face

All About Newborn Acne

Newborn acne? Wait, I thought acne was for teenagers?  To my disappointment, my son had acne with little red pimples all over his cheeks that started when he was 3 – 4 weeks old. He was as perfect to me as ever! But, I was curious what was causing my newborn to have acne and…

Surviving the holidays with a newborn, newborn baby in a Santa hat

Surviving the Holidays with a Newborn

The magic of the holiday season is magnified by the arrival of your baby. Of course, it is natural to want to create the perfect first Christmas for your growing family. Be that as it may, bringing a newborn home means your daily routines have undergone a major adjustment. Add in the bustle and flurry…

When to Hire a Postpartum Doula

When Should I Hire My Postpartum Doula?

It’s no secret that finding a spot at the best local daycare or preschool requires booking months in advance. Sometimes it even means putting your name on a wait list. You’ve heard about this before, right? “Infant care tends to book up fairly fast and several months in advance. In order to find one that…

Holiday Family Events Tampa Bay

Holiday Family Events in Tampa Bay

The holidays are in full swing! So, we’ve compiled a helpful list of some of the wonderful family friendly holiday events and happenings in and around Tampa Bay. To start, a great way to take in the sights and sound of the season are at some of Tampa’s local theme parks. Here’s the inside scoop…

how doulas support dads and partners

How Doulas Support Dads and Partners

I can’t tell you how many clients I call to follow up with after they use our birth doula services who say, “My husband wasn’t convinced we needed a birth doula, but after delivery he said we could never have done that without her.” Whether you are first time parents, or adding another child to…

introducing your pet to your baby

Introducing Your Pet to Your Baby

Your pet is a cherished member of your family and should be included when big changes are happening. Here are some helpful tips to eliminate stress and concerns when you bring your newborn home.  Start preparations before your baby arrives. In all of the excitement of preparing for your new baby, you might not have…