Posts by Christie Rinder
Buddha Belly has it figured out – Shalin
If there was a best of the bay for this category – this team would come out on top! I worked with them for my birth and postpartum care, and Buddha Belly has it figured out. I love the idea of a pair of birth doulas – they made sure to keep in touch, answer…
Read MoreKeep Calm and Feed On!
Are you worried at all about the potential impact of Hurricane Irma on you and your baby? Here’s some helpful tips from one of our postpartum doulas: If you are currently breastfeeding- continue to do so. There is no need to stop breastfeeding because of a storm. Just do the best you can to care…
Read MoreUnderstanding Plugged Ducts: Causes, Symptoms & Relief (updated 2025)
Who knew there was so much to learn about breastfeeding?! Breastfeeding mothers experience a variety of challenges, and it’s so helpful to talk about them openly. Doing so can make all the difference in having a successful breastfeeding experience — and in preventing more serious complications from developing. What Is a Plugged Duct? Sometimes, milk…
Read MoreMy Newborn Wouldn’t Latch
Nursing, although natural, can be nothing short of a beautiful struggle. It is a delicate dance between mother and baby at first breath earthside, and quite frankly an acrobatic adventure as time moves forward. It moves through its phases but you’ll always remember those eyes staring up at you, the mumbling as they feed, dropping…
Read MoreFamily Fun in Tampa Bay
It’s hard to believe that summer is almost over and our kids are going back to school in twelve days. We have a blended family and my oldest son spends almost every weekend away with his father. This makes summer the one time of year we get to spend a lot of time with the…
Read MoreFinding a Pediatrician (updated June 2022)
When should I begin finding a pediatrician? If you don’t already have a pediatrician for your baby, it’s a good idea to start looking for a pediatrician during pregnancy. Give yourself a few weeks to a few months. This allows you sufficient time to make a well informed decision. What is the difference between a…
Read MoreWill My Baby Ever Sleep through the Night?
There is a lot to be said about babies sleeping through the night, various styles of parenting, sleep coaching and everybody has an opinion. It’s a good idea to learn about the science of sleep and what is developmentally normal for babies. Author Elizabeth Pantley has this to say on the subject here: “The medical…
Read MoreWhat Are the Risks of Placenta Encapsulation?
You may have read or heard about the benefits of placenta encapsulation- they’ve been documented here, as one example. More and more women are choosing this option to help them feel better faster after birth. Naturally, your next question may be, “What are the risks of placenta encapsulation?” Unfortunately, placentophagy (the scientific word for eating…
Read MoreCloth Diapers or Disposables?
Cloth diapers are back in style! And they are not your grandmother’s diapers. There are lots of different styles, sizes, brands, cute patterns and accessories to explore. Some families are totally dedicated to cloth diapering and others do a combination of both cloth and disposables. There are special wet bags to put your wet cloth…
Read MoreWhat is the Difference Between a Nanny, Baby Nurse, Babysitter, Postpartum Doula?
What is the difference between a nanny, baby nurse, babysitter and a postpartum doula? Nanny: Usually hired to stay or live with a family for a long-term period of time to take care of babies or small children. Occasionally, a nanny will also help with household duties. Nannies work daytime and overnight shifts and stay…
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