Posts by Christie Rinder
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,…
Read MoreThe 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.…
Read MoreOvernight 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…
Read MoreI was so calm and excited thanks to their presence and guidance – Amanda, Clearwater
Christie and Amy were so wonderful to meet with both before and after my second child’s birth. They are both such positive magnetic people that I couldn’t wait to spend more time with, learn from, and have with me during my birth. I was hoping to have a fast natural birth this time and they…
Read MoreI was able to sleep, because of her support – Erin, St. Pete
I used Buddha Belly Birth Services this past year after coming across their website. Christie was my birth doula and we had a profound experience with her as our guide and supportive expert. Christie met with us before to make a birthing plan. She reduced all of our fears by giving us a gentle yet…
Read MoreBest 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…
Read MoreWho 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…
Read MoreAll 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…
Read MoreThe 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:…
Read MoreThe 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…
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