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…
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…
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…
Postpartum Bleeding: From Padzilla to Panytliners
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…
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…
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…
Breastfeeding Red Flags
As a first time mom, breastfeeding my newborn baby felt like a beautiful continuation of our connection during pregnancy. However it was not without challenges. It’s common to feel nervous or unsure, and it’s natural to have questions about what to expect. You’ve never done this before! In the first few weeks, both you and…
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…