pregnant mom standing on a scale, pregnancy weight gain

Making Peace with Pregnancy Weight Gain

By Christie Rinder | September 8, 2025

Your body is changing faster than your closet can keep up. The scale might feel like your enemy—but it doesn’t have to. If you’re feeling anxious about the numbers creeping up, you’re not alone. Weight gain during pregnancy is normal, but that doesn’t make the emotional side any easier to navigate.  Perhaps you’re concerned that…

doctor performs amniocentesis

What is Amniocentesis?: Understanding This Diagnostic Test

By Christie Rinder | August 17, 2025

You’re sitting in your doctor’s office, and they just mentioned something called an amniocentesis.  Your curiosity piques, and your heart may skip a beat. Maybe your recent screening showed higher-than-expected numbers. Maybe you’re over 35. Or perhaps there’s a family history that has everyone on edge. Whatever the reason, you’re probably feeling a swirl of…

Anatomy scan ultrasound, pregnant mom holding up her ultrasound image

Anatomy Scan Ultrasound – What to Expect

By Christie Rinder | July 9, 2025

Your 20-week ultrasound is coming up! For many expectant parents, this appointment stirs up a lot of feelings. Excitement. Curiosity. Maybe some nervousness too. Understanding what this anatomy scan involves can help you feel more prepared. So let’s walk through it together. What is an Anatomy Scan? The anatomy scan ultrasound goes by a few…

maternal bonding, hands on pregnant belly

Maternal Bonding In Pregnancy – And Why It Counts

By Christie Rinder | June 17, 2025

You might be wondering… when can a fetus start to hear? And here’s your answer: the inner ear begins forming around 16 weeks… At this stage, your baby begins tuning into the symphony of your body: Your blood rushing, the steady beat of your heart, the rhythm of your digestion.  By 23 weeks, babies can…

Hydration during pregnancy

Hydration During Pregnancy: The Path to a Healthy Pregnancy 

By Christie Rinder | May 28, 2025

Between the belly and the blazing Florida sun, staying hydrated during pregnancy can feel like a full-time job. Here in Florida, our hot and humid climate makes hydration even more crucial when you’re expecting. Your body is working overtime to nourish your growing baby, so staying hydrated isn’t just a suggestion—it’s essential for both your health and…

Alicia Keys and her son, Is a doula worth it?

Is a Doula Worth It? 10 Celebrities Say “Yes!”

By Christie Rinder | May 1, 2025

During labor, having the right support can make all the difference.  That’s why more and more expecting mothers are turning to birth doulas – including some well-known celebrities. These stars credit their doulas with helping them have calm, empowering, and positive birth experiences.  Seriously, they’re showing major doula love (some even became doulas themselves!).  So,…

Different kinds of food on plates, pregnancy cravings

Understanding Pregnancy Cravings

By Christie Rinder | March 3, 2025

Pregnancy is full of surprises. And one of the most common surprises is pregnancy cravings. Sometimes, these aren’t subtle cravings but all-consuming and relentless. A recent study recorded women’s responses to how pregnancy cravings feel, and they said: Also, anywhere from 45% to 90% of pregnant women experience cravings. So, if you’re experiencing pregnancy cravings,…

Pregnant Mom lying in bed, PCOS and Pregnancy

Navigating PCOS and Pregnancy With Confidence: A Doula’s Guide

By Christie Rinder | December 9, 2024

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a common condition that affects more women than you might realize. If you’re one of them, you’re likely familiar with the daily challenges it brings. When it comes to pregnancy, navigating PCOS is no small feat. It’s not your average pregnancy journey and comes with a unique set of obstacles. Let’s…

Baby Shower Ideas and Gifts

All the Baby Shower Ideas

By Christie Rinder | August 5, 2024

If you’re pregnant and looking for some baby shower ideas…  We’ve put together some great ones so you can have one less thing to worry about.  As doulas, we know how important it is to celebrate these moments on your pregnancy journey.  It might not feel like it right now, but pregnancy goes by in…

Pregnant woman outside leaning over, unusual pregnancy symptoms

Unusual Pregnancy Symptoms to Never Ignore 

By Christie Rinder | July 15, 2024

With pregnancy comes a lot of weird symptoms.  Some normal…  Some unusual. As your pregnancy progresses, it’ll be important to know some symptoms that are not normal. Let’s dive into a few symptoms that you should never ignore.  Vaginal Bleeding There are many reasons why you could be bleeding during pregnancy. Here are a few…

pregnant mom and toddler touching her belly, baby movement, fetal kick counting

When Should I Feel My Baby Move? All About Fetal Kick Counting

By Christie Rinder | June 9, 2024

Have a case of the butterflies?  Not the romantic kind…  The baby kind.  In both cases, they are good things.  But those baby butterflies… They really hit differently, don’t they?  Not only are you growing a new life, but you’re also embarking on a new journey. And that new set of butterflies becomes the highlight…

40 weeks pregnant sign, going past your due date

Past Your Due Date? 7 Things to Know

By Christie Rinder | June 3, 2024

Going past your due date can bring on a mixture of emotions. You’re ready to meet your baby and you’re tired. You have to wait…… and ….wait some more. Bending down to tie your shoe is out of the question. Getting up from the couch is a sporting event.  You find yourself flashing glares of…