Gender Disappointment: You’re Not The Only One

By Christie Rinder | March 4, 2024

For some this may be a taboo or controversial topic, but let’s go there together. We are all having a human experience and it’s okay to be authentic about our feelings.  As a Mom of two amazing boys, who are now 17 and 11, these young men mean more to me than anything in the…

6 Common Pregnancy Ailments and Easy Remedies to Help

By Christie Rinder | January 13, 2024

Pregnancy is a beautiful time in your life. You are growing a living, breathing miracle inside your body. Trust me, your body is amazing. Don’t forget to soak in this moment and reflect on how much your body is doing. I know it can be hard to focus on that.  Mostly because… While your body…

Am I Going Into Labor? Understanding Prodromal Labor

By Christie Rinder | January 1, 2024

Coming to the end of your pregnancy can be such a challenging task. Not only are you done being pregnant, but the inevitable question rears its head:  When will I go into labor?  Most of your pregnancy goes by in the blink of an eye. But the last month of pregnancy is a different story. …

Is “Mommy Brain” Actually Real? New Moms Need Real Answers

By Christie Rinder | December 18, 2023

You woke up today with a lot of things to do. You have housework, a doctor’s appointment, and a million other things.  Then this happened: You made coffee but you can’t remember where you left it.  It’s in the microwave. Your husband called and you told him you lost your phone.  You’re talking on it.  …

Third Trimester Checklist: What to Do in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy

By Christie Rinder | December 11, 2023

Congratulations you made it to the third trimester of pregnancy! You are on the homestretch, the excitement is palpable, and your baby’s arrival is just around the corner. To help you have a smooth transition, we’ve compiled a comprehensive third trimester checklist just for you.  Go here to see our First and Second Trimester Checklists. …

Pregnancy After Loss

By Christie Rinder | October 28, 2023

Losing a baby through miscarriage or stillbirth is one of the hardest things any parent will ever go through. When I was pregnant with my 2nd child, I went into preterm labor at 17 weeks. Having made it to the 2nd trimester we had already announced the pregnancy to friends and family. My husband and…

Pregnancy After 35 | Advanced Maternal Age

By Christie Rinder | October 2, 2023

One day you’re 34 and feeling fine, but as the clock strikes midnight on your 35th birthday the switch is flipped and your fertility takes a nosedive, right? Forget gradual changes – your ovaries throw a little party and the DJ starts spinning “Last Dance.” Your eggs decide to pack their bags and head for…

Braxton Hicks Contractions: The Prequel to Labor

By Christie Rinder | September 4, 2023

Braxton what?! If you’re on this page, chances are you’ve heard whispers about Braxton Hicks contractions and today, we’re going to demystify them for you.  What are Braxton Hicks Contractions? Braxton Hicks contractions, also charmingly known as “practice contractions,” are the dress rehearsal before the real show. They’re your uterus’s way of flexing its muscles…

The Group B Strep Test and Its Role in Labor

By Christie Rinder | July 10, 2023

One of the numerous tests and procedures to deal with during pregnancy is the Group B Streptococcus (GBS) test. This is a routine part of prenatal care and July is International GBS awareness month. So, in this blog post, we will shed light on what to expect regarding your GBS test and the results.  What…

Understanding the Hormones of Early Pregnancy

By Christie Rinder | June 18, 2023

Pregnancy brings about incredible changes in your body, driven by a beautiful dance of hormones. Understanding the hormonal changes in early pregnancy empowers you to embrace this transformative period. In this post, we will explore these hormones, their functions, and how they can affect you along the way. Firstly, what exactly are hormones? Hormones are…

Understanding Prenatal Rh Antibody Testing

By Christie Rinder | June 6, 2023

During pregnancy you may encounter various prenatal tests and new or complicated terminology. Your doulas are here to help you understand this information. One such test is the Rh Antibody Screening. Let’s break it down and highlight the important points you should know.  What is the Rh antibody test?  This test aims to identify specific…

What is Preeclampsia?

By Christie Rinder | May 1, 2023

Preeclampsia is a complication that happens in about 1 in 25 pregnancies in the United States. While it’s a serious condition, it’s important to remember that with proper care and monitoring, many women with preeclampsia can still have a healthy and safe birth. So, what is preeclampsia?  Preeclampsia is a condition that typically develops after…