Nutrition During Pregnancy: Nourishing Yourself and Your Baby
We all understand that nutrition during pregnancy is important. Pregnancy is a time of immense growth and development for your baby, and proper nutrition is vital to ensuring that your little one gets the best possible start in life. Not only does good nutrition help support your baby’s growth and development, it also plays an…
Prenatal Care: What to Expect
Regular prenatal checkups are an important part of staying healthy while pregnant. During these visits your doctor, nurse or midwife will monitor your baby’s development and do routine testing to find and prevent potential complications. This is also a good time to ask questions and learn important information related to your pregnancy, labor and birth.…
Choosing an OB/GYN or Midwife (Hospital, Birth Center or Homebirth)
Is an OB/GYN or a Midwife the best choice for your prenatal care? How do the different options affect where you will give birth? There are many factors to consider when choosing your prenatal care provider and your birthing location. In addition to taking into account your personal health history, it also comes down to…
When Should I Call My Doula?
You’ve decided to hire a doula to help you have a better birth experience. Great plan! So, now you are asking, when should I call my doula? Or, how do I best use her services? There is no wrong time to call your doula for help and guidance. When you hire Buddha Belly Doulas, we…
Hemorrhoids During Pregnancy
There are many beautiful things that come from pregnancy. Hemorrhoids are not one of them. Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the rectal area. They can cause burning, itching, bleeding and pain. While common during pregnancy, afflicting more than half of all pregnant women, they are more prevalent in the third trimester. So, though this…
How Doulas Support Dads and Partners
I can’t tell you how many clients I call to follow up with after they use our birth doula services who say, “My husband wasn’t convinced we needed a birth doula, but after delivery he said we could never have done that without her.” Whether you are first time parents, or adding another child to…
Introducing Your Pet to Your Baby
Your pet is a cherished member of your family and should be included when big changes are happening. Here are some helpful tips to eliminate stress and concerns when you bring your newborn home. Start preparations before your baby arrives. In all of the excitement of preparing for your new baby, you might not have…
Hyperemesis Gravidarum (Severe Morning Sickness)
What is Hyperemesis Gravidarum? Some degree of nausea and vomiting is normal during pregnancy. In fact, about 70 – 80% of women experience this. However, extreme and persistent nausea and vomiting while pregnant is referred to as hyperemesis gravidarum (aka HG). This condition is rare and occurs in only about 2% of pregnancies. HG is…
Exercise During Pregnancy
One of the most exciting chapters of your life has begun. You’re pregnant! Life is about to change, and so is your body. Exercise can not only help you stay in shape, but also help prepare you for labor and delivery. Did you know that exercising is safe and healthy for most pregnant women, even…
Dental Health and Your Pregnancy
Noticing sensitivity with your teeth or a little pink on your toothbrush now that you’re pregnant? In my experience as a certified dental assistant, and a mother, I was often asked, “Why are my gums bleeding now that I am pregnant?” “Why are my teeth more sensitive during my pregnancy?” Or “Is it safe to…
Constipation During Pregnancy
Picture this. I was pregnant with my third child and having a hell of a time during the first 15 weeks. I was working full time, exhausted, eating poorly, vomiting often and to top it off I hadn’t pooped for 5 days. Pregnancy constipation is defined as having fewer than three bowel movements a week.…
Breastfeeding and Birth Control
We believe it’s just as important to understand your options and feel empowered in your decisions about birth control as it is for giving birth. In this post we share insight into breastfeeding as a form of birth control, called the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM). Is breastfeeding my baby an effective form of birth control?…