Sometimes, one partner REALLY wants to hire a doula and the other can't justify the expense or won't face the realities of the upcoming birthday. Here are my suggestions of talking points for reserving doula service and private instruction for an optimal birth experience.
Scientists are starting to believe that by the age of 3 a child’s gut microbiome is similar to that of adults. Therefore, everything we do for our child from birth on can have a huge impact on their gut microbiome.
Our new collection of 4 childbirth mini-courses is available as 1 FULL class: Mindful Preparation at a special intro price during the holiday season. Use code TDAY50 to save $50 on our FULL course. This sale ends on Cyber Monday!
1 out of 7 new moms experience a postpartum mood or anxiety disorder. In fact, perinatal depression and anxiety are the most common complications of childbirth. However, it's not being talked about with (or between) new moms, leaving these women to suffer in silence. It's time we learned about these conditions and the factors that can put a mom at a higher risk.
The female body is designed to give birth and has been doing so successfully for years. All too often, medical interventions are used unnecessarily leading to more interventions, medicine, and possibly, complications. In recent years, with increased technology and medical interventions, women have been being limited to giving birth on their backs with guided pushing by their care professionals in recent years. Evidence does not support these restrictions.
Movement during labor optimizes baby's positioning by using gravity to helps engage baby into the pelvis, naturally move baby down the birth canal, and can help relieve pain. It can also decrease the amount of intervention needed to help labor progress. Follow these 3 major points to ensure you have freedom of movement during labor.
Kangaroo care, also known as skin-to-skin contact, is more than just the start of cultivating the bond between you and your baby. In this post, we list the health benefits of uninterrupted skin contact between baby and parent as well as tips to advocate for yourself on this healthy birth practice.
These practices are designed to help simplify your birth process with a natural approach that helps alleviate your fears and manage discomfort. No matter what type of labor, the length of your labor, or your confidence level, these practices are key to keeping your birth and baby as safe and healthy as possible.
Interventions should be thought of as tools to help guide you through labor if certain situations arise. One way to avoid many of the routine interventions is to labor at home as long as possible. Early labor can last up to 24 hours. Be sure to communicate with your care provider on when to head to the hospital.
Just as little humans grow at different rates, some babies never get the memo that they are supposed to be ready to come out on the day a provider or ultrasound estimated. However, when they are ready, your body knows, and will begin the process of evicting its tiny tenant in the most beneficial way possible.
Check out our list of must-have essential items to get your nursery stocked and ready for your little bundle(s) of joy!
The 2013 Cochrane Review concluded that all women should have continuous support during labor, and further state that the services of a person, such as a doula, with some training, who is experienced in providing labor support, is the most beneficial.
There are many actions you can take to protect your baby now and later when they are mobile. By installing safety devices, following safety standards, and checking for product recalls, you can prevent an injury or accidental death.
Get recommendations for must-have baby items, newborn care, and diapering guidance, and when to call the doctor for medical treatment.
Capture the raw emotions, tender moments, and joyous milestones of your journey into parenthood.
Follow these tips to transition your baby from the breast to the bottle when your baby refuses to feed from a bottle.
What if you could legitimately provide support and help a laboring woman achieve the birth she desires? The good news is that you can with these 5 tips for labor.
The following hospitals in metro Atlanta have reported their c-section and episiotomy numbers to the Leap Frog Group.
Sleep deprivation and fluctuating hormone levels are real, and they are certainly enough to deal with on their own. Add in poor nutrition and you've got a fine recipe for postpartum depression, and low milk supply.
Sleeping and getting your baby on a schedule are two of the most common subjects parents seem to have questions about. I recommend you start your baby on a predictable routine between 6 and 8 weeks of age. Additionally, here are 7 tips to helping your baby get a good night's rest.
It may be your first, it may be your fourth, but when you’re pregnant and considering your baby’s birth and delivery, having the proper support team is critical in ensuring you and your baby get off to the right start. Did you know a doula can help with that?
There are many reasons people choose not to breastfeed or cannot physically breastfeed. If you are in the category of not breastfeeding, remember, that is okay! Do not allow others to put you on a guilt trip. It is your body and your baby, so choosing what works for you is your decision!
To help you prepare for an easier postpartum time and a speedy recovery after birth, here are a dozen comfort suggestions and must-have items to have on hand following either a surgical or vaginal delivery.
It is best to understand your options, and always weigh risk versus benefit. No matter whether you choose to have your water broken or wish to avoid having it done, be sure you are making your choices because you understand and are comfortable with the decision at hand.
While stretch marks are our tiger stripes, who needs loads of them to remember what fierce creatures we become to bring our babies into the world?
Learn how to keep your perineum intact during the pushing (second) stage of labor with these recommendations. A video is included to help you safely use warm compresses.
If swollen feet (or the pandemic) are keeping you from hitting the stores, shop online. Often with free shipping, it’s a win-win for the efficient and busy expectant parent. Save your back and have your room renovation delivered right to your front door.
Symptoms of postpartum depression can appear any time during pregnancy and the first 12 months after childbirth.