Read our collection of helpful articles about childbirth and breastfeeding by our team of educators and doulas. Please share these posts to spread evidence-based info with your network. Thanks in advance for your help!
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.
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.
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.
Check out our list of must-have essential items to get your nursery stocked and ready for your little bundle(s) of joy!
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.
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?
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.
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.
PART 1 of 2: Breastfeeding is not the norm for much of the USA and it’s hard to get people to understand the amount of work it takes to be successful at it. To promote breastfeeding success while you are still pregnant keep these helpful tips handy.
Since adults of the sandwich generation are spread between their responsibilities toward their children, parents, and careers, they are often susceptible to both mental and financial stress. It is therefore important for them to seek resources that can help them manage their situation. Below, we’ve provided a few tips if you are an adult of the sandwich generation to help you balance your multiple caregiving responsibilities.
Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD) can make walking or sitting difficult, and sometimes extremely painful, affecting approximately one out of four pregnant women.
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.
There is no “one method fits all” for babies. We encourage all new parents to read and research as much as they can and choose a method or variety of methods that they feel comfortable using. Whatever method you choose, consistency is crucial.
Symptoms of postpartum depression can appear any time during pregnancy and the first 12 months after childbirth.