You may have heard that writing a birth plan, or summary of your birth preferences can help you to have a more positive birth experience. I couldn’t agree more; however, in my opinion that’s not the first, only, or even most important part of preparing for your birth. Here are my 5 top tips for planning for a positive birth experience…
Read MoreA lot of families we support as doulas aren't aware that they'll likely have a choice when it comes to how their baby’s heart rate is monitored during labor, and don't realize how large an impact this choice can have on how a birth unfolds. So, what are the different types of monitoring, and which is best for you? Read on for a little background info that may help when discussing this important decision with your provider…
Read MoreIn our culture, many of us grew up watching tv and movies that portray labor coping as limited to a woman panting and screaming for drugs. Remember The One Where Rachel Has a Baby? The truth is, it doesn't have to be this way. If you do decide to use pain meds (a completely valid choice) you still have options you can learn about and prepare for ahead of time. There are also non-pharmaceutical alternatives that can be very effective, and benefits to holding off until later in labor to have meds, if you decide to go that route. Read on for additional information on narcotic options and the lesser-known natural coping techniques you may want to include in your birth plan…
Read MorePacking a hospital bag for the day you go into labor ahead of time can feel a little like packing for a surprise trip when you don’t know the destination. Here are a few things you may want but haven’t yet thought of…
Read MoreMost people know that on the journey to having a baby, vaginal exams will be part of the equation. But do you know the purpose of these exams? What they're checking for? Possible risks? What your options are in this area? If not, read on.
Read MoreExercise may not be high on the list of things you feel like doing while battling morning sickness, fatigue, or other pregnancy related discomforts, but it may be worth it for both you and your baby. After all, exercise may be the very thing you need in order to feel less nauseous, more energized, or more comfortable. It may help you to get better rest, have an easier labor, and recover more quickly postpartum as well. In addition, exercise could have a significant impact on your mental health, which is known to affect fetal neurobehavioral development, and consequently, child outcomes.
Read MoreIf you have a healthcare provider who you trust is capable of recommending the best treatment for you and your baby, who are you to question their advice?
Read MoreThe ins and outs of feeding baby is such a huge focus during the postpartum period for many new parents, and can be a major source of stress. For those who plan to breastfeed, having an idea of what you can expect during the first month can help a lot in getting off to a good start. From how to navigate first latch to pumping, read on for a quick overview of what may lay ahead.
Read MoreYou may have heard of something called the “birth plan curse”, or something along those lines. The basic idea being that the more detailed a birth plan, the more likely a woman is to end up with a c-section. I’ve heard this idea tossed around, encountered it in online labor and delivery nurse forums, and I’ve even had a client report that a nurse told her after her Cesarean birth that it was essentially her detailed plan that caused it. Today I’d like to call this ideology out for what I believe it is. Complete and utter BS…
Read MoreI’ve been a practicing birth doula for the past four years, supporting births of all kinds- mostly in hospital, a few home births, medicated, unmedicated, hypno-births, cesarean, vacuum assisted, some short, some really long. I’ve also gone through the pregnancy and birth experience twice personally- once before and once after training as a doula, once with a doula and once without. Somewhere along the way, a spark was ignited, a deep desire to to spread information far and wide in order to help others have positive birth experiences too. Because YES, a healthy mom and baby are always at the top of the list, AND how a family feels about their experience matters DEEPLY. You do not get a do-over on your baby’s birth story. So here’s my advice on how to prepare for a positive experience…
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