If you’re learning how to juggle having a new baby and a toddler, you’re not alone. Most of us go through it at some point. And while we expect a bit of a bumpy ride, what most of us don’t think about is how having an infant will affect our children’s routine, especially on days when you can’t pack the baby up and head to the park.
Read on for mom-approved advice on how to make the most of days when fall and winter make their presence known.
Read MoreI'm so happy to share this question and answer with Ellie Ryan, DC! She is an excellent chiropractor who sees patients of all ages including prenatal, postpartum and pediatric care. I last saw her a few days ago on my way home from a birth, and went home for my nap feeling right as rain! 😊 Since several of my clients have recently shared how much chiropractic helped their babies I asked Dr. Ellie if she would share a little about how she helps her tiniest patients. Read on to hear directly from Dr. Ellie.
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 MoreI'm so happy to be able to share this question and answer with Julie Qualle, DC! She is an amazing chiropractor who specializes in prenatal, postpartum and pediatric care. Not only have I had clients rave about her, I’ve also had the pleasure of seeing Dr. Julie myself. She is such a caring, nurturing person and truly gifted healer. Read on to hear directly from Dr. Julie…
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 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 MoreAs society as we knew it seems to come to a screeching halt, babies are still being born. A recent client of mine just posted the most adorable photo of her baby wearing a onesie that said “Stay Home” as she remarked that she wished everyone had a baby to snuggle with during this time. While the reward will most certainly be a bright spot for growing families during this strange and scary time, getting to that destination is becoming increasingly anxiety provoking for many. Group birthing and breastfeeding classes have been canceled, you may be worried about who will be allowed to join you at the hospital due to changing visitor policies, and of course there are extra health concerns for yourselves, your babies and your partners to consider. So what’s a pregnant person to do right now? Here are 3 suggestions:
Read MoreI am beyond delighted to be able to share this Q&A with Shannon Gyles, Acupuncturist and Chinese Herbalist at New Moon Wellness. Known as a go-to person to see during pregnancy in Madison, Shannon is one of the few alternative health care practitioners in the area that specialize in women's health. As her website states, "Shannon has found her true calling in working with fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum, helping facilitate healthy babies, healthy mamas, and healthy families. She personally understands the joy and difficulty with the changing demands on the body during pregnancy, postpartum, and caring for a newborn… is honored to be able to work with women to prep the body and baby for labor and finds great joy in helping facilitate initiating labor when needed." Read on to learn more from Shannon about acupuncture during the childbearing year.
Read MoreEpidural use during labor is on the rise. According to a Stanford study published in Anesthesiology in 2018, there was a 10% rise in use since 2008. And according to this article, the researchers were “blown away” by the findings. Said Alexander Butwick, MD, an associate professor of anesthesiology, "We were really surprised the rates were so high."
Using pain medication during your labor is a very common and completely valid choice. Why, if you decide to get drugs, would you also want to hire a doula? Aren't doulas just for those that want an unmedicated labor- crunchy types who want to go "all natural?" Not at all. And here's why…
Read MoreEvery birth is different, and it can feel hard to prepare for the big day when there are bound to be aspects beyond your control. Focusing on what you CAN control will help. Here are the top 3 things you can do to help achieve the kind of birth experience you want…
Read MoreA fresh start, a clean slate, an opportunity to learn and grow. New beginnings can be filled with excitement, challenge, and yes, a period of adjustment. But who doesn’t love a new beginning?
We, the doulas of Align are excited about the next chapter unfolding in 2020, and are committed to bringing high quality doula services to even more Madison area families this year, because we know that a doula supported beginning is often a smoother one…
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