If you’re looking for a complimentary form of exercise for your prenatal program, swimming can provide a welcome relief to those aches and pains you often experience during pregnancy! So, what are some of the benefits of swimming? It relieves the pressure of your bump by providing support and taking the strain off your back. It’s great for improving circulation …
Happy 3rd Birthday, Willie: A retrospective birth story
November 3, 2016: Three years ago today was my son, Will’s due date, so it’s only fitting that I sit to write his birth story; a task I’ve been meaning to get to along with so many others for…well, approximately three years now! As I begin, I know that my story today is not the same one I would have …
What Foods Breastfeeding Mothers Need to Eat from Guest Contributor: Natalie Michele
The foods you pick while you breastfeed is just as important as your selections during pregnancy. There are certain foods, herbs, or supplements – called galactagogues – that can help your breastmilk supply. On the other hand, there are other foods that should be avoided because they can decrease your breastmilk supply. Breastfeeding mothers are going to experience more cravings. …
Embracing The Sacred Messiness of Parenthood from Guest Contributor, Natalie Joffe
As humans we find change and uncertainty uncomfortable. Pregnancy and parenthood is a time of continual change, uncertainty and transition. Just as you adapt to one element of the process, it changes again. You don’t know what clothes to buy or wear because they might not fit in a week. You don’t know what plans to make, because you don’t …
Mindset of Health for New Moms: Video from Guest Contributor, Dr. Kelly Morrow-Baez, aka The FitShrink
In working with women throughout the perinatal time, I have begun to notice a common theme. I work with lots of postpartum moms from a few weeks postpartum to a few years. Typical goals include weight loss, making time for self-care, getting stronger, regaining core connection, getting healthy (-ier) prior to trying for baby number two, concerns with how to …
Carley’s Birth Story: Welcome, Finnegan!
I am one of the lucky ones. I had such a great birth experience. Moms-to-be out there will probably agree that it’s crazy how many horror stories you hear once people learn you’re pregnant. As if there isn’t enough anxiety around giving birth for the first time! Well – spoiler alert, my experience was amazing and I only hope to …
Motherhood and Self-Care Are Not Mutually Exclusive
I’ve been thinking a lot about self-care and what that means as I prepare for an upcoming presentation for a group of mothers. Motherhood and self-care can feel mutually exclusive at times, so I’ve been digging deep into this topic. I looked at a whole bunch of definitions of self-care and none of them really worked for me; none of …
“Water Keepers”: A Guest Post by Meg Heather Ford, ICEA Doula
Water Keepers Exploring the roles of doula, midwife and obstetrician in childbirth I recently supported one of my doula clients through her second birth, and was reminded of the overlapping yet very distinct roles of doula, midwife and obstetrician. The overlap, of course, lies in our shared outcome, which is a healthy mother and baby. The exact definition of ‘healthy’ …
Why Does My Back Ache in Pregnancy?
So, today’s topic is all about the postural changes that occur in a pregnant person’s body. I’ve listed some of the main anatomical changes that occur below to help you understand why you may be suffering with stiff shoulders, neck strain and constant back pain. Welcome to pregnancy…or not! There’s so much that can be done to minimize or eliminate …
Tara J’s Birth Story: Welcome, Conrad!
Tara J’s Birth Story: Again, my due date came and went. I was eight days late with my daughter, so tried to keep up my normal routine. I had finished my last day of work, so “normal” was entertaining my ever growing toddler and trying to get some exercise each day. Three days past my due date I began bleeding. …