Less stress, more joy
I remember when we got our oldest dog, George. My husband and I were young and had just moved across the country from Michigan to Arizona. Together we walked through the aisles of the shelter looking in every kennel. From barking faces, jumping paws, and puppy dog eyes we noticed him. Curled up and looking [...]
I will admit I watch a lot of TV. I watch it to unwind and relax, but I also use it to learn and discover new things. Recently I stumbled upon a PBS series called "9 Months That Made You." I am one episode in and hooked! Now I know by being a doula and [...]
Birth plans, birth wishes, birth preferences, or whatever you prefer to call it can be a useful tool. The work of going through what is important to you and your partner in your birth is likely the best part of creating a birth plan, no matter if you actually print it out. Birth wishlists can [...]
When life changes, most people tend to make a move. One reason moving occurs is usually because your family is growing. So whether you are expecting your first child, or your fourth, your needs from a home will change too. You have to think about what kind of childhood you envision your children to have. [...]
Often people don't share about their poop issues they experience in pregnancy. They can be all too real. Let's dive in and learn about these common issues. GAS Blame the dog if you want but odds are you will be gassier in pregnancy. This can start early on and at any time. We can thank [...]
by Andrea Stainbrook Mom guilt. It is real. It exists. And it starts early! From the moment you discover you will be bringing a baby into this world it seems ways to feel guilty start creeping in. As a doula and a mother I hear about it at all different points of parenthood. Are you [...]
by Andrea Stainbrook For many pregnant women there comes a point where you are ready to be done being pregnant. You want to meet your baby! Sometimes it is out of eagerness, or sometimes it's because you have been past your due date...for a while. Sometimes your doctor lets you know a medical induction will [...]
by Andrea Stainbrook Spring is here and that means it's also time to celebrate Doulas! World Doula Week is a time to recognize and celebrate the doulas you know and love. This year for World Doula Week let's start with doula definitions. First, let's answer a question we are asked often: what is a doula? [...]
by Andrea Stainbrook There are so many decisions to make regarding caring for your baby. You as the parent truly know what makes the most sense to you and what you are comfortable with. One tool getting a bad rap lately are pacifiers. When parents find themselves using them some don't want to admit it [...]
by Andrea Stainbrook 1 year. When your baby turns one there is a roller coaster of emotions. Often we feel happy. What a thing to celebrate! One orbit around the sun completed! But sometimes it feels bittersweet and brings you to tears. Babies do so many milestones in that first year. Sitting up. Crawling. Eating. [...]