Less stress, more joy
Summer is upon us in Michigan! That means it is time to hit the beach! Beach outings with little ones in tow can sometimes be stressful. So follow these tips to help keep you from being a sweaty, hot, overwhelmed mess. Tip #1- Gather all your items first Know you are planning to hit the [...]
Due to certain pregnancy concerns, routine measures past 28 weeks, going past your due date, or any reason your doctor/midwife deems necessary you may find yourself being told you need a fetal non-stress test or NST. So what is an NST? This test is simply looking to see how baby is doing. It is called [...]
It is always a good idea to stay up to date on current recommendations. The AAP, American Academy of Pediatrics, has specific guidelines for safe sleep practices. Placing babies (through one year old) on their back to sleep is the most current recommendation for safe sleep. Room sharing is considered ideal for the first six [...]
The day has arrived! You think you are in labor! First how do you tell if it is really labor? So you notice you are having contractions and they seem to come and go. You can try timing them. To time a contraction you time the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]