Less stress, more joy
And just like that you have a couple of large hard melons for breasts. For some after giving birth their body changes from producing colostrum (the thick usually deeper in color, yellow or orange-ish first food your breasts produce) to breastmilk unbeknownst to you and your boobs. The first sign is "look honey there's actual [...]
In the process of birth the birthing person typically will need some encouragement and emotional support. Birth affirmations are simply that! They can even be your birth slogan or mantra! The best part of birth affirmations is you can select those that resonate with you and create ones that truly speak to you. Why use [...]
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 [...]
by Andrea Stainbrook In a snap things change forever. Let's get some candy on the way to the movies. It's a relaxing family day so seeing a new movie with a bucket of popcorn overflowing, ice slushies, and candy sounds just right. We snag our favorites hop in the car and head towards the movie [...]
by Andrea Stainbrook Love and labor go to together. Common questions doulas are asked are: "How do I get labor started?" "What keeps a labor going?" "What can help me in labor?" These are all fabulous questions. Some are surprised to hear our answer for all of these questions is love. What's that? Love?! Yes. Let's [...]
By Andrea Stainbrook An outing with your baby doesn't have to be hard! Babies are squishy and adorable and well frankly a lot of work! Normal outings like heading to the grocery store, or to shop for some new clothes can feel like daunting tasks. I know I sometimes rather wait for my hubby to [...]
In November, it’s easy to be grateful: For family, friends and food. It comes naturally to practice gratitude during this month of Thanksgiving, but that doesn’t mean the gratefulness has to stop once November ends. A family gratitude practice is something that is easy to start in November and it’s a great idea to carry [...]
If you are pregnant, you might be planning lots of things: The nursery, whether to breastfeed, bottle feed or both, or what type of stroller to buy. You should add one more thing to your list: Whether or not to have your placenta processed into capsules for consumption and have tincture made. Record scratch. Come [...]
Think about the people in your life who love and support you unconditionally. Who would be there for you, with your best interests at heart, in a crisis. In a time of joy. In a time of sorrow. Hopefully, you have a handful of people in your life who fill that role. Human beings need [...]