Less stress, more joy
"For a moment like this…. some people wait a lifetime." Ain’t that the truth Kelly Clarkson? When I envisioned my births I envisioned myself like a lot of the videos and pictures I saw and loved. I pictured dim light and quiet whispers. I envisioned myself humming and swaying through contractions as they intensified. I [...]
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 [...]
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 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 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 [...]
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 [...]
Did you watch the Disney movie "Inside Out"? There is one scene that as a doula resonates with me. The character Sadness sits down next to Bing Bong after his magical rocket is lost forever. Bing Bong is clearly upset. Joy tries to cheer him up. But Sadness... Sadness listens to him. Just listens. She [...]
"You have done this before. You know what you are doing!" Anyone who has given birth once and is now preparing to birth baby number 2, or 3, or 10 has probably heard someone say this. Maybe you feel like, "Heck ya I got this!" Or you maybe you want to reply, "Do I know what I'm doing? Is it too late to back out?"