A C Section is major abdominal surgery and it requires special consideration for recovery. We won’t lie – c section recovery can be hard! Your doctor will advise you on …
The One Word All Parents Should Know: No
If you have ever been around a toddler, or have one of your own, you likely already know their favorite word. Spend a little time with them, and that word …
Why We Won’t Tell You to “Get Frisky”
Getting intimate with your partner is a very private matter. So why are there graphics and posts from doulas (and midwives) suggesting that you “get frisky” and implying that they’ll …
Babywearing: Safely Wear Your Baby
Babywearing has become much more mainstream in the past few years. Carriers are readily available and can be found at all price points. Not only is it convenient to wear …
Minivans: The Ultimate Mom Cars
We’ve probably all said it: I’ll never drive a minivan! While I agree that minivans aren’t the best looking vehicles on the road, they are functional. I looked at the features …
Let Them Eat…Placenta?
Is eating your placenta right for you? What choices do you have? To be honest, there are probably more choices than you thought! In this blog we will present the …
No Kissing, Please!
Babies are SO cute and squishy! The urge to kiss your niece, nephew, or new grandchild may be overwhelming. But, as hard as it may be, please do not kiss the …
Remember Your Nurses!
When preparing for the birth of your child you make choices about your medical care (OB or Midwife?) and which hospital to deliver at, if you want a doula supporting …
Cloth Diapers – The Down and Dirty
Lately there has been a huge movement towards sustainability and reducing one’s carbon footprint. With so much baby gear out there, there aren’t too many ways to cut down on …
Q is for Queasiness
If you’re reading this, you’re likely pregnant or planning to become pregnant. I’m sure it doesn’t come as a surprise to anyone reading this that morning sickness is common during …
No, Facebook, I Don’t Want to Check-In at the Hospital!
One thing you won’t see Blissful Birthing’s doulas doing is posting on Facebook when we are on our way to support a client or “checking in” when we arrive or …
What I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Parent
They say hindsight is 20/20. This phrase used to bug me because I felt that it focused too much on the past and not enough on the present. However, I …
Storm Preparation
Spring has sprung! Or has it? With our area in the midst of our fourth Nor’easter in three weeks, I’m sure most of us feel fairly confident with our storm …
Five Ways for Non-Breastfeeding Family Members to Bond with Your Baby
A common concern of breastfeeding women is that the baby’s father, sibling, and/or grandparents won’t be able to bond with the new baby because they will be the only person …
Survive the Holidays – Tips for Dealing with Unsolicited Parenting Opinions
‘Tis the season! With the holidays fast approaching and family gatherings on the horizon many are preparing to spend time with family and friends (and survive). For many this can …
Early Breastfeeding – 10 Tips for Breastfeeding Sucess
If you’ve read my posts, joined my Facebook group, or spoken to me in person, you know that I am constantly reassuring new moms that just because breastfeeding is natural …
Cord Care – What the Heck Do I Do with My Newborn’s Umbilical Stump?
You just gave birth and your new baby is perfect in every way. If you have friends or family with children, you may have practiced some baby care basics like changing …
Pets and Babies – Tips for Introducing Your Pet to Your New Baby
If you have pets, you know what a big part of the family they are. I spoke with Anne Wetzel, a former veterinary technician with over a decade of experience, …
Intact Newborn Care – Basic Hygiene for Intact Baby Boys
Did you know that an intact penis is self-cleaning? How amazing is that! So, you may be wondering, how do you take care of your baby’s uncircumcised penis? Well, it’s …
Bad Advice – The Worst Things Parents Have Been Told
It seems like once word gets out that you’re having a baby, everyone has some “words of wisdom” they feel the need to impart onto you. If you’re a parent, …
Baby Basics: The Bare Minimum You Need When Bringing Home Baby
If you take a few moments to look at all that is out there for a new baby, it will quickly become overwhelming. How do you know what you really …
I Want to Stop Pumping! – How to Wean from the Breast Pump
rIf you’re an exclusively pumping or working mom you likely have a love/hate relationship with you breast pump. There will come a time that will likely be met with a …
Traveling with Kids – 10 Tips to Help You Survive Your Summer Getaway
In case you haven’t noticed by now, having kids can make even the simplest of tasks a major production. Now that summer is almost here it’s time to start thinking …
Tips for Building a Breast Milk Stash
The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding exclusively for at least the first six months of your baby’s life. This may seem like a lofty goal for women who must return …
Formula Feeding – What You Need to Know
How you choose to feed your baby is a complex, personal decision. Whether you choose to breastfeed or formula feed, certain considerations must be taken to ensure feeding is as …
5 Natural Ways to Induce Labor
Time always seems to pass more slowly when we’re waiting for something. The last month of pregnancy is no exception. Many women are anxious to meet their new babies and …