You expect sleepless nights when a little one joins the family, and the age-old image of sleep-deprived parents isn't one that's going to vanish any time soon. We know it isn't easy. In fact, it’s reported that new parents face up to six years of sleep deprivation.
Postpartum Depression and Substance Abuse
Research shows that 10-15 percent of mothers have postpartum depression after delivery. Postpartum depression can set in anywhere between two weeks and one year after having a baby. Seeking help for new mothers to overcome the condition can protect them from many challenges.
Looking After Yourself While Looking After A Newborn: A Guide for Single Fathers (Guest Blog)
You’ve never felt anything else like it: the overwhelming love that engulfs your entire being for this tiny little person. But there’s a secret you probably haven’t told anyone, not even yourself: this wonderful new baby that you love with all of your heart is just exhausting.
Blog courtesy of Josh Moore of Diaper Dads, a site specifically for Soon to be Dads and Dads navigating the world of parenthood!
Provider Spotlight: Sleeping Gracefully
I recently had a Zoom call with Grace Kaplan of Sleeping Gracefully to talk about all things sleep and babies! As typical with any Zoom call, we were interrupted a few times by our kiddos wanting to talk, but we still had a great conversation!
Adjusting to Life With Two Kids
As you make the transition from one kid to two, there are definitely some major changes to your life. Yes, there is another little person to take care of and maybe a little less sleep for you. But, your heart grows and the love you feel for your first baby doesn’t change, you just double the amount of love for your new baby!
Daytime Activities To Do With A Newborn
During the early weeks of having your baby home, you may find it can be hard to find age appropriate activities for a newborn. Plus, it may not be appealing for you to leave the house, so finding home-bound activities is a must. Our postpartum doulas love teaching these simple and easy newborn-specific activities!
Realistic Self Care for New Parents
Self care is important, but sometimes not attainable for new parents. Today we are talking about realistic self care.
Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) in Men
Being a new Dad is life changing. There are amazing highs, and for about 1 in 10 men, there are some pretty low lows.
Virtual Doula Support
And while some clients love to have that face to face support that they receive through our traditional Birth Doula Support, or our Postpartum Doula Support some have more specific needs. Those needs may not require that same physical presence at their birth. Because of that, we are officially launching our Virtual Doula Support.
How to Know Baby is Getting Enough to Eat
One of the biggest concerns for all new parents, well actually all parents in general, is how do you know if your child is getting enough to eat?
Questions To Ask On A Doula Interview
During our years of meeting potential clients, we have been asked some great questions about why we are the ideal birth and postpartum doulas for you in the Triangle area.
Paying for Doula Support
There’s one thing we are a bit biased, doula support is worth the investment. However, that investment can be a bit challenging for our clients.
Common Nipple Issues While Breastfeeding
One of the most common concerns we hear from our breastfeeding clients is about the status of their nipples! From cracked and bloody, to flat and sore, we hear it all. The most important thing to remember: your nipples should not hurt while breastfeeding or pumping!
Common vs. Normal During Pregnancy
So often on Facebook and other social media sites, our birth doulas and postpartum doulas read questions from concerned pregnant folks or new parents asking various questions about if others experienced a similar issue during pregnancy, birth, and/or parenthood. However, we are reframing that question to: Is it common and is it also normal?
Optimizing Feedings With A Newborn PLUS Printable Feeding Log
When you have a newborn, the consistent worry of making sure your baby is getting enough to eat is completely normal! Whether you are breastfeeding or bottle feeding, the key to feeling confident about having a fed baby is optimizing each and every feeding. Below are a few of our favorite tips:
Mantras for Parenthood
We often talk with our birth doula clients about using affirmations and mantras to help with the birth process as they can be extremely helpful to cope. And in the same light, using affirmations as a new parent can be encouraging. Here are a few of our favorites:
Spinach Smoothie with Chocolate
You put that where? All about Period Cups!
Transitional Engorgement
As your body is transitioning from colostrum to milk, breast engorgement can be a common, but very uncomfortable, symptom of that transition.
Tips for Dealing with Unhelpful Family Members
Everyone gets excited to see a new baby, it is just natural. You should see the way my head whips around when a baby rolls by in a stroller. But sometimes, new parents don’t want those extra visitors coming to their home, even if it those visitors have the best intentions.
