Healing Expectations Vs. Healing Reality
We’re told that postpartum healing has a timeline that has a smooth journey and a “back to normal” feeling. But real healing after birth looks different for every parent. It can be overwhelming, stressful, and so beautiful all at once. Postpartum recovery holds both strength and struggle, often at the same time. When expectations don’t match reality, it doesn’t mean you’re failing or doing it wrong, it just means that you are human. This is a reminder that your healing doesn’t have to look or be perfect for your process and experiences to be valid.
White Noise for Infants: Understanding Hearing Health
White noise can be a comforting support for many babies. It is a great tool that has helped many infants and parents with bedtime routines. At High Country Doula, we have prepared some gentle tips in how to be affective and mindful while using white noise. Let’s talk about how we can help you create a calming environment for stress free sleep for you and your infant!
Feeling Supported During Birth — Even Without a Partner
If you find yourself preparing for birth without a partner, know that it doesn’t mean you have to feel unsupported or alone. There are many ways to create a sense of strength, care, and connection throughout this journey, regardless of who is or isn't physically present.
Dad Mode: A Postpartum Guide for New & Expecting Fathers
Becoming a dad is like being handed the biggest promotion of your life with zero training, endless overtime, and the cutest boss you’ll ever meet. One moment you’re soaking up newborn snuggles, and the next you’re googling how to swaddle without losing your mind. It’s completely normal to feel stretched thin as you try to support your partner, bond with your newborn, and still take care of yourself. The truth is, dads are a vital part of the postpartum journey, not just as helpers, but as parents who need support. When dads care for their own mental health, they’re better equipped to show up for both mom and baby, creating a stronger and healthier family from the start. Postpartum might seem like a mom's world, but the truth is, dads are living it too.
Understanding Cesarean Births: A Comprehensive Guide
A C-section, or cesarean delivery, is a surgical procedure used to safely deliver a baby when vaginal birth isn't possible or poses risks. In this blog post, we'll explore the key information you need to know about C-sections, from reasons for the procedure to recovery tips.
The How-To Guide to Emotionally Prepare for Birth
First time mom/parent? It’s okay to be scared! Change can be hard. Bringing home your little one can be hard too. That’s why it’s important to prepare. Here is some information to help you make this transition as smooth as possible!
Nesting Instincts
Have you ever heard of the term “nesting” and no it’s not just something that birds do! During pregnancy, some soon-to-be mothers take part in this phenomenon known as “nesting”.
Summertime Survival Guide
Caring for your little one can change from season to season, which is why it is important to know some useful go-to’s! Whether you’re at the beach or the pool, the summer season requires some extra attention. With our help we can help you beat the heat with these tips on how to best care for you and your baby during the summertime!
Can I Eat This?
Did you know that some of your favorite foods that you might even eat daily may be unhealthy for your baby? When you are pregnant there are some foods you should try to avoid but don’t worry there are still plenty of foods you can enjoy!
Folic Acid: Do You Need It?
Does folic acid play a role in shaping a pregnancy? The first place to start is by researching what folic acid is and what it can contribute to your pregnancy journey.
Twin Types
Do you wish you knew more about the research on all thing’s twins? Well, the first places to start is on the types of twins! Did you know that twins can be broken down into different categories and there’s more than just identical and fraternal twins.
Expecting Multiples?
We understand there are thousands of things running through your mind but here is a short and honest list of things you should know as you prepare to welcome multiple babies into your life.
Postpartum Identity Loss: Strategies for How to Feel Like You Again
If you feel like you have lost your sense of self and the person you used to be this blog post is for you. Grieving the end of your old life and celebrating, enjoying, or embracing your new life is not mutually exclusive, both can happen at the same time and both are valid.
Navigating Mental Health For Parents With Multiples
Parents of multiples experiences prenatally can also be different. There is often more likelihood of health concerns for you or your babies. Your babies are monitored closely throughout the pregnancy, this just ensures that everyone is healthy. Carrying multiples involves more of a time investment than carrying a singleton due to additional visits and testing. Being a parent to multiples there are financial struggles surrounding the care of your babies and having to provide double the amount of childcare and feeding costs. This increases the likelihood of experiencing anxiety, or PMADs.
Growing Your Postpartum Support System
Having a baby can bring about a lot of changes within your life, some like having to wake up in the middle of the night for feedings, changing way more diapers than you ever thought possible, and learning to have a flexible schedule are all things parents prepare for when having a baby. What is not so common to hear talked about, is how relationships with your partner, family, and friends may change. So what are some of these changes that may happen and what are some ways that you can grow your support system during your pregnancy to be prepared for when these changes may occur?
Non-Medical and Natural Inductions
Are you coming up on your 40 week mark of pregnancy and don’t want to be medically induced? If so then this blog post is for you! The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) reports that 20 to 40 percent of pregnancies are medically induced. While the use of medical care during labor is well-documented, less is understood about the use of non-medical means of labor induction and pain management in the U.S. population.
Hormones and Birth
Have you ever wondered what hormones are released during childbirth? Well, today we are here to tell you about all the exciting hormones that help you during the birthing process. The main hormones during labor and birth are oxytocin, beta-endorphins, relaxin, and adrenaline. One hormone that will be highlighted, which is released during the postpartum period is prolactin. We hope that you find this useful.
Inductions: What Do I Need to Know?
Are you 38 weeks pregnant and your provider has brought up the idea of an induction? If yes, then this blog is for you. Many other mothers may be having the same questions and conversations with their providers. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) reports that 20 to 40 percent of pregnancies are induced. This blog will provide you with some insight into what an induction is, why providers may recommend them and what induction options mothers have if they choose to go that route.
Postpartum Mood Disorders for Dads and Partners
Just like pregnancy can affect the whole family, postpartum mood and anxiety disorders can affect the whole family too. Here are some tips that might help you along the way. Remember that you will get through this with help and support. There is no magic cure and sometimes recovery seems slow, but things will keep improving if you stick to a plan of healthcare, support and communication.
Babywearing: What Carrier is Right For You?
Babywearing is a fun and safe way to carry your baby hands-free. But picking out the best carrier for you and your baby can be a challenge when you don’t know what to look for. With a little help, it can be super easy to choose the best carrier possible!