Choose a variety of lean proteins, fruits, veggies, whole grains, and healthy fats. By sticking with natural, whole foods, you’ll get the vitamins, minerals, and fiber you need to sustain your energy and keep your body well-nourished while nursing.
Read MoreMany new parents don't know what to expect when it comes to pumping while returning to work after maternity leave. Whether you work part time from home or full time in an office, it doesn’t have to mean the end of breastfeeding.
Read MoreJust like the music playing during our shows and movies, music sets the emotional scene for what the producers and writers want us to feel and experience. It can create the space for you to let go, feel ready, boost energy, instill courage, settle in, release tension, fight hard, dance baby out, focus inward, connect with our baby, master the rhythm, ride the waves, & find our strength.
Read MoreAmidst the new social distancing measures that have become somewhat of our new normal, medical facilities across the country have had to enforce stricter regulations in hopes to decrease the spread of COVID-19. With this in mind, we have gathered some useful information about the new policy changes nearby in hopes to best prepare you for your labor and delivery experience!
Read MoreSpeech is the expression of or the ability to express thoughts by articulate sounds. A speech disorder is an issue that prevents a person from communicating using spoken words. So what is speech therapy and can your child benefit from it?
Read MoreInfants and toddlers are in stages where they are constantly learning and developing language from their loved ones. Seeking opportunities to introduce books to your child can be a positive way to develop their social, emotional, language, and communication skills. Many families find that planning times to read, sing and talk with their young children helps create a daily schedule and bonding time. Below we will discuss the best research-based practices for reading, recommended books for each stage, and other early literacy resources!
Read MoreOne of the most important things postpartum is making sure you as the birther get what you need. This recipe is not only nourishing, but is great for milk production. And it’s easy to digest, which is really important for the first 6 weeks postpartum as your body is recovering.
Read MoreWhen we’re trying to keep our milk supply up, it can get stressful. Breastfeeders, chest feeders, pumpers, and lactators alike, when our milk supply drops sometimes we need a little extra help. Research indicates that some everyday spices are “galactagogues” which is a fancy word for increasing milk supply.
Read MoreMany health care providers now recommend taking a prenatal vitamin during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and although supplements are not regulated entirely by the FDA, third-party testing can help soon-to-be moms find a balance that’s right for their nutritional needs while also making them feel safe about their intake.
Read MoreCommemorating your pregnancy journey and the birth of your newborn is something all families look forward to but it can be difficult to find time when you’re busy adjusting to life with your new little one and if you aren’t necessarily art savvy. However with the help of modern day services, digital baby books have become the new go-to for creating the perfect scrapbook! Take a look at some of our favorites and get started on documenting all of your baby’s wonderful milestones.
Read MoreWhether you are a first time parent or expecting your fourth baby, an important part of your pregnancy journey involves countless trips to your provider’s office for prenatal checkups. With new facility changes implemented because of COVID-19, it can look very different than what you may have expected.
Read MorePregnancy and infant loss comes with lots of emotions, questions and need for support. Grief can be presented in many ways and look different to all experiencing it. Keeping this in mind while supporting someone during this difficult time is important. Having support from a professional doula, a friend who has experienced loss and community/online resources can aid the healing/coping process.
Read MoreNothing can prepare you for miscarriage or infant loss. Our doulas support families during pregnancy and birth which for some parents can end in loss. We are with you and are here to support you through this difficult and emotional time. This article will provide you with a few resources for dealing with grief and ways you can remember your baby.
Read MoreFor expectant mothers, music can play a role in both a healthy and happy pregnancy and positive outcomes in early childhood development. Though there's no science that links hearing music in the womb to making baby smarter as some sources have claimed, music can still encourage you to relax and create feelings of joy. This can mitigate stress and anxiety, which has positive effects for both of you.
Read MoreCaring 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!
Read MoreToday, each time you turn on the television, listen to the radio, or talk with friends, COVID-19 is all anyone seems to talk about, making it extremely difficult to escape the constant feeling of uncertainty. Each day we anxiously anticipate the new number of cases and deaths among vulnerable populations around the world, posing the big question, “Are expecting mothers at a higher risk?”
Whether you are having your first or second child, the journey of experiencing pregnancy is full of excitement and happiness, but it can also be extremely overwhelming. Pregnancy is already accompanied by an array of different emotions throughout the trimesters and for mothers expecting amidst a global outbreak, feelings such as nervousness and fear can become heightened and significantly interfere with what is supposed to be a joyous milestone. Here at High Country Doulas we are diligently working to support you and your baby’s needs during this stressful time.
Read MoreAs a certified pregnancy health coach working with expecting and nursing mothers, I am here to educate and empower you to have a positive pregnancy and postpartum experience. You will learn simple solutions to enhance your baby’s growth and development, help create a healthy pregnancy, minimize the risk of health issues, and create a bond with your new bundle of joy.
Read MoreMany mothers consider yoga sometime during their pregnancy, but just don’t know where to begin. As a mother you will find that daily yoga practice can become a great source of stress reduction for you and your baby. Practicing yoga throughout pregnancy creates a deep awareness of body and mind, bringing balance and alignment. You might notice other benefits as well, including:
Benefits of prenatal yoga:
Good digestion
Healthy blood circulation
Light and easy breathing
Reduces tiredness and tension
Rids body of toxins
Strengthens nerves, ligaments, and internal organs
Mental and physical health and well-being
One question that many new parents often ask us is…”what happens if I have to have a cesarean?” As labor doulas one of our main goals is to provide educational insights and resources to parents to help them know their options and what to expect in their journey to parenthood.
There are many possible scenarios when a cesarean birth (c-section) may be necessary. In some instances your provider will recommend a scheduled cesarean birth. They will offer you an understanding of what to expect and provide you with information at your prenatal so that you can prepare ahead of time. If you happen to be like most women who have belly birth, you do not know prior to the day you go into labor.
Read MoreWhether you like it or not…you already hold some version of a “birth movie” in your mind…what does yours look like?
So, to help with the reimagining of what real birth looks like, here’s my top picks for birth videos that help you conquer fear and conquer birth!
I hope they help you to reframe your thoughts and instill in you the truth that you can do anything and all birth is beautiful.
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