Babywearing
Babywearing is a time-honored practice that offers numerous benefits for both parents and infants, fostering close physical contact and ease of mobility. Embracing this gentle approach can enhance bonding, support your baby's development, and simplify daily routines.
Babywearing is a time-honored practice that offers numerous benefits for both parents and infants, fostering close physical contact and ease of mobility. Embracing this gentle approach can enhance bonding, support your baby's development, and simplify daily routines.
Blog Post: Babywearing
Blog Post: Babywearing: What Carrier is Right for You?
Belly-binding
Belly binding, an age-old practice, is gaining renewed attention for its potential benefits in postpartum recovery. By offering support and promoting abdominal healing, belly binding can help new mothers feel more comfortable and confident during their recovery journey.
Belly binding
Traditional wisdom helps modern families
Belly binding provides physical support and helps hasten the recovery process after childbirth. It supports the torso and organs as they return to pre-pregnancy position, supports abdominal healing and diastasis recti recovery, and supports the body's natural spine and posture realignment post-birth.
Does belly binding work?
For 9 months we, as mothers, have our bodies literally stretched to the max. Then suddenly, after birth, our bodies are no longer full. They feel boggy, squishy, and just downright strange. All of the hard work of growing a baby is over and our bodies now go into "repair mode."
In the immediate postpartum period, the uterus starts to shrink back down, the hips attempt to go back to where they were before, the skin starts to "de-stretch," and the muscles attempt to strengthen and tighten to support our bodies. Support this process with belly binding from your postpartum doula.
What is belly binding?
Sometimes referred to as "Bengkung belly binding" for its roots in Malaysian culture where it is traditionally incorporated into a mother's postpartum recovery process after childbirth. It entails the wrapping of a mother's abdomen in a soft fabric to give her body a slight "squeeze." This process assists in abdominal wall muscle retraction, improves posture, supports loosened ligaments, and provides support to the torso while vital organs return to their pre-pregnancy size and position.
The wrapping process can be done by someone such as a doula. A mother can learn how to do this process to herself as well. Our service entails a wrapping lesson in the mother's home in order for a mom to get comfortable with the process of wrapping herself. Wrapping can be done over or under your clothes.
What are the benefits?
Possible benefits of postpartum belly binding include:
Pelvic support: Belly binding isn't just about supporting your belly, it's also great for supporting your hip and pelvic bones too! Belly binding takes advantage of the still present Relaxin hormone that is increased in the body during pregnancy and makes your joints extra loose. While the Relaxin is still high it's easier for things to move back into their proper place with the support of belly binding.
Helping correct diastasis recti: During pregnancy, the uterus grows and stretches out the abdominal muscles. This can cause the large vertical bands just in front of the belly button to separate. Belly binding encourages the muscles to come back together and strengthens the connective tissues in the abdomen.
Self-care: It can feel nearly impossible to find time for self-care in the early postpartum period. Although it only takes 10-15 mins to perform, the act of pausing your day to perform a belly binding can be a significant act of self-care. In cases of traumatic, or complicated birth experiences, the act of performing a belly bind on yourself can help with giving a sense of 'closure' and safety.
Lower back support: After birth moms spend much of their time breastfeeding and/or baby holding. This means a lot of strain on the back muscles. Belly binding acts as a natural support system to your back as you develop those muscles back during the postpartum period. Our clients report feeling much better when using their belly wrap throughout the day and experience less back pain and improved posture.
Provides support for the organs as they return to pre-pregnancy position
Supports and assists abdominal wall healing and diastasis recti recovery
Supports the body's natural spine and posture realignment post-birth
Constant pressure on the torso and abdomen hastens healing by reducing water, fat, and air in the tissue and cells
Stabilizes loose ligaments
Helps to prevent and relieve lower back aches and strains
Prevents slouching while feeding and holding your babies
When can I start?
We have performed belly binding for clients during pregnancy (for back and pelvic support), but most commonly our services are utilized during the first week after delivery. If you have had a cesarean it is recommended to wait approximately 4-6 weeks.
Most women enjoy wearing their wrap during the daytime every day for up to 2-4 months postpartum.
Details
The first belly binding session is $135. Additional wrappings are complimentary for our postpartum doula clients during postpartum care shifts, or $55 for additional sessions booked separately outside of postpartum care. Our belly wraps are lovingly made by a local artist. When you use our belly binding service, not only are you supporting a local doula and artist, but you'll also look gorgeous wearing it!
Service includes:
Birth To a Year
The first year of life is a time of incredible transformation and learning for both babies and their parents. This guide offers essential insights into what to expect during this crucial period, from early developmental milestones to practical parenting tips.
The first year of life is a time of incredible transformation and learning for both babies and their parents. This guide offers essential insights into what to expect during this crucial period, from early developmental milestones to practical parenting tips.
Blog Post: Celebrate World Music Day with Your Tots
Blog Post: Documenting Bump to Baby
Blog Post: Early Literacy for Infants & Toddlers
Blog Post: Introducing Solids to Your Baby
Blog Post: Is My Baby Hitting Their Milestones?
Blog Post: Speech Therapy
Blog Post: Summertime Survival Guide
Blog Post: The Pros and Cons of Cloth Diapers
Blog Post: What will my baby look like?
Blog Post: 6 Tips to Make Your First Days Home with Baby Better
Boone Parenting Resources
Navigating the challenges of parenting in the High Country can feel overwhelming, but a wealth of local resources is here to support you every step of the way. From breastfeeding assistance to newborn care and community groups, our guide connects you with essential services designed to make your parenting journey smoother and more enjoyable.
Parenting in the High Country comes with its unique joys and challenges, and having the right resources at your fingertips can make all the difference. Whether you need help with breastfeeding, sleep training, or finding local support groups, this guide highlights invaluable tools and connections to empower your parenting experience.
Breast Pain
Breast pain can be a common yet distressing issue for many, whether it arises from breastfeeding, hormonal changes, or other factors. Identifying the cause and understanding effective relief strategies can help manage discomfort and maintain overall breast health.
Breast pain can be a common yet distressing issue for many, whether it arises from breastfeeding, hormonal changes, or other factors. Identifying the cause and understanding effective relief strategies can help manage discomfort and maintain overall breast health.
Blog Post: Are you having trouble with latching?
Blog Post: Do you experience nipple pain during the first weeks of breastfeeding?
Elkin, NC Meredith Comer, LPN, CLC https://www.facebook.com/meredithcomerlpnclc/
Lara Mele, IBCLC, RLC | Lara’s Lactation Consulting | 828-278-9048 | Lara@laraslactationconsulting.com | www.laraslactationconsulting.com |
Childcare
Choosing the right childcare is a crucial decision for parents, impacting both their peace of mind and their child's development. Exploring various options and understanding what to look for can help ensure a supportive and enriching environment for your little one.
Choosing the right childcare is a crucial decision for parents, impacting both their peace of mind and their child's development. Exploring various options and understanding what to look for can help ensure a supportive and enriching environment for your little one.
Dog Safety
Postpartum life brings new dynamics to the household, including the need to ensure that your dog adjusts safely and harmoniously to the arrival of a new baby. Prioritizing dog safety during this transition is essential to creating a secure environment for both your baby and your furry friend.
Postpartum life brings new dynamics to the household, including the need to ensure that your dog adjusts safely and harmoniously to the arrival of a new baby. Prioritizing dog safety during this transition is essential to creating a secure environment for both your baby and your furry friend.
Fatherhood
Fatherhood is a transformative journey that reshapes a man’s life, offering profound joys and unique challenges. Embracing the role of a dad brings an opportunity for deep connection and growth, both for the father and his child.
Fatherhood is a transformative journey that reshapes a man’s life, offering profound joys and unique challenges. Embracing the role of a dad brings an opportunity for deep connection and growth, both for the father and his child.
Going From One to Two
Transitioning from one child to two can be both exhilarating and challenging, as families adjust to new dynamics and expanded responsibilities. Embracing this change with patience and flexibility can help create a harmonious environment where everyone thrives.
Transitioning from one child to two can be both exhilarating and challenging, as families adjust to new dynamics and expanded responsibilities. Embracing this change with patience and flexibility can help create a harmonious environment where everyone thrives.
Blog Post: Whats it’s like after birth?
Blog Post: 5 Tips for Transitioning from One to Two
Infant Loss
Experiencing the loss of an infant is a profound and heartbreaking ordeal, leaving parents to navigate an unimaginable grief. Finding support and understanding during this difficult time is crucial for healing and honoring the memory of a cherished little one.
Experiencing the loss of an infant is a profound and heartbreaking ordeal, leaving parents to navigate an unimaginable grief. Finding support and understanding during this difficult time is crucial for healing and honoring the memory of a cherished little one.
Blog Post: Supporting Families Through Loss
First Candle: 800-221-7437 or https://firstcandle.org/
March of Dimes: https://www.marchofdimes.org/
Return to Zero: 310-403-3856 or www.rtzhope.org
Share Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support: 800-821-6819 or https://nationalshare.org/
Star Legacy: 952-715-7731 ext. 1 or https://starlegacyfoundation.org/
Stillbirthday: https://stillbirthday.com/
Low Milk Supply
Struggling with low milk supply can be a challenging and emotional experience for breastfeeding mothers. Understanding potential causes and exploring practical solutions can help address this issue and support a more successful breastfeeding journey.
Struggling with low milk supply can be a challenging and emotional experience for breastfeeding mothers. Understanding potential causes and exploring practical solutions can help address this issue and support a more successful breastfeeding journey.
Blog Post: 7 Herbs in your Kitchen For increased Milk Production
Lara Mele, IBCLC, RLC | Lara’s Lactation Consulting | 828-278-9048 | Lara@laraslactationconsulting.com | www.laraslactationconsulting.com |
Elkin, NC Meredith Comer, LPN, CLC https://www.facebook.com/meredithcomerlpnclc
Local Groups for Parents (Boone)
Postpartum recovery is a critical time for new parents, and accessing local resources can make all the difference. From support groups to professional services, exploring what's available in your community can provide the essential help and connection needed during this transition.
Postpartum recovery is a critical time for new parents, and accessing local resources can make all the difference. From support groups to professional services, exploring what's available in your community can provide the essential help and connection needed during this transition.
Babes on Blankets
Babes at the Park
Pregnancy Connects
Circle of Parents
Postpartum Distress Support
Family Connects NW - a RN home visiting program for all parents in Watauga, Ashe, Avery counties.
Extra Resources:
Positive Parenting Program (Triple P): To sign up email renee@thechildrenscouncil.org.
Diaper bank: For more information, call Matt Powell at 828-262-5424
Incredible Years parenting classes: Contact Hannah to find out when the next class is starting! Hannah@thechildrenscouncil.org.
Local Groups for Parents (Tricities)
Navigating the postpartum period can be overwhelming, but local resources offer invaluable support for new parents. Discovering nearby services and community groups can provide the guidance, encouragement, and practical help needed to thrive during this pivotal time.
Navigating the postpartum period can be overwhelming, but local resources offer invaluable support for new parents. Discovering nearby services and community groups can provide the guidance, encouragement, and practical help needed to thrive during this pivotal time.
Cherished Mom: Local perinatal mood and anxiety disorders resource
Pregnant and Postpartum Meet-up
Perinatal Grief and Loss support group
Facebook Groups:
Mastitis
Mastitis, an infection of the breast tissue, can cause significant discomfort and concern for breastfeeding mothers. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options is essential for managing this condition effectively and maintaining a healthy breastfeeding experience.
Mastitis, an infection of the breast tissue, can cause significant discomfort and concern for breastfeeding mothers. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options is essential for managing this condition effectively and maintaining a healthy breastfeeding experience.
Lara Mele, IBCLC, RLC | Lara’s Lactation Consulting | 828-278-9048 | Lara@laraslactationconsulting.com | www.laraslactationconsulting.com |
Elkin, NC Meredith Comer, LPN, CLC https://www.facebook.com/meredithcomerlpnclc/
Newborn care
Newborn care is a delicate balance of meeting your baby's basic needs while adapting to the new rhythm of your family life. Understanding essential practices and nurturing techniques can help ensure your little one’s health and comfort during these crucial early weeks.
Newborn care is a delicate balance of meeting your baby's basic needs while adapting to the new rhythm of your family life. Understanding essential practices and nurturing techniques can help ensure your little one’s health and comfort during these crucial early weeks.
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) - HealthyChildren.org
Website: HealthyChildren.org
Description: Provides comprehensive information on newborn care, including feeding, sleep, and health tips based on AAP guidelines.
Mayo Clinic - Newborn Care: What to Expect
Website: Mayo Clinic - Newborn Care
Description: Offers expert advice and practical tips on caring for a newborn, including feeding, diapering, and handling common health concerns.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Newborn Care
Website: CDC - Newborn Care
Description: Provides guidelines and information on newborn health, developmental milestones, and preventive care.
La Leche League International - Breastfeeding and Newborn Care
Website: La Leche League
Description: Offers resources and support for breastfeeding mothers, including advice on newborn feeding and breastfeeding techniques.
What to Expect - Newborn Care Basics
Website: What to Expect
Description: Provides practical tips and expert advice on newborn care, including feeding, sleeping, and developmental milestones.
BabyCenter - Newborn Care
Website: BabyCenter - Newborn Care
Description: Features articles and videos on newborn care topics, including health, sleep, and everyday baby care routines.
The Bump - Newborn Care Tips
Website: The Bump - Newborn Care
Description: Offers practical advice and tips for new parents on caring for their newborn, from feeding and sleeping to dealing with common issues.
National Health Service (NHS) - Newborn Baby Care
Website: NHS - Newborn Baby Care
Description: Provides guidelines and advice on caring for a newborn, including feeding, health checks, and safety tips.
NICU
Having a newborn in the NICU can be an emotional and challenging experience for any family. Understanding the support systems and resources available can help ease this difficult journey and provide hope and guidance during a time of uncertainty.
Having a newborn in the NICU can be an emotional and challenging experience for any family. Understanding the support systems and resources available can help ease this difficult journey and provide hope and guidance during a time of uncertainty.
Hand to Hold: 855-424-6428 ext. 1 or handtohold.org
Blog Post: Your Baby’s in the NICU, now what?
Navigating Your New Relationship With Your Partner
Adjusting to life with a newborn can significantly shift the dynamics of your relationship with your partner. Navigating this new chapter together involves embracing changes, enhancing communication, and finding ways to support each other while adapting to your evolving roles as parents.
Adjusting to life with a newborn can significantly shift the dynamics of your relationship with your partner. Navigating this new chapter together involves embracing changes, enhancing communication, and finding ways to support each other while adapting to your evolving roles as parents.
Partner Support
Navigating the postpartum period requires strong partnership and support, as both new parents adjust to the profound changes in their lives. Understanding how to effectively support each other during this time can foster a nurturing environment and help both partners thrive in their new roles.
Navigating the postpartum period requires strong partnership and support, as both new parents adjust to the profound changes in their lives. Understanding how to effectively support each other during this time can foster a nurturing environment and help both partners thrive in their new roles.
Urgent Maternal Warning Signs: Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM) , CDC Precautions
Podcasts
Here we have some great podcasts whose topics range from postpartum care for mom to funny parenting moments. No matter what you’re looking for, there is a postpartum podcast for you!
Check out some of these great postpartum podcasts!
Fourth Trimester Postpartum Stories (Marci Coleman)
Overview: “Holding space for parents to share their postpartum journeys.”
The Fourth Trimester (Hannah Tappenden)
Overview: “This podcast is all about supporting you as you navigate through the huge shifts and changes that motherhood brings. Each week I’ll be speaking with other healers, therapists, coaches, and mothers about their experience of early motherhood and how they found that transition.”
Postpartum Happiness Podcast (Renese Yvette)
Overview: “There’s no instruction manual on how to be a mom. the journey is filled with ups and downs, lots of questions, endless happy moments mixed with struggles, and a whole lot of making it up as you go. The first year with your child can be the scariest because EVERYTHING is so new. You may have had lots of preparation and guidance during pregnancy but that about the support and guidance for when you bring baby home…and then there’s all the milestones and experiences that come as they grow up? My name is Renese Yvette and I am a mom of 2, military wife, and a Manifestation & Spiritual Mentor for busy & stressed out mommas like you.”
Newbies: New Moms, New Babies (New Mommy Media)
Overview: “Join us as we guide new mothers through their baby’s first year of life. Newly postpartum moms celebrate the excitement of becoming new parents, as well as the emotional and physical struggles of recovering from childbirth and caring for a newborn baby.”
Mom & Mind (Katayune Kaeni)
Overview: “Postpartum depression is only part of the story. We get into all of the details and real stories from real people. Interviews with experts, advocates and the occasional rant from Dr. Kat. We believe that you have the right to know about all of this before you find out the hard way. Be informed, get support, know that you’re not alone!”
Hello Postpartum
Overview: “Listen to expert conversations on life after birth. From mental health to self-care to what recovery is really like, the Hello Postpartum podcast can help you feel less alone and more confident as you navigate your new role as a mother. Life after birth can feel lonely, complicated , and overwhelming, and we’re here to help.”
One Bad Mother
Overview: “A comedy podcast about motherhood and how unnatural it sometimes is. We aren’t all magical vessels! Join us every week as we deal with the thrills and embarrassments of motherhood and strive for less judging and more laughing.”
Wild and Wise Motherhood (Breana White)
Overview: “Motherhood is a wild experience and there is nothing like it to teach us wisdom and grace. We host real and raw discussions with both parents and experts about the realities of the experience of having a baby, the postpartum journey, and beyond. Health, fitness, sexuality, spirituality, parenting, nutrition, & many more topics related to motherhood are shared every Thursday.”
Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs)
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders can deeply affect new parents, making it essential to recognize and address these challenges early. Understanding the symptoms, treatment options, and available support can help individuals navigate this critical period with greater ease and resilience.
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders can deeply affect new parents, making it essential to recognize and address these challenges early. Understanding the symptoms, treatment options, and available support can help individuals navigate this critical period with greater ease and resilience.
Blog Post: More then Baby Blues…
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Free, confidential, and available 24/7 at 1-833-943-5746
Postpartum Support International (PSI) -
Chat with an expert - for mom’s every Wednesday & 1st Monday chat for Dad’s.(Chat Number: 1-800-944-8766,Participant Code 73162)
Warm Line - 1-800-944-4773(4PPD) -- toll-free telephone number anyone can call to get basic information, support, and resources. Dial extension 1 for Spanish and extension 2 for English. The Warmline messages are returned every day of the week. You are welcome to leave a confidential message any time, and one of the warmline volunteers will return your call as soon as possible. If you are not able to talk when the volunteer calls you, you can arrange another time to connect. The volunteer will give you information, encouragement, and names of resources near you.
Local Postpartum Mom’s Support Group - Moms to Moms - @ Children’s Council (1st & 3rd Thursdays at 6:30pm) - call to enroll today! 828-26
One on One Support Care Providers - http://www.pathwayscw.com/elizabeth-hill
Urgent Maternal Warning Signs: Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health (AIM) , CDC Precautions