Your due date is approaching—exciting, right? But also kind of terrifying, wouldn't you say? Your feeling this way is normal. After all, as they get closer to birth, most mothers-to-be feel a mix of emotions. Anxiety is commonly one of them. But the thing is, you don’t have to let it take over. Instead, you should strive to turn the fear into something that lifts you, not drags you down. With that in mind, today, we're covering the topic of transforming anxiety into birth empowerment and bringing with it strategies to help you feel more grounded and prepared for the big day.​

About 78% of women experience some level of anxiety before birth.
According to a study published by BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, expectant mothers typically fear:

• Labor pain
• Complications
• The unknown

Meanwhile, anxiety around childbirth is usually a product of three factors:

1. Physical
2. Emotional
3. Societal

Maybe you've heard a few too many scary labor stories.

Or you're feeling the weight of expectations for the "perfect" birthing experience.

It’s natural to feel this way, but you must learn how to manage it.
​
You must also acknowledge that pregnancy and mental health go hand in hand. In truth, your emotions can impact how you experience birth physically. You don't have to figure it all out alone, though. You can use practical tools to transform these anxious feelings into something empowering. Tools that will have you walking into the delivery room feeling much more like a warrior and a lot less like a worrier.

Raising children is an evolving journey, shaped by both the child's growth and the parent's adaptation to each new stage. This complex process requires a balance of care, understanding, and proactive involvement. In navigating this path, it's vital for parents to equip themselves with strategies tailored to different stages of their child's development, ensuring a nurturing environment that promotes overall well-being. Today, Liz Foster delves into various facets of parenting, offering practical advice to help guide parents through the dynamic landscape of child-rearing.

Written by Janice Russell

If you thought pregnancy was challenging, think again. The postpartum period may be even harder, with caring for a newborn, recovering from birth, and adapting to the new normal.

​Unfortunately, some women struggle with more than just physical changes and changes in routine at this time. They struggle with mental health issues. There's only so much we, as women, can do to prevent the onset of mental conditions post-pregnancy. But it is up to us to create a postpartum wellness plan for mental health that ensures we get back to our usual selves in no time.

Pregnancy is a time of profound change and immense responsibility. One of the most critical aspects of nurturing a healthy pregnancy is nutrition. In her book, "Real Food for Pregnancy: The Science and Wisdom of Optimal Prenatal Nutrition," Lily Nichols offers a wealth of practical, evidence-based advice for expectant mothers seeking to optimize their diets. Let’s explore some of the key recommendations from Nichols’ book and how they can be applied to enhance both maternal and fetal health.

Emphasizing Nutrient-Dense Foods

One of the cornerstone principles in "Real Food for Pregnancy" is the focus on nutrient-dense foods. Rather than simply eating more, the goal is to eat better. Nutrient-dense foods provide essential vitamins and minerals crucial for fetal development and maternal well-being.

Key Recommendations:

• Incorporate Liver: Liver is an exceptional source of vitamin A, iron, and other vital nutrients. Consider including it in your diet once a week.
• Enjoy Eggs: Eggs are rich in choline, which is essential for brain development. Aim for 1-2 eggs daily.
• Leafy Greens: Vegetables like spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are loaded with folate, calcium, and antioxidants. Include them in salads, smoothies, or as side dishes.

Balancing Macronutrients

Nichols highlights the importance of balancing macronutrients – proteins, fats, and carbohydrates – to support pregnancy health. Each macronutrient plays a unique role in fetal growth and maternal energy levels.

Key Recommendations:

• Prioritize Protein: Protein is vital for tissue development and repair. Good sources include grass-fed meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and legumes. Aim for 75-100 grams of protein per day.
• Healthy Fats: Fats are crucial for brain development and hormone production. Include sources of omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, chia seeds, and walnuts.
• Whole Carbohydrates: Opt for whole grains, fruits, and vegetables instead of refined carbs. These provide essential fiber and nutrients without spiking blood sugar levels.

Managing Common Pregnancy Issues with Nutrition

Many women experience issues like morning sickness, heartburn, and gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Nichols provides specific dietary strategies to alleviate these discomforts.

Key Recommendations:

• Morning Sickness: Small, frequent meals rich in protein and healthy fats can help manage nausea. Ginger tea and vitamin B6 supplements may also provide relief.
• Heartburn: Avoiding large meals and steering clear of spicy, acidic foods can help reduce heartburn. Eating smaller, more frequent meals and not lying down immediately after eating are beneficial practices.
• Gestational Diabetes: Focus on a balanced diet with controlled carbohydrate intake. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels and choosing low-glycemic foods can help manage this condition.

Debunking Pregnancy Nutrition Myths

Nichols takes on several common myths about pregnancy nutrition, providing clarity and confidence for expectant mothers.

Key Recommendations:

• Fish Consumption: Contrary to some advice, fish can be a part of a healthy pregnancy diet. Choose low-mercury options like salmon, sardines, and trout.
• Caffeine: Moderate caffeine consumption, equivalent to one cup of coffee per day, is generally safe. Excessive intake, however, should be avoided.
• Dairy: Concerns about soft cheeses and raw milk products can be navigated by choosing pasteurized options, which are safe to consume.

Practical Tips for Meal Planning

Implementing a nutrient-rich diet can be challenging, especially with the demands of pregnancy. Nichols offers practical advice to make meal planning and preparation easier.

Key Recommendations:

• Meal Prep: Prepare and freeze meals in advance to ensure you have healthy options readily available. 
• Simple Recipes: Focus on simple, nutrient-dense recipes that don’t require extensive preparation time. For example, smoothies packed with greens, fruits, and protein powders can be quick and nutritious.
• Batch Cooking: Cook larger portions and store leftovers for future meals, saving time and ensuring consistent nutrition.

Conclusion

"Real Food for Pregnancy: The Science and Wisdom of Optimal Prenatal Nutrition" by Lily Nichols is a valuable resource that empowers expectant mothers with the knowledge and tools needed to make the best nutritional choices. By emphasizing nutrient-dense foods, balancing macronutrients, managing common pregnancy issues through diet, debunking myths, and offering practical meal planning tips, Nichols provides a comprehensive guide to support a healthy pregnancy.

Whether you’re newly pregnant or in the midst of your journey, incorporating these recommendations can pave the way for a healthier, happier pregnancy. Embrace the wisdom of real food and experience the transformative power of optimal prenatal nutrition.

Bringing your newborn baby home for the first time is an exciting and momentous occasion, but it can also be overwhelming, especially when faced with the challenges of the first night. As new parents, navigating this uncharted territory requires patience, preparation, and a willingness to adapt. In this blog post, we'll explore essential tips to help you survive and thrive during the first night home with your precious bundle of joy.

Create a Calm and Cozy Environment:

1. Set Up a Comfortable Sleeping Space: Whether your newborn will sleep in a bassinet, crib, or co-sleeper, ensure that the sleeping area is safe, comfortable, and free of hazards. Use soft bedding and blankets designed for infants to provide warmth and security. 
   
2. Control the Temperature: Newborns are sensitive to temperature changes, so aim to keep the room comfortably warm, but not too hot. Dress your baby in layers to regulate their body temperature and avoid overheating.

Establish a Routine:

1. Feed On Demand: During the first night home, your baby may want to feed frequently, often every 2-3 hours. Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding on demand helps establish a strong bond between you and your baby while ensuring they receive the nourishment they need to thrive.
2. Diaper Changes: Keep your newborn clean and dry by checking their diaper regularly and changing it as needed. Use gentle wipes or cotton balls with warm water to cleanse their delicate skin and apply diaper cream to prevent diaper rash.
3. Comfort and Soothe: Newborns may experience discomfort or fussiness due to gas, colic, or general adjustment to their new environment. Use gentle rocking, swaddling, or white noise to soothe your baby and help them settle back to sleep.
4. Strictly Business: Babies tend to have their days and nights mixed up. While prioritizing your newborn's needs, it's important to take care of yourself as well. For nighttime, try your best to keep interactions with your newborn to a minimum. For example, nurse with little to no eye contact, keep lighting low (replace common bulbs you may use during the nighttime with red light bulbs to tell everyone's bodies that it's still nighttime), no talking, etc. Try to establish a routine around the idea that "nighttime is not for entertainment."

Take Care of Yourself:

1. Rest When You Can: While it may be challenging to get uninterrupted sleep during the first night with a newborn, take advantage of any opportunity to rest and recharge. Enlist the help of your partner, family members, or friends to share caregiving responsibilities, allowing you to take short naps or breaks as needed. Your body doesn't care how you get at least 6 hours in a 24-hour period, just that you get it to properly function. If that looks like six 1-hour naps, that's good enough for the time being. Hang in there!
   
2. Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Remember to prioritize self-care by staying hydrated and nourished with healthy snacks and meals. Keep a water bottle and nutritious snacks within reach to replenish your energy levels throughout the day and night. 
   
3. Seek Support: Don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider, birth or postpartum doula, lactation consultant, or trusted friends and family members if you have questions, concerns, or need additional support. Parenting can be challenging, but you're not alone.

Embrace the Journey:

1. Enjoy the Moments: Despite the inevitable challenges of the first night home with a newborn, remember to cherish the precious moments and milestones along the way. Snuggle your baby, marvel at their tiny features, and embrace the journey of parenthood with love and gratitude. 
   
2. Take It One Step at a Time: Parenthood is a journey filled with ups and downs, victories and challenges. Take each moment as it comes, trust your instincts, and know that you're doing the best you can for your little one.

Conclusion:
The first night home with your newborn is a memorable milestone in your parenting journey, marked by love, joy, and a few sleepless hours. By creating a calm and cozy environment, establishing a routine, taking care of yourself, and embracing the journey, you can navigate this transformative experience with confidence and grace. Remember, you're not alone—reach out for support, trust your instincts, and cherish every moment with your precious baby. Welcome to the wonderful world of parenthood!

Introduction:
Bringing new life into the world is a remarkable journey, one that often begins at home. As expectant parents prepare for the arrival of their little one, understanding the stages of labor and knowing when it's time to transition from the comfort of home to the support of a hospital setting is crucial. In this blog post, we'll explore the different phases of labor and discuss what to look for during each stage, empowering soon-to-be parents to navigate this transformative experience with confidence.

Early Labor:
Early labor, also known as the latent phase, can be an exciting yet uncertain time for expectant parents. Contractions may start, but they're typically mild and irregular. Here's what to look for during early labor:

1. **Contractions**: These contractions may feel like strong menstrual cramps and often begin in the lower back and move to the front of the abdomen. Timing contractions can help determine if labor is progressing. Begin timing contractions using a stopwatch or an app. Note the duration and frequency. Focus on the intensity of them. In early labor, they should be manageable.

2. **Cervical Changes**: Your cervix will begin to efface (thin out) and dilate (open). However, these changes may not be immediately noticeable without a cervical examination. Focus on relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or taking a warm bath to help manage discomfort. Also, utilize lots of distraction (go for a walk, talk to a friend/family member, STAY BUSY, but also rest).

3. **Bloody Show**: A small amount of blood-tinged mucus may be passed as the cervix begins to soften and open. Keep track of any changes in vaginal discharge and notify your healthcare provider if you notice a significant increase in bleeding.

During early labor, it's essential to stay hydrated, rest, and conserve energy for the active phase to come.

**Partners:** This is a great time to practice any positions or comfort techniques you learned in your childbirth classes. Remind her she is strong and doing great. Keep things light, make her laugh (tastefully), give her loving touch, offer her water/snacks, etc. If she is breathing through contractions, then pops right back out of it, it's still early labor.

Active Labor:
As labor intensifies, you'll transition into the active phase. Contractions become stronger, longer, and more frequent, signaling that it's time to prepare for the journey to the hospital. Here's what to expect during active labor:

1. **Increasing Intensity**: Contractions will become more intense, lasting around 60 seconds and occurring every 3-5 minutes. Use comfort measures such as changing positions, massage, and breathing techniques to cope with the pain. **FOCUS PRIMARILY ON THE INTENSITY OVER ALL OTHER SYMPTOMS*.*

2. **Progressive Dilation**: Your cervix will continue to dilate, typically reaching around 6-7 centimeters by the end of active labor. Stay mobile by walking, swaying, or using a birthing ball to help facilitate cervical dilation.

3. **Emotional Changes**: You may experience a range of emotions, including excitement, anxiety, and a heightened sense of focus as labor intensifies. Lean on your support team for encouragement and reassurance.

**PARTNERS** Your laboring person's smile may turn upside down. This is a good sign to call your doula for reinforcements and guidance on whether it is a good time to head to the hospital. Utilize your doula throughout this process, to help do the bulk of the thinking FOR YOU!!

4. **Physical Signs**: Some women may experience symptoms like shaking, nausea, and pressure in the pelvic area as labor progresses. Stay hydrated and nourished with light snacks and sips of water between contractions.

When to Go to the Hospital:
Knowing when it's time to make the transition from home to the hospital is essential for a smooth labor and delivery process. While every labor experience is unique, here are some general guidelines for when to head to the hospital:

1. **Regular Contractions**: If your contractions are consistently strong, lasting about 60 seconds, and occurring every 3-5 minutes, it's time to go. Gather your birth plan, hospital bag, and any essential documents before leaving for the hospital.

2. **Water Breaking**: If your water breaks, even if you're not experiencing contractions, it's essential to contact your healthcare provider. Take note of the time, color, amount, any odor (if any) of the amniotic fluid for reference. Your provider may want you to come into the hospital and others may encourage you to stay home, especially if not paired with consistent contractions.

3. **Decreased Fetal Movement**: If you notice a significant decrease in fetal movement or any other concerning symptoms, seek medical attention promptly. Trust your instincts and don't hesitate to seek help if you're unsure.

4. **Trust Your Instincts**: Ultimately, trust your instincts. If you feel that labor is progressing rapidly or if something doesn't feel right, don't hesitate to contact your healthcare provider or head to the hospital. Your birth team is there to support you every step of the way.

Conclusion:
Bringing a child into the world is a momentous occasion, and understanding the stages of labor can help expectant parents feel more prepared and empowered as they embark on this journey. From early labor at home to the transition to the hospital during active labor, knowing what to expect and when to seek medical assistance is crucial for a safe and positive birth experience. By staying informed and trusting in the natural process of labor, parents can approach childbirth with confidence and peace of mind.

In the world of modern childbirth, there's always a new trend or technique promising to revolutionize the postpartum experience. One such trend that's been gaining popularity among doulas is placenta encapsulation. But before we jump on the bandwagon, let's take a step back and examine whether this practice is truly beneficial or just another passing fad.

The cynical view of placenta encapsulation might go something like this: it's just another gimmick aimed at exploiting vulnerable mothers in their postpartum haze. After all, the idea of consuming one's own placenta sounds more like something out of a science fiction novel than a legitimate wellness practice. Critics argue that there's limited scientific evidence to support the supposed benefits of placenta encapsulation, and that it's simply a placebo effect at best.

However, before we dismiss placenta encapsulation entirely, let's consider some counter-arguments:

1. **Historical and Cultural Significance**: While placenta encapsulation might seem like a new-age phenomenon, it's actually rooted in centuries-old traditions in various cultures around the world. Many cultures view the placenta as a sacred organ with powerful medicinal properties, and consuming it is believed to promote healing and vitality.

2. **Anecdotal Evidence**: While scientific research on placenta encapsulation is still in its infancy, there's a wealth of anecdotal evidence from mothers who swear by its benefits. Many report feeling more energized, balanced, and emotionally stable after taking placenta pills during the postpartum period. While anecdotal evidence isn't a substitute for rigorous scientific studies, it's worth acknowledging the experiences of those who have found relief through this practice.

3. **Personalized Nutrition**: The placenta is rich in essential nutrients, hormones, and iron, all of which are beneficial for postpartum recovery. By encapsulating the placenta into easy-to-swallow pills, mothers can essentially create a personalized supplement tailored to their individual needs. This targeted approach to nutrition could potentially support healing and replenish depleted nutrients after childbirth.

4. **Empowerment and Choice**: At its core, placenta encapsulation is about empowering mothers to make informed choices about their own bodies and well-being. By offering this service, doulas are giving mothers another option for supporting their postpartum recovery, whether they choose to take advantage of it or not. It's about respecting autonomy and honoring the diverse needs and preferences of each client.

In conclusion, while placenta encapsulation may not be everyone's cup of tea, it's important to approach it with an open mind and a critical eye. While skepticism is healthy, dismissing it outright without considering the cultural, anecdotal, and potential nutritional benefits would be shortsighted. As doulas, our priority is to support and empower mothers in whatever way resonates with them, whether that's through placenta encapsulation or other means of postpartum care.

Hey there, fellow doulas! Today, let's delve into a topic that might raise a few eyebrows but has the potential to revolutionize your practice and the postpartum journey for your clients: placenta encapsulation services.

As doulas, our primary goal is to provide unwavering support to mothers before, during, and after childbirth. We're there to offer comfort, guidance, and advocacy every step of the way. But what if I told you there's an additional tool in our toolkit that could elevate our support to new heights? Enter placenta encapsulation.

Now, I know what you might be thinking: "Placenta encapsulation? Really?" Bear with me. While the idea of consuming one's placenta may seem unconventional at first, the benefits are truly remarkable, both scientifically and anecdotally.

First and foremost, placenta encapsulation is believed to aid in postpartum recovery. The placenta is rich in essential nutrients, hormones, and iron, all of which can be depleted during childbirth. By encapsulating the placenta into easy-to-swallow pills, we're essentially providing mothers with a natural supplement tailored specifically to their needs during this critical time. It's like a personalized wellness boost designed to combat fatigue, regulate hormones, and support lactation.

But it's not just about the physical benefits. Placenta encapsulation can also have a positive impact on mental health. Many mothers report feeling more balanced, energized, and emotionally stable after incorporating placenta pills into their postpartum routine. In a world where maternal mental health is increasingly recognized as a priority, this is a game-changer.

So, why should doulas consider adding placenta encapsulation services to their practice? Well, for starters, it's about offering holistic support that addresses both the physical and emotional needs of our clients. By embracing placenta encapsulation, we're providing an additional layer of care that goes above and beyond traditional doula services.

Furthermore, offering placenta encapsulation can set you apart in a competitive market. As more and more mothers seek alternative therapies and natural remedies, having this option available can make your doula practice stand out from the crowd. Plus, it opens up new opportunities for collaboration with other birth professionals, such as midwives and holistic health practitioners.

Of course, it's essential to approach placenta encapsulation with professionalism, sensitivity, and a commitment to safety. As doulas, we must educate ourselves on the best practices, guidelines, and regulations surrounding this service. By doing so, we can ensure that our clients receive the highest standard of care and support throughout the encapsulation process.

In conclusion, incorporating placenta encapsulation into your doula practice isn't just about jumping on a trend—it's about embracing a powerful tool for supporting maternal health and well-being. By offering this service, you're not only enhancing the postpartum experience for your clients but also strengthening your role as a trusted ally in their journey to motherhood.

So, what do you say, fellow doulas? Are you ready to explore the world of placenta encapsulation and take your practice to the next level? Let's empower mothers, one placenta pill at a time!

Join our Placenta Encapsulation Training.

Hello, dear birth doulas and birthworkers! We know that your work is a labor of love, quite literally. Supporting families through the beautiful and transformative journey of childbirth can be incredibly rewarding, but it's also undeniably demanding. Today, we're here to discuss the importance of self-care and recovery routines for birth doulas, with a special focus on somatic experiencing. After all, taking care of yourself is just as vital as caring for the families you support. Let's explore how you can nurture yourself so you can continue to nurture others. 

​Imagine placenta encapsulation as an insurance policy for your postpartum journey—a support when you need it the most. If the pills bring relief amidst the chaos, that's fantastic! And if not, they make excellent plant food.

Here's why it's valuable:​

• It's tailored with your own hormones for your well-being.
• Aids in rebalancing your body after childbirth.
• Restores depleted iron, minerals, and vitamins.
• Boosts your energy levels.
• Reduces postpartum bleeding.
• Enhances milk production.
• Can contribute to a happier postpartum period.
  
• May help lessen baby blues, postpartum depression, and anxiety.
  

When you choose placenta encapsulation, you're in for a comprehensive experience designed to make your journey smoother:

• Clear instructions for handling, packaging, and transporting your placenta.
• Convenient pickup of your placenta from your birthing location.
• Timely delivery of your placenta products within 48-72 hours (accounting for weather, holidays, and weekends).
• A helpful Postpartum Recovery and Placenta Capsule Guide.
• Authentic placenta capsules, thoughtfully prepared just for you.
• A keepsake of your baby's umbilical cord.
• Follow-up care from your placenta encapsulation provider.

Starting at $250, this is an investment in your well-being. Ready to take the next step?

​Book now at www.placentadenver.com

Even if you can't "do anything" about your child's upsets, empathize. Just being understood helps humans let go of troubling emotions. If your child's upset seems out of proportion to the situation, remember that we all store up emotions and then let ourselves experience them once we find a safe haven. Then we're free to move on.Empathizing doesn’t mean you agree, just that you see it from his side, too. He may have to do what you say, but he’s entitled to his own perspective. We all know how good it feels to have our position acknowledged; somehow it just makes it easier when we don’t get our way.
“It’s hard for you to stop playing and come to dinner, and still, it’s time now.”

“You wish you could have me all to yourself, don’t you?”

“You’re so disappointed that it’s raining.”

“You want to stay up later like the big kids, I know.”

“You’re mad your tower fell!”

​Why this encourages emotional intelligence:

•  Feeling understood triggers soothing biochemicals; that neural pathway you’re strengthening each time he feels soothed is what he’ll use to soothe himself as he gets older.
•  Children develop empathy by experiencing it from others.
• You’re helping your child reflect on his experience and what triggers his feelings. For little ones, just knowing there’s a name for their feeling is an early tool in learning to manage the emotions that flood them.

Little ones can't differentiate between their emotions and their "selves." Accept your child’s emotions, rather than denying or minimizing them, which gives children the message that some feelings are shameful or unacceptable.
Disapproving of her fear or anger won't stop her from having those feelings, but it may well force her to repress them. Unfortunately, repressed feelings don't fade away, as feelings do that have been freely expressed. They’re trapped and looking for a way out. Because they aren’t under conscious control, they pop out unmodulated, when a child socks her sister, has nightmares, or develops a nervous tic.
Instead, teach that the full range of feelings is understandable and part of being human, even while some actions must be limited.

• “You're so mad your brother broke your toy! I understand, AND it's never okay to hit, even when you're very mad. Tell your brother in words how you feel.


• “You seem worried about the field trip today. I used to get nervous on field trips too, in kindergarten. Want to tell me about it?”


• "You're so frustrated! Nothing seems to be going right for you this morning...I wonder if you just need to cry? Everybody needs to cry sometimes. Come snuggle with Daddy and you can cry as much as you want."

Why this encourages emotional intelligence:

•  Your acceptance helps your child accept her own emotions, which is what allows us to resolve our feelings and move on, so she is better able to regulate her own emotions.
•  Your acceptance teaches your child that her emotional life is not dangerous, is not shameful, and in fact is universal and manageable. She learns that she is not alone. She learns that even the less pleasant parts of herself are acceptable, which means that she is wholly ok, just the way she is.

Remember, rage doesn't begin to dissipate until it feels heard. Whether your child is 6 months or sixteen, she needs you to listen to the feelings she’s expressing. Once she feels and expresses them, she’ll let them go and get on with her life. In fact, you’ll be amazed at how affectionate and cooperative she’ll be once she has a chance to show you how she feels. But to feel safe letting those feelings up and out, she needs to know you’re fully present and listening. Assured that it’s safe, children have an amazing ability to let their feelings wash over and out, leaving them relaxed and cooperative. Your job? Breathe through it, stay present, and resist the urge to make those troublesome feelings go away. Your child instinctively knows how to heal herself.

• “You seem so unhappy right now. Everybody gets upset sometimes... I’m right here. Tell me about it.”


• “You are so sad and mad you just want to scream and yell and cry. Everybody feels that way sometimes. I’m right here listening and see all those big feelings. You can show me how mad and sad you are.


• “You are so mad you’re yelling at me to go away. I’ll move back a little. But these feelings hurt and scare you, and I won’t leave you alone with these upsetting feelings. I’m right here and you’re safe. You can be as sad and mad as you want, and when you’re ready, I am right here to hug you.”

​Why this encourages emotional intelligence:

• The nature of healthy human emotions is to move through us, swamp us, and then pass away. When we fend them off or repress them, emotions get stuck inside us rather than finding healthy expression. But children are terrified of their strong emotions overwhelming them, so they try to fend them off until they feel safe enough to experience them. Because emotions are stored in the body, tantrums are nature’s way to help young children vent.
• When we help our children feel safe enough to feel and express their emotions, we not only heal their psyches and bodies; we help them trust their own emotional process so that they can handle their own emotions as they get older, without tantrums or repression.

Emotions are messages, not mud for wallowing. Teach your child to breathe through them, feel them, tolerate them without needing to act on them, and, once they aren’t in the grip of strong emotion, to problem-solve and act if necessary.
Most of the time, once kids (and adults) feel their emotions are understood and accepted, the feelings lose their charge and begin to dissipate. This leaves an opening for problem solving. Sometimes, kids can do this themselves. Sometimes, they need your help to brainstorm. But resist the urge to rush in and handle the problem for them unless they ask you to; that gives him the message that you don't have confidence in his ability to handle it himself.
“You’re so disappointed that Molly can’t come over because she’s sick. You were really looking forward to playing with her. When you’re ready, maybe we can brainstorm ideas of something else to do that sounds like fun.”

“You’re pretty frustrated with Sam not giving you a turn. Sometimes you feel like not playing with him anymore. But you also really like playing with him. I wonder what you could say to Sam, so that he could hear how you feel?”
Why this encourages emotional intelligence:

•  Kids need to express their feelings, but they also need to know how to shift gears to find constructive solutions to problems. That takes practice and modeling on our part.
•  Research shows that simply empathizing with our kids is insufficient to teach them to manage their feelings, because they still feel at the mercy of their emotions. Teaching kids to honor their feelings as signals about things they need to handle differently in their lives empowers kids.
• All children need coaching to learn to express their needs without attacking the other person.

When you notice a negative pattern developing, recognize that your child has some big feelings she doesn’t know how to handle, and step in with the best medicine: Play. For instance:
For instance, maybe your four year old always wants Mommy. Instead of taking it personally, help him work through his feelings about how much he prefers Mom by playing a game where poor bumbling Dad "tries" unsuccessfully to keep him away from her. Dad gets between Mom and son, and roars “I won’t let you get to Mom….Hey, you just ran right around me!...You pushed me right over!...You are too strong!....But this time you won’t get past me!”
Your four year old will giggle and boast and get a chance to prove he can ALWAYS have his mom. He'll also discharge all those pent up worries that make him demand her.
Why this encourages emotional intelligence:

• All children experience big feelings on a daily basis. They often feel powerless and pushed around, angry, sad, frightened, or jealous. Emotionally healthy kids process these feelings with play, which is how little ones of all species learn. Helping your child “play” out his big inner conflicts lets him resolve them so he can move on to the next age-appropriate developmental challenge.
• Your child can’t put his deeper emotional conflicts into words; that’s tough even for most adults. But he can play them out symbolically and resolve them without even needing to talk about them.
• Laughter releases stress hormones just as well as tears -- and is a lot more fun.

Want More?​
Teaching Emotional Intelligence When Emotions Run High 
Helping Your Child with Anger 
Books to Help Your Child Develop Emotional Intelligence

Cesarean section births can be beautiful and empowering, regardless of how we got to that decision. Not everyone wants a c-section, but for one reason or another, it is a possible option to ensure mom and baby are both healthy and safe for delivery.

Here is the rundown of what you can expect in a c-section WITH doula support!

Once baby is born, there is an option to lower the drape to see baby immediately after the cord is cut, which is very exciting! One-minute delayed cord clamping is the standard in most hospitals now, but you may advocate until the cord is white and/or stops pulsating. Then, he/she will go to the warmer to be assessed. You may advocate for immediate skin-to-skin beforehand, so long as baby looks ok and doesn't need extra support. Dad can go to the warmer while your doula stays with mom. Dad and your doula can trade spots at the warmer, take photos/videos and bring them back to show mom (or a birth photographer can as well). They keep trading spots until you are all reunited behind the curtain, as mom gets put back together. Some ORs have the warmer within eyeshot of mom being able to see baby.

It takes about 45 minutes from delivery of baby for surgery to be completed. Baby and dad usually go to PACU before mom does, so it's nice to have your doula with mom for the remainder of the surgery. You may advocate to wait and go together, even having mom hold baby as you go to recovery. Mom will be wheeled into PACU (Post-Anesthia Care Unit) recovery room, where baby and dad are, ideally doing skin-to-skin.

Your doula can feed mom ice chips, start breastfeeding, and keep things positive. The nurse will do fundal massages every 15 minutes for those 2 hours as well, but with the anesthesia, mom shouldn't feel it too much, just pressure. Mom and dad can equally do skin-to-skin, if desirable, as mom sometimes will have the shakes post-surgery, and it can feel difficult to hold baby comfortably.

​After 2 hours in the PACU, everyone will go to the postpartum room. For those first few hours, mom will likely feel pretty out of it and may forget a lot of what happened, so it's nice for photos to be taken for memories. The nurse will make sure mom is staying on top of her meds for the pain.

A birth doula will stay for about 2-4 hours immediate postpartum, so once mom, dad and baby go to their postpartum room is when your doula typically leaves, but they can definitely stay for longer to make sure everyone is a bit more settled in and ready to rest. All babies typically fall into a deep sleep 2 hours after delivery.

Some things to discuss with your provider, if they are open to these options:

• No drugs to relax for surgery (more conscious)
• Dim lighting, with the exception of surgical lighting
• Music in OR
• Clear drape for viewing baby being delivered
• Delayed cord-clamping until cord is white/stops pulsing
• Placenta be saved
• Immediate skin-to-skin (mom or dad), so long as baby is healthy and doesn't need support from medical team
• Essential oils for calming/dissolve unpleasant smells
• Baby be breastfed in the OR
• Ask your doctor for a vaginal swab. When a baby goes through the birth canal during a vaginal birth, he or she is exposed to a plethora of microbes that help build a healthy microbiome. With a gentle caesarean, your doctor or midwife can collect a vaginal swab and wipe it on your baby’s skin and in his or her mouth. Another option is to take a swab of your vagina and wipe it on your nipples before baby breastfeeds.
• Ask staff to refrain from "shop talk" during surgery
• Baby be held by mom while being wheeled into PACU
• Any and all usual post-birth procedures such as cleaning the baby and weighing the baby are delayed until parents are ready
• A doula, grandparent, or friend are permitted to photograph the birth so that parents can concentrate on bonding (most hospitals will not allow videography)

"Self-care" isn't just some catchy phrase. Self-care is a process that's all about prioritizing your mental and physical health in a way that lets you achieve your goals. If you're a busy mom with kids to care for, that may sound easier said than done. Don't stress. Here, we share some simple steps you can take to make it easier to stick to your self-care goals.
 
Love in Motion Doula Services can help you successfully navigate birth and postpartum.

Set up a soothing space that will allow you to prioritize wellness. Start by eliminating clutter, which is proven to alleviate anxiety, and cleaning your home. Vacuum regularly to remove pet dander, dust mites, and other allergens. A Shark vacuum is easy to use. Just empty it after each use. After it's two-thirds full, it loses suction power, which means you'll have to vacuum more frequently to get the same result.

​Once you have a clean space, it's time to concentrate on yourself. Action for Happiness provides tips you can use to set your objectives. Once you have your goals, create a step-by-step plan to help you reach them. For example, if you want to prioritize healthy eating, you might compile healthy recipes and take a cooking class.

Staying connected with old friends can help maintain long-lasting friendships, provide a sense of familiarity and support, and promote mental health and well-being. Using a search engine to find old friends in Denver can be an effective way to reconnect with people from your past. By using information such as their name, school, or location, this can be especially useful when social media or phone numbers are not available. 

​When you create your step-by-step map to reaching your goals, include a timeline. For example, you might say you'll get your degree within two years and obtain your first job in three years. You can then use this timeline to check your progress, making sure that you aren't wasting time and that you're sticking to the plan you made for yourself.

Holding yourself accountable can be difficult, especially when you're managing a household and raising kids. Your personal wants and objectives may not always take priority. If you struggle to hold yourself accountable, this Master Class can help you improve. Tips include getting an accountability partner, recognizing signs of procrastination, asking others for feedback, and rewarding yourself for every success.

​When you're striving to achieve your goals, you may get impatient with yourself. It can be frustrating if you don't make progress as quickly as you'd like, for example. It's important to be gracious to yourself. Remind yourself that every step forward is progress. You can improve patience with yourself and others—a valuable trait for any mom--by practicing mindfulness techniques. This encourages you to focus on the moment.

Just because you're focusing on your personal goals doesn't mean you have to do it all yourself. Find help where you can. For example, a personal trainer can help with fitness goals, while a nutritionist can help with diet goals. If you're struggling to figure out your career path, a career coach can provide the guidance you need.

​Finding time for self-care as a busy mom isn't easy, but it is essential to your long term happiness. The key to success is having a strategic approach. By reconnecting with old friends, creating a healthy home space, and holding yourself accountable, you can create a plan for yourself.

*Article by Janice Russell*

​If you're a stay-at-home mom, starting a business from your home is a savvy move. You can still care for your kids and spend quality time with them while also earning some extra money for the household. That said, starting a business of your own requires strategic planning if you want it to be a success. This guide from Love In Motion Doula Services provides some practical pointers for stay-at-home moms who are considering becoming entrepreneurs.

​Not all business models are suitable for stay-at-home moms. For example, you don't want to do something like dog walking or driving for a rideshare service since you have to be home to take care of the kids. Don't worry. There are many mom-friendly business options available. Woman’s Day notes that options include working as a virtual assistant, proofreading, writing, and flipping used goods like furniture for profit.

​Once you've decided what type of business you want to start, write out a business plan. This document describes your products and services, and details how your business will be run. Finder explains how to write a business plan that covers all the essential sections, like the market analysis, marketing and sales strategy, and financial projections. This document will serve as your guidebook as you get your business off the ground.

It's smart to register your business as a formal legal entity with your state. This could be a sole proprietorship, limited liability company, or partnership. Registering your business as a formal legal entity offers many advantages, from simplifying your tax filing to protecting your personal liability in case your business gets into legal troubles. 

Depending on the type of business you want to start, you may need additional credentials. More generally, getting a degree like an MBA can help sharpen your business acumen, giving you the knowledge you need to succeed. Look for online programs in topics such as leadership, marketing, and management. With an online degree, you can study when and where you want, getting the flexibility you need as a working mother.

When you're running a business out of your home, it's tempting to simply set up your laptop at the kitchen table or on the living room couch. However, it's important to create a distinct space for your work. This will make it easier to focus and avoid distractions. Small Business Co provides tips for creating a focus-friendly workplace at home. For instance, you want to ensure your workspace has plenty of light and that you have ergonomic furniture.

Marketing is essential to attracting customers. Great marketing starts with a strong brand, which will help you stand out from the competition. Your brand also includes your visual identity, such as your logo. You don't have to pay a fancy graphic designer for your logo. Instead, you can use a free online logo maker to create an appealing design yourself. You can personalize details like the text, icon, fonts, and colors.
 
Creating memes to share on social media is another strategy that will graphically convey your company’s personality, and do so in a fun and entertaining way. You can try a meme generator app to create memes that are relatable or inspirational that’s sure to get customers to interact with your brand. Just make sure you make the content relevant to your business and keep it in good taste – the last thing you want is to turn people away.

When you're starting a new business, it can be easy to get caught up in the process. When you're juggling entrepreneurship plus kids, this can leave little time for yourself. Make sure you're maintaining work-life balance by expanding your support network.
 
You may also want to look into finding a babysitter, too. Even if you don’t use them full time, having a few hours each day can make a big difference in the amount of work you can get done. Or you may even be able to carve out a little time for yourself.
 
Starting a business is a major undertaking—especially if you've got kids to care for, too. That said, entrepreneurship can be a great way for moms to balance child care with work, all while making some extra money. The above guide details the steps you need to get started.
 
Love In Motion Doula Services makes positive birth and postpartum experiences an outstanding normal for all. Connect with us today to learn more! 720-593-0014

When you become pregnant, your lifestyle changes, or at least should. Here is a helpful article written by Rebecca Wilde at the Birth Injury Center. Many injuries can be avoided by following some simple lifestyle shifts to ensure a health delivery, mother and baby throughout postpartum.
birthinjurycenter.org/what-to-avoid-while-pregnant

There are many other jewels of information on this website as well. Please go check it out!

Article written by Janice Russell
​
There’s nothing easy about launching a business when you’re already busy welcoming a new baby into the world. But life has a funny way of throwing everything at us all at once. In many ways, nurturing a new business is a lot like tending to the needs of a newborn. Entrepreneurs and parents both need resilience, a strong work ethic, and plenty of love. The hard part is figuring out how to balance your mental resources between the two!
 
Here are some great tools, resources, and strategies from Love In Motion Doula Services to help ease your transition into parenthood while you prepare for the launch of your new business.

Online tools can make your life a lot easier in the coming months and years. This can start with virtual doula consultations with Liz Foster CD(DONA), HCHD of Love In Motion Doula Services. You’ll be able to meet with Liz via video chat to discuss birth and postpartum plans, and discover ways to reduce stress and any fear that you and your partner may have leading up to the delivery date.
 
On the business side, by automating repetitive tasks and leveraging digital tools to tackle one-off projects, you’ll be able to carve out more time for your little one once they’re home. You can find online tools to help with almost any business task under the sun. For example, a cloud-based invoicing system allows you to easily maintain your records while interacting quickly and efficiently with your customers. 

Innovative technology can also come in handy for working parents. When you’ve got your hands full with work and newborn responsibilities, Mysa notes that hands-free smart assistants will make your life much easier! Smart voice assistants like Alexa and Siri can help you stay on schedule and avoid forgetting important appointments. Adding smart lighting, heating, and security to your voice assistant system will give you even more control over your busy life.

Routines generally help us stay grounded when life feels out of control. Create a simple schedule that works for you and your baby, so you know what to expect throughout the day. This can minimize the number of decisions you need to make and free up some of your mental bandwidth for business-related tasks.
 
To keep everything running smoothly, try to build your daily schedule around your baby’s routine. While babies may not follow a strict schedule, You should notice some kind of loose routine governing when your baby tends to require sleep, food, and play. The Bump explains that babies start falling into routines around 3 months of age. Until then, you’ll just have to go with the flow!

Combining your home office with a playroom is a great way to keep your little one close and get work done at the same time. Choose a safe baby playpen and set it up next to your desk. When your baby starts crawling, this will give them more space to move around and play while you work next to them. A pen will ensure your little one won’t wander off or get into trouble in your office while you're concentrating at your desk. Be sure to also babyproof your home office properly!
 
When you’re rearranging rooms, you may need to temporarily store items to free up space. This, too, is made easy when you use offsite storage. You can find affordable storage units in Denver by Googling facilities throughout the area. With more than 200 locations in and around the city, you’re bound to find a unit that’s nearby.
 
Launching a business while welcoming a newborn is bound to be challenging. It might take some time to settle into your new roles and find the best routines that work for you and your baby. With a little help from innovative tools and a smart schedule, you can manage parenting and running a new business at the same time.
 
Love In Motion Doula Services believes that the keys to a joyful birthing experience are safety, security, support, preparation and a calm mindset, all planned in advance, to be by your side for anything that should arise. Contact us today to learn more! 720-593-0014

Every pregnancy is specific, but all first-time moms-to-be out there share one thing - they overthink! And how not, you might ask, when our bodies and lives are soon about to change like never before? You already know that all fears and anxieties come from a lack of experience, which is easily solved. How? With some kind pieces of advice, cordial and professional support, and one detailed pregnancy checklist.

It is much easier to track fetal development if the pregnancy is divided into three stages. It's also because each stage is marked by characteristic developments in the fetus and a woman's body. Hence, each group of changes corresponds to a trimester.
​

• First Trimester (0 to 13 Weeks)
• Second Trimester (14 to 26 Weeks)
• Third Trimester (27 to 40 Weeks)

At the end of the third trimester, at 36+ weeks, a pregnancy is considered full-term. It means that babies born before week 36 are considered premature and may need to spend additional time in an incubator to grow and fully develop.

A pregnancy checklist is designed to help a future mom find herself in the coordinate system of pregnancy and help her focus on tasks vital for her and the baby.

Also, it is paramount to note that a checklist is only a reminder, and it should be regarded as such. There's no alternative to regular checkups and tests. Remember that every pregnancy is unique, and only a dedicated physician can give you guidance explicitly designed for you.

Nutritious food, light exercise, and sufficient water and sleep are the four pillars of a healthy lifestyle that become vital in pregnancy. Forget about smoking and alcohol, and consult your physician if you take any therapy. Find some books on pregnancy and preparation for childbirth, as learning how to prepare mentally and emotionally is critical.

Trimester 1. Month 1.

1. Schedule an appointment with your OBGYN/Midwife and confirm your pregnancy.
2. Double-check what prenatal care your insurance plan covers.
3. Keep a diary of symptoms and feelings. It will help you remember everything at the next checkup.
4. Consult your physician about your diet, any supplements you might need, such as folic acid, and exercise.
5. If you plan to lead an active life in pregnancy and work out, know what you can do safely and what you should avoid. Pelvic floor exercises are most welcome.
6. Do your best to rest as much as possible. Learn how to breathe, relax, meditate and get as much healthy sleep as possible.
7. This is when morning sickness is usually the strongest, so battle it by eating small, frequent meals to make sure you don't go overboard.

Trimester 1. Month 2.

1. It is time to schedule prenatal tests. Usually, tests are made between weeks 10 and 20, so consulting your doctor and scheduling well in advance will help you keep your peace of mind.
2. It's never too early to start readying your budget for when the baby comes, so why not start saving now? Perhaps you should also create a savings account for your child's education or future expenses.
3. Don't forget to put time with your partner on a pregnancy checklist and enjoy it while it's still uncomplicated.
4. Do some research and decide where you want to give birth. Should it be in a hospital, local birth center, or your home?

​Trimester 1. Month 3.

1. At this point, it is possible to learn the sex of the baby, and you and your partner should decide if you'd rather find out sooner or later.
2. Check your company's policy on maternity leave so you can make plans on time and prepare.
3. Pregnancy hormones can temporarily make your teeth loose and cause gingivitis, so make an appointment with a dentist.
4. If you prefer to hire the help of a doula, check their availability and schedule on time.
5. Pro: your breasts have likely increased in size. Con: they are also very tender. It's time to find a comfy but fitting bra!

​Trimester 3. Month 7.

1. Prepare and talk about your birth plan with your doula or OBGYN/Midwife and make your wishes known.
2. Send invites for your baby shower if you're hosting it, and share your baby registry with invitees.
3. Prepare maternity clothes for the last three months and a change of seasons.

​Trimester 3. Month 8.

1. Have fun at your baby shower!
2. Wash the baby clothes and sheets, both new and borrowed, in newborn-friendly laundry detergent.
3. Free some space in your freezer and store cooked meals for after childbirth. You'll thank yourself later.
4. Install a baby car seat and prepare your car for the new passenger!

Trimester 3. Month 9. 
*If there is a risk that you may deliver early, consider checking these off in month 7 or 8.*

1. If you plan to give birth in a hospital, pre-register.
2. Prepare and pack a bag for the hospital.
3. If you have pets or kids, someone will have to care for them when you go into labor. If your family can't hop in, arrange for a pet or babysitter.

​
Finally, relax! It's all set. If you consult your pregnancy checklist, physician, doula, and everybody who works in your and your baby's best interest, you're on the path to a more informed and calmer pregnancy. Support and care are what you need and what you deserve!

A new baby in the home changes the entire dynamic of your household and learning to manage remote work with a newborn or baby can be quite the challenge to even experienced parents. Take steps to ensure the experience is a positive one for everyone involved. Use these tips to help succeed with both your baby and your job as you learn to navigate this new world.

​Humans of all ages benefit from a schedule and when you have a newborn, you have a unique opportunity to establish one that can work for you both. Things like feeding times, naps, and diaper changes should be scheduled and you should do your best to arrange your work schedule around your baby’s needs. If possible, arrange for more intensive work times when your baby is napping or after they have nursed when they are most content. Pay attention to when they seem to have the most need of you throughout the day and do your best to schedule the least demanding work responsibilities during those periods.
 
Understand that even with the perfect schedule, parenthood is unpredictable, and there will inevitably be times when you have to rearrange things to care for your baby. Go easy on yourself when this happens. It is a natural part of life and you are doing your best.

​During the times when your baby isn’t feeding and sleeping, plan activities that are engaging but require minimal supervision such as time in their bouncer, their activity mat, or other stationary play stations. Consider wearing your baby while you work when possible in a wrap or baby carrier so that they are still close to you and you can keep an eye on them.

Caring for a baby is deeply rewarding, but even without a job to distract you, it is a lot of hard work. It’s easy to feel like you have to do everything on your own or else you are a bad parent, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Humans are community creatures and historically, new parents have had any number of people to rely on to help them raise their babies.
 
Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it from your support system and trained professionals. According to Mental Health First Aid, not only is it important for your mental health to feel supported, but it is also good for your baby to learn they have a group of people they can depend on for love, care, and attention.
 
Additionally, don’t take on too much at work. Now is not the time to be taking on extra tasks. Learn to say no to extra hours and more responsibilities. You have enough on your plate.

If your job is overwhelming you or you no longer feel it is the right fit now that you have a baby in the home, consider a career change. With degrees available online in almost every industry and many that span multiple sectors, there’s no reason you can’t go back to school from the comfort of your home to make it easier for you to find something that works for both you and your family.
 
You are capable of rising to the challenge before you. Prepare when you can, ask for help as you need it and make changes as you need to. Both you and your baby will be grateful for it.

If you are planning a move while pregnant, you want to ensure that you have coordinated as much as possible in advance. If you have children who can help, it will actually make it better for you and them. Involving them in the process helps everyone be less stressed. Love In Motion Doula Services shares some tips on how to navigate the moving process when you’re expecting:

• When it’s time to move, pack your children’s room last and unpack it first in the new home.

• Stick to the old meal and bedtime routines throughout the move to give your kids a sense of familiarity.
• Hire furniture moving services - you will thank yourself and you’ll have more time to help your children. 
• Include your kids in some decisions, such as decorations, new plates, which new park to visit first.
• Find child and pet care for moving day to alleviate stress. 
• Prepare your kids mentally but be prepared for anxiety - adjusting can take up to 6 months.
• Get them pumped about their new school by taking a tour or even walking or driving by. 
• Help them create a memory book of the old house, school, neighborhood, friends, babysitter.
• Remember to practice self-care so that you’re on top of your game for your children.
• Try the stress management tips from ZenBusiness to help yourself stay grounded during this major transition.
• Whether it’s a comfortable new sports bra or your favorite jogging pants, make sure you wear easy clothes during and after your move.

For most people, moving is a very stressful and time-consuming activity.  For people with small children, the stress is even greater, and for people who are expecting and already have small children, moving can be so stressful that it may seem like an impossible task.  However, a little bit of preparation and a lot of patience can make getting through the experience a lot easier.

​

Article written by Daniel Sherwin [email protected] DadSolo.com

Going into the pregnancy as healthy as possible can reduce complications and make the pregnancy easier. You don't need expensive prenatal exercise classes to stay healthy. Simply walking or swimming on your own is effective.

Prenatal exercise benefits include less back pain, decreased constipation, better sleep, and shortened labor, according to Mayo Clinic. Check with your prenatal care provider to ensure exercise is safe for your situation.

Check on prenatal vitamins from different sources. You can get prescription or over-the-counter prenatals, so compare the costs to find the cheapest option.

Working remotely has its benefits for parents. Balancing parenting with work while your little ones are around, though, can feel like a tightrope walk. Liz Foster offers these tips for how to better manage remote work with children. 
 
1. Perfect Your Workstation
Having the kids in the home while you try to work is going to be distracting enough, even if your partner or another caregiver is watching them, so you need to have a workstation that is set up to limit distractions as much as possible. If you’re able, establish your office in a separate room or area of the house. Consider putting up a screen or room divider if you need to be in the same area so that you aren’t visually distracted.
 
Invest in a quality pair of noise-canceling headphones. If your cellphone isn’t necessary for work, keep it put away so that notifications won’t steal your attention away from work. Likewise, you should remove any apps from your computer that aren’t work-related to limit distraction.
 
2. Commit to a Schedule
Adults working from home benefit from a schedule, as do kids, according to the Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center. Establish one early on and don’t deviate from it unless absolutely necessary. Plan activities that are engaging for your kids that aren’t noisy and can be self-managed. Make “quiet time” part of your schedule so that kids know there are times during the day when they need to be particularly quiet to accommodate any meetings you must attend.
 
Incorporate breaks into your day for the benefit of both you and your kids, and consider eating lunch together when possible to give your children some face time with you. This will help everyone recharge for the remainder of the workday, as well as help lessen distractions. If children know they will have scheduled time with you each day, it can minimize their desire to interrupt your work as they'll know they can talk to you later. 
 
3. Plan for Emergencies
Even the best-made plans fail sometimes, so it’s important to have contingencies for when things go awry. Have emergency childcare in place in case you or your regular childcare provider are unable to watch the kids. When that isn’t available, have an emergency “bag of tricks” with ways to entertain and engage your children safely that can allow you to still work. This might include a movie you know the kids would love to see, a special art project that can be self-directed or a new toy that can entertain them for a few hours while you finish your work.
 
4. Adjust When Necessary
If your current setup isn’t working for you, consider going back to school online to earn a degree that can get you closer to your desired job in business, healthcare, education, and other industries. Many of these can be completed at your own pace so that you won’t have to worry about school getting in the way of your current job or caring for your children. If you want to continue working from home, there are many options in high demand, including website building and design and digital marketing. Do your research to see what profession will give you the opportunity to work and parent in a way you can be proud of.
 
Parenting while working from home can be tough, but the difficult bits can be managed with the right practices implemented and strong backup plans. Do your best, knowing at least your children will see you working hard to give them the life they deserve. 

​Written by Justin Bennett [email protected]

There are so many items that you'll find on any suggested baby registry. And it's overwhelming! Below are the bare basics of what you would need in preparation for baby's and mom's needs.

Essentials Baby Registry
​
For Baby

• Nose Freida Snot Sucker
• Baby saline spray
• Woolino sleep sacks
• Swaddle blankets
• Diapers
• Diaper cream/balm
• Baby wipes (Water Wipes)
• First-Aid kit (FridaBaby Bitty Bundle of Joy, Kinsa digital thermometer, baby nail clippers)
• Onesies (at least 4-8 long-sleeve and 4-8 short-sleeve) – magnet snap or zipper
• 3-5 Fleece booties & hats
• Bouncy seat
• Baby moisturizer
• Burp cloths
• Baby shampoo and soap

Sleeping

• Arms Reach Co-Sleeper
• A napper or lounger
• *Red light option* night light
• Hushh portable white noise machine

If bottle feeding

• Bottles
• Baby-safe dish soap
• Drying rack

For Mainstay recovery areas

• Moses basket for bedside or couch-time diaper changes
• Basket liner
• Diaper caddy (for mom snacks/hydration, diapers, wipes, diaper cream, snot sucker, etc)
• Diaper-designated small trashcan (one for upstairs and for downstairs next to the changing basket)

For outings

• Diaper bag/backpack
• Baby carrier (Lillebaby or Ergo)
• Car seat
• Stroller (ideally convertible)
• Portable changing station

For mom's postpartum recovery

• Sitting donut cushion
• Sitz bath and/or herbal spray
• Maxi pads
• Comfortable mesh underwear
• Peri bottle (put some sitz tea in this bottle)
• Tucks Witch hazel pads
• Dermaplast
• Ibuprofen
• Bekung belly binding fabric (optional)

For nursing

• Breast pads
• Nipple cream
• Cooling breast gel pads
• Breast pump
• Milk storage bags
• Haakaa pump
• Nursing bras/camis
• Pumping hands-free bra
• One-hand snacks
• Water bottle
• Glider rocker and ottoman

You shouldn’t need these until at least 4 months:

• Baby Tylenol
• Crib (crib sheets, blankets, etc)
• Small attachable booster chair for feeding around 6 months
• Feeding tools (bibs, utensils, plates)
• Baby food containers
• Amber teething necklace
• Silicone teether toys
• Baby learning toys and books (Lovevery subscription)

Every doula is different in what they carry in their doula bag to support clients for birth. Over the years, I have learned that less is more. However, there are quite a few tried and true tools that I continue to carry to every birth, regardless of their frequency in use.

I used to carry everything under the sun that I thought I needed. As the years passed by, I learned which items in my bag were merely just taking up space vs. ones that I actually used. That being said, there are some random items that I thought would never be used and just recently, they were a life-saver to a client.

​Certain items I thought I needed but don't are:

• A deck of cards: I thought I would use them during boredom...nobody has ever been bored.
• Portable speaker: Clients usually bring their own.
• A notepad and pen: Phones fix that
• Rebozo: A hospital bed sheet has helped many situations where a rebozo could be helpful
• Flashlight: our phones have them.

I like backpack diaper bags for my birth bag, along with a fanny pack (with LOTS of pockets) for the small things I need while moving around with my clients.

Here is the list of essentials, in my opinion. After attending over 200 births:

• Phone: for photos, birth notes, flashlight, contraction timer app, any websites or eBook downloads on birth (for those pesky OP babies)
• Snacks: honey sticks are WHERE.IT'S.AT. So are walnuts, coconut water, nut butter packets, and energy bars
• TENS unit: So helpful during an intense labor pattern.
• Kleenex: Hospital tissue paper will rub your nose raw.
• Stevia & Dairy-free creamer packets: Hospitals offer coffee, but regular sugar/creamer.
• Massage tools: My hands are the primary tool, but others can come in handy for partners.
• Phone charger: Long hours.
• Energy tablets: For doula or partner, they dissolve into water for long births.
• Portable fan: Surprisingly popular and it can hang around mom's neck if need be.
• Batteries: For the fan and TENS unit
• The Labor Progress Handbook: When it's 4am and I can't think straight, a handbook on all the how-to's come in clutch.
• Soft White Tea Lights: Usually used for bathtub birth cave ambience.
• Scissors: Honey sticks don't open well with teeth. 
• Personal toiletries (face wipes, hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, dry shampoo, eye drops, etc)
• Doula certification: Hospitals ask for it even now and then
• Non-scented massage lotion: Massage is necessary
• Yoga pants/jacket/Doula shirt/change of socks: The professional doula uniform
• Neck pillow: For labors when we all can get some shuteye
• Eye mask: See above
• Hand sanitizer: Just in case
• Medical Emergency Kit (gloves, baby hat, chux pads, blanket): accidental home/car births happen!
• Stress balls: A big hit for contractions
• Ball pump: Hospitals will either over or underfill birth balls
• Icy Hot Pack: Laboring is strenuous and moms get hot or cold
• Colgate Wisps & Breath Mints: Vomiting is normal, stinky breath shouldn't be

Certain items not listed because I always keep in my purse:

• Breath mints/spray/gum: See above
• DONA certified doula name tag: So I don't get confused with being a nurse
• My business cards: Networking with new provideres
• Water bottle: Doulas need hydration too
• Hair ties, clips and headband: For laboring mom and myself
• Cash: For vending machines for partner or myself
• Ear pods: If there is downtime, Netflix on the phone is nice. Keep one ear alert!
• Bach's Rescue Remedy: Back-to-back births are no joke on a doula 
• Deodorant: BO is not pleasant for a laboring mom to smell from support people
• Chapstick: For mom and myself
• Ibuprofen: Long births can create headaches

I am adding to my bag:

• A new Rice sock: They get dirty quickly because they are used to often for back pain. Use a pillow case to keep it clean and not directly on client's skin.
• Kneeling pad: For bathtub support time between partner and I
• Alcohol pads: A trick I learned from an L&D nurse. The smell quickly dissolves nausea faster than medication or even essential oils
• Energy shots/Liquid IV: Mostly for partners, but if I need a jolt, HEYO!
• Ice pack: Because hospitals take forever to grab one

​For many women who have just given birth, finding postpartum resources and care can be a
major challenge during the pandemic. This is the time when most new mothers need the most
support, especially following birth trauma, so it’s important to look for sources of advice and
encouragement. Love In Motion is one such source, with services like breastfeeding tips and
self-esteem building provided by birth and postpartum doula Liz Foster. Here’s a brief guide to
finding resources for yourself and your child when you’re stuck at home.

It’s not just your physical health that needs tending during times like these; you also need to pay attention to your mental well-being and make sure you’re able to cope with stress or anxiety in a positive way. That’s where social media comes in. Although getting lost in constantly-updating news feeds can be a detriment, social media outlets also offer a way to find support via groups of like-minded individuals who are going through similar situations. Most are moderated, but each group has its own set of rules, so check the guidelines before joining. 

​Stress, isolation, and lack of sleep can lead to depression pretty easily, so it’s important to practice self-care in order to manage those issues. Stay in touch with friends and family via video chats if possible, and utilize stress-management tactics such as meditation techniques and fitting in some exercise to give both your body and mind a boost.