Postpartum Care

Provider Spotlight: Sara Skinner, LCSW

Working in maternal health is a field that requires an equal amount of passion and drive, but also a personal connection to this time period is often what ignites this passion. Various providers have different paths to this connection whether it is through their experience, a friend or family member’s experience, or just a really inspiring book! I love learning about people’s why as it makes them much more human to me. And in the age of Zoom calls, telehealth, and texting, remembering we are all human is key.

Sara Skinner, LCSW, is no different. She and I actually have known of each since early 2018, we did not officially meet until mid 2019 and then we did not professional connect until just recently. We immediately bonded and talked about all the things related to motherhood, mental health, and of course our mutual love of pit bulls.

Don’t Let Your Disability Interfere with Raising a Child

Everyone needs a challenge. Without one, you would never learn, grow stronger, or feel the satisfaction of a job well done. Now you’re headed for the biggest one of your life: being a parent. However, your condition shouldn’t interfere in raising your child as best as you can. Why should it?

Infant Poop: Color, Smell, and Quantity

We are talking all about infant poop! Check it out to see all the variations of color that are completely newborn when you have a newborn.

Disinfecting Herbs for Vaginal Steaming

Our disinfecting herb formula is a great way for those who have irregular vaginal discharge and infections to naturally reduce those symptoms. Since the uterus and vagina are self-cleaning organs, your body will be trying to clear anything already, but using the disinfecting herb formula can aid in that process. 

Benefits of Yoni Steaming 

We just love yoni steaming, and think the benefits are just fantastic! Below are some of the positive and cleansing benefits of regular steaming. We certainly hope you experience as many of these during your steam sessions!

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) in Men

Being a new Dad is life changing. There are amazing highs, and for about 1 in 10 men, there are some pretty low lows.

Virtual Doula Support

And while some clients love to have that face to face support that they receive through our traditional Birth Doula Support, or our Postpartum Doula Support some have more specific needs. Those needs may not require that same physical presence at their birth. Because of that, we are officially launching our Virtual Doula Support.

Provider Spotlight: Amb Day Spa

Recently, we had the pleasure of visiting Annette at Amb Day Spa in Cary for a first for us: receiving a Yoni Steam! Also known as vaginal steams, we both approached the experience open minded and excited to feel some of the benefits that we had heard so much about!

How to Know Baby is Getting Enough to Eat

One of the biggest concerns for all new parents, well actually all parents in general, is how do you know if your child is getting enough to eat?

Provider Spotlight: Whole Mama Yoga

A few months ago, we were lucky enough to take a Yoga for Doulas from Whole Mama Yoga. It was great for us to learn some basic poses that we could pass on to our clients, as well as a great time for us to enjoy a lovely afternoon of yoga with other Triangle area doulas.

Typical Structure of a Breast Massage Session

We are excited that we now are able to offer therapeutic breast massage to our breastfeeding clients.

Pressure of Breast Massage to Support Lactation

When you have knot in a muscle, what feels so wonderful is a massage therapist to dig her elbow into that sore spot until you feel some relief. And when you have a clogged duct, the same logic should apply, right? You may be surprised about that answer!

Common Nipple Issues While Breastfeeding 

One of the most common concerns we hear from our breastfeeding clients is about the status of their nipples! From cracked and bloody, to flat and sore, we hear it all. The most important thing to remember: your nipples should not hurt while breastfeeding or pumping!

Common vs. Normal During Pregnancy

So often on Facebook and other social media sites, our birth doulas and postpartum doulas read questions from concerned pregnant folks or new parents asking various questions about if others experienced a similar issue during pregnancy, birth, and/or parenthood. However, we are reframing that question to: Is it common and is it also normal?

Optimizing Feedings With A Newborn PLUS Printable Feeding Log

When you have a newborn, the consistent worry of making sure your baby is getting enough to eat is completely normal! Whether you are breastfeeding or bottle feeding, the key to feeling confident about having a fed baby is optimizing each and every feeding. Below are a few of our favorite tips:

Mantras for Parenthood

We often talk with our birth doula clients about using affirmations and mantras to help with the birth process as they can be extremely helpful to cope. And in the same light, using affirmations as a new parent can be encouraging. Here are a few of our favorites:

Provider Spotlight: Kelly Raney, Pelvic Floor PT

We have had the privilege of knowing Kelly Raney, PT, DPT, CFm, PRPC of EmergeOrtho, for a few years now, and are so happy to have connected with her.