Self Care

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.

Group Prenatal Appointments for Birth Doula Clients

Our goal of these prenatal appointments is to supplement the information you are receiving in the your childbirth education classes and private prenatal appointments with your doulas, while also building your community. 

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!

Anatomy of the Breast

Here’s a sad truth: most women know nothing about their breasts. Complete transparent, I was one of those women.

Self Massage Techniques To Do At Your Desk

When’s the last time that you suffered some stress at work? Raise your hand if it was today.

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!

Benefits of Breast Massage While Breastfeeding

We are so excited to offer a new service to our clients: therapeutic breast massage for lactation support is now available!

Provider Spotlight: Triangle Chiropractic and Rehabilitation Center

We have known Dr. Lindsay Mumma of Triangle Chiropractic and Rehabilitation Center for a few years now, and love her approach to prenatal and postpartum care in the Triangle!

Topical Nipple Care

Last week we talked about typical nipple issues that many of our breastfeeding clients face, from compression lines on nipples due to shallow latch to infections, and everything in between. The most important part of nipple care though is always figuring out the problem prior to caring for your nipple. Our postpartum doulas can help you figure out the problem, but once you have done that, you are left wondering how do you actually care for your damaged nipples?

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?

Why Even Have A Birth Plan?

Some say that having a birth plan sets up unrealistic ideals for your births. And while if you have rigid expectations, that may be true. However, we feel that writing the birth plan isn’t what is important.

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:

Pregnancy, Birth, and Having a Newborn During A Power Outage

Whether you are (fast) approaching your estimated date of delivery, have a newborn, or just have little kids, the possibility of Hurricane Frances hitting Raleigh in the next few days is a bit scary!

Decoding the APGAR Test For Newborn Babies

The test is divided into 5 sections with each section receiving a score of 0 to 2. It is to help determine if the newborn needs immediate medical attention, but not to predict long-term health issues.

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.