Breastfeeding - The Basics
Feeding your baby: it seems like it should be intuitive, natural, and straightforward. But we've learned that it takes time, patience and some serious dedication — and it doesn’t always turn out as we planned. And that's okay. What’s most important is that your baby eats.
OBGYN or Midwife? Hospital or Home Birth?
Does your provider make you feel supported, heard, and safe? Do you feel comfortable with the birthing locations that are available to you? If your answer isn’t “yes” to either of these questions, know that you don't have to settle for the status quo. Learn more about choosing a provider and birthing location here.
Postpartum Essentials
You've got all your baby gear, sure, and are all set for labor… but what about making sure you’re taken care of post-birth? Here are our favorite products for helping with recovery, as well as feeding.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture can alleviate many acute and chronic conditions, including those common in pregnancy. Based on the trimester that you are in, there are specific ways in which you may benefit.
Strength in Sharing
The phrase “trying for a baby” always made me uncomfortable. I felt like the couple was welcoming everyone into their bedroom as well as their personal lives. I had no idea that perhaps it was their way of reaching out for emotional support during a time of excitement mixed with fear.
Mental Health
What is the spectrum of perinatal mood disorders? From baby blues to postpartum depression - what’s normal, not normal, and how to recognize when you should get help.
Massage Therapy
Massage is well known for relaxation, stress reduction, and pain relief — and has unique postpartum benefits including hormone regulation, reduced swelling, better sleep, and improved breastfeeding.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Whether it’s recovering from a difficult delivery, navigating sex, or returning to exercise, a pelvic PT who understands your goals can help you get there.
One Hell of a Ride
Five years ago, I walked into the birthing center of a hospital and built walls with rigid rules of how I did - and didn’t - want to bring my son into the world. I believed in the magic and power of my body. I believed in my control.
Books on Pregnancy, Birth and New Motherhood
What books should I buy? Blogs to read? Podcasts to download? We wanted to educate ourselves but had a hard time finding inclusive, evidence-based information that wasn’t prescriptive.
Expert Interview — Annemarie Everett PT, DPT, WCS
The predominant narrative is that someone has to "heal" in order to be functional, but that simply isn't the case. I think the story we should be telling is of our bodies' resilience and adaptability, and of the need to do the hard work accepting our bodies, even amid the dramatic changes of pregnancy.
Teas during Pregnancy
Adding tea into your beverage rotation provides important vitamins and minerals for you and your babe, adds some variety to what may seem like limited choices, and can even help alleviate unwanted symptoms.
Lactation Consultant
LC’s can help show you the ropes, answer your questions, give you tips, and be there as a resource until you get into a good groove with feeding your baby.
The Story of My Third Pregnancy
Mother — a title that holds so much love, so much weight, so much pain, a swelling experience that consumes and connects us.
Preparing your Mind and Body For Pregnancy
As you begin to think about getting pregnant, besides understanding your own biology, it can really help to get in tune with your body (even on the most basic level).
Trust Yourself —My Breastfeeding Journey.
Whether you can/decide to breastfeed/formula feed/do a mix of both - it’s most important that your baby eats. This is your decision. Try not to internalize all the noise.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
A pelvic floor PT is an expert at evaluating and treating issues that commonly arise in pregnancy. Even if you aren’t experiencing specific symptoms, PTs can be incredibly helpful.
Mental Health
We sat down with reproductive psychiatrist Anna Glezer, MD, to learn more about how best to take care of ourselves and our mental health during this time, when to reach out to a professional, and how they can help.