Self Abhyanga
Kate Danson, birth and postpartum doula shows us how you can practice abhyanga at home - this massage is particularly beneficial after giving birth as it can regulate hormones, calm the nervous system, strengthen the uterus, improve sleep, and increase milk flow.
Letter to a new mama
First off, I want you to know that you’re a really good mom. These aren’t just fluffy words. They are facts. You are a really good mom. I know you have so many doubts and fears.
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss — A Partner's Journey
Those early weeks were always so full of hope, nervousness, and fear - a classic recipe for constant anxiety. Sometimes I would experience these feelings in succession. Other times I felt the weight of all of them, as if they were stacked on my heart, one on top of the other.
Sex After Baby
Whatever you may be feeling — just know that it’s common and you are not alone. If you don’t want to have sex, don’t feel pressured to do so, just because the doctor told you to go for it.
Hot Flashes — Explained
Hot flashes and night sweats - some of the most common complaints of early postpartum. But it doesn't always stop after the 4th trimester, and can be a big steamy hot red flag that we need to support one hormone in particular... estrogen.
A Letter to Our Son
Like all new parents, they were astonished by their baby’s perfection. But their time with Julian was short -- because he was stillborn, they had just a few hours to soak in his beauty before they had to say goodbye. This is the letter Dresden wrote to Julian the day after she met him.
Lactation Cookies
we love a healthy, delicious cookie - ingredients in these can also help boost milk supply.
Blood Building Roast Chicken
This is one of our absolute favorite recipes, especially for Sunday night dinners. It also happens to be an incredible blood-building meal, great for postpartum recovery.
Practical Suggestions for Early Postpartum
LA postpartum doula Stephanie Matthias shares really practical suggestions for how to prepare for the postpartum period.
What to Pack in Your Birth Bag
Trying to figure out what’s really necessary to pack in your birth bag? You don’t need nearly as much as you think, but we’re listed a few essentials and some things to make you feel good.
I'm Pregnant, Now What?
Knowing what to do when you think you might be pregnant can be confusing. When can you take a pregnancy test? If it’s positive, when do you make a prenatal appointment? What are the guidelines on taking care of yourself before you see a care provider? We break things down here with help from SF-based doula Lauren Miller Brown.
Exercise during Pregnancy
So often women are told to slow down when pregnant, and while for some high-risk pregnancies bed rest is required, in most healthy pregnancies, regular movement is recommended. Hear from Peri Hughes, SF based prenatal fitness expert on how you can safely approach exercise during pregnancy.
Learning to Trust My Miscarriage
Over the course of this time I’ve become familiar with riding these waves of sadness. The waves crash to honor the months of hormones and pregnancy tissue produced, to honor the love, energy and dreams we have been holding. I say goodbye to our Ocean.
Hyperemesis Gravidarum
As I begin to make sense of my pregnancy and my experience with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), I can now see so much that would have been helpful to know and understand then. In hopes of easing your journey if you or a loved one is experiencing HG — here’s my take.
Morning Sickness Remedies
Up to eighty percent of women experience some type of nausea during pregnancy. Here are a few natural remedies that may help manage and reduce your morning sickness without side effects.
Virtual Visits — Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture
Luckily, there are so many ways your acupuncturist can support you virtually - both keeping you on track towards your reproductive health goals, and also supporting your mental and physical health.
Virtual Visits - Lactation Consultant
You may be wondering if it’s possible and/or worth the investment to get lactation support virtually. In our opinion, it is definitely helpful and worth it to connect. Learn more about what that might look like here.
Tools to Get Pregnant — The Basal Body Temperature Method
You might be surprised by what you can discover about your body by tuning in and putting in a little bit of effort. If done correctly, a few months of observing your basal body temperature (BBT) can give you a ton of answers.