As a doula who has supported countless families through their birth journeys, one of the most common questions I hear around the 39-40 week mark is, "So... any tricks to get this baby moving?" I totally get it! Those final days of pregnancy can feel like an eternity, especially when you're eager to meet your little one and experiencing all the physical challenges that come with the third trimester.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the idea of overhauling your health, you're not alone. The good news? You don't need to flip your life upside down to feel better in your body. We believe that health and well-being stem from a positive mindset, which leads to successful lifestyle changes. 

As Doulas, we help support birthing parents through one of the biggest lifestyle changes of all - giving birth. Part of our focus with every client is to make sure nutritionally, everyone is getting what they need and feeling supported in their dietary choices. From pregnancy to birth to postpartum, and even through the ups and downs of everyday life, nutrition plays a huge role in a person’s well-being.

Welcoming a baby into your home is a transformative experience for everyone in your family—including your beloved pets. Many families become anxious through this significant transition, and the best way to ensure a smooth transition is with thoughtful preparation and patience.

Choosing to pursue a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) is a significant decision for many parents. While cesarean deliveries are sometimes necessary and lifesaving, many individuals with prior C-sections can safely deliver vaginally in subsequent pregnancies, despite what many people say.

Supporting your little one's feeding journey is both rewarding and challenging, especially if you’re a breastfeeding parent. Sometimes it can feel like you’re shouldering the bulk of the feeding responsibilities if you’re exclusively breastfeeding, which is why many parents choose to utilize a bottle full of breastmilk to help lighten the load. Or perhaps you want the benefits of breast milk but no longer want to or cannot breastfeed, so a bottle is your best option. No matter the reason, giving your baby breastmilk in a bottle is very common. 

However - it can be tricky to know exactly how much milk to use when you’re going with breast milk versus a measure, mix, and go formula! Let's talk about milk quantities, pumping strategies, and ways to maintain a healthy milk supply throughout your feeding experience.

The role of collagen in maintaining our body's structural integrity becomes particularly significant during major life changes like pregnancy. Liquid BioCell Collagen, a specific formulation of collagen supplement focused on absorption and anti-aging properties, has gained attention in the wellness market. However, it’s also great for pregnancy for a number of different reasons!

Beef tallow has been used for centuries, from ancient times to the Medieval period to the Industrial Revolution. With a recent resurgence of popularity, beef tallow is being used more and more for cooking and skin care, as it has been for many years by many different cultures.

When December rolls around, families worldwide celebrate the season with fascinating traditions that often put children at the center, creating wonder, merriment, and memories to last for generations. Here's a global tour of some lesser-known customs that make the holiday season magical!

A miscarriage occurs when a pregnancy ends spontaneously before the 20th week. During this time, you may still be experiencing pregnancy symptoms, although the pregnancy itself has ended. Your body may start to pass the pregnancy on it’s own, or you may need the assistance of medication or surgical intervention. If your body does this on it’s own, the process of miscarriage can typically last anywhere from a few hours to several days. You may experience heavy menstrual-like flow, strong cramping sensations, and passing of tissue and blood clots. Fatigue is also common, as is a myriad of different emotional and physical feelings.

Postpartum mental health is a journey, and every journey looks different. Be patient and kind to yourself. With proper support and resources, you can navigate this challenging time. Giving birth and caring for a brand new human is hard work, no matter how you slice it! If you’re experiencing PPD symptoms, reach out to a trusted medical provider, friend, or family member and get the help and support you need.

The incredible journey of pregnancy and birth brings about profound changes, not just for our bodies, but for the trillions of microorganisms that call our gut home - our gut microbiome. This intricate ecosystem plays a vital role in our overall health and well-being, and understanding its transformation during this life-changing transition can empower us to support our gut, and thus ourselves and our new baby, throughout this incredible experience.

Of course, the best way to know what to pack is to ask the hospital or birthing center you’re at what they will have available, and plan from there. If you’re planning a home birth, working with your support team (partner, midwife, doula, etc.) to ensure you have all the items and comforts you’ll need for the big moment is imperative.

Swimming can be a wonderful way to stay fit, cool, and comfortable during pregnancy. So grab your swimsuit, head to the nearest pool or lake, and make a splash this summer. Your body—and your baby—will thank you for it!