Choosing a Doula: Finding Your Perfect Fit

open doors in field

Pregnancy comes with a bunch of emotions. Excitement, joy, and, let’s be honest… a bit of overwhelm. How many different strollers are there to choose from?! Why do the Amazon reviews on every baby product differ so drastically?! Choosing a doula shouldn’t be as hard as reading all the consumer reports on carseats. AND choosing…

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Mental Health Tips for Dad

new dad holds baby with pacifier

Becoming a new dad, or a new parent in general, can be both an exciting and incredibly rewarding experience. And it can also be filled with challenges and a sense of overwhelm. Society tends to focus on moms after baby is born, but it’s also important for new fathers to make their mental health a…

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Does Private Insurance Cover Doulas?

duck swimming in pond while couple watch

We have a HUGE announcement… Certain private insurances are now covering doula support in the state of Oregon. Your plans for pregnancy, birth, and beyond now has more options and we want to share all of those details with you. As of October 1st, 2024, individuals with MODA OEBB (Oregon Educators Benefit Board) now have…

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Birth at Salem Hospital

new mom and baby after hospital birth

Do you have decision fatigue? Choosing where you’d like to deliver your baby is just one decision of what might feel like thousands, as you prepare for the arrival of your little one.  If you’ve landed on Salem Health Familyl Birthing Center, congratulations on checking this decision off your list!  Let’s cover what you can…

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What If I Don’t Like Being Pregnant?

pregnant belly

Can I make a confession? I didn’t love being pregnant.  Not even a little bit. In fact, most days it felt like slow torture, and I eagerly anticipated it being over. Don’t get me wrong- I loved my baby. I loved feeling the little kicks and wiggles; I thought the hiccups were adorable; I treasured…

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6 Tips for Recovering from a Cesarean Birth

new mom sleeping after cesarean birth

Whether it was scheduled or unplanned, recovery from a cesarean delivery (c-section) looks a little different from a vaginal delivery.  Here are 6 tips for recovering from a cesarean delivery. 1. Take The Pain Meds Congratulations! You now have a sweet new baby that is relying on you to take care of them. Let’s not…

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Gestational Diabetes & Your Care During Pregnancy

gestational diabetes blood sugar screening tool

After the initial shock of hearing you’ve been diagnosed with gestational diabetes wears off,  you might be wondering what comes next. How will this diagnosis change the care you receive during your pregnancy? Will you have to change providers? Will you still get to have the birth you are hoping for?  Gestational Diabetes: a brief…

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What Do the Numbers from a Cervical Exam Mean?

measuring tape

25%, 1cm, posterior, soft. You just left your provider’s office and at one point during your cervical exam, they rattled off some numbers and immediately you were transported back in time to high school Algebra. Before you grab your graphing calculator or feel like your body has failed some sort of I’m-never-going-into-labor test, check in…

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What Happens During a Cesarean?

mom and baby post cesarean in OR

The idea of a cesarean or c-section can feel scary if you don’t know what to expect or what will happen. Cesareans typically fall into three categories: planned, unplanned, or emergency.  BEFORE THE CESAREAN Your anesthesiologist will visit you and discuss the pain management options, their risks and benefits. The two most common options are…

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What Happens at a Prenatal Appointment?

pregnant woman holding ultrasound

Congratulations! Whether you’ve confirmed your pregnancy by an at home test or by blood test, it’s likely that you’ve got allll the feelings about this new adventure ahead of you. Now that you know you’re pregnant, what do you do next?  When will I meet my provider? Usually a provider will want to see you…

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