Can Someone Just Explain the Epidural?

woman in labor in hospital gown

So, you’re thinking about getting an epidural for your delivery and you’re wondering to yourself “What is an epidural?” An epidural is a pain management tool made available to those who are delivering in a hospital based setting. There are a variety of reasons why someone may choose this method of pain management. How do…

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5 * Good* Reasons to Write a Birth Plan

map compass camera

Writing a birth plan isn’t just an opportunity to make your wishes clear; it’s also an opportunity to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for what lies ahead. Here are five reasons you should consider writing a birth plan before the big day. 1) USE IT AS YOUR GUIDE It can be daunting to think about…

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Why Is My Vagina Swollen?

woman with red lipstick

If you’ve talked to us, you know that we like to get real.  “I’m 8 months pregnant and my vagina (and/or vulva) is so incredibly swollen. Why?!?” Every person and every pregnancy is very different. We all experience different symptoms of pregnancy- but this is one that is not as uncommon as you may think.…

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Planning for AFTER Baby

new dad holding baby with doula by his side

As Doulas, it’s our job to ask open-ended questions about everything. Those questions include ones that get families thinking about the next part of their lives with a baby in it.  When you think about the fourth trimester, what does it look like to you? “Well, we were hoping that…..” “My mom might be there,…

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Formula Feeding 101

baby bottle feeding formula

Infant formula has long been given a bad reputation, and it’s one we’re here to help rewrite. Part of changing the narrative about formula feeding is by recognizing there is no shame in choosing one type of feeding over another. The old adage that “Fed is Best,” suggests that new parents have  made a lesser…

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Do I need a nipple shield?

melon

Do you remember the first time you chewed a piece of bubble gum?  The delicious sweet taste of the novelty treat in your mouth. You chewed and chewed, not too sure what to do with your tongue, surprised by all the extra saliva now pooling in your mouth. Chewing bubble gum for the first time…

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Beating the Heat in Oregon – Pregnancy Edition

plants with blue sky background on hot summer day

I remember it like it was yesterday. (Even though it was almost 24 years ago) I was 8.5 months pregnant and on a camping trip at Triangle Lake with a large group of friends. It was August and I was miserable. It was so hot. I felt so huge. And the only glow I had…

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Myth of Bouncing Back

new mom wrapping her belly postpartum

A letter to the people in the world who believe I should bounce back after I have a baby: You think you know what it’s like to have three bodies over the course of one year?  A body  that is not pregnant, a body that is growing a baby for 9 months or so, and…

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