What is a Doula?

doula at water birth

There is no Google Maps voice in the labor and delivery room. It’s entirely new territory every time, and the closest thing to a pocket guide through the experience is a doula. Her voice can guide you and your support partner to your best experience. We are present, with the wisdom and experience to see…

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Camping With Baby: 5 Things to Consider

tent view of forest while camping

Bringing your baby camping for the first time might seem like a wild task, but with a little preparation and some fresh air- anything is possible!  Camping has always been the centerpiece of summer, and continuing this tradition with my son has been an exciting adventure within itself.  Over the years we’ve mastered the art…

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The Horror of Bottles

bottle feeding babies

Forewarning: This blog post may push some buttons. We welcome the open and respectful discussion it may bring. We were asked if we would provide a raffle prize for an upcoming event that is centered around breastfeeding. Wonderful! We jumped at the idea because, hello, it involves women and babies… two of the things we…

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The #1 Labor Tip You Need to Know

chinese finger trap

You know you did it. You stuck your fingers in one of these innocent contraptions and then had the full panic moment of realizing that you couldn’t get your fingers back out. No matter how hard you pulled, the dumb thing just squeezed tighter. And then you realized that the answer to this little trick…

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Our Opinion on OBs

woman giving birth in the hospital with an OB

Dear OB/GYN, It’s possible that people have forgotten that you’re a human being.  Is that weird to consider? Does it feel odd to know that people see you as a magical creature who lives at the office and/or hospital? Is it uncomfortable that people expect you to be impossibly close to perfect? In our role,…

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An Open Letter from the Pregnant Lady

woman writing letter

Dear friends and family and neighbors and Facebook acquaintances… and random strangers, Yes, I am most definitely pregnant and a tad extra hormonal. And hungry. And swollen. And tired.  I have noticed that my pregnancy has opened the door for statements and conversations that I had hoped others were exaggerating about. But they weren’t. People…

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Do I Need a Doula?

ultrasound image

need: (nēd) verb Require (something) because it is essential or very important. “I need help now” Is a doula actually a NEED? Some people consider a ‘need’ to be something that is necessary for survival: air, water, food, shelter, etc. But if we look at the synonyms for need (be in need of, have need…

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Postpartum Reality

mom holding baby on chest

I get it. I had a total light bulb moment tonight. But I’m not 100% sure I should share it with you. You see, I own a doula agency. I encourage people to hire Postpartum Doulas. But I honestly haven’t fully understood why it’s necessary. The picture in my mind…. well, it wasn’t right. I…

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10 Things To Do When You’re OVERDUE in Salem

stopwatch timing contractions

You may not be sleepless in Seattle, but overdue in Salem may not be getting much sleep either! ​​Do you feel like you’re a million weeks pregnant? Has your due date come and gone? Salem Birth Support understands and we’re here to offer you a few activities to get your mind off of your upcoming…

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40 Weeks and Counting: Pregnant & Overdue

pregnant woman at 41 weeks

Dear Overdue Mom, Remember when you tried to picture yourself at your due date? The times you pinned those adorable maternity photos on Pinterest? When you put a pillow under your shirt to try and imagine your stomach getting THAT big? And then came your due date. Let’s be honest. This isn’t at all how…

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