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Moms

Tips and tricks for when the next baby arrives (Part 2)

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Sibling introduction and expected behaviors

Your next baby has arrived and now it is time to introduce your children. Sibling introduction can be an overwhelming encounter, but it is also a beautiful sight to behold. Some parents choose to do it in the hospital while others wait till they get home.  When not during a pandemic with limited visitors, talk with them about what they would prefer. If they are too young, make your best guess.

[Read more…] about Tips and tricks for when the next baby arrives (Part 2)

Tips and tricks for when the next baby arrives (Part 1)

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Congratulations on the next baby?

The arrival of your new baby will mean some big changes for everyone and although parents might feel ready (or as ready as one can ever be), siblings might not share the same excitement. Not only do they have to share their house, their playroom and their toys, they have to share mom and dad too! No matter your child’s age, helping them understand what is going to happen, is a good way to prepare for their sibling’s arrival. [Read more…] about Tips and tricks for when the next baby arrives (Part 1)

How to best support your friend when she is the NEW MOM?

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The new mom….

New Mom-Tucson Postpartum DoulaYou are the FIRST of your friends to be pregnant. Everyone is so excited and over the moon to meet your little bundle of joy. Soon though, they realize that having a baby is A LOT of work.  You can no longer just drop everything and meet up.  You are not as free to go to happy hour, the gym, or meet up after you get off work.

Messy buns, yoga pants and puffy eyes are your new attire but your heart is FULL. You are in love.  Exhausted. Missing your friends. Feeling alone.  Where is everyone? Why is no one coming over anymore? Your phone rarely buzzes.  Did my friends forget about me? [Read more…] about How to best support your friend when she is the NEW MOM?

Labor is approaching, what questions should you ask?

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Labor QuestionsThird Trimester

Congratulations, you have made it to your 3rd trimester.  Your little one is packing on some weight and you feel her kicks and stretches even more powerfully now.  You are super excited to meet her BUT have patience because there is a lot of developing she still needs to do before she can safely come earth side. Soon she will be in your arms.

As your delivery date approaches, the reality that labor is coming becomes more real. You HAVE to give birth to this baby.

At this point in your pregnancy, you should be thinking about or working on your birth plan (lets people specifically know what you DO and DO not want during labor, delivery and the immediate postpartum period).  Some people want their goals written out, others just talk to their support people and make sure everyone is on the same page. Do whatever makes you feel the most comfortable.

Labor questions to ask your provider:

  • WHO will be delivering my baby? Again, is the OB or Midwife in a solo practice or in a group with other professionals? If a solo practice, ask who their back up/on call professional is. If a group practice, do I get to meet or schedule visits with the other doctors? What is your on call day?
  • Will you be at the hospital the entire time or do you come and go based on how I am progressing in labor?
  • When can we discuss my birth plan?
  • Are you ok with me NOT delivering on my back?
  • What is your position on inductions? Why would you induce me?
  • Vacuum and forceps usage?
  • Do I have to have an IV upon arrival? Oxytocin?
  • What monitoring do you recommend when I go into labor? External or internal?
  • Will you delay cord clamping?
  • Should I keep a copy of my prenatal records with me?
  • Do you perform cervical checks? If so, how often?
  • When labor begins, at what point should I call you?
  • Do you support vaginal breech births?
  • What is your c-section rate? Episiotomy rate? In what situations would you perform one?
  • How long will you let me go after my due date?

Labor questions

 

Understanding all your options and getting all your questions answered can help alleviate your fears, put you at ease to feel safe, informed and supported during your pregnancy and your labor and delivery.

Give me a call today to learn how I can help you feel the same way once your baby is in your arms and you are in the comfort of your home.

20 helpful questions to ask at your prenatal appointments

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prenatal questionsYou have chosen your provider and the news that you are expecting is finally sinking in.  Maybe you get an early sonogram picture and your heart explodes at the life growing inside you. The wheels in your mind are spinning as prenatal questions keep popping up. You devour pregnancy books and ask friends but you won’t have peace of mind until you chat with your provider.

As an RN, a former certified childbirth educator and co-author of Starting out Right: Positive Strategies to Guide Adolescents through Healthy Pregnancy and Childbirth, I have heard almost every possible question that people have during their pregnancy. A good amount I can answer, others I will tell you I need to get back to you and some I will tell you to ask your OB or Midwife. [Read more…] about 20 helpful questions to ask at your prenatal appointments

Scheduling Self-Care

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Self-Care

Dictionary.com defines self-care as “care of the self without medical or other professional consultation”

Happy New Year! The hustle of the holiday season has stopped and routines are starting back up again. Some people love to make new year’s resolutions, others do not.  Some people work really hard and accomplish their resolutions and some give up after a few days or weeks. Me, on the other hand, I like to set goals and work towards them. Setting goals pushes me to work hard towards them but allows for LIFE to happen when it needs to and allows me to be guilt free! [Read more…] about Scheduling Self-Care