The mind is a powerful thing! Sometimes when we are fearful and anxious, repeating a calming and relaxing mantra can help work through the feelings and keep your mind (and body!) present. Affirmations also can give a sense of control as well as remind you that you are strong and capable! Mantras and affirmations are also essential for helping a birthing family navigate unexpected challenges. Enjoy our free, printable affirmations here… Free Printable Affirmations for Childbirth! Click To Download!
Meet Avele! Birth Doula
While I know for certain all of the birth doulas with Balanced Birth Support are amazing, I have to admit that I am a bit biased about Avele. She was my doula for my second birth and she is incredibly thoughtful, caring, non-judgemental, and incredibly compassionate. Also, she must be a fast and/or crazy driver because she was able to get from Northern Virginia to GW hospital in less than 30 minutes during rush hour making it in time to …
Meet Alicia! Birth & Postpartum Doula
At Balanced Birth Support, we are honored to work with such a talented, caring, and supportive group of birth & postpartum doulas, childbirth educators, lactation consultants, and placenta specialists. Every single one of the members of Balanced Birth Support bring a unique life experience to the amazing and wondrous work that they do to support expectant families. In the first installment of a series dedicated to profiling members of Balanced Birth Support, I have spoken with Alicia Bennett, a birth …
Typical Newborn Screenings and Procedures: What, How, When
Whether you give birth in a hospital, birth center, or at home, there are many different newborn screenings, shots, and other procedures that will be offered to you or at least discussed with your care providers sometime prior to giving birth. Some tests are used to determine how well your baby is adjusting to the world outside your womb or screen for potential health problems; others are preventative against immediate or future health problems. Depending on where you live, some …
Natural Ways To Beat Cold & Flu Symptoms While Pregnant
It seems that most of the country is in the midst of a very active cold and flu season. Having a cold, flu, or a stomach bug while pregnant can be very debilitating and even for non-pregnant women there are very few remedies to help ease the symptoms. Generally, while these illness can make you feel miserable, they typically do not pose a threat to mom and baby. **However, if you are experiencing a high fever, prolonged or violent vomiting …
Birthing at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital
SummaryFort Belvoir Community Hospital is a new, state-of-the art military hospital designed to provide “safe, quality, and compassionate care” to our nations active duty military, veterans, and their families. The hospital began serving patients in August of 2011 and was built with evidenced based design in mind- proving a facility designed to produce better physical and emotional outcomes for patients and their families. The hospital is also focused on research and education. In addition to OB/GYN providers, FBCH has a …
My Frank Breech Birth Story
When I first learned I was going to have a baby, I spent hours visualizing my perfect birth- calm, relaxed, and pain free (because how much could it hurt really?). I became a GW midwife patient and planned on having a completely pain medication free birth. I signed up for hynobirthing classes, practiced my meditations, and listened to relaxing music. But when I went into labor at 32 weeks and 6 days, my birth plan went entirely out the window …
Breech Birth: What do you need to know?
Breech birth is a common presentation of a baby at birth. It is estimated that 1 in 25 babies (3-5%) present bottom or feet first when labor begins. Vaginal delivery of breech babies had been the norm until the 20th-century when medical interventions and technology became widespread and cesarean sections became common. While many care providers only deliver breech babies via c-section, there are many obstetricians and midwives who are experienced in breech birth and will attempt a safe vaginal …
