“Domestic violence is the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another. It includes physical violence, sexual violence, psychological violence, and emotional abuse. The frequency and severity of domestic violence can vary dramatically; however, the one constant component of domestic violence is one partner’s consistent efforts to maintain power and control over the other.” National Coalition Against Domestic Violence The victims of domestic violence and its …
5 Tips in 5 Minutes with Kerry Reynolds! Part 1: Preparing for Birth
Kerry Reynolds is a Balanced Birth Support Senior Doula working full-time supporting families throughout the DC Metro Area and Greater Maryland. She has been a practicing doula since January of 2009 has supported over 500 births including home birth, medicated and non–medicated hospital, cesarean birth, twin deliveries, LGBTQ families, and VBAC deliveries. Learn more about Kerry on the BBS website and contact her here. In Part 1 of Kerry’s new video blog series she explores how to communicate your birth preferences …
COVID-19 Letter from CEO, Elizabeth Oldham
Updated as of March 27th 2020 Important Update For Our Families Dear Doula Families, The evidence shows that doulas improve outcomes. We do so by helping you look at risks/benefits, weighing options and supporting you through the best decisions at any given moment. Doulas also support you through unknown circumstances and challenges along your birthing path (prenatally, during birth and postpartum). As you are aware, we are facing unprecedented times as COVID-19 sweeps through our nation. The biggest priority of …
Hey Maryland! Balanced Birth Support wants YOU to work with us supporting families in Greater Maryland!
Balanced Birth Support is a group of well respected birth and postpartum doulas, lactation consultants, sleep specialists, and childbirth educators. We have been serving families in the DC metro area for over a decade and have expanded to include Boston, North Carolina, New York, and New Hampshire. Most recently we have begun serving families in Greater Maryland including Montgomery & Frederick Counties, Baltimore, Annapolis, and surrounding areas, and the Eastern Shore! We are looking for birth and postpartum doulas of …
Emergency Preparedness for Families with Babies & Toddlers
September is National Preparedness Month and during that month the United States Breastfeeding Committee provides information and resources related to feeding your infant and young child during an emergency. While it is obviously not September, the recent international disasters and emergencies have gotten me thinking about preparing my family in the event we are affected by an emergency or natural disaster. In US and most of the developed world we often take things like electricity, clean water, and access to …
In The NICU: Caring for Yourself and Your Premature Baby
Its never easy when your baby has an extended stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Even if you have advanced notice that its a possibility, you can never fully prepare yourself for the wide range of emotions, bone- aching exhaustion, fear, and the eventual excitement when you bring your baby home. However, there are ways that you can empower yourself and your family for a NICU stay, whether you know it might happen, or if it comes as a …
It’s Black Breastfeeding Week! Resources for Black Breastfeeding Families
Every August is National Breastfeeding Month in the United States. For the past 7 years, the last week of the month is Black Breastfeeding Week, celebrating Black breastfeeding families, as well as highlighting the challenges and barriers to breastfeeding that these families face. Visit Black Breastfeeding Week to learn more about the founders, Kimberly Seals Allers, Kiddada Green, Anayah Sangodele-Ayoka , find local events, and tons of other resources for Black breastfeeding families and those who support them. There are many …