Technology to the Rescue: How Smartphone Apps Can Assist First-Time ParentsWhen you become parents for the first time, life instantly becomes more challenging. That’s not to say that parenting isn’t full of joy as well, but it can definitely be chaotic. Fortunately, with a great support system in place and a little help from your smartphone, you can reduce the stress and increase the bliss in your life with your little one. Balanced Birth Support invites you to explore the …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Get To Know Dina Piccioni, Birth & Postpartum Doula
Dina is a passionate, dedicated birth and postpartum doula. She believes strongly in a mother’s instinct and decision making process. She is non-jugemental and opened minded, supporting a mother’s choices 100%. Read on to learn more about Dina! Where were you born? Toronto, Ontario Canada How long have you lived in the DMV? Since July 1999 Tell me about the moment you wanted to be a doula.I knew it after the birth of my granddaughter. That was the first time …
In Depth: Balanced Birth Supports 1-Day Comprehensive Childbirth Class
Our next 1-Day Comprehensive Childbirth Education Class takes place from 9am-5pm on May 24th at the Body in Balance Center in Alexandria, Virginia. In this full-day class you will learn all about the physiology of pregnancy and birth, comfort measures, breastfeeding, newborn care, and how to diminish fears surrounding pregnancy, birth, and early parenting! This class is taught by childbirth educator, birth & postpartum doula, Sara P.! This is a great class for any kind of birth- medicated, unmedicated, induction, …
Get to Know Danie Crofoot, Balanced Birth Support’s Traveling Doula!
Its so obvious that Danie has an immense, strong calling to supporting birthing families. They are a full-spectrum doula, and supports families in all circumstances and outcomes. Having moved away from their childhood home on an adventure to New York City, Danie is no stranger to uncertainty and unpredictability, and as a Traveling Doula, they will be there to your support you during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum wherever you are, near or far. Read on to learn more about Danie! …
Get To Know Angie Smith; Birth Doula, Lactation Consultant, and Childbirth Educator
Angie Smith has been a birth doula with Balanced Birth Support for nearly a year now, and in that time has exponentially increased not only her birth training, but significantly expanded her services. In addition to comprehensive birth doula services, she also offers red tent ceremonies, placenta prints, and breastmilk jewelry. She is also a certified Reiki II practitioner. As I write this, Angie is at The Farm in Tennessee training to be a midwife’s assistant. She is incredibly passionate …
Meet Miranda! Balanced Birth Support Metro DC Birth Doula
Its been a fair amount of time since I have had an opportunity to visit with the awesome Balanced Birth Support community. I’m super excited to share my interview with Miranda Franck, one of our birth doulas. She supports hospital births, home births, and birth center births all over the DC area. She is smart, dedicated, and a fellow NICU mom. Her passion for supporting birthing families is obvious, and she will tirelessly support you, no matter what. Plus, I …