A Doulas Perspective: Stephanie Recounts A Powerful Birth (and shares photos!)

My client was overdue. These things happen and we were doing everything possible to get labor moving before her induction date. Her goal was a birthing center birth. On a Saturday, the birthing center called to let her know that if she didn’t go into labor by midnight, she would have to go to the hospital. At this point she was having some contractions, but nothing consistent. She went into the birthing center at 8pm, was in active labor, and …

Want to Teach Lamaze? Take Jamie’s Teacher Educator Class This October!

Birthing Babies Virginia is the Seminar program and it is being taught by Jamie Mueller, a local Lamaze Educator and Doula who lives in Lovettsville, VA and is a contracted doula with Balanced Birth Support. The first step to becoming a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator is to take the 3 day educator seminar. This seminar also comes with a free year of membership to the Lamaze DC Chapter which will mentor you, provide you with CEUs, and advertise your classes …

Breastfeeding Resources & Where To Find Local Support

If you are planning to breastfeed, it’s important to have good, solid resources available to you both before and after the baby is born. Breastfeeding is natural, but it doesn’t always come naturally and support is essential if you want to achieve your goals, no matter what those goals are.  I’ve listed several go-to resources below; check them out before you go into labor so you know what to expect in breastfeeding from the moment your baby is born.  Books*Links …

Birthing at Washington Hospital Center

SummaryWashington Medstar Hospital is a nationally recognized research hospital and according to their website the “Women’s and Infants’ Services is dedicated to advancing health care through ongoing participation in the latest research on female health issues.” They offer many pregnancy and parenting related classes. In addition to providing routine care for uncomplicated pregnancies, Washington Hospital Center has several departments focusing on high-risk pregnancies, care for pregnant moms and babies with congenital health problems, specialized testing, teen pregnancy, cancer screening and …

Partner Birth Affirmations! (Free Printable!)

Affirmations are not just for mothers! Partners and support people are so important to the birthing family, so its important to take care of them too! Birth partners can also experience fear and anxiety at the uncertainly of birth and parenting, and can sometimes let those feelings get the better of them! Partner affirmations can help birth partners stay stay calm and present during labor and birth so the entire family as a beautiful and positive experience.  Free Printable Partner …

My 5 Favorite Meals To Bring To A Family With A New Baby

When I had my babies, one of the absolute best and most wonderful things our friends and family did for us was provide us with food.  Their generosity was so appreciated and we didn’t have to worry about going grocery shopping, cooking or even cleaning up.  Because I know how helpful this was for us, I LOVE bringing food to my friends and family with new babies.  As an added bonus, I get to meet the new little one! I’ve …

Free Printable Birth Affirmations

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 …

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 …