Celebrate Black History Week!

credit to H&C INC

Above photo credited to Lakisha Cohill photographer and founder of H & C Inc. Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural way to nourish a newborn, providing them with essential nutrients, antibodies, and a strong foundation for lifelong health. However, the journey of breastfeeding has not been without challenges, especially for Black parents. In recognition of these challenges and the importance of equitable support, Black Breastfeeding Week takes center stage. This annual event, celebrated from August 25th to 31st, seeks to …

Navigating Hair Loss During Pregnancy and Postpartum

Pregnancy and the postpartum period are a transformative phases in life. While you may be prepared for physical changes such as weight gain and stretch marks, one unexpected side effect that can catch you off guard is hair loss. Losing hair during and after pregnancy is a common occurrence, and although it may be unsettling, it’s essential to understand that it’s usually temporary. During pregnancy, hormonal changes can result in thick, luscious hair due to increased estrogen levels, as the …

Protein Rich Snacks for Pregnancy

When hunger strikes while pregnant, it’s essential to have delicious and protein-packed snacks on hand to keep you energized and satisfied. Here are two easy and protein-rich snack recipes that are quick to prepare and guaranteed to keep your cravings at bay and your body and baby growing. Peanut Butter Banana Protein Bites Ingredients: 1 ripe banana, mashed 1/2 cup rolled oats 1/4 cup natural peanut butter (or your preferred nut butter) 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup 1/4 cup …

The Best Pregnancy and Infant Stores in Maryland

Welcoming a new addition to your family includes plenty of shopping for pregnancy and infant essentials. If you’re an expectant parent in Maryland, you’ll be delighted to know that the state offers a variety of outstanding pregnancy and infant stores. In this blog post, we will highlight some of Maryland’s top-rated stores that cater to the needs of expectant parents, providing a wide selection of products, expert guidance, and exceptional customer service. Wee Chic Boutique: Wee Chic Boutique is a …

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 …

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, …

Five Newborn Essentials

If you are preparing for the birth of a new baby you are more than likely overwhelmed by all the products…There are obvious things that you and the baby will need after birth but there are a few items that can just make life, well, a lot easier. The postpartum specialist at Balanced Birth Support have gathered their top 5 newborn essentials you must buy now! Have you ever tried transitioning a sleeping baby from your arms to another sleeping …