Unlocking Calm: Virtual Hypnobirthing Classes for Washington DC, Northern VA, and Maryland Families Bringing a child into the world is a profound journey, one filled with anticipation, joy, and sometimes, apprehension. In the hustle and bustle of the Washington DC metropolitan area, expectant parents often seek a calm oasis amidst the chaos, especially when preparing for childbirth. Enter virtual Hypnobirthing classes, a modern solution tailored to meet the needs of families in Washington DC, Northern VA, Maryland, and beyond. Why …
Preparing for your prenatal visit with your birth doula
When and where do we meet?Your visit should be scheduled around your 36/37th week in pregnancy. Typically, your doula will come to your home however, if you feel more comfortable meeting somewhere else or virtually this can be arranged. Budget around 1-2 hours at your prenatal appointment.What will we discuss?What happens after the prenatal visit?During the prenatal visit, most clients utilize the time to discuss their birth preferences, delve into their options, and address any anxieties or fears that may be …
Birth & Postpartum Traditions for Hispanic Families| Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month!
Dear Balanced Birth Support Community, As we embrace Hispanic Heritage Month, we are excited to celebrate the rich cultural tapestry that defines our diverse community. At Balanced Birth Support, we take pride in supporting families from all backgrounds during their journey through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. This month, we’re highlighting the traditions and practices that have been passed down through generations, helping families thrive during this special time.La Cuarentena: In many Hispanic cultures, the postpartum period, known as “La Cuarentena,” …
Mindfulness for pregnancy and new parents
Congratulations on your pregnancy and parenthood journey! As you embark on this transformative time, practicing mindfulness can greatly enhance your experience. Here are five valuable tips from Miranda, yoga teacher and birth doula, on mindfulness tailored to pregnancy and new parents… 1. Embrace the Present Moment: Pregnancy and early parenthood can be overwhelming, with thoughts constantly focused on the past or future. Mindfulness encourages you to fully embrace the present moment. Take time each day to tune into your body, …
42 Weeks Pregnant? Now What?
Congratulations on making it to the 42-week mark of your pregnancy. By this time, you’re probably experiencing a mix of excitement, anticipation, and perhaps a touch of impatience. It’s completely normal to feel this way! Let’s look at what to expect… Your 42-Week Pregnancy Appointment: At 42 weeks, your doctor or midwife will closely monitor you and your baby’s well-being. During this appointment, they will conduct various assessments to ensure everything is progressing smoothly. These assessments typically include: Non-Stress Test …
Breech Baby? Now what? Ways to help turn a breech baby!
As your due date approaches, you may find yourself in a position where your baby is in a breech presentation, meaning their head is not pointing downward toward the birth canal. While many breech babies eventually turn on their own, there are some techniques you can try to encourage the baby to assume the optimal head-down position. Forward-Leaning Inversion: The forward-leaning inversion technique involves positioning your upper body lower than your pelvis to encourage the baby to shift. You can …
Group B Strep in Pregnancy | What does it mean?
One aspect of prenatal care is the Group B Streptococcus (GBS) test—a routine screening performed in the later stages of pregnancy. While it may sound intimidating, understanding GBS and its implications can empower you to make informed decisions for a safe and healthy delivery. What is the GBS Test and Why is it Important? The GBS test is a simple swab test performed around weeks 35 to 37 of pregnancy to check for the presence of Group B Streptococcus bacteria. …
Spinning Babies… What is it and how does it help?
While our bodies intuitively know how to birth, sometimes our babies need a little help finding their way into the optimal position for a smoother and more efficient birth. That’s where the concept of “Spinning Babies” comes in—an approach that encourages optimal fetal positioning through simple techniques and exercises. Understanding Optimal Fetal Positioning: Optimal fetal positioning refers to the ideal alignment of your baby’s head and body within your pelvis, promoting a more straightforward passage through the birth canal. It …
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 …