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 …
Essential Newborn Items (With Links!!)
Bringing a newborn into the world is an exciting and joyous experience, but it also comes with its fair share of questions. As a new parent, you want to ensure that your little one has the best of everything, from clothing to nursery essentials. Thankfully, our seasoned postpartum doulas have curated a list for you that offers a wide array of newborn products that are both functional and reliable. Baby Car Seat: Graco SnugRide SnugLock Infant Car Seat is a …
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 Support’s 3-Hour Comfort Measures For Birth
Are you looking for a childbirth class focused on easing the pain and uncomfortable sensations of labor and birth? Have you taken a childbirth class with a previous baby and are looking for a refresher? Balanced Birth Support’s 3-Hour Comfort Measures For Birth class might be exactly what you are looking for! Balanced Birth Support’s 3-Hour Comfort Measures for Birth class is taught by Sara P, a Balance Birth Support birth and postpartum doula, and childbirth educator. Even though this …
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 …
Meet Drea! Birth & Postpartum Doula
Sometimes you can tell the genuine character of a person simply from a short conversation or even an email. Drea is enthusiastic and throws her heart into whatever she is doing- whether volunteering, reading a book, singing at the top of her lungs in the car, or supporting families in birth; you know that she is all in. I am a huge reader, so I LOVE that when I asked her about her favorite books she narrowed it down to …
How To Alleviate Common Pregnancy Complaints (Without Medication)
There are many unpleasant side effects that occur during pregnancy or are aggravated by being pregnant. Constipation, anxiety, insomnia, headaches, morning sickness, heartburn and indigestion, are normal and common ailments that have over the counter remdemies that are safe for pregnancy, but many woman would prefer for a more natural approach. Many ailments can be lessened or alleviated completely by reliving stress, getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, being active, and drinking enough water. If you are suffering from a cold, …
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!
Frugal Baby Nursery – Do It Yourself!
**Throw back blog post! Izzy is now almost 4 years old!!!** Little Izabel came into our lives at 10:41 on February 10th 2013. She was born into my hands in our home. Check out her birth video here! It was beautiful… every little bit of time I get these days I work on her birth story. It is so personal and emotional to me that I am really finding it hard to put her story into words! So I thought …