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 …

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 …

Meet Sara Krisfalusi! Birth Doula

I continue to be amazed at the passion, drive, and love of the members of our Balanced Birth Support community.  As the administrative manager I rarely have the opportunity to work with these amazing women, so I am thrilled to be able to sit down with them to get to know them better.  Next up, Sara Krisalusi, a birth doula who has been with Balanced Birth Support since 2017 Sara’s passion for birth is obvious in speaking with her or …

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 …

Meet Alicia! Birth & Postpartum Doula

At Balanced Birth Support, we are honored to work with such a talented, caring, and supportive group of birth & postpartum doulas, childbirth educators, lactation consultants, and placenta specialists. Every single one of the members of Balanced Birth Support bring a unique life experience to the amazing and wondrous work that they do to support expectant families. In the first installment of a series dedicated to profiling members of Balanced Birth Support, I have spoken with Alicia Bennett, a birth …

Birthing at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital

SummaryFort Belvoir Community Hospital is a new, state-of-the art military hospital designed to provide “safe, quality, and compassionate care” to our nations active duty military, veterans, and their families. The hospital began serving patients in August of 2011 and was built with evidenced based design in mind- proving a facility designed to produce better physical and emotional outcomes for patients and their families. The hospital is also focused on research and education. In addition to OB/GYN providers, FBCH has a …

Breech Birth: What do you need to know?

Breech birth is a common presentation of a baby at birth. It is estimated that 1 in 25 babies (3-5%) present bottom or feet first when labor begins. Vaginal delivery of breech babies had been the norm until the 20th-century when medical interventions and technology became widespread and cesarean sections became common. While many care providers only deliver breech babies via c-section, there are many obstetricians and midwives who are experienced in breech birth and will attempt a safe vaginal …