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, …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 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 …

Get to Know Danie Crofoot, Balanced Birth Support’s Traveling Doula!

Its so obvious that Danie has an immense, strong calling to supporting birthing families. They are a full-spectrum doula, and supports families in all circumstances and outcomes. Having moved away from their childhood home on an adventure to New York City, Danie is no stranger to uncertainty and unpredictability, and as a Traveling Doula, they will be there to your support you during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum wherever you are, near or far. Read on to learn more about Danie! …